Health care organisations across the Northstate are working to recruit and retain more physicians, ranging from specialists to family medicine providers, to address a regional shortage. Eight organisations recently held a social event in Redding for approximately 30 resident physicians to introduce them to local opportunities and facilitate community connections.

Hannah Young, a physician recruiter with Dignity Health North State, stated that organisers are seeking 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 intentions to remain in the area after training.

“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. Shasta Community Health Center currently retains approximately 33% of its residency graduates.

Physicians such as Dr Kim Mays and Dr Dwayne Bland, the residency director at Dignity Health, noted that the area's community and natural surroundings influenced their decision to stay. Local health care leaders are also discussing the expansion of residency programs and the potential establishment of a medical school in the Northstate.