Retaining Doctors in Connecticut

March 30, 2022

The daily selfless and dedicated acts performed by healthcare workers have been highlighted throughout the pandemic. As a community, we relied on them to provide vital information and resources to help us safely navigate our unprecedented challenges.
 
Today is National Doctors' Day, a day where we recognize the hard work and sacrifices made by physicians – pivotal members in the healthcare community. While I want to take a moment to personally thank all Connecticut doctors for their continued support, I also want to explain how we are taking steps in the legislature to address the growing concern of a depleting physician workforce in our state.

Last week, SB 449, An Act Concerning The Recruitment And Retention Of Physicians In The State, was unanimously voted out of the Public Health committee. The goal of this legislation is to make Connecticut more attractive for working doctors by:

  • Creating a necessary loan forgiveness program to graduates of in-state medical schools or who have completed their medical residency at a CT hospital.
  • Establishing a task force to look at the impact of medical liability insurance on CT’s practice climate and physician retention.
  • Establishing a physician recruitment grant program to provide an incentive grant for physicians who relocate to CT, and practice full-time as a physician in the state for at least 2 years.

My colleagues and I hope that in taking these initial steps to retain doctors in the state, we are also sending a message that Connecticut honors and appreciates the vital resources healthcare workers offer to the community. Higher retention equals greater care for those in need.