Every Physician Recruitment Newsletter, I have the privilege of sharing the incredible work happening across our Physician Recruitment team. Our success is made possible by the dedicated support of local physicians, departments, and physician leaders, who go above and beyond to assist with recruitment efforts.

Whether they are traveling with us to conferences, welcoming physicians on site visits, or helping new recruits settle into their communities, their contributions are invaluable. And of course, none of this would be possible without our community partners, who work tirelessly to make Nova Scotia a welcoming and supportive place for physicians and their families.

I’m pleased to share that our recruitment efforts are making an impact. So far this fiscal year, 245 positions* —85 in Family Medicine and 160 in Specialist roles—by have been filled by 234 physicians, including 18 at the IWK. This marks a 53% increase from last year, a reflection of the dedication, teamwork, and commitment of everyone involved in physician recruitment.

These numbers translate to a net gain of 189 physicians**, and we’re expecting to welcome 24 more by March 31, 2025, with another 73 set to join us in the next fiscal year. This growth not only highlights our recruitment success but also reinforces that we are all contributing to making Nova Scotia a welcoming and rewarding place to practice medicine, as well as a province that continues to attract physicians to our communities. You can view the full report here.

That said, recruitment is just the first step. Our real goal is to ensure physicians feel supported and set up for long-term success. That’s why I’m especially excited about the addition of our new Onboarding Consultants, Jamie Dawson and Alana Rondeau. In the coming weeks, a new consultant for Eastern Zone will also be joining the team. Lisa Bedford, Manager of Physician Support Services, leads this team, ensuring newly recruited physicians receive the guidance, resources, and community connections they need to thrive in their practices, healthcare teams, and local communities.

At the heart of all of this is our commitment to supporting physicians—before, during, and after recruitment. We want every physician who chooses Nova Scotia to feel welcomed, valued, and fully supported in their career and community.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership!

Sincerely,

Nicole

* Year-to-date figures reflect the current fiscal year (April 2024 to January 2025).

**Net impact is calculated by taking the difference between start positions and departures, excluding change of scope of practice and relocation within Nova Scotia.

CBC Nova Scotia recently sat down with Dr.

Dr. Bernard Burgesson, an orthopedic surgeon who studied at Dalhousie University before leaving the province to complete a fellowship at Harvard University in Boston.

He has returned home to pave the way in Orthopedic Surgery for other physicians of diverse backgrounds.

Click the link below to review this excellent profile story:

What brought this orthopedic surgeon back home | CBC.ca

Photo and story credit: CBC Nova Scotia

Physician recruitment is often described as a marathon, not a sprint—and retention is just as important to building a strong healthcare community.

Attracting and retaining top medical talent requires ongoing effort, relationship-building, and meaningful engagement. From international conferences to community events, networking lunches, and site visits, we are continually connecting with physicians to showcase the many benefits of living and working in our region.

The Site Visit Program offers physicians (and one guest) the opportunity to visit communities and potential practice sites in Nova Scotia to further explore their practice options. From April 2024 to January 2025, we have conducted 204 site visits to date—114 for Family Medicine and 90 for Specialists.

With 24 more site visits scheduled before the fiscal year concludes, we are excited about the continued growth and the opportunity to welcome even more talented physicians to our medical community.

Beyond recruitment, we are also focused is on integration and long-term support, ensuring that new physicians feel welcomed, valued, and set up for success in both their professional and personal lives.

Dr. Nasrullah Gruman Khan Visits Aberdeen Hospital

Dr. Nasrullah Gruman Khan and his wife, Farzana, recently visited New Glasgow, where Dr. Khan had the opportunity to explore Aberdeen Hospital and learn more about its Internal Medicine department. During their visit, they met with healthcare professionals, toured the facility, and gained insights into the hospital’s services and community support.

This visit provided a valuable opportunity to experience the local medical environment firsthand and engage with colleagues.

Welcoming Dr. Smylie to Nova Scotia!

Physician Onboarding Consultant Jamie Dawson recently met with Dr. David Smylie and his wife Nicola for a coffee and chat in Dartmouth. Dr. Smylie, a Family Physician, arrived in Nova Scotia from New Zealand in mid-January and is due to start practicing in Eastern Passage in March.

He is enjoying getting to know his new surroundings, although the difference in temperature from warm New Zealand to cold Nova Scotia has been a shock! He is really looking forward to starting to practice and to meet his new patients. 

The Physician Onboarding Consultant role has only recently been created and its purpose is to support physicians recruited to Nova Scotia from the point they accept an offer to work in the province, right through to the end of their first year of practice. The Consultants cover all Zones and work with both Family and Specialty Physicians. 

 We welcome Dr. Smylie and his family to Nova Scotia.

Connecting and Learning at the Rural Surgical Skills Conference

Physician Recruitment Consultant Sarah-Marie O’Toole attended the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada – Rural Surgical Skills Conference, where she had the chance to connect with Dr. Precious Uzoh, family medicine physician in Eastern Zone. Dr. Uzoh was keen to enhance her procedural skills for ‘lumps and bumps’ to provide excellent care to Glace Bay patients. 

South Shore Physicians Connect at Casino Night

At the end of January, a Casino Night was held in Bridgewater, organized by Martha Marchand, Community Health Navigator for the South Shore. The event provided an opportunity for physicians from across the region to network, reconnect with colleagues, and strengthen professional relationships in a relaxed and engaging setting.

Part of an ongoing series of community support initiatives, this gathering was designed to foster a sense of connection among both new and established doctors in the area. Despite the cold weather, the event saw an excellent turnout.

A special thank you to Martha for her efforts in organizing another successful and memorable event.

Pictured left-to-right: Jamie Dawson (Physician Onboarding Consultant), Dr. Alison Freeman (MD Recruitment & Retention Lead), Patti Smith (Physician Recruitment Consultant), Martha Marchand (Community Health Navigator)

Celebrating the Truro Winter Long John Festival

As part of the Truro Winter Long John Festival, members of the Colchester East Hants Medical Staff and their families—dressed in their PJs and long johns—gathered for a fun-filled evening at a Truro Junior A Bearcats hockey game in Pye’s Skybox.

This event was made possible through the Office Healthcare Professional Recruitment (OHPR) community grant funds, in partnership with the Truro and Area Recruitment and Retention Committee, the Truro Colchester Partnership for Economic Prosperity (TCPEP), and the Truro Junior A Bearcats hockey club.

Welcoming Dr. Doug Nichols & Dr. Mark Walsh on Their Site Visit to Nova Scotia

We were thrilled to host Dr. Doug Nichols and Dr. Mark Walsh, Primary Care physicians from Wales and England, who are longtime friends from medical school and are now looking to relocate to Nova Scotia.

During their visit, they toured clinics in Halifax and Dartmouth with Talent Acquisition Specialist Erin Parrot and even got to enjoy their first taste of Cows ice cream!

The group then had a fantastic day touring clinics in Bridgewater and connecting with local family physicians Dr. Andrew Bray and Dr. Asha Dawson. It was a pleasure showcasing all that Nova Scotia has to offer.

Pictured: Dr. Andrew Bray, Dr. Mark Walsh, Dr. Doug Nichols, Dr. Asha Dawson, Dr. Ali Freeman, Patti Smith (Physician Recruitment Consultant), and Margo Walsh Leaman (South Shore Primary Health Care Manager).

From Scotland to New Scotland



Dr. Sandy Cavaghan and his 16-year-old daughter, Susie, visited from Edinburgh, Scotland. Dr. Cavaghan is a General Practitioner (GP) with a special interest in Emergency Medicine, and his wife is also an office-based GP. They have another daughter who is 9.

During their trip, they explored New Glasgow, Truro, Shubenacadie, and Halifax. This photo was taken at the Rath Eastlink Community Centre (RECC) in Truro!

Making Connections in Northern Zone

Dr. Mehrdad Modarresi travelled from Toronto for a site visit to the Northern Zone as part of his Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program in Emergency Medicine. Dr. Obidiegwu Ogu-Jude, the newest Family Physician in Amherst who joined through the PRA program in September, was eager to contribute when he heard about the visit. It was great to have him involved! And, of course, Dr. Janneke Gradstein, MD Lead for Amherst, was also present.

Group Photo (Left to Right): Dr. Modarresi, Dr. Ogu-jude, Dr. Gradstein.

Dalhousie Ophthalmology Residents Presentation & a Birthday Celebration

Physician Recruitment Consultants Isha and Andrew delivered a presentation and had lunch with Dalhousie Ophthalmology residents.

The group primarily consisted of Central Zone (CZ) residents, with the exception of Dr. Kevin Hodgson, who is completing a visiting elective.

Coincidentally, the presentation took place on Dr. Neetin Prabhu’s birthday! To celebrate, his colleagues surprised him with cake and decorations.

Group Photo (Left to Right): Standing: Dr. Ashley Whelan, Dr. Alex Dean, Dr. Isra Hussein, Dr. Kevin Hodgson. Seated: Dr. Neetin Prabhu, Dr. Freddy Lee

Lunch with Annapolis Valley Family Medicine Residents

The Annapolis Valley Family Medicine residents wrapped up the year with a Festive Feast Lunch hosted by the recruitment team. Held during an academic day at their training facility in Kentville, the meal was the perfect way to kick off the holiday break.

Celebrating Resident Appreciation Week 2025

During Resident Appreciation Week (Feb 10-14) we recognized the hard work and dedication of our resident physicians, who balance rigorous training while providing exceptional patient care.

Meet some of our incredible residents:

• Dr. Kristin Ko (Anesthesiology, PGY-2) – Initially drawn to neurology and family medicine, she discovered her passion for anesthesiology during a second-year elective. Read more
• Dr. Freddy Lee (Ophthalmology, PGY-2) – Inspired by the impact of vision care, he loves the mix of medicine, surgery, and innovation within the specialty. Read more
• Dr. Maya Venkataraman (Family Medicine, PGY-1) – She values the variety and fulfillment of working with patients of all ages. Read more
• Dr. Adele Orovec (General Surgery, PGY-3) – A former athlete, her journey into medicine was shaped by personal experience, leading her to prioritize empathy in patient care. Read more

Follow Us on Instagram!

Did you know we have an Instagram page dedicated to medical learners? Follow us at @morethanmedicine_learners

While recruitment happens year-round, spring is one of the busiest seasons for our physician recruitment team! Our Physician Recruitment Consultants are preparing to attend key medical conferences and building connections with medical learners and physicians looking for their next opportunity.

We’re not just showing up to these events—we’re making an impact. We’re meeting physicians where they are, sharing the incredible career and lifestyle opportunities in our province, and exploring new and innovative ways to spark interest in practising here. From major conference events to one-on-one meetings and local networking opportunities, we’re excited for a productive spring.

If you know of a conference or event we should be at, let us know. We’re always looking for new ways to grow our reach and connect with future physicians!

• April 3-6, 2025: International Conference Academic Medicine – Halifax, NS
• April 3-6, 2025: Canadian Association of Radiologists Annual Scientific Meeting – Montreal, QC
• April 3 -5, 2025: American College of Physicians, Internal Medicine – New Orleans, LA
• April 9-11, 2025: Emergency Medicine Update – Toronto, ON
• April 9-11, 2025: British Geriatric Society Spring Conference – Belfast, IE
• April 13 – 15, 2025: CaSPR – Recruiters Education Conference – Ottawa, ON
• April 22 -24, 2025: Society of Hospital Medicine Converge – Las Vegas, NV
• April 24 – 26, 2025: Rural and Remote Conference - Winnipeg, MB
• April 25 -27, 2025: Conference of Atlantic Medical Students – Moncton, NB
• May 7-9, 2025: Pri-Med – Toronto, ON
• May 9-11, 2025: University of Western Ontario Family Medicine Resident Retreat – Grand Bend, ON
• May 16 -21, 2025: American Psychiatric Association – Los Angeles, CA
• May 24 – 28, 2025: International Conference of Emergency Medicine – Montreal, QC
• May 30 -June 1, 2025: American Society of Oncology Career Fair – Chicago, IL
• May 30 – June 1, 2025: Canadian Women in Medicine – Calgary, AB
• June 5-8, 2025: Indigenous Physician Association of Canada – Saskatoon, SK
• June 18 -21, 2025: Canadian Dermatology Association Conference – Halifax, NS
• June 20-22, 2025: Canadian Society of Anesthesiologists – St. John’s, NFLD
• June 23-26, 2025: Royal College of Psychiatrists – Newport, Wales
• June 27-29, 2025: Canadian Urological Association – Ottawa, ON
• October 15 -18, 2025: Canadian Society of Internal Medicine – Halifax, NS
• November 5-7, 2025: Family Medicine Forum – Winnipeg, MB

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!

Dr. Ishraga Awad loves the fact her role with Nova Scotia Health doesn’t just touch individuals, but entire communities. 

The associate regional medical officer of health says practising public health medicine was “a career opportunity that came my way and I ran with it, and I never looked back. I love the fact that public health interventions affect populations rather than individuals, so the chance to help people is multiplied.” 

Dr. Awad and her husband, a family physician, were mid-career when they began to consider where they wanted to spend the rest of their working lives. A visit to Nova Scotia in 2021 sealed the deal. “We were met with such warmth and made to feel like we would be joining a family and a community that was very much reminiscent of home in Sudan. The decision was made for us.” The two moved to Liverpool in 2024.  

Read more about Dr. Awad’s story here. 

This profile is part of African Heritage Month, celebrating the contributions, achievements and impact of Black individuals in healthcare and beyond. Through these stories, we honour the legacy, resilience and excellence of Black professionals who continue to shape and inspire our communities.

Meet Jessica Bouthillier, Physician Recruitment Assistant

Medical Affairs recently welcomed Jessica to the team! As the Physician Recruitment Assistant, she supports the recruitment team by handling administrative tasks, scheduling meetings, preparing documents, and streamlining processes to enhance team efficiency.

Born and raised in Truro, Nova Scotia, Jessica now resides in Debert and loves the rural lifestyle, with the ocean always nearby. She holds an Advanced Diploma in International Business and has extensive experience in process and administration management, procurement, and customer relationship management. Prior to working at Nova Scotia Health, she worked as a Service Coordinator at Source Atlantic and as a Buyer at Stanfields in Truro.

Jessica is passionate about making a difference in Nova Scotia. She finds motivation in contributing to a team that’s addressing the province's critical healthcare needs, including physician recruitment to support families in need of care.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys beach days, spending time at her family cottage in Cape Breton, and traveling with her camper and 1.5-year-old Portuguese Water Dog, Riggs. She is also an avid reader and loves curling up by the fire with a good book.

Amy Langille, who previously held this role, has transitioned to the position of Business Analyst within Medical Affairs. In her new role, she supports physician recruitment financial processes, including site visit submissions, relocation allowances, and other claims and costs related to physician recruitment.

Welcoming Shelley Stoyles, Manager of Physician Recruitment

Medical Affairs is pleased to welcome Shelley to her new role as Manager of Physician Recruitment at Nova Scotia Health.

Born and raised in St. John’s, NL, Shelley earned her degree in Occupational Therapy from Dalhousie University. Over the past 30 years, she has built a diverse career in healthcare, working across all four Atlantic Provinces in both public and private sectors, as well as in industry.

She joined Nova Scotia Health in 2010, beginning in Occupational Health before transitioning into Rehabilitation and Supportive Care. For the past seven years, she has served as Program Manager for Seniors Health, focusing on improving care for older adults, building strong teams, and fostering meaningful partnerships.

Shelley is passionate about delivering high-quality healthcare and driving positive change. She was recently invited by the Quality Department to present on an initiative that engaged long-term care residents in the recruitment of new staff.

Outside of work, Shelley enjoys spending time with her partner, Rob, and their two adult children. She’s also a proud pet owner to her dog Finley, cat Nala, and chestnut quarter horse Sampson.

Shelley will begin her role with the team starting March 3.

Welcome to the team, Shelley! 

We welcome our new physicians to their practices by sharing their photos and bios on our MoreThanMedicine+ social media pages. Follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram to stay up to date! Check out some of our recent posts below.

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