The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) is unique, with a hybrid mission to assess internationally trained physicians (ITPs) for licensure in Nova Scotia. The Centre, which opened in February, is designed to evaluate ITPs in office-based primary care. PACE serves as a pathway to independent licensure in Nova Scotia by ensuring that candidates demonstrate the knowledge, abilities, and judgment required to practice safely and ethically. This initiative aims to enhance patient care and address physician shortages in Nova Scotia.

PACE has contacted over 1,000 patients to join the PACE clinic, with 600 having attended visits. The Centre is on track to have 2,600 patients at the PACE clinic by the end of year one.

The first group of candidates completed their formal assessment on May 2, 2025. The assessment reports provided robust data for analysis and offered excellent information for the Competence Committee to make informed decisions. The committee consists of at least three medical practitioners with interest, experience, and expertise in medical practice readiness assessment, appointed by the Deputy Minister. The mandate of the committee is to make informed recommendations to the College regarding each candidate's readiness to practice medicine independently in Nova Scotia after completing an assessment.

At its May meeting, the Competence Committee recommended three physicians for licensure.