Health human resources (HHR) are proving to be some of the most difficult challenges health-care facilities are currently experiencing. Recruiting and retaining physicians and medical staff are priorities for VPSA as HHR-related issues can be a leading cause of burnout. The Facility Engagement Initiative’s funding guidelines were updated recently, allowing VPSA to fund recruitment and retention projects. All VA and VC department and division heads have been invited to apply for up to $3,000 in funding to cover protected time and related expenses aimed at enhancing or establishing recruitment and retention initiatives within their areas. To date, two applications have been approved.

The Department of Family and Community Practice has received funding for an initiative aimed at retaining new physicians based in Vancouver Community. VC is facing a significant shortage of primary-care providers (family physicians and nurse practitioners) in several community-based programs and services including urgent primary care centres, primary care clinics, mental health and addiction services, and long-term care facilities. This shortage has meant curtailing some programs, putting additional pressures on the acute sector.

“We’re using the funding to identify eight to 12 department members who work in our various programs and services,” said Interim VC Senior Medical Director Dr. Vandad Yousefi. “We’re calling these people our physician recruitment and career advisors; their role is to meet for one-to-one sessions with new recruits. We’re hoping they will provide the personal touch that many recruits desire in a competitive job market. They’ll also be able to help new staff navigate the complex health authority system, provide early career advice, and connect them with peers to develop a support network.”

The Division of Endocrinology is using its VPSA funding to address changing demographics and leadership within the group as well as acquiring new skill sets. All the division’s physicians are creating a five-year workplan to adjust loads with the aim of improving retention of current staff. The success of the project will be measured by staff satisfaction levels.

If you have an idea for recruitment and/or retention that could use funding, please check with your department or division head.