LEDC knows the lack of family doctors isn’t just a healthcare issue, rather, it reflects a strategic component of workforce development, economic growth and community well-being, which is why they are one of six organizations that invest in family physician recruitment for the Middlesex London area.
As of October 2024, 25 per cent of Londoners did not have a family doctor. 61 doctors are likely to retire in the next one to five years and those doctors care for a total of approximately 85,000 patients. These numbers are why LEDC and the primary care recruitment program began their work together.
“High-quality healthcare is a key factor for skilled talent and their families when deciding where to live and work,” says Christine Wilton, director of workforce development at the LEDC. “London’s ability to provide accessible primary care makes it more appealing to skilled workers.”
Recruiting more family doctors ensures the healthcare system can accommodate the city’s population growth without compromising quality of care. Strengthening the local healthcare sector creates jobs, attracts medical professionals to the region and simultaneously provides workers with healthcare services.
“We are looking for doctors keen to provide comprehensive, longitudinal primary care service — ‘cradle to grave,’” says Andrea Loewen, family doctor recruitment, transition and retention lead at Middlesex London Ontario Health Team (MLOHT). “This means I am speaking with those ready to make the transition into practice.”
London’s population rose by seven per cent in the last three years, and the need for new family physicians is so large that all angles of the system need to work together to address this crisis. In total, Middlesex London is home to 540,000 residents across 12 municipalities ranging from the city of London, small towns in the country and three First Nations.
“The common concerns I encounter from candidates are they are worried about becoming a small business owner when they don't feel prepared for that. Also, they are not sure where they can find support for all the help they will need in the first two years of practice,” says Loewen. “I address this by identifying all the systems we have in place in London to support them such as the local physician council, our Ontario Health Team's (OHT) practice facilitation team, and I also am available to help with anything, which is where my family medicine clinic ownership experience comes into play.”
Since the start of the primary care recruitment program in 2024, six doctors have been added to local clinics and 15 more are likely to be placed within the next six months. Over 100,000 people in the region are without a family doctor so this initiative aims to improve these numbers. The investment from LEDC allowed these incoming physicians to have an efficient onboarding process and use programs to improve system efficiency such as AI scribe and medical office assistant courses.
This contribution made several notable changes in how physicians performed care and operated their clinic, including improved communication, supply procurement system and the system efficiency tools.
"Other communities are providing up to $100,000 per doctor in signing bonus/incentive funds to work there. London does not provide these funds,” says Loewen. “I stress that with the supports provided here, such as coaching physicians how to have a more profitable practice and the strength of our Middlesex London Primary Care Network (MLPCN), over the length of their career, family doctors coming here will see gains that feel more impactful than just what money can bring.”
From an economic development perspective, companies are more likely to invest in cities where employees have access to essential services like healthcare. Ensuring a strong healthcare system not only supports residents but also enhances London’s attractiveness for business investment.
The partnership with LEDC allows comprehensive support for incoming family doctors, which includes wrap-around services, streamlining the building permit process for renovations at two clinics, gathering critical data on family doctor availability, patient needs, and regional “attachment” trends. These insights help inform both partners and the public.
Beyond these essential services, Middlesex London provides a unique and appealing practice environment for family doctors.
“We are one of only a few places in Canada where a doctor can engage in academic research, teach in a medical school and access quaternary specialty care for their patients,” says Loewen. “We also benefit from the strength of our MLPCN, OHT, and retention support—all while living in a city as vibrant and dynamic as London.”
Collaboration with Western University’s Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry is a key part of this strategy.
“We are very grateful for our partnership with Schulich,” says Loewen. “I sponsor two major family medicine residency events—their welcome orientation day and their residency retreat. These events allow me to connect with residents and showcase the support and opportunities available in our community.”
To sustain and expand this momentum, it is critical to continue these efforts—ensuring that the 15 doctors currently in the pipeline are successfully placed and that additional physicians seeking support experience a seamless transition to London. A strong healthcare sector not only improves quality of life but also strengthens London’s position as a top destination for talent and investment.
More information can be found here.
