Advance your practice in Nova Scotia, Canada
Shape and build your ideal practice in Nova Scotia, Canada.
A fulfilling practice and life in Nova Scotia.
Physicians in Nova Scotia provide fulfilling patient care which embraces family life, professional development and community involvement. That’s what makes practising medicine in Nova Scotia unique. Physicians are increasingly attracted to practices that offer team-based care to their patients and allow them to consult with their peers. The size and scale of Nova Scotia allow for better connections across the health care system. Your practice of medicine and your life is richer here. Nova Scotia is more than medicine.
Licensure for physicians trained outside of Canada
Nova Scotia was the first province in Canada to offer defined licensure without further examination for UK physicians who meet eligibility criteria.
Physicians trained and certified in the UK, Ireland or Australia may be eligible for full licensure via reciprocity of certification. Physicians holding the appropriate licensure and registration in the UK, Australia or New Zealand may be eligible for provisional licensure in Nova Scotia without the need for additional exams.
The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) is Nova Scotia’s new pathway to independent licensure. It offers a rigorous, supportive process for internationally trained family physicians to demonstrate their readiness to practice safely and ethically, enabling them to serve communities across the province.
Physician Incentives and Benefits
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 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 (~ £10,699.90) upon accepting an offer in Nova Scotia.
Rural Specialist Retention Incentive
Eligible specialist physicians working in Nova Scotia’s rural communities will receive a $16,000 (~ £8,646.32) annual payment after three years.
Physician Retirement Incentive
The retirement benefit is available to all full- and part-time doctors who are licensed to work in Nova Scotia and provide direct patient care or clinical services such as specialists in radiology and pathology. The amounts doctors can receive based on their years of service, are as follows:
- Five or fewer years of service – $5,000 (~ £2,701.97) annually; no savings contribution by the doctor is required
- Five to 15 years – up to $10,000 (~ £5,403.95) annually
- More than 15 years – up to $15,000 (~ £8,024.93) annually.
Government Incentive Programs
Family physicians and specialists in the Central Zone may be eligible for up to $75,000 (~ £40,124.63) in incentives. Those establishing practices outside the Central Zone may be eligible for up to $125,000 (~ £66,874.38) over five years.
A lifestyle that’s good for the soul
Imagine starting your day with ocean air and harbour views in the east, or peaceful mornings surrounded by farmland, forests and rivers in the west. Across Nova Scotia's Eastern and Western Zones, life is shaped by breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant communities and a pace that leaves room for what matters most. From the urban energy and cultural life to the welcoming charm of coastal towns and rural communities, you'll find endless opportunities to outdoor adventures.
And beyond the eastern and western part of the province, Nova Scotia's Central and Northern Zones offer even more ways to experience the province's exceptional quality of life. No matter where you choose to live and work, Nova Scotia makes it easy to slow down, recharge and enjoy a high quality of life.
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 Opportunities
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Practising in Nova Scotia, Canada
Practising medicine in Nova Scotia offers the opportunity to work with dynamic, interdisciplinary teams that deliver world-class care to patients across the province.
Teaching 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.
Immigration support for physicians
Nova Scotia Health is committed to supporting foreign national physicians through the immigration process and ensuring an easy transition into life and work in Canada. Please contact a member of our Physician Recruitment Team for more information.
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"I feel like I am part of a team where my time and energy are truly appreciated. People here are very laid back, very respectful, loving, open to change."
Dr. Ife Fayanjuola, Family Physician, Elmsdale Medical Centre, Elmsdale Nova Scotia
Meet our recruiter
Meet with our Physician Recruitment Consultant, Elizabeth Fraser and MD Recruitment and Retention Lead, Dr. Ade Akindele, at booth K40 at the Best Practice Conference London on February 25 - 26.
Can't make it to the conference? Join our webinar on Wednesday, March 11 at 3:00 p.m. AST (7:00 p.m. UK time)
Elizabeth Fraser
(she/her)
Lives in Sydney, NS
Physician Recruitment Consultant for Locum and Short-term Appointments
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Register your interest for a job with more benefits
Take the first step toward your new life and practice in Nova Scotia! Connect with a recruiter, explore exciting family medicine opportunities and discover how easy it is to thrive both professionally and personally.