The Muskoka Almaguin Ontario Health Team (MAOHT) is continuing its work to help more residents connect to primary care—by strengthening the relationships that bring healthcare providers to the region.
The MAOHT was proudly represented at the recent Society of Rural Physicians of Canada Rural & Remote Conference in Québec City – one of the country’s leading gatherings focused on advancing rural and remote healthcare.
The MAOHT’s Health Human Resources Recruiter, David Gravelle, attended as part of the region’s ongoing partnership with the Central Ontario Physician Recruitment Alliance. This collaboration promotes practice opportunities across a broad geography – from Dufferin County through the Georgian Bay region, and into Orillia & Lake Country, Muskoka, and Almaguin.
By connecting with medical learners, healthcare leaders, and fellow recruiters from across Canada, the MAOHT is helping build the pipeline of providers who will care for patients in the years ahead. At the conference, David engaged with leadership from NOSM University, connected with rural medical residents, and strengthened relationships with recruitment partners.
“Conferences like this are incredibly valuable for building relationships and showcasing what Muskoka and Almaguin have to offer,” says David Gravelle, HHR Recruiter, MAOHT. “Every connection we make – whether it’s with a medical resident, a new graduate, or an experienced physician – helps strengthen our ability to attract providers to the region and, ultimately, connect more people to the care they need.”
These conversations are already creating momentum—generating promising leads for summer locum placements and opening the door to longer-term recruitment opportunities for 2026 and 2027.
The event also highlighted the strong presence and contributions of local physicians. Among those in attendance were Dr. Roy Kirkpatrick, who was recognized with multiple awards, along with Dr. Dave McLinden, Dr. Nancy Bozek, Dr. Lisa Tsugios, Dr. Aleena Fiorotto, and Dr. Brooke Raycraft.
This kind of outreach is an important part of a broader, province-wide effort to improve access to primary care. By building relationships and raising awareness of Muskoka and Almaguin as a place to live and practice, the MAOHT is helping ensure more residents can access care – close to home, now and in the future.