Huron County's physician recruiter has been recognized in a recent CBC feature.
Goderich is a town of about 8,000 people and it currently has 18 physicians. But it wasn't always like that. When Gwen Devereaux took on the job of physician recruitment there were five physicians.
Devereaux says a lot of the credit for the turnaround goes to the mayor at the time, Deb Shewfelt, and Deputy Mayor John Grace for having the vision to realize that young physicians like to work in a group practice. She adds that the community also got behind the medical centre that is now home to 16 of the town's 18 physicians.
Devereaux also credits the community for raising the funds for the YMCA and the arena that has helped attract young families to the area. Devereaux also points out physician recruitment is more than just finding a place for the physician and she credits economic development people in the area for finding jobs for their partners and spouses as well.
Devereaux says the other critical role is the physicians themselves. Devereaux says they've been very helpful in recruiting other physicians and adds that recently ten physicians showed up to have coffee with a visiting physician and that kind of support is invaluable. Devereaux also points out as the population of Goderich grows, so does the need, so it's not over yet.