LearnUpon: New Physician Learning Platform | | |
Today, Medical Affairs is launching LearnUpon: a new Learning Management System (LMS) for physicians.
Led by the Physician Learning, Development and Support team, this easy-to-navigate new platform supports asynchronous physician learning modules, including leadership and onboarding opportunities. This platform is available from any device, ensuring physicians can access the learning they need, when and where they need it.
Current CPDME-accredited programs, including onboarding programs for new physicians and physician leaders, will move from Brightspace to LearnUpon beginning today. Future programming and learning modules will also appear on this new LMS.
Physicians can request a login here or by contacting Jane Bolivar, Manager, at janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca.
This advancement in physician learning represents months of consultation and partnership. I want to recognize and thank the formidable team for their work to bring these opportunities to Nova Scotia Health.
| | One Person One Record (OPOR) Program Updates | | |
OPOR Training Registration Open for Central Zone
Registration for training is now open, as OPOR prepares for Central Zone launch on May 9 (Wave Two). Training will officially begin in February, and will include a blend of in-person, virtual and asynchronous learning.
NS Health providers (physicians, nurse practitioners, residents and fellows) can register themselves or can delegate their registration to an administrative support person. Providers need to attend a classroom course and a scenario lab – both can be registered for through the Registration Form on the OPOR Education & Learning Registration Portal (NS Health or IWK Health network access is required). Course spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Training is mandatory and must be completed before login credentials are assigned.
Wave Two training builds on lessons learned from the IWK OPOR implementation and incorporates feedback and improvements to support a smoother learning experience. We are actively engaged with IWK Health teams to learn from their experiences and apply lessons learned.
Training is one part of the learning pathway for all future users of the clinical information system (CIS). Other activities such as Practice Labs will provide added learning and skill-sharpening opportunities.
More information can be found at Provider Corner or the OPOR Hub (Nova Scotia Health or IWK network access is required).
| | Tip Sheet: Ocean Needs Review Folder | | |
Have you checked your Your Ocean Needs Review folder today? This folder is key to smooth communication between referrers, receiving sites and central intake. Checking it daily helps prevent delays and supports timely patient care.
A tip sheet was created to help. Download, print and post it in a central spot as a quick, easy guide on what to do.
Questions: referralsns.ca/contact-us.
| | Medical Officer of Health: Communicable Disease Bulletin Issued to Healthcare Providers | | |
Late last week, Dr. Rim Zayed, Western Zone Regional Medical Officer of Health with Nova Scotia Health Public Health, shared a memo regarding a travel-related case of measles in the Western Zone. Public Health is not aware of any potential public exposure locations. Should this change as the investigation progresses, updates will be communicated promptly to healthcare providers and the public through a Public Service Announcement. Read the memo is here.
For information on measles screening, testing, vaccines and occupational health guidance, please visit the ERIN Hub.
Important Reminder: Under Nova Scotia’s Health Protection Act, both suspected and laboratory-confirmed cases of measles must be reported to Public Health as soon as possible by telephone. Prompt notification allows timely investigation and implementation of public health measures to prevent further spread. Please contact your local Public Health office immediately if you assess a patient who may have measles. This reporting requirement is also highlighted in the It’s the Law poster distributed to healthcare settings across the province.
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m-4:30 p.m.: Contact your local Public Health Office; for Western Zone you can leave a voicemail at 902-542-6310
- All other times: Contact the Public Health Nurse on call through QEII Locating at 902-473-2222.
| Podcast: How Nova Scotia is Expanding Access to Primary Care with Dr. Nicole Boutilier | | |
Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations, recently sat down with Dr. Tara Kiran, host of the Primary Focus podcast, to speak about the work we're doing to expand access to primary care in Nova Scotia. This episode delves into some of the actions currently underway at Nova Scotia Health, including:
- The Need A Family Practice registry
- Health Homes
- Supports for healthcare teams
- The Cape Breton medical school campus and rural medicine
- YourHealthNS app
"I think there is a lot that the rest of Canada can learn from what Nova Scotia is doing when it comes to primary care. Learning from each other is something we don't do enough of," says Dr. Kiran.
Listen to the podcast episode here: Spotify and Apple.
| | Call for Speakers: PrideHealth Conference | | |
PrideHealth is hosting their annual virtual 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference on April 28–30, bringing Nova Scotia Health staff together to learn, share and advance affirming care across the health system.
Physicians are invited to submit proposals as part of the Call for Speakers. This link also includes information on conference sessions and topics. Deadline to submit proposals has been extended to February 2, 2026.
Visit this link for PrideHealth resources, including safe-space clinic posters, pronoun resources for working with patients and colleagues, and prideHealth navigation services to support 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals in accessing care.
| | Doctors Nova Scotia Leadership Opportunities | | New Medical Affairs Podcast | | |
Environmental Sustainability in Healthcare
NS Health neurosurgeon and Dalhousie University professor Dr. Sean Christie, MD, FRCSC, says the Canadian healthcare industry creates more greenhouse gas emissions than the airline industry: he, and a group of like-minded colleagues, are leading efforts to change this.
Dr. Christie joins hosts Lorie Campbell and Verna MacDonald to discuss environmental health and the contributions physician leaders can make within their teams, as well as the role we all can play, to create a more sustainable system for generations to come.
Listen to the podcast episode here: Spotify and Apple.
Note: the webinar referenced in this podcast, “Why Healthcare Leaders Need to Care About Planetary Health,” with Dr. Nabha Shetty, can be found here.
| | Physician Wellness Resources | | | | |
If you're a physician seeking support for your practice or wishing to provide feedback, please reach out to our hotline. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you.
In the event we're engaged in another call, rest assured your voice message will be promptly addressed within one business day. Your concerns will be directed to the Medical Affairs team and our health system partners for resolution.
Our task force is committed to returning calls and scheduling meetings with practices at mutually convenient times.
| | Physician Wellness Resources | | |
Wellness resources for physicians have been migrated to an actively monitored page on the Physician Information Portal. You can access it here.
If you have an item to submit, please reply to this newsletter.
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