Northeastern Ontario is a diverse region of the province covering a vast area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers. As one of the largest regions in Ontario, it encompasses diverse landscapes ranging from the boreal forests and lakes in the south to the sparsely populated and rugged wilderness closer to the James Bay and Hudson Bay lowlands. The region is known for its natural beauty, characterized by rugged landscapes, dense forests, and numerous lakes and rivers, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, hiking, and camping.

Practice Medicine in Northeastern Ontario
Physician opportunities in Northeastern Ontario offer a unique and rewarding career path for medical professionals seeking to make a significant impact in rural and underserved communities. The region provides physicians with the chance to practice a broad scope of medicine, often with greater autonomy, as many rural hospitals and clinics rely on versatile general practitioners and specialists who are adaptable to varied patient needs.

Physicians in Northeastern Ontario can expect to work in settings that include hospitals, family health teams, and community health centers. The diversity of cases often includes acute care, chronic disease management, emergency services, and preventive health. Physicians may also have opportunities to collaborate with Indigenous communities, offering culturally sensitive care and addressing unique healthcare challenges.

In addition to professional fulfillment, working in Northeastern Ontario comes with several incentives, including competitive salaries, recruitment bonuses, loan forgiveness programs, and access to professional development opportunities. Physicians in the region also benefit from a supportive, close-knit medical community and partnerships with institutions such as NOSM University, which promotes ongoing learning and innovation in healthcare delivery in northern regions.

Outside of work, physicians in Northeastern Ontario enjoy the area’s exceptional quality of life, with abundant outdoor activities, a strong sense of community, and the chance to experience the natural beauty of the Canadian wilderness. For those seeking to build a meaningful career while making a difference, Northeastern Ontario presents a compelling opportunity.

Use the map below to connect with a Community Recruiter for a consultation to find your best fit.

The Need in Northeastern Ontario

Northeastern Ontario has a catchment of over 557,000 people living in small urban and rural communities that are spread over a vast area of approximately 266,000 square kilometers (over 30% of Ontario’s total land mass).

“Discover Opportunity, Embrace Community & Practice in Excellence: Build an Amazing Career in Northeastern Ontario!”

In Northeastern Ontario, a collective of 9 community physician recruitment programs have come together to create an alliance that focuses on the common goal of creating a sustainable physician workforce that can meet the health care needs of our communities. NEOPRA recruiters work to achieve this goal by means of recruiting, retaining, supporting, and engaging physicians and medical learners. These activities include focused efforts with Canadian trained physicians and medical learners as well as attracting Canadians studying abroad and doctors from the UK, US, Ireland, and Australia.

About Us:
NEOPRA is a membership driven organization with a primary objective of strengthening physician recruitment in our region by creating awareness of Northeastern Ontario physician practice opportunities. This work is conducted by our members through strategic collaboration and innovative approaches across our communities.

Our Members:
NEOPRA is present across four districts in Northeastern Ontario including:

• Cochrane District (Hearst, Cochrane, Iroquois Falls, & Timmins)
• Algoma District (Sault Ste. Marie& Elliott Lake,)
• Nipissing District (North Bay & West Nipissing)
• Sudbury District (Chapleau)

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