Your medical practice in Nova Scotia
Shape and build your medical practice in Nova Scotia.
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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"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
Your medical practice in Nova Scotia
Practicing medicine in 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.
Internationally Trained Physicians
If you trained outside of Canada, you may still be eligible for licensure in Nova Scotia through one of several pathways
United States-trained physicians who have completed their American board exams are now eligible for full licensure in Nova Scotia. There is no longer a requirement for Royal College Certification. Instead of enrolling in the Royal College’s MOC program or the College of Family Physicians’ Mainpro+ program, physicians can now enroll in a relevant Continuing Professional Development program in the US.
Physicians holding the appropriate licensure and registration* in the UK, Australia and New Zealand may be eligible for licensure in Nova Scotia without the need for Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada exam eligibility.
* To be eligible without Royal College exam eligibility, applicants must be registered and currently licensed with one of the following medical regulators without restrictions or conditions:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency7 – Specialist Register
- General Medical Council8 – General Practitioner or Specialist Register
- Medical Council of New Zealand9 – Vocational Scope Register
Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence Program (PACE)
PACE is a unique, Nova Scotia-based program for Family Medicine only. PACE offers workplace-based assessments in real-time primary care settings, designed to evaluate the readiness of internationally trained family physicians to practice in Nova Scotia.
PACE serves as a pathway to independent licensure in Nova Scotia by ensuring Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and judgment required to practice safely and ethically in Nova Scotia. It is the new, forward-looking alternative providing a rigorous, supportive, and centralized way for family physicians trained outside Canada to become licensed and serve communities across Nova Scotia. Learn more about PACE - nspace.ca/physicians/
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.
Current Opportunities
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Register Your Interest
Connect with a Recruiter
Connect with the Director of Physician Recruitment, Katrina Philopoulos at katrina.philopoulos@nshealth.ca to learn more about family medicine practice opportunities in rural Nova Scotia.