The Town of Riverview is continuing its push for more family physicians.

It has proposed changes to its current scholarship program.

Currently, through the grants budget, the Town Council contributed $10,400 to the New Brunswick Medical Education Foundation Inc. for two medical school scholarships of $5,000 each in 2022, 2024, and 2025. But those were being reviewed each year.

The Town has proposed a four-year commitment for $10,400 per year for scholarships for two medical students..

The criteria include that individuals must be Riverview residents, enrolled in a program of study leading to the degree of Medical Doctor, with an accredited New Brunswick medical school.

They must also commit to a one-year return-to-service agreement in the Town of Riverview for each year of support received, up to four years.

CAO Colin Smith says, “A four-year financial commitment to the same medical student would provide a stronger Incentive to return to Riverview after graduation.”

The Town also asked that a separate budget line item be established for the scholarships, separate from the current grant budget allocation.

Smith adds, there are many Riverview residents in need of a doctor. “I think there are nine family physicians who currently operate in Riverview. I think the data from Horizon puts us at around 3200 patients that are on the waitlist for physicians, so they know there is an opportunity for more physicians.”

Councillor Heath Johnson, who moved the motion, felt this is a great idea, “I think residents will agree that this is money well spent on behalf of the council.”

Members of the Town Council voted unanimously in favour at this week’s Committee of the Whole meeting. It will still need to be ratified at the next regular meeting of council in May.