The Town of Huntsville’s Physician Incentive Program has successfully recruited its fourth and fifth physicians.
Lauren MacDermid, economic development officer, shared the news during the March 24 Huntsville council meeting.
“We’re really excited to have those individuals on board,” said MacDermid.
The program, which was launched last summer, offers would-be local doctors $60,000 for taking over a family practice and up to $80,000 for establishing a new one.
According to MacDermid, the two new physicians start in Sept., and they are already in talks with more promising candidates to fill the five remaining spots.
Councillor Bob Stone said the doctors who have signed so far have mostly taken over existing practices.
He explains because these doctors are taking over existing practices, they won’t reduce the number of new patients on the waitlist.
“If we can get one to set up a new practice, then we’ll have some great advances with the wait list,” said Stone.
Councillor Jason FitzGerald clarified patients on the waiting list will be called as more physicians become available.
“They’re getting a call, but it’s not going to be for a while until we sign some more doctors,” said FitzGerald.
