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The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia hereby gives notice that as a result of a complaint and pursuant to the Nova Scotia Medical Act, Dr. Rafid Sabah Al-Nassar has agreed to a consensual revocation.
A hearing committee has accepted this agreement resulting in the revocation of Dr. Al-Nassar’s registration and medical license.
Read the hearing committee’s decision here.
Retired physicians within three years of practice may be eligible for an Emergency Licence. The College is working closely with Nova Scotia Health to license those retired physicians wishing to assist in the COVID-19 immunization efforts. There is no fee for this emergency licensure. A streamlined process is in place to quickly issue such licences.
Physicians who are interested in supporting immunization clinics have been asked by Nova Scotia Health to complete please complete the Covid-19 immunization intake form.
The Medical Council of Canada has provided a backgrounder addressing questions regarding the MCCQE Part II.
Medical Council of Canada Qualifying Examination Part II: MCC backgrounder.
The College has instituted a new policy in recognition of the postponement of the Medical Council of Canada’s Qualifying Examinations Part II. As a result of this exam delay, a number of physicians are unable to meet the requirements of obtaining LMCC for Full licensure.
The College’s Pandemic-Related Exceptions to the Requirement for the MCCQE Part II Policy allows exceptions for those who were affected by the postponement of this qualifying examination. Review the new policy.
Currently, Nova Scotia is the only province with such an exemption and therefore we encourage postgraduate trainees to continue to challenge the MCCQE Part II as it becomes available so as not to limit their licensing options throughout Canada.
This Fall in Nova Scotia we have not experienced the significant number of COVID-19 cases as elsewhere in Canada.
Physicians across the province are playing key leadership roles in safely caring for patients during the pandemic. The College expects that physicians in all practice settings adhere to the direction provided by public health regarding safety protocols and to clinical guidelines developed by health professionals.
We are truly grateful to patients and physicians who continue to take all measures necessary to protect the health of Nova Scotians.
On October 2, 2020, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine and the MacEachen Institute for Public Policy and Governance (MIPP) hosted a roundtable at which 27 people met online to discuss what went well and what lessons were identified from the health sector’s response to COVID-19. Participants included senior representatives from both the public health and healthcare systems of New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, as well as academics. Most of the participants were from Nova Scotia, which was the focus of most of the discussion.
The briefing note starts by highlighting selected observations that were drawn from these discussions, and summarize the goals and methods and the discussions that took place at the session.
Read the briefing note: COVID-19: Leaders from the Health Community Identify Lessons from the First Wave and Concerns for the Second
Health care workers are required to complete the daily self-screening using the Active Monitoring Tool available on the COVID-19 Hub. Any health care worker who develops symptoms compatible with COVID-19 is directed to NOT report to work and to contact Occupational Health Safety and Wellness at 1-833-750-0632 for screening. Managers and clinical leaders will strictly enforce this requirement.
COVID-19 symptoms include:
The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia hereby gives notice that pursuant to Section 45 of the Nova Scotia Medical Act, effective 11:59 pm November 12th, 2020 an interim suspension has been placed on the licence of Dr. Oluwarotimi Fashoranti, pending further decision of the Investigation Committee or the Hearing Committee.
Physicians have a professional responsibility to ensure their public statements do not bring disrepute upon the profession.
The limits to the freedom of healthcare professionals to publicly voice opinions were recently tested in the Saskatchewan Court of Appeal. The decision calls for medical regulators to balance the rights of the physician with the interests of the public and the profession.
The College recently addressed a complaint regarding a physician’s opinion piece published in a newspaper which received significant public attention. In reviewing the matter, the Investigations Committee sought to balance the competing interests of the physician’s right to expression, the public interest, and the reputation of the profession.
While the complaint was dismissed, the College Registrar has exercised his discretion under Section 46(2)(d) of the Medical Act to publish a summary of the decision as it has a bearing on the public interest in the practice of medicine. The summary of the decision is now available.
The MCC’s cancellation of the October sitting of the MCCQE II has impacted physicians across the country. We recognize the concerns of postgraduate trainees, newly graduated postgraduate trainees and physicians on a Defined licence who all are required to obtain the MCCQE II. We understand the challenges and ramifications of this examination postponement. Those physicians impacted are assured of ongoing licensure and the ability to practise in Nova Scotia.
We have heard issues raised regarding logistical challenges as well as questions regarding the relevance of the MCCQE II. The cancellation and its impact on physicians have prompted the College to review the MCCQE II as it relates to licensing. This review is being undertaken in a thorough and expedited manner. Addressing these issues is a priority for the College.
The College will be providing updates as soon as available.
Each year physicians must renew their medical licence.
Annual renewal of your medical licence and corporation permit is now open online.
To prepare for renewal, review your renewal checklist.
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