Clarington says recruitment program has brought four new family doctors to Courtice and Bowmanville

Clarington says its physician recruitment program has brought four new family doctors to Courtice and Bowmanville since launching in late 2025. Under the program, each participating doctor receives $50,000 in support and must commit to practising in Clarington for at least five years.

Family-doctor access remains a concern for many residents, and the municipality is using financial support and participation requirements as part of its approach to attracting new physicians. The province has also announced a new East Durham Family Health Team that is expected to connect more than 7,600 residents in Clarington and East Durham to primary care, according to the Ontario government.

Clarington’s program provides $50,000 per participating doctor, made up of a $25,000 municipal contribution and a matching $25,000 from local clinics.

Clinics can provide their matching share through funding or in-kind support, including reduced rent, administrative assistance, discounted overhead, or electronic medical records software.

In return, physicians must commit to practising in Clarington for at least five years and must roster a minimum of 1,000 patients within three years.

Doctors who leave the program early must repay a prorated portion of the municipal contribution.

The municipality shared the update in an April 27 post published by Invest Clarington, which described the four new doctors as being located in Courtice and Bowmanville and said they are expected to take on at least 1,000 patients each.