Health care organisations across the Northstate are working to recruit and retain more physicians, including specialists and family medicine providers, as the region faces a shortage of doctors.

Eight health care organisations recently held a social event in Redding for approximately 30 resident physicians. The gathering aimed to introduce medical school graduates to local health care opportunities and help them build community connections. Resident physicians train under experienced doctors before practicing independently.

Hannah Young, a physician recruiter with Dignity Health North State, said organisers are looking for candidates with existing ties to the region or an interest in living in Northern California.

Dr Darrick Nelson, chief medical officer at Shasta Community Health Center, said the residency program has adjusted its screening process to ask applicants about their connection to the North State and their intent to stay after training. Nelson stated that Shasta Community Health Center currently retains approximately 33% of its residency graduates.

“We want them to train here and we want them to live here and continue to serve the community here from a medical perspective,”

Nelson said.

Local health care leaders are continuing discussions regarding the expansion of residency programs and the possibility of establishing a medical school in the Northstate.