Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative

The Kawartha Lakes Health Care Initiative (KLHCI) is a Canadian non-profit, charitable organization with the mission of creating a healthier community by recruiting, supporting, and retaining family doctors in the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. Established as an incorporated entity, KLHCI is dedicated to addressing health care needs in this region, which is designated by the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care as an under-serviced area.

Objectives

The main objectives of KLHCI include:

• Recruitment of Family Physicians: KLHCI focuses on attracting family doctors to practice in the City of Kawartha Lakes through various recruitment programs. Since its inception in 2004, the organization has successfully recruited 43 family physicians to the area.

• Retention of Health Care Professionals: Beyond recruitment, KLHCI works to retain existing health care professionals by providing support and fostering a conducive environment for their long-term commitment.

• Research, Education, and Advocacy: The organization conducts research and provides public education, outreach, and advocacy services to improve health care delivery and access in the community.

Initiatives and Partnerships

KLHCI partners with Ross Memorial Hospital and the Rural Ontario Medical Program to offer elective opportunities for medical students and residents. This collaboration helps provide hands-on learning experiences in family medicine and other specialties. Additionally, KLHCI coordinates Continuing Medical Education (CME) events, sponsored by pharmaceutical companies, to support the ongoing professional development of practitioners in the area.

Practice Incentives

To make the City of Kawartha Lakes an attractive destination for family doctors, KLHCI offers financial incentives funded by the City of Kawartha Lakes. These incentives are tailored to support both new graduates and experienced physicians looking to establish their practices in the area.

Registration and Governance

KLHCI is registered as a non-profit organization with a Business Registration Number of 846910941RR0001. It is funded by the City of Kawartha Lakes and Ross Memorial Hospital, ensuring its operations align with the community's needs and resources.