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Dear colleagues,
Earlier today, we publicly announced our 2025-26 physician recruitment numbers. Nova Scotia welcomed 278 new doctors in the last fiscal year, an impressive 10 per cent bump over the year before. Accounting for physician starts and departures, the province saw a remarkable net gain of 199 new doctors.
In 2025-26, we continued to connect with medical learners, Canadian-trained physicians and international candidates, working steadily to provide pathways and supports. We came together through strategy, partnership and determination – demonstrating, once again, why working in Nova Scotia is more than medicine.
Read about our successful year here.
Let's take a moment to feel pride in the advancements we've made, knowing they represent opportunities for improved access to care for Nova Scotians. This success is ours to share, reflecting the leadership of Director of Physician Recruitment Katrina Philopoulos and tireless efforts of the Physician Recruitment team, the passion of physicians and communities, and the exceptional power of partnership.
As we celebrate our wins, let's never lose sight of the road ahead, as we continue our work to provide the healthcare and services Nova Scotians deserve. Thank you to everyone who joins us on this journey. We can't do it without you.
Sincerely,
Nicole
| | One Person One Record (OPOR) Program Updates | | |
OPOR updates at a glance:
Note: Active network credentials for Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health are required to access links above and below, unless otherwise indicated. More information beneath.
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With the clinical information system (CIS) now live across Nova Scotia Health’s Central Zone and select provincial Mental Health and Additions Program (MHAP) services, we have marked a major milestone in the province’s healthcare transformation journey.
Wave Two physicians are encouraged to visit the OPOR Hub regularly for the latest Tip Sheets, Job Aids and Change Notifications to support your use of the new system.
Wave Three
Wave Three of the CIS implementation will take place on Saturday, November 14 for Eastern, Northern and Western Zones.
We know many teams across these Zones are eager to begin preparing for the CIS. Although training registration is not yet open for Wave Three, now is a great time to become familiar with OPOR resources and learn more about the CIS.
Not sure where to start? Visit the OPOR Hub and explore the following pages (NSH login required for all):
Information about Wave Three training and readiness activities will be shared in the coming weeks. Thank you for your patience and enthusiasm as we prepare for this next phase of implementation. More details coming soon!
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Spotlight: Dr. Maria Alexiadis
When Halifax-based clinician Dr. Maria Alexiadis recently noticed that a patient had missed a scheduled appointment, she prepared to take her usual next steps of documenting the no-show.
As she opened the patient’s chart, she saw something she would not have been able to see in Nova Scotia Health’s previous systems: a real-time update showing the patient was in the emergency department being assessed after falling from a ladder.
"Right away, I was able to see where my patient was and that they were getting the health care they needed at that time," she says, sharing that it allowed her to plan how she would reconnect with them.
Read more (no NSH login required).
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Change Notification & Job Aid: Addition of Synonyms for DI Orders
Outbound messages from the CIS to Novari have been updated to include the DCP (secondary code) synonym, also known as the “Ordered As” value for diagnostic imaging (DI) and interventional radiology (IR) orders.
The Change Notification and accompanying Job Aid provide further details and instructions.
Note: Active network credentials for Nova Scotia Health or IWK Health are required to access links above, unless otherwise indicated.
| Ebola Disease Outbreak Update | |
Dr. Robert Strang issued this memo on May 28 with information for healthcare professionals on the current Ebola outbreak with two actions:
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Continue to routinely obtain travel and immunization histories from people presenting with acute respiratory and gastrointestinal illness.
- Immediately report to Public Health (in accordance with the Health Protection Act: It's the Law) any patients who are ill and have recently (within the past 21 days) been in the current Ebola affected countries. Reporting should be completed by calling the regional Medical Officer of Health through QEII locating at 902-473-2222/2220.
The Emerging & Re-emerging Infections Network is working with key system stakeholders to review and update organizational Viral Hemorrhagic Fever response plans. Working groups will be established to ensure system coordination. The ERIN HUB has been updated to include Viral Hemorrhagic Fever guidance documents.
| | Insulin Pump Education Day: Summary | | |
Healthcare providers from across Nova Scotia gathered earlier this Spring for the 2026 Insulin Pump Education Day. The event welcomed 60 physicians, dietitians, nurses and nurse practitioners for a full day of learning, networking, and discussion focused on insulin pump therapy.
Highlights included the continued growth of the Nova Scotia Insulin Pump Program (NSIPP), practical strategies to support self-management, insights on exercise and insulin pump therapy from keynote speaker Dr. Michael Riddell, celebrations of increased insulin dose adjustment certification across the province, and clinician-led breakout sessions focused on key patient populations.
Read the Insulin Pump Education Day 2026 Summary to learn more.
| | Help Shape 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care in Nova Scotia: Survey | | |
prideHealth invites Nova Scotia Health-affiliated primary care providers (including physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants) to complete a short (~15 min) survey on 2SLGBTQIA+ affirming care.
Click here to complete the survey
This quality improvement initiative aims to better understand where and how affirming care is currently being provided, identify gaps in services and education, and strengthen connections between patients and appropriate providers across the province.
Your input is essential to advancing safe, coordinated and culturally appropriate care for 2SLGBTQIA+ patients in Nova Scotia. All responses are confidential. Individual provider information will not be shared publicly and will only be used in aggregate to inform system improvements.
For questions, contact pridehealth@nshealth.ca.
June is Pride Month in Nova Scotia and kicks off Pride season in Canada (June to September).
| | Earn Up to 4.25 Mainpro+ Credits: 2026 Quality Summits – Tickets Still Available | | |
Physician tickets are still available for 2026 Quality Summits in Western Zone and Northern Zone!
Quality Summits are held annually across the province, bringing together employees, physicians, and patient and family advisors to celebrate, inspire and learn from one another. These events showcase innovative quality improvement and patient safety initiatives that are making a meaningful difference in care.
Register Now!
Each attendee may register for one ticket only. Group or bulk reservations will not be permitted. Please use the code "DOCTOR” when registering.
Tickets are first come, first served. If you reserve a ticket and cannot attend, please cancel it as soon as possible. To cancel your Eventbrite ticket, log in, go to Tickets, select your order, and click “Cancel Order.” These are popular events, and timely cancellations ensure that others have the opportunity to attend. Please be sure to sign up for the waitlist if you are unable to get a ticket!
Earn CME Credits
This activity meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education for up to 4.25 Mainpro+® Certified Activity credits.
Questions?
Please contact your zone lead:
| Eastern Zone Quality Summit Highlights: June 3 | | |
The Eastern Zone Quality Summit demonstrated quality improvement in action, as physicians, staff, and patient and family advisors took part in an inspiring day of learning, collaboration and celebration. Thank you to everyone who joined us to share and learn about innovative projects and initiatives aimed at improving patient care, enhancing clinical processes, strengthening partnerships, and advancing the patient and family experience.
Congratulations to this year's award winners in Eastern Zone:
🏆 Top Oral Presentation – Enhancing Cancer Care Access and Outcomes: The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic Initiative in NSH-EZ (ODAC) – Presenter: Dr. Graydon Lucas
🏆 Top Poster Presentation – EZ QI: Staying Out of the Rough – Driving Safety by Keeping Sharps Off the Course – Presenters: Mary MacInnis and Cheri VandenHeuvel
🏆 People's Choice Award – Enhancing Cancer Care Access and Outcomes: The Oncology Diagnostic Assessment Clinic Initiative in NSH-EZ (ODAC) – Presenter: Dr. Graydon Lucas
There are still spots available to physicians for upcoming Quality Summits. More information is above this post.
| | Dr. Michelle Matthews Follows an Impressive Lineage of Indigenous Healthcare Trailblazers | | |
From listening to stories of healthcare trailblazers in Eskasoni as a child, to becoming one of Nova Scotia’s Mi’kmaq physicians, Dr. Michelle Matthews’ journey to medicine is a story of perseverance, community and a deep commitment to culturally safe care.
Now practising in the Annapolis Valley and serving patients at Glooscap First Nation and Annapolis Valley First Nation, Michelle is helping shape a more inclusive healthcare system while inspiring the next generation of Indigenous healthcare professionals.
Read her story and learn how a lifelong dream, generations of healers and a return to community led her home.
June is National Indigenous History Month in Canada.
| | Leading the Way: An Interview with Dr. Dosanjh (Pt. 2) | |
This podcast from the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders (CSPL) features family physician and past president of the Federation of Medical Women of Canada, Dr. Ramneek Dosanjh.
Tune into this episode to hear Dr. Dosanjh's reflections on common goals, equity and the wellness tips she's learned on her leadership journey. Listen here.
This podcast is a continuation of CSPL's conversation with Dr. Ramneek. Listen to Part 1 to hear her reflections on leadership and the power of mentorship.
| | Physician Learning Opportunities | | |
Physician Leadership Development Program - Doctors Nova Scotia
Doctors Nova Scotia is accepting applications for their Physician Leadership Development Program (PLDP).
The PLDP equips physicians with the skills they need to become effective, collaborative healthcare leaders. The program was developed specifically to meet the needs of Nova Scotia physicians and reflects the diversity of the populations we serve.
There are 24 seats available in the program, which runs from September 2026 to April 2027. Time commitment includes an orientation session, six in-person training modules, a collaborative physician learning project and six individual coaching sessions. More information, including a list of session dates and costs, can be found here.
Doctors Nova Scotia is committed to supporting the development of diverse leaders and doing its part to address challenges inherent to traditional leadership pipelines. Applicants from equity-deserving populations are welcomed and encouraged to apply.
Deadline to apply is June 12. Apply now.
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CMPA Managing Unprofessional Behaviour 1: Core Skills for Healthcare Leaders
The increased pressures of clinical practice today have significantly impacted physicians and other healthcare professionals. To help you enhance your skills in managing behavioural challenges within your healthcare teams, CMPA offers a series of accredited, virtual learning opportunities.
This workshop, designed for leaders and aspiring leaders, will cover core skills for managing unprofessional behaviour. Upon completion, interested members can deepen their knowledge and skills with "Managing Unprofessional Behaviour 2: Advanced Skills for Healthcare Leaders."
🗓 Date: June 25, 2026
🕚 Time: 1:00 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
💻 Location: Virtual
Learn more about key elements of the program, topics covered and learning objectives.
Register here.
This activity meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been approved for up to 3.75 Mainpro+ Certified Assessment Activity credits.
This activity is an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and approved by CMPA. You may claim a maximum of 3.75 hours (credits are automatically calculated).
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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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