Issue 3: October 2025

PACE is making significant inroads in improving access to care for Nova Scotians and by welcoming new physicians to practise in communities throughout the province.

The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE), launched in Nova Scotia in February 2025, is this year’s recipient of the Innovation in Physician Assessment and Remediation Award conferred by the Coalition for Physician Enhancement.

PACE is unique, providing primary care in a collaborative care setting delivered by internationally trained physicians under assessment for licensure. These physicians are overseen by experienced family physicians trained in assessment.

PACE represents a unique approach to physician assessment and remediation in Nova Scotia and across Canada. Comprising three integrated components—the Welcome Collaborative orientation program, a comprehensive work-based and competency-based assessment program, and a dedicated medical clinic staffed by trained assessors—PACE is specifically designed to support internationally trained physicians.

This initiative aims to enhance patient care and address physician shortages in Nova Scotia both in the short and long term. PACE has been operational since early this year. The office-based primary care program is doubling in capacity in December with the addition of a second site. With the two programs fully operational, it is anticipated that up to 35 assessments will begin in the next year after opening the second site.

There are currently more than 40 vacancies for hospitalist positions in the province. In response to that, PACE has developed an assessment program with Nova Scotia Health for hospitalists that launched in September. This required collaboration with the Medical Council of Canada to develop the assessment tools, customise the assessment platform, and provide the assessor training. The first site for the hospitalist program is at Dartmouth General Hospital, with a second planned for Truro.

PACE is made possible by funding from the provincial government. This initiative is leading the way in assessing internationally trained physicians and providing care to Nova Scotians who had previously been on the Need a Family Practice Registry. PACE is making significant inroads in improving access to care for Nova Scotians and by welcoming new physicians to practise in communities throughout the province.