Health and practice program
Helping Nova Scotia physicians maintain a successful practice and avoid patient complaints
About
If you are a physician with a physical, cognitive, mental, and/or emotional condition that could impact patient safety, the College’s Health and Practice Program is here to help.
Your health status might include a neurological condition, a physical disability, a psychiatric diagnosis, or an addiction. Each physician’s health situation is unique and is approached respectfully and sensitively.
Our Physician Health and Practice team is dedicated to helping Nova Scotia physicians maintain a successful practice and avoid patient complaints. We do not provide treatment, but we do connect you to supports and resources that help you and protect your patients.
We recognize that sharing private health information may feel vulnerable. We want you to know that we provide absolute confidentiality through encrypted forms and a secure drive.
Reach out to our Health and Practice Advisor today to find out more about how we can help you.
What to expect
If you are a physician with a health condition that may impact patient safety (such as a neurological condition, physical challenges, mental health issues, or a substance use disorder), you have a mandatory duty to report this to the College.
Our Health and Practice Program team is here to help you stay healthy and maintain a safe practice for your patients. We may become aware of your health condition through your own self-disclosure, through a complaint, or through one of your colleagues or patients reaching out to us.
The first step is an interview with our Health and Practice Advisor. Depending on your health condition, you may be required to provide a fitness letter or be referred for an assessment by an independent physician. Based on this assessment, supports will be offered to you that will help you balance your health and your clinical responsibilities.
Your information and your reputation are safe with us. The only people with access to your file and your health information are the staff of the Health and Practice Program. Confidentiality is key to the success of our program.
Duty to report
If you are a licensed physician and become aware that another physician has a health condition that may impact their ability to practise safely, you have a professional obligation to report your concern to the College. This obligation applies whether the physician is a patient or a colleague.
Reporting to the College is not the same as filing a complaint.
To report a health concern about a colleague:
- email: healthandpractice@cpsns.ns.ca
- phone: 902-422-5823
Your reporting obligations, as a physician, are provided in the Duty to Report Health Professionals standard.
For more information and legal advice, please contact the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). They can counsel you on your reporting obligations.
Health and Practice Program resources
The College does not provide direct treatment, but can connect you with the following available resources:
Doctors Nova Scotia’s Professional Support Program
Doctors Nova Scotia’s Professional Support Program (PSP) provides confidential peer-to-peer support for members and their families who are dealing with personal or professional issues. PSP counsellors are based across Nova Scotia, have no affiliation with licensing and regulatory bodies, and are not related to university training programs.
Canadian Medical Association (CMA) Physician Wellness Hub
The CMA’s Physician Wellness Hub is a collection of resources, information, and programs that promote physician wellness.
CMA Virtual Peer Support Wellness Connection
CMA Virtual Peer Support Wellness Connection sessions provide a virtual, safe space where physicians and medical learners can gather to discuss shared experiences, seek advice, and both give and receive support.
Nova Scotia Health Wellness Portal
The Nova Scotia Health Wellness Portal is for all healthcare providers. It provides a curated list of helpful resources on a wide range of interests to help with the daily realities of living and working in health care in Nova Scotia.
CMPA Physician Wellness Directory
The CMPA Physician Wellness Directory offers a series of resources and articles on physician wellness that cover a range of topics, including dealing with conflict and addressing complaints and legal issues.
We're here to help
Healthy physicians contribute to better patient outcomes. At some point in your career, you may experience a health issue that impacts your medical practice. We are here to help.
Need more information?
Not sure if you should report a concern? Ask us.