Message from the Registrar: New licensing pathways meeting with success
Like the rest of Canada, Nova Scotia relies on internationally trained physicians (ITPs) to help address physician shortages. In the last few years…
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Message from the Registrar: Nova Scotia physicians leading the way
This year, physicians across the province have stepped forward to improve access to care for thousands of Nova Scotians. They did so as highly trained…
Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence: welcoming more physicians
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…
Message from the Registrar: new faculty-specific eligibility for licensure
The race to recruit physicians is both a national and an international competition. The efforts to beef up medical school and residency seats are essential but will take a number of years to bear fruit. The only immediate source of…
Message from the Registrar: Responding to the call to assess internationally trained physicians
The first phase of the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) opened February 10. PACE assesses internationally trained physicians for licensure to practice to the full scope of their competencies….
Message from the Registrar: Supporting physicians retiring
As this year comes to a close, I am reminded of how often over the past months I have spoken with physicians about their concerns as they retire from practice. In some cases, the transition is smoother, such as in many collaborative care settings, while in other instances….
Message from the Registrar: New IMG assessment centre launched
Health Canada estimates our country is presently short 13,000 family physicians and estimates the deficit will be 20,000 in five years. While the expansion of residency seats and the launch of new faculties will help in the long term, Canada presently…
Message from the Registrar: More physician extender programs
We value the contribution of physician extenders to the issues of access to care. It’s hard to overstate the impact of physician extender programs. In many instances, the presence of associate physicians or physician assistants enabled departments to…
Message from the Registrar: Welcoming physician assistants and podiatrists
The provincial government has amended the regulations to the Medical Act, conferring upon the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia the responsibility and authority to license and to regulate podiatrists and physician assistants within the province, effective April 1, 2024.
Message from the Registrar: Improving access to care
The work of the College continues to expand in response to the call for improved access to care. We have opened our door wider for the licensure of more internationally trained, competent physicians. In addition to widening the door, the College has put in place policies and programs that offer…