Fat Signing Bonuses, and Concierge Service, for Family Doctors
NYT Homepage
by Norimitsu Onishi and Gavin JohnFebruary 22, 2026
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In Canada, where a quarter of the population lacks access to a family doctor, communities are increasingly competing in a high-stakes effort to recruit these vital healthcare professionals. Some towns have resorted to offering "fat signing bonuses" and concierge services to attract new doctors, reflecting the growing crisis in rural areas. Stettler, Alberta, stands out as an outlier success story, having successfully recruited seven new family physicians since 2023, restoring their numbers after a significant decline. This achievement highlights both the potential for community-driven
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Originally published on NYT Homepage on 2/22/2026