The City of Belleville Signs Jack Moher to Doctor Recruitment Program

The City of Belleville is pleased to announce the signing of McMaster University medical student, Jack Moher, into the Doctor Recruitment Program. Jack will be the 55^th physician to be recruited through the program and will begin to receive financial support as he completes medical school and starts his residency.

“Jack Moher grew up in Belleville, has worked in health care in the region and knows how timely and appropriate health care can change lives for the better,” said Mayor Neil Ellis. “After working as a registered nurse, Jack has entered medical school at McMaster University and is now working toward becoming a skilled physician who will serve the needs of our community.  He will be bringing his skills home to Belleville once he is fully qualified and the City can’t wait to welcome him back in a few years.”

“Working as a nurse, I saw firsthand the impact that a lack of healthcare access and physician shortages can have on a community,” said Jack Moher. "I am incredibly thankful to the City of Belleville for supporting my education and I’m excited for the opportunity to give back to the city that raised me.”

Although healthcare and physician recruitment are not a municipal responsibility, the City of Belleville has recognized the shortcomings of the Provincial Health Care system and has implemented one of the most successful recruitment programs in the province, recruiting 55 physicians and 8 nurse practitioners.   The program is funded by the dividends the City receives as a shareholder of Elexicon Energy and to date, over $8 million has been committed to attracting primary healthcare providers.

For residents in need of a family physician or a nurse practitioner, it is important to register with Health Care Connect (HCC).  HCC is a resource used by physicians and government agencies to place patients with physicians and can be relied upon by doctors and nurse practitioners when developing or expanding their roster of patients. Registering with HCC is the key to finding primary health care in Ontario. You can register with HCC by calling 1-800-445-1822 (TTY 1-800-387-5559) or by visiting the HCC website.