It’s hard to believe it’s already October and our fall recruitment season is in full swing. As we wrap up a busy summer of recruitment activities, we’re gearing up for an equally busy fall, marked by extensive travel to conferences, events throughout the province, and continued collaboration with our partners.

We are thrilled to introduce our new Physician Recruitment Strategy (2024 – 2027), a comprehensive plan designed to attract and retain top medical talent. This strategy builds on:

• Our recruitment successes to date: Showcasing our past achievements in attracting skilled physicians to our team.
• An evidence-based approach: Demonstrating our commitment to continuous improvement, grounded in proven data and practices.
• Ongoing efforts to improve recruitment outcomes: Highlighting initiatives currently in place to strengthen our recruitment results.
• Concrete plans for the future: Outlining actionable strategies to identify, recruit, and retain more physicians in the coming years.

Together, these efforts represent our commitment to ensuring we continue to attract the best talent to meet the healthcare needs of the province.

Additionally, in our ongoing efforts to enhance and streamline our recruitment processes, we are collaborating closely with People Services and Primary Health Care. Our joint initiatives are aimed at creating greater efficiencies and aligning our recruitment strategies for physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants within the Primary Health Care Home. This collaboration is crucial for improving our overall recruitment experience and ensuring we meet our staffing needs effectively.

Recently, our Physician Recruitment Team had the opportunity to attend the Dalhousie Family Medicine Resident Education Weekend, held from September 20 to 22, 2024. During the event, our team engaged with the attendees and presented letters of offer to residents, inviting them to consider working in our province upon the completion of their residency.

We are excited about the potential these residents bring to the future of healthcare in our region, and we remain committed to staying connected with them as they progress in their medical careers. We look forward to working closely with these physicians and ensuring they have the resources and guidance they need to thrive in their careers in Nova Scotia.

I am incredibly proud of the work our Physician Recruitment Team has accomplished. Recruitment is often described a marathon, not a sprint, and it is truly inspiring to see the team’s passion and commitment to ensuring that physicians new to our province transition smoothly into their roles. Their dedication in working with communities, partners, and leaders to welcome new physicians and facilitate site visits is commendable. This newsletter is an opportunity to highlight and celebrate their hard work and dedication.

We look forward to the positive impact these initiatives will bring and to the continued success of our recruitment efforts.

Sincerely,

Nicole

A total of 102 physicians (32 Family Medicine and 70 specialists) have begun practicing in Nova Scotia during the current fiscal year (April to August 2024). This represents a 46% increase year-to-date compared to the same period last year.

Additionally, we anticipate that 110 more physicians (44 Family Medicine and 66 specialists) will start practicing in Nova Scotia between September 2024 and March 31, 2025.

So far this fiscal year, we have completed 101 Site Visits (57 for Family Medicine and 44 for Specialists), with 30 more scheduled and more to come. This is double the number of visits conducted during the same period last year.

• In September, we welcomed 124 new Dalhousie physician residents into our facilities, hosting several events to show how warmly our communities have embraced them and made them feel at home.
• We also celebrated the incoming class of Dalhousie medical students with a BBQ, giving us a great opportunity to meet them as they begin their first year of medical school. At the orientation week BBQ, we hosted 104 first-year medical students and 25 second-year students.
• This fall is packed with conferences, and we’re excited to meet potential candidates and highlight all the fantastic reasons to practice in Nova Scotia!

Meet Rebecca Cassidy, Physician Recruitment Consultant for Western Zone

We are thrilled to announce the expansion of our Physician Recruitment team with the addition of our new Physician Recruitment Consultant, Rebecca Cassidy.

Rebecca is a passionate community advocate, with extensive experience in both private and public health care. She joins Nova Scotia Health as a Physician Recruitment Consultant for the Western Zone, focusing on Southwest Nova, and will be based in Yarmouth.

Rebecca brings valuable expertise from her previous role as Manager of Clinical Services in private health care, and her experience as a Community Navigator for the Yarmouth Medical Professional Recruitment Retention Partnership. She is well-versed in rural recruitment strategies and has even presented on the subject to the Standing Committee of Health. With her background in recruitment efforts and rural health care, Rebecca is ready to make a positive impact in her new role.

Outside of work, Rebecca enjoys spending her summer days with her golden retriever and tending to her gardens and bees.

Welcome to the team, Rebecca!

Bringing Sydney and Halifax Closer: Physician Recruitment Consultant’s Role in Reviving Flight Route out of Cape Breton

Elizabeth Fraser, Physician Recruitment Consultant in the Eastern Zone, advocated for the return of Sydney-Halifax flights to J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport, highlighting its importance from both healthcare and recruitment perspectives.

Quebec-based carrier Pascan Aviation is now offering tickets for return flights between Sydney and Halifax, with services resuming on October 7. Elizabeth's efforts led to a personal invitation from the CEO of J.A. Douglas McCurdy Airport to attend the announcement of the flights' return in August.

“This is a huge win for physician recruitment, and I am really proud to have played a small part in this vital work for my community,” said Elizabeth.

The resumption of this route will enhance accessibility from Sydney to Halifax and the international airport, making it easier to attract more physicians to the Cape Breton area.

Great work, Elizabeth!

High School Co-op student Ellington Hughes pursues dream of becoming a doctor, heads to Dalhousie Medical Sciences program in September

Ellington Hughes has wanted to be a doctor since she was a preschooler. Preparing to enter Dalhousie University’s Medical Sciences program in September, Hughes said Nova Scotia Health’s (NSH) High School Co-op Program provided valuable healthcare experience and confirmation that she’s on the right career path.

“I’ve always said I want to be a doctor. I want to help people. I want to make a difference in the world,” said Hughes. She said this goal has been a driving force in her school studies, and that when things got hard, “I’d remember my goal of becoming a doctor.”

Learn more about the future Dr. Hughes here!

Dr. Eliza Moldovan: A New Chapter in Bridgewater 

Family physician Dr. Eliza Moldovan, her husband and two young daughters, arrived in Bridgewater this past February to take over retiring physician Dr. Everett Weagle’s patient roster at the Bridgewater Collaborative Family Practice. They came to Nova Scotia from Kent in England. Now, in their sixth month of living in Nova Scotia, the Moldovan family feels very much at home. 

Dr. Moldovan was born in Transylvania, Romania, and spent her childhood between the nearby towns of Cluj-Napoca and Tg-Mures. Her dream of becoming a doctor was driven by a desire for academic and humanitarian fulfillment. “When you know you have helped someone or made a positive change, it is a great accomplishment,” she explains. Her need for purpose, combined with her disciplined nature, made a career in medicine an ideal choice. 

Learn more about Dr. Moldovan here.

Celebrating Dr. Adam Sheppard: A New Leader in the North Nova Family Medicine Residency Program

 “When Dr. Brad MacDougall asked me to be the North Nova selections rep, I said, ‘Sure, I’d love to help,’” recalls Dr. Adam Sheppard. This role involves navigating the complex CaRMS match process, reviewing applicant charts, conducting interviews, and deliberating on potential residents. “The selections committee has been meeting since last fall for this upcoming CaRMS match. We review files, interview applicants, and then rank the candidates,” Dr. Sheppard explains. His enthusiasm and fresh perspective have already made a significant impact. 

Living and practicing in Pictou County, Dr. Sheppard, originally from Newfoundland, brings a unique blend of experience and optimism. After meeting his wife in medical school in Europe and completing his residency in Saskatchewan, they chose Nova Scotia for her return-of-service requirement. Despite initially being her choice, Dr. Sheppard quickly embraced the community, recognizing the immense opportunities it offers. 

Learn more about Dr. Sheppard here.

Meet Dr. Norman Pinsky: Retired Physician Providing Virtual Care

Dr. Norman Pinsky is a retired physician who now connects with patients from the comfort of his living room. Since answering the call to support Nova Scotians, he has completed over 5,000 virtual consultations. Watch the video below to learn more about Dr. Pinsky's virtual care practice!

VirtualCareNS is continually enhancing its platform to benefit both patients and healthcare providers like Dr. Pinsky. If you're interested in joining the VirtualCareNS team, please contact us at VirtualCareNSAdmin@nshealth.ca.

Family Medicine Resident Education Weekend

The Dalhousie Family Medicine Resident Education Weekend took place from September 20-22, 2024, bringing together first-and second-year family medicine residents for a weekend of learning and connection!

The event kicked off at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel on September 20 with a welcome reception, providing a chance for the residents to network and build connections. On September 21 and 22, sessions continued at the Collaborative Health Education Building, where residents participated in workshops, simulations, clinical skills training, and collaborative learning opportunities.

The Physician Recruitment Team had a great opportunity to connect with family medicine residents throughout the weekend (especially at the job fair!) engaging in meaningful conversations about their career goals and interests. They provided valuable insights into the practice opportunities available in Nova Scotia, highlighting various regions of the province. 

Dalhousie University Resident Orientation Day

The recruitment team attended the Dalhousie University Resident Orientation Day, where they connected with new residents, shared information about career opportunities, and offered support as they began their medical training.

North Nova Simulation Escape Room

 On August 23, 2024 first-and second-year North Nova FM Residents combined learning and laughter as they harnessed their collective competence to master riddles and resuscitation procedures against the clock in the 3rd annual North Nova Simulation Escape Room.

Curriculum Day with North Nova Family Medicine Residents

After the 14 participating residents completed the SIM escape room the group reconvened at Keppoch Mountain - a 4-season recreation facility. After a lunch, Dr John Chiasson, Physician Wellness Leader with Doctors NS, and Preceptor, Dr David Cudmore presented to the residents on wellness, self-care and preventing burn-out.

Afterwards we were joined by Music Therapist, Rebecca MacDonald from St. Martha's Regional where they have 2 Music Therapists on staff Rebecca's presentation was informative and interactive.

The group heard about opportunities for patients, families, and staff to engage in this program, and the profound impact of music and expression in clinical and palliative settings. The group participated in a song-writing exercise as well. An afternoon of stories, tears, and laughter, followed up by a hike through the old growth forest.

Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada Conference: July 12-14, 2024, in Halifax, Nova Scotia

The Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada (IPAC) conference was hosted in Kjipuktuk (Halifax), on the land of the Mi'kmaq people. On July 12, as part of the event, attendees enjoyed at Cable Whard, offering a beautiful setting to connect and reflect on the day's discussions. 

Canadian Dermatology Association Conference: July 29, 2024 in Ottawa, Ontario

At the Canadian Dermatology Association conference on June 29th in Ottawa, attendees were trying out our golf game and speaking with Dr. Keating about our opportunity in Sydney.

After the conference recruitment team member, Liz went to a Blue Jays game while still in Ontario and made sure our logo was visible on camera.

American Academy of Family Physicians: August 1-3, 2024 in Kansas City, Missouri

The recruitment team attended the annual American Academy of Family Physicians conference held in Kansas City. This conference is targeted towards medical students and medical residents. American Family Medicine graduates are eligible for a full license in Nova Scotia. They can also benefit from immigration and relocation support, health benefits, and a competitive remuneration package for Family Physicians.

Dr. Mahir was eager to stop by after hearing all about Nova Scotia from his colleagues in the program, who were excited about their upcoming site visit to the province. The AAFP organizers kept spirits high with their delightful puppy parades!

During his site visit to Antigonish, Dr. Raymond Ashong-Katai had the opportunity to try lobster for the first time—a classic East Coast experience!

During her site visit to St. Martha's Regional Hospital, Dr. Hilda Nabiswa selected her office for her new role in Internal Medicine!

The recruitment team recently welcomed Dr. Tony Edet and his daughter to a site visit in Sydney. Dr. Edet ended up joining a practice in the Central Zone!

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
• February 2, 2025: Family Medicine Residents of Western University - London, ON
• February 26, 2025: Best in Practice Conference - London, UK

Date and Time: November 12 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Location: Zoom Meeting (Recording will be available on NSH Physician Portal)

This seminar is designed to provide an in-depth look at Nova Scotia Health’s physician recruitment strategy. Attendees will gain insights into the current landscape of physician recruitment, the innovative approaches being used to attract top talent, and the support systems in place to ensure physician satisfaction and retention. This event is ideal for Nova Scotian physicians, healthcare administrators, recruiters, medical professionals, and stakeholders interested in the future of healthcare in Nova Scotia.

More information and register here.

About the Speaker: Katrina Philopoulos, Director Physician Recruitment

Katrina plays a pivotal role in providing province-wide strategic leadership and operational coordination for physician recruitment. In this capacity, she oversees a dedicated team responsible for developing and implementing recruitment strategies, planning, and candidate sourcing. Her leadership also extends to collaboration with physician and operational leaders, fostering partnerships with communities and key stakeholders that are critical to the success of the physician recruitment program.

Born and raised in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Katrina earned a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Immunology before graduating from Dalhousie University School of Physiotherapy. Her clinical experience as a Physiotherapist in both private and hospital settings laid the foundation for her transition into progressive leadership roles. Prior to entering the field of recruitment, she held the position of Provincial Manager for Occupational Health Safety and Wellness (OHSW) programming. Katrina is also a Certified Health Executive.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Katrina plays in the over-35 soccer league, where she has met and competed against other Nova Scotia Health colleagues in games and tournaments. She is also a devoted parent to three active children involved in sports. Their family is complete with Apollo, a German short-haired pointer, who ensures she gets out for daily outdoor walks.

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

PRAP Primary and Secondary Assessors

The Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) and Nova Scotia Health are looking for physicians that are interested in making a difference by helping bring physicians to underserviced areas in Nova Scotia. Becoming an Assessor with NSPRAP will give you the opportunity to help bring physicians to patients in rural Nova Scotia. Learn more about the program here.

The success of the program hinges on recruiting enough family doctors to serve as clinical field assessors. Those interested in this highly rewarding role should reach out to info@nsprap.ca.