Abstract

This exploratory study examines the recruitment of rural physicians in Ontario, Canada. Emphasis is on the social context in which practice location decisions are made, with four Spheres of Consideration playing a dominant role: financial, personal and social, professional, and educational. Eleven physicians and medical students were interviewed regarding the basis for their decisions to practice in rural areas. Their responses were compared to the major issues regarding recruitment found in the research literature. From a financial point of view, respondents mentioned the importance of student debt loads and government incentive programs for rural placement. Personal and social considerations include the special relations between physicians, their rural clients and neighbours, as well as their partners/spouse and children. Professional concerns included the legitimation of rural practice and more specifically, making rural medicine a specialty. Educational concerns referred to the need for exposure to rural issues and conditions in medical school. The thesis underscores the special characteristics of rural practice and the importance of specific training directed to its support. Recommendations for rural communities, governments, and the medical community are included.