At least six new family physicians have been recruited to come to Midland this year, David Gravelle announced at the Mayors' Day fund-raising breakfast on Friday.

This good news he says is based on the success of launching the University of Toronto Rural Family Medicine Residency Program in our community in 2010, and the timely culmination of our committee's recruitment efforts.

Gravelle, physician recruitment and retention officer, said another 14 to 18 new physicians will be needed over the next four years to meet the current and future needs of residents.

Since the program was started five and a half years ago, 17 family physicians have been recruited. In addition, it has assisted Georgian Bay General Hospital to recruit ER and other specialist physicians.

"I already have a recruit signed for 2013, who will be joining us after the completion of her residency training and maternity leave," Gravelle said.