Your path to practice in Nova Scotia!
Discover fulfilling jobs, an exceptional lifestyle, and a move that’s easy to make.
A career that’s rewarding and full of opportunity
Nova Scotia supports physicians at every stage of training and practice. Medical students can complete residency training in collaborative, team-based settings with strong mentorship and exposure to diverse clinical environments. As you finish residency, you’ll find clear pathways into practice in communities that value your skills and welcome you in. Physicians here provide meaningful patient care while building a life that leaves room for professional growth, community connection and a lifestyle you'll love. Your practice of medicine and your life is richer here. Nova Scotia is more than medicine.
Physician incentives
Nova Scotia Health offers a variety of incentives designed to relieve some of the pressure, cost, and difficulty that comes with relocation.
Negotiated Benefits
Physicians in Nova Scotia are provided with health and dental benefits, EMR grants, funded locum coverage, CME funding, and parental leave.
Site Visit Program
Experience life in Nova Scotia and explore practice opportunities. This program reimburses you (and a plus one) for a one-time visit to beautiful Nova Scotia. You must be eligible for a license in Nova Scotia, and work with a recruiter to obtain approval from Nova Scotia Health prior to your visit.
Relocation Reimbursement Allowance
Qualified candidates may be eligible for a relocation allowance of up to $20,000 upon accepting an offer in Nova Scotia.
Government Incentive Programs
Family physicians and specialists working in community in the Central Zone may be eligible for up to $75,000 in incentives. Those establishing practices outside the Central Zone may be eligible for up to $125,000 over five years.
TIP-TOP Program
The Transitioning into Practice, Transitioning out of Practice (TIP-TOP) Program is designed to help doctors who find themselves taking over existing family practice. The program allows the new physician and the retiring physician to overlap their practice for up to two years. For more information about the program, please visit Doctors Nova Scotia.
A lifestyle that’s good for the soul
Imagine enjoying your morning coffee with ocean views; spending weekends exploring hiking trails, kayaking, or sampling local seafood; and returning home to communities where neighbours know your name. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant urban energy of Halifax, the charm of coastal towns, or the calm of rural living, Nova Scotia makes it easy to slow down, reconnect, and enjoy a high quality of life that’s also surprisingly affordable.
Nova Scotia at a glance
Life in Nova Scotia is shaped by the sea, with over 8,000 miles (13,000 km) of coastline waiting to be explored.
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20-25°C average summer temperature |
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20 mins average commute time |
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67km max. distance from ocean at all times |
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$471,075 CAD average home price in 2025 |
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Direct flights to locations like Montreal, Toronto, Vancouver, New York, Florida and Europe |
Current job opportunities for physicians
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Nova Scotia supports physicians at every stage of their journey
Medical students are encouraged to consider Nova Scotia for elective and residency training, where you’ll be part of a vibrant medical community and train within Atlantic Canada’s largest medical school, supported by experienced clinicians and strong academic networks.
For residents and finishing residents, Nova Scotia offers the opportunity to transition into practice in collaborative, team-based environments, with flexible practice models and support from multidisciplinary teams. Across the province, physicians are valued for their expertise and supported to build meaningful, sustainable careers.
Whether you’re exploring residency training or thinking about where to establish your practice, come explore Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia offers career-advancing opportunities in teaching, research, and clinical leadership, alongside diverse practice settings in both urban and rural communities.
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"If you’re looking for well-rounded training with the bonus of sunset walks on the beach, look no further. I’m able to wrap up the day with a sunset walk on the beach. I can’t think of anything much better than that."
Dr. Dennis Brown
Family Medicine Resident
Halifax/South Shore