As we close out another remarkable year, we want to reflect on our achievements in physician recruitment to Nova Scotia Health. This year has been defined by innovation, collaboration, and a shared commitment to engaging top talent and improving patient care.

Recently, our targeted campaigns to United States, particularly digital marketing initiatives in partnership with People Services, have made a significant impact. By working together, we’ve engaged potential hires in meaningful ways, driving interest and building relationships that set us apart. These campaigns have amplified our presence in key markets and strengthened our recruitment strategies for the coming year.

A highlight of our year has been the focus on resident engagement. Our team has hosted multiple resident events which has been key in connecting with emerging talent. These face-to-face opportunities have not only helped us build rapport but also positioned us as a top-of-mind choice for residents planning their careers. Every year our team adds a little more to our efforts to engage this important group of recruits and I hope they feel our progress the most.

Our efforts to bolster primary care have been exceptional. A key metric of success is the number of Family Medicine hires secured this year compared to last. Since April 1, 2024, 76 Family Medicine physicians have started, representing a significant 90% increase over the same period last year.

The growth is significant and underscores the impact of our strategic focus. Every hire contributes directly to improving patient attachment, ensuring more individuals and families have access to consistent, high-quality care.

I want to take a moment to sincerely thank all of our partners and team members who work so hard on physician recruitment and retention across our province. From community navigators and committees to medical departments, physician leaders, recruiters, marketing teams, and, of course, the physicians themselves—everyone plays a critical role in this effort.

Your work is invaluable, whether it is organizing site visits, making sure physicians feel welcomed, or helping them settle into their new communities. The time and energy you put into coordinating details, answering questions, and building a sense of connection make a real difference in attracting and keeping healthcare professionals who are so important to the care we provide.

Physican recruitment truly is a team effort, and I’m incredibly grateful for the dedication, expertise, and heart each of you brings to this process. By working together, we’re creating a supportive environment for new physicians and helping our communities stay strong and healthy.

As we look ahead, our successes and teamwork serve as a foundation for continued growth and innovation in recruitment. Thank you to everyone who played a part in this year’s achievements. Together, we’re making a difference—one physician, one patient, one community at a time.

Here’s to an even brighter 2025!

Sincerely,

Nicole

A total of 205 physicians have started practicing in Nova Scotia during the current fiscal year*, filling 214 positions (76 in Family Medicine and 138 in specialist roles). Of these, 17 physicians began at the IWK. This reflects a 54% year-to-date increase compared to the same period last year.

There has been a net gain of 171 physicians.

Additionally, we anticipate that 44 more physicians will

start practicing in Nova Scotia before March 31, 2025.

We have conducted 164 site visits (90 for Family Medicine and 74 for Specialists), with 31 more scheduled and additional visits anticipated. This is more than double the number of visits conducted during the same period last year.

* Year-to-date figures reflect the current fiscal year (April to November 2024).

This month, the Physician Recruitment team gathered to share insights and discuss best practices for attracting physicians to practice in Nova Scotia. The team focused on advancing the physician recruitment strategy, addressing the unique needs of the province, and ensuring a smooth transition for physicians joining the healthcare system. Through collaborative discussions, they aim to continue strengthening Nova Scotia’s healthcare workforce and provide comprehensive care to communities across the province.

Deanna Miller, Physician Recruitment Consultant for Eastern Zone

Deanna was born and raised in Glace Bay, Nova Scotia. She briefly lived in Alberta but returned home in 2010 to start a family.

Deanna worked with the Human Resources (HR) department at Marine Atlantic for 10 years, holding various roles, including Occupational Health Coordinator, HR Coordinator, and Recruiter. She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in Strategic Human Resource Management from Mount Saint Vincent University.

Currently, Deanna resides in Glace Bay. She is married and has a daughter and two stepdaughters. Her hobbies include taking her daughters to and from their extracurricular activities, watching reality TV, reading, and staying active.

Erin Parrot, Talent Acquisition Specialist



With over nine years of experience in talent acquisition, Erin has established herself as a dedicated senior recruiter and team lead, specializing in the healthcare sector for the past eight years. In her most recent role, Erin played a crucial part in hiring physicians and healthcare providers for several government clients, including the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Correctional Service Canada (CSC), and the Department of National Defense (DND).

Before embarking on her recruiting career, Erin honed her skills at Nova Scotia Health from 2008 to 2014, working at the Halifax Infirmary. This foundational experience laid the groundwork for her expertise in healthcare recruitment. After relocating to Ottawa, she continued to develop her diverse recruiting background over the last decade, navigating the complexities of talent acquisition in various healthcare settings.

A proud graduate of Saint Mary’s University, Erin combines her educational background with practical experience to connect organizations with top talent. Recently, she returned to her roots in Halifax with her husband and two young children, where she looks forward to contributing her expertise to Nova Scotia Health. Erin's passion for recruitment and commitment to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers are her top priority.

Kenneth MacIntyre, Talent Acquisition Specialist



Early in his HR journey, Ken discovered his passion for recruitment, helping candidates and clients succeed by finding the right fit. Ken has since accumulated more than six years of experience in recruiting roles within the public sector, working with the Nova Scotia Public Service Commission and the Nova Scotia Health People Services team.  

Outside of work, Ken enjoys playing softball, discovering new spots to walk his dog, and exploring the stunning landscapes of our province. He’s also a fan of coffee and always up for a good conversation. 

Other Team Updates and New Roles



Elizabeth Fraser, former Eastern Zone Physician Recruitment Consultant, has moved into a newly created role on the team, Physician Recruitment Consultant, Primary Care Locum and Short-term appointments. Her areas of focus will now cover Family Medicine, Hospitalists and Emergency Medicine recruiting for locum and short-term roles across the province in collaboration with her Zone counterparts. Deanna and Elizabeth will worked together to ensure a smooth transition and handover.

We welcomed Lisa Andrusyk back from parental leave. Lisa is excited to return to the Physician Recruitment team in a new role as Physician Recruitment Consultant - IMG Specialties, after being off for a year on maternity leave. Outside of work, you can find Lisa spending time in the great outdoors, trying to keep up with her 1-year-old, and exploring every playground in Halifax. Lisa is looking forward to reconnecting with her coworkers, meeting new ones, and catching up on everything she’s missed over the past year!

Pragna Kodali is moving into a new and additional role in the Central Zone as a Physician Recruitment Consultant, focused on Family Medicine, working alongside Heather Rushton. Pragna holds a Bachelor’s in Science from Dalhousie University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Indiana University. With experience living in three countries and a personal connection to Nova Scotia Health, Pragna thrives on connecting with diverse physicians and understanding their unique journeys. Her passion for building relationships and fostering collaboration drives her work as a physician recruitment consultant. She has a special interest in healthcare policy and is dedicated to enhancing the health care delivery in the province. Outside of work, Pragna enjoys traveling and exploring new cultures.

A warm welcome to Deanna as well as congratulations to Liz, Lisa and Pragna on their new roles!

Western Zone MD Recruitment & Retention Leads

~Shared on behalf of Dr. Cheryl Pugh, Western Zone Medical Executive Director and Katrina Philopoulos, Director, Physician Recruitment

Dear Colleagues,

As everyone is aware, a recent Expression of Interest for 3 MD Recruitment & Retention Leads was shared. These 3 positions were designed and posted in response to Dr. Dow’s transition out of the role and into the Family Medicine Department Head position earlier this year. Rather than post for one position to represent the whole zone, the FTE was equally split to ensure representation in each specific geographic pocket of Western Zone (South Shore, Valley and Southwest).

There was tremendous interest in these roles and after reviewing skills and interviewing candidates, I’m thrilled to share with you the following successful candidates for the Western Zone MD Recruitment and Retention Lead roles:

• Dr. Brian Moses for the Southwest region
• Dr. Alison Freeman for the South Shore region
• Dr. Marni Goodman for the Valley region

Congratulations to Brian, Alison and Marni and we look forward to working with them to increase our focused physician recruitment efforts!

The below bios have been prepared for the group to further introduce those entering the role.

Dr. Brian Moses is a general internist with a special interest in nephrology, stroke, and cardiovascular disease, with a particular focus on diabetes and other cardiovascular risk factors, obesity, thrombosis, and atrial fibrillation. 

He completed his medical degree at Dalhousie in 2004, followed by his specialty training in General Internal Medicine, also at Dal, which he completed in 2008.

He set up his practice in his hometown of Yarmouth, Nova Scotia immediately after completing his training. 

He currently serves as the Department Head of Internal Medicine for the Western Zone of the Nova Scotia Health Authority and is the immediate past Governor for the Atlantic Chapter of the American College of Physicians. He also serves as the site director for the GIM fellowship program for Dalhousie University at the Yarmouth site.

Dr. Marni Goodman has enjoyed her 21-year career as a broad-scope family physician in Kentville and surrounding communities.



She has a family practice in Kentville, works as a Hospitalist at Valley Regional Hospital, and cares for patients who live at Kings Regional Rehabilitation Centre.

In addition, Dr. Goodman teaches third year Dalhousie Med students during their clerkship in Family Medicine. 

Dr. Goodman has been the Family Practice Network Lead for Kings and Annapolis Counties for almost a decade and has been part of the Physicians' Philanthropic Fund committee for 18 years.

Outside of her career, Marni has been raising 3 children, and performs in community theatre. She loves travelling, waterfalls, and creating art, and outdoor activities as long as it's with good company

Dr. Alison Freeman is a lifelong Nova Scotian at heart. Her career has spanned continents and communities. After growing up in rural Nova Scotia, she earned her undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University and a medical degree in Australia. She then returned to Canada to complete family medicine training in Victoria, BC.

Her commitment to rural healthcare then led her to the Yukon, where she practiced for 8 years in communities all over the territory. During her tenure there, she had the honour of being elected President of the Yukon Medical Association for 2 years and a member of the Yukon Medical Council for 3 years.

In 2021, Alison returned home to Nova Scotia - first as a hospitalist practicing at St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish, and now as a family physician in Liverpool at Queens General Hospital, where she combines community and in-patient care. Gratified to be living back in her home province with her husband Justin and their children Molly and James, Alison is passionate about showcasing Nova Scotia - and the South Shore in particular - as an ideal destination for physicians seeking a rewarding career and a rich quality of life.

Meet Dr. Muhammad Soofi, one of five new hospitalists at Saint Martha’s Regional Hospital

Dr. Muhammad Soofi is one of these new hospitalists and has been warmly welcomed by the SMRH team and Antigonish community.

Born in Karachi, one of Pakistan’s largest and most dynamic cities, Dr. Soofi began his medical education at Dow Medical College.

"I always knew I wanted to be a doctor," he shares. "Growing up, my mother had coronary artery disease and spent a lot of time in hospitals. Seeing her struggle and the care she received inspired me to choose this path—I wanted to help others the way my mother was helped."

Learn more about Dr. Soofi here.

Supporting Family Physicians Through Practice Transitions with the TIP-TOP Program

Taking over a family practice can be a challenging task for physicians. It comes with a large number of patients who have varying needs, and some with complex medical histories that go back decades. It takes time to learn patient history and get your bearings in a new role.  

The Transitioning into Practice, Transitioning Out of Practice (TIP-TOP) program is designed to help doctors who find themselves taking over an existing family practice. The program allows the new physician and the retiring physician to overlap their practice for up to two years. This gives the retiring physician the time to pass on knowledge and help the new physician build skills to ensure that patients get continuity of care. Stable funding is provided to both the incoming physician and retiring physician for the period of overlap. 

With help from the TIP-TOP program, the Bedford Waterfront Health Clinic recently said farewell to their longtime physician, Dr. Kathy Gallagher as she moved on to retirement. But her patients had no gap in care as the clinic welcomed Dr. Allison Verge, who has taken over Dr. Gallagher’s practice. 

Learn more about Drs. Gallagher and Verge and TIP-TOP here.

From Iran to Cape Breton: Welcoming dermatologist Dr. Sara Rahsepar and celebrating specialty recruitment successes in Cape Breton

Dr. Sara Rahsepar’s journey to becoming a practicing dermatologist in Cape Breton was an extensive one. After completing her medical education and dermatology residency at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Iran, she worked as a general practitioner for two years to fulfill the mandatory service required in Iran before qualifying for the specialty exam. Following her success in the exam, she completed a dermatology residency.

In total, her training spanned more than 15 years. After working as a dermatologist in Iran, she decided to immigrate to Canada. Once here, Dr. Rahsepar worked under the supervision of a family physician in Toronto while completing the necessary exams for her Canadian medical licensure. This past May, she began practicing dermatology in Sydney, Cape Breton, where she now serves the local community.

Dermatology has always been her passion. In Iran, medical specialties are selected through a competitive exam, and Dr. Rahsepar knew she wanted to be a dermatologist.

With only 11 spots available nationwide, her determination was strong. "If I hadn’t gotten in, I would have tried again and again. That’s how much I love dermatology."

Learn more about Dr. Rahsepar here.

Meet Dr. Yasmin Sadri and Dr. Nima Fomani: A dynamic medical duo in Nova Scotia

Dr. Yasmin Sadri and Dr. Nima Fomani are making significant strides in the medical community, bringing their unique backgrounds and shared passions to the forefront of healthcare. Both originally from Iran, their journey has been one of dedication, a commitment to patient care, and love.

Drs. Sadri and Fomani both began their medical journeys at the Iran University of Medical Sciences. Though they were classmates for seven and a half years, their romance didn’t blossom until after graduation. Their shared experiences in medical school laid a strong foundation for both their personal and professional lives.

Dr. Sadri graduated in 2016 and initially served as a general physician in an emergency department in a rural, underserved area. After a year and a half, she shifted her focus to primary care and aesthetics in a clinic setting. Dr. Fomani also completed his medical education in Iran, specializing in family and emergency medicine.

Learn more about Drs. Sadri and Fomani here.

CaSPR Ireland

These photos were taken at an event held in October for medical students studying in Ireland. This event provided an excellent opportunity to connect with Canadian students pursuing medicine in Ireland (featured in the photos) and to showcase residency and practice opportunities available to them through our licensure pathways. 

Fredericton Resident Dinner

Dr. Janneke Gradstein and Andrew Steele-Moore, Physician Recruitment Consultant for Medical Learners, hosted a dinner with Dalhousie Family Medicine Residents training at the Fredericton site. The evening provided a great opportunity to discuss practice opportunities in Nova Scotia. 

PEI Family Medicine Residents

Andrew hosted a dinner with Dalhousie Family Medicine Residents training at the PEI site to discuss practice opportunities in Nova Scotia.

Sherbrooke Medical Students

Andrew hosted a dinner with Nova Scotia students studying medicine at Université de Sherbrooke’s Moncton campus. The event celebrated their accomplishments and welcomed new students on behalf of Nova Scotia Health.  

UOttawa Family Medicine Resident Job Fair

The University of Ottawa hosted a job fair where 120 Family Medicine Residents met with representatives from various provinces, health authorities, cities, and hospitals to explore post-residency opportunities. Lindsey Mattinson and Dr. Michelle Dow attended the event on behalf of Nova Scotia Health.

Dalhousie Family Medicine Interest Group (FMIG)

Fifteen medical students at various stages of their training spent the weekend in Truro for a packed agenda of activities. The weekend included everything from haunted corn mazes to SIM sessions and procedure skills workshops. Nova Scotia Health Recruitment supported the event by providing lunch on Saturday.

Mini Rural and Remote Conference - Charlottetown, PEI

Ken and Erin, both Talent Acquisition Specialists on the team, along with Dr. Aaron Smith and Patti Smith, Physician Recruitment Consultant from the Western Zone, attended the Mini Rural & Remote Conference in Charlottetown. They had a great time posing for a photo with Martha Marchand from the South Shore Health Services Foundation, as well as Dr. Olaide Odumosu and Dr. Isi Aigbe in the photobooth. A huge congratulations to Dr. Aianna Brossard, DAL FM PGY1 in Antigonish, who won our prize pack!

American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Conference - Philadelphia, USA

The Nova Scotia Health Physician Recruitment team had a fantastic time connecting with physicians at the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) conference in Philadelphia. They met residents who had completed electives at Dalhousie University and were eager to return to practice in Nova Scotia. Some doctors shared that golfing at Cabot Links was on their bucket list, and they explored locum opportunities in Cape Breton to make it happen.

The team also spoke with Canadian physicians training in the U.S. who were excited to learn they were eligible for licensure as American Board-Certified Physicians, making it easier for them to return home. One doctor, who had spent his childhood in Pictou, and another who had a cottage in New Glasgow, were now considering Nova Scotia as a potential retirement destination.

McGIll International Palliative Care Congress - Montreal, Quebec



Dr. Saneea Abboud and Karma Chickoski, Physician Recruitment Consultant, represented Nova Scotia Health at the McGill International Palliative Care Congress from October 16-18, 2024. They are pictured showcasing the beauty of Nova Scotia with an international attendee!

Five practicing physicians in Nova Scotia stopped by our booth.

Wreath-making Workshop - Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia

Several physicians, residents, and community members along with their families participated in a wreath-making workshop on December 1, 2024, sponsored by Nova Scotia Health and the Mid-Valley Region Physician Recruitment and Retention committee.

Dr. Adekunle Bamidele's Site Visit

It was a pleasure meeting Dr. Bamidele and his wonderful wife, Mujidat.

Dr. Maryam Pakfetrat's Site Visit

We were thrilled to host Dr. Maryam Pakfetrat in Truro, and she loved her visit! Her positivity was infectious, and she has already established connections within the Iranian community.

Dr. Pakfetrat completed her training as an Internal Medicine specialist (Nephrologist) in Iran before moving to Toronto. She has two adult children: her son is studying Health Sciences at the University of Toronto, and her daughter, set to graduate high school in June, has been accepted to the University of Waterloo for September. Her husband is a practicing cardiologist in Iran.

Nova Scotia Health continues to target strategic recruitment efforts at physician events, medical conferences, and host new and innovative opportunities to connect with physicians interested in practising in our province.

If you have an event you think we ought to attend, please reply to this newsletter. If you are interested in accompanying recruiters to these kinds of events, we bring a physician along whenever we can. Please let us know!

• September 19-21, 2024: The International Conference on Residency Education - Ottawa, ON
• September 20-21, 2024: Family Medicine Resident Education Weekend - Dalhousie Residents - Halifax, NS
• September 21-24, 2024: Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Winnipeg, MB
• September 24-28, 2024: Family Medicine Experience - Phoenix, AZ
• September 29 - October 2, 2024: American College of Emergency Physicians - Las Vegas, NV
• October 1-2, 2024: Acute and General Medicine - London, UK
• October 2, 2024: Queen’s University Career Fair - Kingston, ON
• October 16-18, 2024: McGill International Palliative Care Congress - Montreal, QC
• October 16-19, 2024: Canadian Society of Internal Medicine - Hamilton, ON
• October 19, 2024: International Career/Repatriation Expo - Dublin, IE
• October 20, 2024: International Career/Repatriation Expo - Manchester, UK
• October 25, 2024: uOttawa Family Medicine Job Fair - Ottawa, ON
• November 6-9, 2024: Family Medicine Forum - Vancouver, BC
• October 9-11, 2024: Resident Visit with Foundation - Guysborough, NS
• Oct 18-22, 2024, American Society of Anesthesiology Annual Meeting 2024, in Philadelphia, PA
• November 14-16, 2024: Canadian Society of Addictions Medicine - Hamilton, ON
• November 21-23, 2024: EM Cases Summit - Virtual
• November 29 - December 1, 2024: Mini Rural and Remote - Charlottetown, PEI
• December 10, 2024: Family Medicine Webinars- Virtual
• December 11, 2024: Hospitalist Webinars– Virtual  
• December 12: Emergency Medicine Webinars – Virtual  
• January 22-24, 2025: Rural Surgical Skills - Banff, AB
• February 26, 2025: Best in Practice Conference - London, UK

Are you an experienced physician who is interested in a rewarding mentoring opportunity? Step into a role as a Defined License Supervisor! 

As a Defined License Supervisor, you'll guide physicians in training towards independent practice over a flexible six-month period (with potential for extension). 

Why Apply? 

• Earn $6000 for approximately 40 hours of supervision. 
• Flexible role – share supervision with another physician or switch supervisors if needed. 
• Supervise activities include review of patient records, observation of direct or indirect patient care procedures, and review of the supervised physician’s continuing professional development plan 

80% of physicians on a defined license are independent after six months. Learn more about how you can become a supervisor here.

 Express your interest by contacting physicianrecruit@nshealth.ca.

Physician involvement is crucial to the success of recruitment. If you are interested in participating in any of the following opportunities, just reply to this email.

There are many ways you can be involved:

• Sign up to be a physician ambassador and to attend recruitment events
• Suggest recruitment events that we should attend
• Suggest publications that we can place ads in to reach high needs specialties
• Connect with your local recruitment consultant about hosting events in your area
• Offer to participate in recruitment focus groups