Orillia, ON  July 31, 2014 -The Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC) is pleased to announce the launch of a new program that will provide newly recruited physicians with access to business start up coaching and financing to assist them with setting up their medical practice in our local communities of Orillia, Oro-Medonte, Severn, Ramara and the Chippewas of Rama First Nation.

The program was developed by the CDC in consultation with Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital (OSMH).

“From a lifestyle and a practice perspective, Orillia is a very appealing destination for new physicians,” said Dr. Nancy Merrow, Chief of Staff at OSMH, who joined the hospital in November 2013 as an experienced Chief of Staff.

“Across Canada, the competition to recruit new physicians is stiff so we see great value in the business guidance and resources being made available to these physicians through the CDC.   New recruits must weigh a number of variables before choosing a home and this could be the factor that’s tips a decision in our favour.”

By offering this program the CDC will play a role in assisting physicians who are looking at setting up a practice to serve residents in our community.  The new program offers qualified applicants unsecured business loans up to $25,000, on-going complimentary business support services, and access to professional development workshops.

“We are pleased to be able to offer this program,” said Wendy Timpano, General Manager of the CDC. “Not only do doctors provide necessary access to health care for our community members, but the economic benefit to our community is important as well.”

According to the Ontario Medical Association (May 2013), “Ontario’s doctors create a significant amount of economic benefit via their spending on practice overhead. Each Ontario physician supports approximately four full time jobs in Ontario’s economy, generates about $205,000 in GDP, and over $50,000 in tax revenues for various levels of government.”

In the past five years, and through collaboration, the Orillia Soldiers’ Memorial Hospital and the Orillia & Area Physician Recruitment Committee successfully recruited 17 family physicians and 15 specialists. Recruitment efforts will continue, in order to meet the challenge of unmet need and forthcoming retirements.

For more information about the Orillia Area Community Development Corp. (CDC), please call 705-325-4903 or visit www.orilliacdc.com.

The CDC is a federally supported not-for-profit organization, working with community partners to develop and sustain the local economy through business financing, business counseling; and, community economic development projects.