Issue 4: December, 2021

Recruiting and retaining physicians is a component of the government’s commitment to addressing the shortage of healthcare professionals in our province.

Canadian-trained physicians are in high demand. Over 90% of physicians licensed in Nova Scotia can work anywhere in the country and the world. Every jurisdiction in Canada is aggressively engaged in recruiting physicians.

Under the leadership of Dr. Kevin Orrell, the Office of Health Care Professionals Recruitment is full steam ahead in efforts to recruit new physicians to practice in Nova Scotia and to retain those that currently do. The College is in steady contact with the office, providing solutions on how best to support their efforts. 

Whenever possible, we intervene to find creative solutions for licensure of diversely qualified candidates, often by way of restricted licensure, or supervision or tailored practice assessments.

For physicians applying for licensure or review of qualifications, we are connecting them to these offices early in the process. Whenever possible, we intervene to find creative solutions for licensure of diversely qualified candidates, often by way of restricted licensure, or supervision or tailored practice assessments.

On matters of licensing, the government has publicly supported the independence of the College to ensure we are in line with national standards of licensure and of practice. Nova Scotians expect excellence from medical professionals – neither the College nor government have expressed  interest in “lowering the bar.”

We are a small province. We can pick up the phone with other stakeholders like the health authorities and quickly come up with solutions. The College aims to continue to be responsive, flexible, and committed to doing so.