Retiring Physician Passes the Torch to New Family Physician in Seamless Transition for Existing Patients

As one physician takes a step back from her family practice, a new one takes their position; seamlessly assuming a full roster of patients.

Peterborough, ON – The City of Peterborough and Peterborough Family Health Team are delighted to welcome Dr. Rachel van Oostveen to the City of Peterborough, as the first physician in the City’s new “Whole of Village” recruitment program. Dr. van Oostveen joins the Peterborough Community Family Health Organization as she replaces retiring physician, Dr. Karen-Lee Eldridge, on June 1, 2024.

Dr. van Oostveen is excited to settle in to the City of Peterborough and get acquainted with her new patients and community. As this practice has a full roster, she will not be accepting new patients for the foreseeable future.

“I’m looking forward to getting to know this community and giving back in a practical and tangible way by providing primary care,” says Dr. van Oostveen. “I grew up in Blackstock, which is a stone’s throw away from Peterborough. When I decided to grow roots and have my own practice, I felt that this community was for me.”

There is a vast shortage of family physicians in the province. Fewer medical graduates are choosing family medicine, even though it provides flexibility and variety as summarized by Dr. van Oostveen. “I really like the flexibility of family medicine, variety is the spice of life. Family medicine provides so many opportunities to use your skills across the spectrum of patient care.”

Peterborough has said goodbye to many family doctors over the last few years; it is a province wide struggle. Recently, the City launched a recruitment initiative that leverages “the whole village” approach. Part of this includes local doctors receiving financial incentives if they recruit other physicians. Additionally, by tapping into a local group of family physicians called the Family Physician Think Tank, the City will learn of evidence-based best practices for recruitment and retention.

“I am thrilled to welcome Dr. van Oostveen to our incredible community,” Mayor Jeff Leal stated. “Peterborough is a fantastic place to practise medicine and our City Council is unanimous in wanting to recruit and retain as many family physicians as we can. We are thankful for these community leaders and the care that they provide.”

Mayor Leal expresses his gratitude for the efforts made to recruit Dr. van Oostveen to Peterborough Family Health Team, particularly Dr. Eldridge.

“I am elated that Dr. van Oostveen has chosen to practise family medicine in our community. Operating a family practice provides care to patients that is comprehensive, compassionate, reduces emergency department usage and keeps you healthier as you age. We are fortunate to have Dr. van Oostveen and hope to see a day when all Peterborough residents have access to primary care,” says Duff Sprague, CEO for Peterborough Family Health Team. “The Peterborough City Council is clearly strongly committed to physician recruitment and has developed and funded an innovative strategy. The Peterborough Family Health Team will look for every opportunity to support their effort.”

In the face of a serious shortage of family physicians in Ontario, it is important to acknowledge the success of Dr. Karen-Lee Eldridge and her office in facilitating the recruitment of Dr. van Oostveen. Unfortunately, many of Ontario’s retiring family physicians are unable to find a physician to take over their practice.

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