News

McCarthy/Stewart International Medical Graduate Grant Internationally trained physicians who recently arrived in Nova Scotia can apply for financial help to assist with costs associated with relocation and professional expenses.  The McCarthy/Stewart International Medical Graduate Grant will provide a one-time grant of $10,000 to 10 successful IMGs each year. This grant is administered by Doctors Nova Scotia. The online application must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on November 25, 2022. Eligibility To be considered for the grant, applicants must: Be considered an international medical graduate;Have signed a contract to practise in Nova Scotia and have successfully completed the Nova Scotia…

Each year you must renew your medical licence. If you practise within a corporation for which you are listed as a medical director, you must also renew your corporation permit. Before you renew your medical licence and corporation permit, please review your renewal checklists…

Treaty Day is October 1, with celebrations held on October 3 this year, to honour the important contributions and rich history of the Mi’kmaq people. The Peace and Friendship Treaties honour the enduring bond of friendship and respect between Nova Scotia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and reaffirm the historic presence of the Mi’kmaq who have occupied the land for thousands of years. October 1 also marks the beginning of Mi’kmaq History Month in Nova Scotia.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation in Canada. The College has committed to critically examining how we conduct our regulatory work to remove structural barriers experienced by Indigenous people living in the province. This commitment is anchored in the College’s 2022-2023 Strategic Plan: “We will build our capacity to work in a culturally respectful, safe and humble manner.” The College’s Registrar & CEO, Dr. Gus Grant, is providing leadership at the national table of medical regulators which is addressing racism within our healthcare system. The Anti-Racism Working Group of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada…

The College has developed a streamlined approach to long-term licensure for physicians on a Defined licence. The Medical Act requires physicians trained outside of Canada to practise under a Defined licence and undergo supervision. Physicians must meet the requirements and conditions required to obtain a Defined licence. There is no change to the qualification requirements. What’s Changed The streamlined approach for physicians on a Defined licence will enable faster decisions regarding long-term licensure. Once a physician obtains a Defined licence, the streamlined approach will: provide a comprehensive orientation program for physicians;reduce the required time physicians on a Defined licence must…

Are you an International Medical Graduate (IMG) and want to work as a physician in Nova Scotia? Physicians in Nova Scotia is a resource that provides IMGs with information about the Canadian and Nova Scotia medical systems, licensure processes, physician roles, and connections to provincial and national regulatory bodies and professional associations. Physicians in Nova Scotia was launched by the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and was developed in partnership with the Government of Nova Scotia – Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI-IQR). This resource was created with the support of the IMG community including the College of Physicians…

The College joins with Nova Scotians to commemorate Emancipation Day on August 1st. Emancipation Day is the day the British parliament abolished slavery across its empire, including Canada on August 1st, 1834.  It marks the end of the practice of slavery of African people and their descendants around the world. More information about what Emancipation Day means and events happening in Nova Scotia is available on the Emancipation Day Nova Scotia website.

Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day provides an opportunity to recognize the many achievements of the country’s Indigenous peoples. This is a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples. Read more about National Indigenous Peoples Day.

The College recognizes Pride Month and celebrates the 2SLGBTQIA+ community. Physicians in Nova Scotia have a unique role in engaging with the 2SLGBTQIA+ community by addressing its health care needs with dignity and with respect.  

The College recognizes that racism and discrimination exist in medicine and organizations associated with medicine. Early in 2021, the College engaged an independent, external task force led by Mr. Doug Ruck Q.C. to review the College’s operations through the lens of anti-Black racism. The task force was composed of African Nova Scotians selected by Mr. Ruck.

The task force has now completed its review and issued its report: From the Inside: An External Review into Systemic Anti-Black Racism Within the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.