Northern Ontario covers most of the province's land area but holds a small share of its population. Communities can be hours from the nearest regional hospital, and some are reachable only by air for part of the year. Care teams there are often small, and every member works across a wide scope.
Generalism by necessity
Rural physicians frequently combine office practice with emergency, inpatient and obstetric care. Nurse practitioners, nurses and pharmacists are central to day-to-day care, and in some communities they are the main point of contact between physician visits.
Features that help teams last
- Training in the region. NOSM University trains physicians and other health professionals in Northern Ontario, with the aim of preparing clinicians who stay and practise there.
- Reliable virtual care. Video and telephone consultation with specialists reduces travel for patients and supports local clinicians making difficult decisions.
- Locum coverage. Planned relief coverage makes vacations, education and leave possible, which matters for retention.
- Shared protocols. Clear medical directives let nurses and other team members act quickly when a physician is not on site.
Lessons for every practice
Many of the practices that rural teams depend on, such as working to full scope, planning coverage and using virtual consultation well, are increasingly relevant in urban practice too.
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