New Orientation Program to Welcome 140 Doctors
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A new orientation program that will help welcome and settle 140 doctors trained outside of Canada over the next three years will soon launch in Nova Scotia.
“We need more healthcare providers, and we are working hard to welcome those who have trained outside Canada but want to make Nova Scotia their home,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “This program will help internationally trained doctors adjust to practising in Nova Scotia, which means they’ll be able to better support the patients who need them.”
The government is investing $1.3 million to develop an orientation program offering doctors coming to Nova Scotia support, mentorship and a sense of community. The program will also bring community partners together to support new doctors prior to, or shortly after, their arrival and as they begin to practise here.
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia has developed the program, called the Welcome Collaborative, to be delivered with physician leaders, Nova Scotia Health, Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia and Doctors Nova Scotia. It held a pilot session in October with eight newly licensed doctors. The program will be evaluated to ensure it can be successful over the long term.
Attracting and supporting more internationally trained health providers is part of Action for Health, the government’s strategic plan to improve healthcare in Nova Scotia.