Grand Forks Enhances Healthcare with New Doctor Recruitment

The city of Grand Forks, British Columbia, has welcomed a new addition to its medical community with the arrival of Dr. Gary Sandhar. This recruitment is part of a broader initiative to strengthen healthcare services as the city addresses a looming physician shortage. Dr. Sandhar’s arrival is expected to enhance patient care consistency for the local population.

In a news release, the City of Grand Forks announced that Dr. Sandhar will join the Grand Forks Medical Clinic, where he began his practice on February 2, 2024. He will also provide coverage in the emergency room and offer long-term care at the local hospital. Dr. Mark Szynkaruk, a well-known physician in the area, played a pivotal role in Dr. Sandhar’s recruitment, emphasizing the importance of mentorship and community engagement.

Dr. Sandhar expressed enthusiasm about his move, stating, “After seeing Dr. Mark’s involvement in the community, it inspired me to move here and to engage at the same level.” His residency training at the University of British Columbia’s Rural Family Medicine Residency included two months under Dr. Szynkaruk, where he developed a strong affinity for Grand Forks.

Addressing the Physician Shortage

The recruitment of Dr. Sandhar comes at a critical time for Grand Forks, which has faced challenges due to recent physician departures. Currently, the clinic is staffed by one full-time and two part-time doctors, both of whom are nearing retirement. Mayor Everett Baker highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that without adequate staffing, thousands of residents could lose access to family doctors, increasing the risk of emergency room closures.

To counteract this trend, the city has implemented an innovative pilot program designed to attract new medical professionals. This initiative will see Grand Forks cover up to $125,000 of the clinic’s fixed costs for 2026, which includes expenses such as rent, utilities, and licenses. These financial incentives are aimed at reducing the burden on new physicians, making the prospect of practicing in Grand Forks more appealing.

Dr. Szynkaruk explained the complexities involved in recruiting for a rural community, stating, “Recruiting to a rural community requires understanding both the clinical and business realities for doctors.” The financial risks associated with high fixed costs often deter potential candidates from considering practice opportunities in smaller towns.

In addition to the current recruitment success, the city is in discussions with another doctor and a healthcare practitioner who are expected to relocate to Grand Forks later this year. This ongoing strategy involves collaboration with neighboring municipalities to better understand the medical staffing needs in the region.

Future of Healthcare in Grand Forks

The Grand Forks Medical Clinic, located at 7486 2 Street in downtown Grand Forks, has served the community for over 50 years and can accommodate up to five full-time physicians. Once fully staffed, the clinic is poised to support 7,500 patients, ensuring that every resident has access to a family doctor.

The city’s approach to addressing physician shortages illustrates a proactive stance in healthcare management. Mayor Baker noted the Council’s commitment to developing solutions focused on recruiting and retaining medical professionals. “This focused recruitment effort has already resulted in the successful addition of Dr. Gary Sandhar, with more healthcare professionals expected to join the community in the near future,” he remarked.

As Grand Forks continues to evolve, the integration of new physicians like Dr. Sandhar is not only vital for the clinic’s sustainability but also essential for the health and well-being of its residents. The partnership between local officials and healthcare providers serves as a model for addressing similar challenges faced by rural communities across the country.