From Down Under to Nova Scotia: Dr. Eric Wainwright and family move home from Australia and establishes medical practice in Bridgewater

Dr. Eric Wainwright returned this past summer to Nova Scotia after completing medical school at the University of Queensland School of Medicine as well as residency training in Australia. With his two children and partner, Dr. Wainwright now resides in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, splitting his time as a family physician at the Bridgewater and Area Family Health Clinic and doing hospitalist work at the Bridgewater Regional Hospital.

Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dr. Wainwright completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Neuroscience and a master’s in health administration at Dalhousie University. Dr. Wainwright initially went to Australia working for a health management company, although it was just for a short contract. He always wanted to pursue medicine and fell in love with the country, so decided to enroll in medical school there.

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Dr. Wainwright came to Nova Scotia for a medical elective and that’s where he met his partner, Amanda. Eventually, she joined him in Australia.

“After completing my training, we felt it was the right time to come back home to Nova Scotia. I enjoyed my time in Australia, but coming back home was always in the cards, especially with starting a family,” explained Dr. Wainwright.

They took advantage of the Physician Recruitment Team’s Site Visit Program to explore different rural communities and practice opportunities but settled on Bridgewater because it offered everything the family needed, including proximity to Halifax and a great medical team at the collaborative practice.

Although Dr. Wainwright said that while he has a busy life, especially doing hospitalist shifts, he feels valued by the community.

“The community here in Bridgewater makes me feel like a celebrity sometimes. They're incredibly appreciative, which is very rewarding,” said Dr. Wainwright.

In his spare time, Dr. Wainwright enjoys fly fishing when he can find the time. He is also currently introducing the kids to Canadian winter sports like ice skating and hockey, as it’s their first winter in the country.

“It's been a joy watching them experience Canadian winters for the first time," he proudly noted.

The Nova Scotia Health Recruitment Team recently traveled to Australia to recruit more healthcare providers and to offer pathways for Canadians studying or practicing in Australia to return home to establish roots and practices. Dr. Wainwright is one example of a successful healthcare professional who made the journey back to Nova Scotia after studying and practicing abroad. With opportunities like these, the team aims to foster connections and support the growth of Nova Scotia's healthcare workforce while also welcoming back talented individuals like Dr. Wainwright to contribute to the local community.

Welcome home, Dr. Wainwright and family!