Latest in doctor recruitment program

Hastings County has announced it’s latest recruit in its doctor recruitment program.

CAO Jim Pine introduced the new student at a meeting of Hastings County Council on Wednesday.

Justin Whitaker is originally from Belleville, now a second year medical student, in medical science at the University of Ottawa. He has worked with government of Canada as a geo-biologist.

“I’m excited to be going into family medicine and starting a practice somewhere between 2027 and 2029 in the Hastings area. Really be going for medical centres in Tweed and Madoc, Marmora and see the different professionals there.”

Hastings County supports students in a Canadian Medical School or Residency Program, or a recent graduate who has not yet begun their family medicine practice.

The county incentive pays $30,000/year for 5 years for a total of $150,000 for a minimum 5-year return-of-service to practice full-time family medicine in one of Hastings County’s 14 member municipalities (not including the separated cities of Belleville and Quinte West) once they graduate.

Whitaker added, “I’m just so grateful for the opportunity to have signed and that the incentive is going to make the financial burden of medicine that much more straightforward and manageable.”

“Living costs are high and the opportunity to have an incentive like this help offset those costs really does allow me to focus more on my education. More on my future practice and to enjoy the opportunities that are granted to me being in medical school.”

“It is with great pleasure that I am announcing the signing of Justin Whitaker to our Family Physician Recruitment Program,” said Warden Bob Mullin. “Justin is the 22nd candidate signed to our Program and will definitely help fill a need for our residents when he begins his practice after completing his studies and training.”