Choose your own adventure

Your Family Medicine Practice in Nova Scotia

Practicing medicine in Nova Scotia offers the opportunity to work with dynamic, interdisciplinary teams that deliver world-class care to patients across the province. There is a diverse range of practice settings available. From collaborative teams to turnkey clinics, to combined schedules between clinics and hospital work, there are many options tailored to your preferences and lifestyle. We work with you to find, or even create, the perfect opportunity for your goals.

Academic and Research Opportunities 

Nova Scotia offers rich teaching and research opportunities for physicians, from mentoring students to leading clinical research. With the largest medical school and hospital in Atlantic Canada, the province is a vibrant hub for medical education and innovation.

Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Physicians practicing in Nova Scotia may be eligible to receive stipends of up to $2,000 in support of their continuing professional development, or CPD. Eligibility for this payment is based on calendar year (Jan. 1 - Dec. 31) billings from the previous year and is determined automatically each year by the Department of Health and Wellness.

Locum Support 

Explore Nova Scotia and learn about what it is like to practice here. Nova Scotia Health offers a number of locum opportunities throughout the province and provides reimbursements for accommodation, travel time and per diems. 

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Physician incentives and benefits

Nova Scotia Health offers a wide range of incentives and benefits to make your relocation smoother, more affordable, and stress-free—so you can focus on building your career and enjoying your new community.

Negotiated Benefits

Physicians in Nova Scotia are provided with health and dental benefits, pension plans, funded locum coverage, CME funding, and parental leave through Doctors Nova Scotia.

Electronic Medical Record Grants (EMR Grants)

Financial assistance of $2,000 annually or a one-time investment of $10,000 for physicians who set up and maintain an electronic medical record (EMR) in their practices is part of the existing Master Agreement between Doctors Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness.

Site Visit Program

Visit practice sites across Nova Scotia. You’ll be reimbursed for airfare, meals, lodging, and travel (for you + one guest). Multiple sites can be approved during one visit. Work with a Recruiter for approval in advance of 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 communities 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.

Physician Liability Premium Rebate 

For physicians who pay more than $1,750 in liability premiums each year, the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness will provide reimbursement for 90% of the total premium paid. The Physician Liability Premium (PLP) rebate reimburses physicians for part of the cost of their liability coverage, which in most cases is provided by the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA). 

TIP-TOP Program

Through the Transitioning into Practice, Transitioning out of Practice (TIP-TOP) program, new physicians can enter family practice with confidence. This mentorship pairs you with a retiring doctor, offering up to two years of overlap to learn the practice, build patient relationships, and enjoy a smooth, supported start to your career. For more information about the program, please visit Doctors Nova Scotia. 

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Exciting new developments in Nova Scotia

From new state-of-the-art hospitals to modernized clinics, Nova Scotia is transforming how care is delivered. Dalhousie’s Sydney medical campus, a new cancer centre, eight operating rooms, and expanded inpatient care are just the start. Collaborative clinics and Health Homes are bringing team-based care closer to communities from Antigonish to North Sydney.

Central and Northern Zones are seeing major upgrades too. The Halifax Infirmary Expansion will deliver 216 new beds, a larger emergency department, and 16 operating rooms. Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst and the new North Cumberland Health Care Centre in Pugwash are already improving access and collaboration. Across the province, modern spaces are helping providers deliver faster, better, patient-focused care.