Candidates trained outside of urban areas are more likely to include in-patient care, emergency medicine, obstetrics, basic office procedures and a variety of other skills in their practice. It is also evident to me that residents who are exposed to rural and remote settings are more likely to establish their practice in an underserviced area.

There are many nonurban regions in this country desperate for capable, well-trained physicians willing to practice without the urban subspecialty safety net. Programs based outside of urban areas produce physicians with the skills and comfort level required to work in these areas. It seems logical that the College of Family Physicians of Canada, universities and other interested parties should shift their training focus to meet the needs of our health care system. If these groups fail to meet these needs, it is only a matter of time before another type of health care practitioner assumes the role of primary care provider to Canadians living outside of urban areas.