CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal)

Authors: Aria Rezapour BASc, Haedan Turner BSc, Sarah Newbery MD, Stefan Grzybowski MD MClSc, Paul Mackey MBBS
Publication date: October 15, 2024

In this Canadian Medical Association Journal article, co-authored by RCCbc Core team member Dr. Stefan Grzybowski, the authors explore the urgent need to better support rural generalist physicians across Canada. They highlight how systemic issues—such as misaligned funding models, limited access to locum coverage, and a lack of team-based infrastructure—contribute to workforce instability and physician burnout in rural and remote communities.

The study reinforces the importance of early, positive rural training experiences for medical learners as a pathway to growing a strong rural physician workforce. It also emphasises the role of mentorship, flexible practice environments, and community integration in helping physicians build meaningful, sustainable careers in rural medicine.

Drawing on national and international examples, including Australia’s National Rural Generalist Pathway, the article offers practical recommendations to improve recruitment and retention. These include enhancing rural training opportunities, modernising payment models to reflect the realities of rural practice, and ensuring physicians have access to the resources, time, and support they need to thrive both professionally and personally.
The authors call for coordinated action from medical schools, health authorities, licensing bodies, and communities to create the conditions needed for a strong, stable, and socially accountable rural health system in Canada.