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A fulfilling practice and life in rural Nova Scotia.

Physicians in rural 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.

Your medical practice in Nova Scotia

Practicing medicine in rural Nova Scotia provides the unique opportunity to work with collaborative, interdisciplinary teams that deliver world-class care directly within patients’ local communities. It also offers the chance to live and work in some of the province’s most stunning and welcoming regions, where natural beauty and a strong sense of community go hand in hand.

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’s 10 universities and many colleges have created a well-educated population, a youthful entrepreneurial spirit, and a depth of opportunity for professionals of every stripe. Balanced with growing tech and creative sectors, Nova Scotia is a hub for medicine, boasting both the largest medical school and the largest hospital in Atlantic Canada. Here, rewarding opportunity is as close as the sea.

Physician Incentives

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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.

Current Opportunities

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Learn more about rural Nova Scotia

"Rural" Nova Scotia is defined as areas outside of large urban centers such as Halifax, and emphasize communities that are often underserved by healthcare infrastructure. Nova Scotia Health is focused on recruiting healthcare professionals to these regions to improve access to care and stablize care teams working in these areas. 

Career opportunities in rural areas often offer higher incentives and extra support with relocation. Connect with our Recruitment Team to learn more. 

Explore Nova Scotia communities

Connect with a Recruiter

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Connect with a Physician Recruitment Consultant to learn more about family medicine practice opportunities in rural Nova Scotia. 

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Nova Scotia Health (NSH) is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia—operating hospitals, health centres, and community-based programs across the province. Whether we are hosting wellness programs in the community, conducting innovative research in labs, or helping a patient recover in hospital, we are creating a healthier Nova Scotia.

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The Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment works with communities and key partners, within and outside government, to boost the recruitment and retention of healthcare professionals in Nova Scotia.

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