High-Demand Resident Incentive Program

Learn about the High-Demand Resident Incentive Program in Saskatchewan, offering up to $60,000 for eligible medical residents in high-demand specialties.

Incentive Overview

The High-Demand Resident Incentive Program supports University of Saskatchewan medical residents who agree to provide a return-of-service (ROS) in Saskatchewan. They must be in the eligible programs of:

• anesthesiology
• diagnostic radiology
• emergency medicine (FRCP)
• pediatric emergency medicine (pursued outside of Saskatchewan)

Eligible residents may receive up to $60,000 during their training.

This program is funded by the Ministry of Health and administered by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA).

Program Conditions

• Residents must apply each year by October 31 and reapply annually for continued funding.
• Funding is only provided while a resident is in training.

Eligibility Conditions

Residents are eligible if they are:

• enrolled in an anesthesiology, diagnostic radiology or emergency medicine (FRCP) specialty residency program at the University of Saskatchewan; or
• enrolled in a pediatric emergency medicine residency program (including those trained outside of Saskatchewan); and
• in their fourth or fifth postgraduate year of their residency program (PGY4 or PGY5)

Please note: Family practice anesthetists and family practice emergency physicians are not eligible.

Incentive Amount

Eligible residents may receive up to $60,000:

• PGY4 – up to two years of funding at $30,000 per year
• PGY5 – up to one year of funding at $30,000 per year

Incentive payments are considered taxable income by the Canada Revenue Agency. T4A slips will be issued for each year the applicant receives funding.

How do I apply?

Complete and submit the following:

• application form
• consent to be contacted for recruitment purposes (including the Saskatchewan Healthcare Recruitment Agency)
• proof of enrollment is required each year for pediatric emergency medicine residents 

Submit to physicianincentives@saskhealthauthority.ca.

Eligible applicants will receive a return-of-service agreement from the SHA. The agreement must be signed and returned before funding is issued.

How long is the ROS?

• One year of funding = one year of full-time service
• Two years of funding = two years of full-time service

Where can I fulfill my ROS?

Eligible Communities by Program

What if I need to defer my ROS?

Requests to defer a ROS must be submitted in writing to the SHA:

• at least three months before the proposed deferral
• with full supporting details

Deferrals may be considered for:

• additional training (e.g., fellowship)
• parental leave
• serious family illness or death

All requests for deferrals are reviewed by the SHA and Ministry of Health. Final decisions will be communicated in writing to return-of-service holders.

What if I do not complete my ROS?

Physicians who do not fulfill their return-of-service commitment must repay all incentive funds with interest, as outlined in their agreement. Interest is calculated by Saskatchewan Finance and the SHA. The amount will be specified in the recipient’s promissory note that is included with the contract.

Failure to fulfill the terms of the agreement can result in further action and notice may be given to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Saskatchewan. 

Additional Information

• Physicians have up to six months after completing residency to begin practice in an eligible Saskatchewan location.
• Physicians must notify the SHA of their practice location and start date upon or before completion of residency training. 
• For the purpose of recruitment, the SHA may provide physician information to other organizations interested in the medical services of the physician. 

Questions? For more information, contact:

Saskatchewan Health Authority Provincial Practitioner Staff Affairs physicianincentives@saskhealthauthority.ca