Background

A 50-bed rural hospital in Newfoundland, Canada, faced a critical shortage of general surgeons, creating significant strain on existing staff and limiting the hospital’s capacity to provide timely surgical care. The remote location and limited local talent pool compounded recruitment challenges, putting pressure on the hospital to find a qualified professional willing to work in a rural setting.

The Challenge

• Remote Location: Newfoundland's rural location made it difficult to attract candidates mostly accustomed to working in urban medical centers. With the nearest tertiary medical centre 1000km away ( a lengthy drive or over one hour's flight), the job was professionally isolated and needed an experienced general surgeon with a broad scope of practice including the ability to perform the occasional caesarian section and basic orthopaedic procedures.
• Workforce Shortage: There was a limited supply of Canadian trained general surgeons available for rural placements. Most Canadian surgeons gravitate towards the urban centres where demographics favour large practices and tertiary hospitals offer sub specialist training.
• Cultural and Relocation Barriers: Finding an international candidate willing to relocate and integrate into a small, tight-knit community posed additional challenges. Whilst not as cold in winter as most of Canada, the province has heavy snowfalls from November to April which often restrict transport. Accommodation options are limited and educational and leisure opportunities for families restricted.

The Solution

The hospital partnered with Odyssey Recruitment, an international medical recruitment company. Our recruiters specialise in international placements and have experience sourcing candidates for rural healthcare facilities. After a global talent search, the agency identified a highly skilled general surgeon from South Africa with extensive rural surgical experience and a demonstrated interest in working in underserved areas. He also held Canadian citizenship which eased his transition to Canada as no visa or work permit was required.

The Recruitment Process

1. Candidate Screening: The South African surgeon had trained in some of South Africa's premier medical organisations and had passed his MMed in General Surgery and the Fellowship of the College of Surgeons of South Africa (FCS), both qualifications recognised by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. He also a solid track record in managing diverse surgical cases in resource-limited settings, making him an excellent fit for the hospital’s needs with experience in all types of hospitals from tertiary to rural and remote.
2. Credentialing and Licensing: Our recruiters worked closely with the candidate and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Newfoundland and Labrador to navigate the licensing process.
3. Relocation and Community Integration: The hospital and agency collaborated to support the surgeon and his family with housing, school enrollment for children, and introductions to the local community.
4. Professional Onboarding: A structured onboarding program, including mentorship from colleagues, helped the surgeon transition smoothly into the role and adapt to the Canadian healthcare system.

The Outcome

The recruitment was a resounding success, yielding numerous benefits for the hospital and community:

• Improved Access to Care: The surgeon’s arrival augmented the existing team of surgeons and allowed the hospital to offer more consistent general surgery services, reducing wait times and patient transfers to urban centers.
• Enhanced Team Stability: The addition of a skilled professional alleviated workload pressures on existing staff, improving morale and retention.
• Community Impact: The surgeon and his family integrated well into the local community, fostering goodwill and strengthening the hospital’s reputation as an excellent employer.

Key Takeaways

This case highlights the value of international recruitment for addressing rural healthcare challenges. By leveraging global talent and providing robust support for relocation and integration, the hospital not only filled a critical vacancy but also ensured sustainable access to surgical care for its community.

For this Newfoundland hospital, the successful recruitment of a general surgeon from South Africa underscores the power of strategic partnerships and a commitment to rural healthcare excellence.