Physician Recruitment and Scholarships
The St. Thomas-Elgin County Health Recruitment Partnership (HRP) works to attract and retain family physicians and nurse practitioners in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
Through recruitment incentives, community connections and ongoing support, the Partnership helps healthcare professionals establish practices and build a life in our community.
Strategic Plan
The Health Recruitment Partnership's Strategic Plan outlines its priorities and actions for recruiting and retaining family physicians and nurse practitioners in St. Thomas and Elgin County.
View the Elgin St. Thomas Health Recruitment Partnership Strategic Plan
Medical Student Scholarship
Applications are now open for the 2026 scholarship program!
The Health Recruitment Partnership offers an annual scholarship to support local medical students pursuing a career in medicine, with an emphasis on family medicine.
For 2026, up to 10 eligible medical students will receive $1,000 per year. Scholarships may be awarded annually for up to five years while the recipient remains enrolled in medical school, subject to eligibility and annual application requirements.
Application deadline: October 29, 2026 at 4:30 p.m.
Eligibility
Applicants must:
- Be a resident of the City of St. Thomas or Elgin County
- Be enrolled in an eligible accredited medical school
- Meet the other eligibility requirements outlined in the application package
Ready to apply?
Physician Recruitment Incentive
The Health Recruitment Partnership offers up to $33,000 in recruitment incentive funding per physician to support the recruitment of physicians to St. Thomas and Elgin County.
Funding can support eligible recruitment initiatives and practice-related expenses associated with establishing or joining a practice in the community.
Who can access the incentive?
The recruitment incentive is available to eligible physicians and nurse practitioners recruited to practice in St. Thomas and Elgin County, subject to the requirements of the Health Recruitment Partnership and an approved funding agreement.
Funding is considered on a case-by-case basis. Eligibility, eligible expenses and funding terms are outlined in the applicable agreement.
Recruitment and Retention Support
The Health Recruitment Partnership works with physicians, nurse practitioners, healthcare organizations and community partners to support recruitment and retention.
We can help healthcare professionals:
- Explore practice opportunities in St. Thomas and Elgin County
- Connect with local physicians, nurse practitioners and healthcare organizations
- Learn about the community and available resources
- Make connections before relocating to the area
- Navigate local resources when establishing a practice
- Build connections that support long-term retention in the community
The Partnership also works with existing healthcare professionals to recognize their contributions and support a strong local healthcare community.
Contact the Health Recruitment Partnership
Are you a physician, nurse practitioner, medical student or healthcare organization interested in learning more?
Contact the Health Recruiter:
Uzo Ajogwu
estmedrecruit@stthomas.ca
519-631-1680
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