Your family medicine practice in Nova Scotia - FMF - Nova Scotia Health Physician Career Opportunities

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 practicing 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.

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A strong primary care foundation in Nova Scotia

In Nova Scotia, you’ll be part of innovative primary care teams with nurse practitioners, dietitians, and social workers - ensuring patients get comprehensive support while easing pressure on acute care. With mobile clinics, virtual care and expanded allied health roles, Nova Scotia is leading new ways to improve access and transform patient care.

Learn more about Nursing and Allied Health Opportunities

Locum Support

Come explore Canada’s ocean playground and learn about what it is like to practice here. Nova Scotia Health offers a number of locum opportunities throughout the province that include attractive per diem rates, accommodations, airfare and more.

Atlantic Registry

The new Atlantic Registry allows for greater mobility of fully licensed physicians in Atlantic Canada.

The Registry allows fully licensed physicians to practice anywhere in Atlantic Canada, regardless of which Atlantic province is their home base

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.

"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

Physician Incentives

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.

Rural Specialist Retention Incentive

Eligible specialist physicians working in Nova Scotia’s rural communities will receive a $16,000 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 annually; no savings contribution by the doctor is required
Five to 15 years – up to $10,000 annually
More than 15 years – up to $15,000 annually.

Government Incentive Programs

Family physicians and specialists 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.