Your family medicine practice in Nova Scotia - WONCA - 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.

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

Licensure for physicians trained outside of Canada

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.

United States-trained physicians who have completed their American board exams are now eligible for full licensure in Nova Scotia.

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.

College of Physicians and Surgeons

Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence

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 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.

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