Living donors are the best option for many in need of a kidney transplant. But patients and nephrologists say the testing process could be more streamlined for living donors.

Attracting a doctor to work in a smaller community today is tough as fewer physicians choose family medicine. That's why Cheryl Gnyp, the recruiter for the city of Castlegar, B.C., needs to stand out. She uses the board game Operation and specialized coffee as part of her pitch to potential recruits at conferences.

Patients hate having to ask for them. Doctors don't like writing them. And, increasingly, health-care providers are taking a stand against them.