Municipalities in Alberta say new doctors are increasingly choosing locum work over establishing permanent family practices. Locum work allows physicians to avoid overhead costs and administrative duties. This trend is making it harder for communities to attract permanent medical staff. Some municipalities argue the financial and administrative burden of setting up a practice is too high. Locum work offers more flexibility and lower risk for new doctors. The shift is affecting rural and underserved areas the most. Health officials are concerned about long-term impacts on community care. The situation highlights growing challenges in physician retention. Alberta’s health system is under pressure to address these concerns. Data shows a steady decline in permanent family practice setups. Locum work is becoming a more attractive option for many doctors. The issue has sparked discussions among health policymakers. Solutions are still being explored to retain medical professionals. The trend reflects broader systemic challenges in healthcare staffing. Alberta’s health authorities are monitoring the situation closely.