Introduction: In 2008, the Canadian Medical Association (CMA) conducted a survey of rural practitioners. The survey covered incentives to choose rural medicine, current satisfaction, plans for future migration and strategies for retention.
Methods: The CMA Canadian Collaborative Centre for Physician Resources, in collaboration with the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada, surveyed 1960 rural practitioners and received 642 responses (33% response rate). Because of similarities with earlier surveys, longitudinal analyses were possible.
Results: More than 70% of physicians older than 45 years received no incentives for setting up rural practice, compared with 41% of younger physicians. Younger physicians attached greater importance to financial incentives than older physicians, but personal incentives, such as accommodations in the community, were also important. The opportunity to practise one's full skill set was considered important (84%) as was liking the lifestyle (82%). One in 7 (14%) respondents planned to move from their communities within the next 2 years. They reported they might stay if they had a more reasonable workload, professional backup and locums.
Conclusion: Although increasingly common, cash incentives are not the main reason physicians choose rural practice. Practice and lifestyle factors are even more important. Communities need to focus as much on retention issues to protect their investment in the long term.