Clarington’s Physician Recruitment Program attracts four new family doctors, supporting thousands of patients

Clarington’s new Physician Recruitment Program is already making a real difference for residents seeking quality healthcare close to home. Since launching in late 2025, the program has attracted four new family doctors in Courtice and Bowmanville – each committed to rostering at least 1,000 patients over the next five years – with more on the way. 

Starting a medical practice comes with significant costs, and the Physician Recruitment Program helps ease those pressures by matching municipal funds with contributions from participating clinics – making Clarington a more attractive place for physicians to live and work. The program aims to reduce wait times, expand access to family medicine, and strengthen local healthcare by bringing more doctors to the area.  

“Our families, friends, and neighbours deserve reliable access to family doctors close to home. By giving meaningful support to physicians just starting out in Clarington, we’re helping them focus on what matters most: caring for their patients. When we put real investment into local health care, life gets better for our community,” said Clarington Mayor Adrian Foster.  

Under the Physician Recruitment Program, each participating doctor receives $50,000 in support, made up of a $25,000 municipal contribution and a matching $25,000 from local clinics. Clinics can contribute through funding or in-kind support such as reduced rent, administrative assistance, discounted overhead, or electronic medical records software. In return, physicians commit to practising in Clarington for at least five years and must roster a minimum of 1,000 patients within three years. If a physician leaves early, a prorated portion of the municipal contribution must be repaid. 

As one of Ontario’s fastest‑growing communities, Clarington is committed to investing in the long‑term health and well-being of local families by ensuring healthcare keeps pace with growth. That commitment is further supported by the Province’s recent announcement of the new East Durham Family Health Team, which will help connect more than 7,600 residents in Clarington and East Durham to primary care. Together, provincial investments and Clarington’s Physician Recruitment Program are expanding access to family doctors and strengthening the local healthcare system. 

Find frequently asked questions and more information about Clarington’s new doctors at www.clarington.net/newdoctors.