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The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia (the College) serves the public by regulating the province’s medical profession in accordance with the Nova Scotia Medical Act and its regulations. Among other responsibilities, the College licenses physicians to practise medicine, supports high standards of medical practice, and investigates complaints about physicians. The College is seeking an individual to serve as a public representative on its governing Council. The College strives to create a diverse and inclusive work environment that represents the communities it serves. This call for a public representative is directed specifically to candidates who identify as African…

The College expects physicians to adhere to and support the recommendations of the Chief Medical Officer of Health regarding vaccinations for COVID-19. The public is assuming all physicians are fully vaccinated. Physicians who are unable to be fully vaccinated due to a medical exemption, or who choose to not be fully vaccinated, are expected to: advise their patients of their vaccination status in advance of any in-person clinical encounters; andtake all recommended precautions to reduce the risk of transmitting COVID-19, including testing, masking and PPE. The College’s Professional Standards Committee, composed of physicians and public members, will be preparing a Professional Standard clarifying…

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. Important Dates for Your Renewal November 1-30: Renewal is Open Renew your licence and corporation permit between November 1-30. December 1: Late Fees Applied Renewals received after November 30 are subject to a late fee. January 1: License Expiry Failure to renew your medical licence will result in your licence expiring on January 1:You will not be allowed to practise medicine in Nova Scotia.You will lose your hospital privileges.You will…

These are extraordinary times. We commend physicians for their service and flexibility as we move through the pandemic. Across the province, primary care physicians are providing both virtual and in-person care. Physicians have developed office systems to pre-screen and sequester potentially COVID-19 infectious patients. They are practicing safely and effectively, accessing the supplies of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) available through the NSH.  We are aware that there is a scattering of primary care providers practicing virtual medicine exclusively or only offering in-person care to the fully vaccinated and asymptomatic.  Physicians and the public have contacted the College seeking guidance regarding virtual and…

On September 30th,  Canada marks the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The College commits to critically examine 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 2021-2022 Strategic Plan: “ We will work to ensure the College is a culturally competent, respectful, safe and humble organization for all.” At the national level, 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…

Throughout Nova Scotia, many organizations are requiring that all staff and visitors be vaccinated against COVID-19.  It is not unreasonable to expect that, in response, physicians will be asked to provide medical notes for patients who have chosen not to be vaccinated. As physicians continue to work to mitigate any further spread of COVID-19, the College aims to support their leadership with clear guidance on their responsibilities in this circumstance.  Physicians must only support requests for a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination for patients with a legitimate medical condition that would warrant an exemption.  The office of the Chief Medical Officer…

The College’s Executive Committee has passed a motion to eliminate the fee associated with the issuance of a Certificate of Professional Conduct. The aim is to promote physician mobility and to reduce administrative burden and costs for physicians. Effective immediately physicians will no longer be charged for a CPC.

On June 10, 2021, the Medical Council of Canada (MCC) announced it will cease to deliver the MCC Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part II.  The MCC stated that successful completion of the MCCQE Part II is no longer required to become a licentiate of the MCC (LMCC). The MCC announcement directly affects the licensure of many provisionally licensed physicians and those physicians seeking initial licensure in Canada. The Canadian Standard is the set of academic qualifications that makes a physician eligible for full licensure in every Canadian province and territory. The LMCC is a required qualification for full licensure in the Model Standards…

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) made an announcement on June 10, 2021, further to the cancellation of the Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination (MCCQE) Part II and to the granting of licentiate status. Read the announcement on the MCC website.  The regulatory authorities across Canada are meeting today in hopes of achieving a consensus response. We will provide updates as matters develop.

The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada  (FMRAC) met today to discuss the ramifications of the suspension of the MCCQE Part II.  The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) announced on May 31, 2021, the suspension of the MCCQE Part II due to significant issues with the virtual examination. The President of FMRAC will be meeting with the MCC in the next few days to determine steps forward. The College will be providing further updates following this meeting.

The Medical Council of Canada (MCC) announced on May 31, 2021 the suspension of the MCCQE Part II due to significant issues with the virtual examination. MCC apologized for the anxiety this has caused candidates amidst the pandemic. The MCC confirmed a full refund for those registered for the current session, those who were transferred to the fall 2021 session, and those who challenged the exam in the past weeks.  The full MCC statement can be found here. Our College is immediately examining the implications of this announcement on all affected physicians, whether on the educational register, the provisional register,…

The College is pleased to announce Dr. Robert Oliver as the recipient of its 2020 Gold-Headed Cane Award. The annual award recognizes an outstanding community-based physician who exemplifies professionalism in service to their patients, the profession, and the community. Read Dr. Oliver’s full profile in our 2020 Annual Report.