Hello everyone,

It's starting to feel like spring and I think we are all ready to welcome some better weather. This is the time of year where we start seeing more travel and look forward to a busy spring and summer for site visits. While the winter is relatively nice and mild in Nova Scotia, we know we present our best recruitment opportunities when the sun is shining on our beautiful province. This is also a popular time of year for conferences and events so our team has been busy on the road meeting as many physicians as possible.

We are getting close to our reporting year end(March 31) and our numbers are looking positive. We always hope to best our performance for the year previous, but we also know that every single new doctor that enters our province makes a profound impact on our communities.

Our team has been growing to meet the pace and priority focus of this work. We added a recruiter in Central Zone to focus on specialty recruitment as well as a recruiter to focus on International recruitment support. Our recruiter for medical learners has also been expanding his work to reach our medical learners across the Maritimes and you can read about the first Annual Maritime Resident Career Fair below.

Some other exciting updates include our story below on a recent mission to Australia where we met lots of eager medical students and practising physicians that we hope to welcome to our province in the near future. And, in this issue, we are launching our first province-wide recruitment video to help with our digital work.

I hope you enjoy reading about our work and encourage any feedback by replying to this message.

Cheers,

Nicole

Last fall, Nova Scotia Health worked with Mint Creative (Producer Andre Doucet) to produce an engaging video that tells the brand story of More than Medicine+

The video meets the need of one video that represents opportunities across the province to supplement videos that are produced by communities. The videos can be sliced and diced to use for Digital Promotions and to represent the recruitment marketing narrative.

We used three local doctors in the video from a variety of backgrounds and medical expertise. We thank our three physician movie stars, Drs. Reza Ghaffari, Alison MacLeod, and Gwynedd Pickett for volunteering for this project. We are excited to share our story with the world.

To view the video please click on the screen shot below:

From February 26 to March 1, representatives from Nova Scotia Health, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, Office of Healthcare Professional Recruitment, Labour Skills and Immigration and LaunchPad Jobs Inc. participated in physician recruitment events and meetings with Australian Medical schools in Brisbane, Gold Coast, Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.

The purpose of the trip was to host events and recruit physicians from each of the four Australian cities. The goal was to meet 25 physicians in each city, promote promote Nova Scotia practice opportunities, physician supports, incentives and lifestyle advantages to a minimum of 100 medical learners, residents, and physicians. The trip also focused on hosting a series of meetings with leads from medical schools to explore educational collaboration opportunities and to assess Nova Scotia’s competitive strength for future recruitment activity, including construction workers.

The trip was our first time attending the Australian physician recruitment market in person and the trip was successful in that we met candidates, many with connections to Canada and interest in returning. And, also that we obtained a better understanding of this market. We learned that:

Having just returned from this whirlwind trip, our team is crunching the numbers, initiating follow up to those we met (both physicians and medical schools), and planning next steps to engage this recruitment market.

Pragna Kodali has joined the Physician Recruitment Team in a provincial role as a new Physician Recruitment Consultant focusing on International Medical Graduate recruitment. Pragna is a spirited professional with a diverse background that has shaped her into the dedicated individual she is today. Born in India, Pragna’s formative years were spent in Kuwait, where she lived for 12 years before making Nova Scotia her home in 2014.

Isha Seth has transitioned into a new role as the Physician Recruitment Consultant focused on supporting Specialist Recruitment in the Central Zone. Isha joined the team at the end of June, 2023 in a role focused on international medical graduate recruitment for specialists. She has built strong partnerships with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and the College of Physicians and Surgeons Nova Scotia; she thus has a keen understanding of the various specialist licensure pathways including the new Practice Eligibility Route. She is also familiar with the general requirements for supervision of Defined License physicians and can provide support to departments that would like to learn more. This is a new role on our team that would have Isha working with Medical Leadership to help fill high needs specialist positions in the Central Zone.

Our physician recruitment consultants Heather, Mindy and Lindsey attended a luncheon with cohort #9 Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (NSPRAP) candidates during the first day of their week-long orientation.

These candidates will be starting their clinical field assessments next week in communities across the province. They complete two 6 week assessments before beginning practice in their chosen community.

This program brings much-needed physicians to under served areas of the province.

We are always seeking new assessors who are typically experienced family doctors who can supervise our PRAP candidates in their six-week placements. If you want to help close the gap on physician shortages in the province, please consider covering a six-week assessment to support this program. For more information on how to become involved, visit: https://www.nsprap.com/become-an-assessor

During the pandemic, our recruitment team pivoted and addressed some of our information sharing needs by offering regular webinars and virtual meetings. This proved to be an effective recruitment tool and the team continues to host regular webinars for physicians who want to learn more about our opportunities virtually.

On March 21, Nova Scotia Health's Physician Recruitment team will be hosting an exclusive virtual event focusing on Family Practice opportunities across our stunning province. If you would like to send registration links to colleagues who might like to attend, the links are as follows:

Curious about what awaits you in Nova Scotia? Join us for insightful discussions led by our seasoned Physician Recruitment Consultants. We'll cover everything from steps to licensure to competitive compensation packages, enticing incentives, and the unique perks of living and working in our vibrant community.

From April 1, 2023 to February 29, 2024, 167 physicians started across all zones including IWK Health. This includes 48 Family Medicine and 119 Specialists.

Between now and the end of the fiscal year, the physician recruitment team is currently anticipating an additional 15 physicians to start across the province before March 31, 2024.

From April 1, 2023 to the end of February, Nova Scotia Health had a total of 67 physician departures with a net gain of 100 physicians.

Click here for the full Nova Scotia Recruitment Report.

From April 1 2023 to February 29, 2024, 123 physicians site visits were completed. We are currently expecting an additional 12 site visits before the fiscal year's conclusion. This amounts to a 37% increase over last fiscal year and a 57% increase in the year before that. Our recruiters and partners have been busy touring physician recruits around the province to match them with their ideal practice opportunity.

Dr. Sara Rahsepar, Daughter Diba, and husband Ehsan Hassani are pictured above at the Kelly’s Mountain Lookoff in Cape Breton on a January site visit. Sara signed an offer letter during her site visit to join our team in Sydney as a dermatologist which was a long-term vacancy in the area.

Dr. Rahsepar will start to see patients in April. Just last week, the family has relocated to Sydney and are busy setting up their home and office. Diba is loving her new school. Make sure to give them a warm welcome if you see them in passing!

In February, Nova Scotia Health hosted a family medicine career fair to showcase opportunities and clinics across the zone. The event was filled with informative presentations and fun activities to keep everyone engaged in learning about where their exciting family medicine careers may lead.

Our recruitment team hosted the majority of the 35 Dalhousie Family Medicine Residents completing their training in Central Zone and two from the Central Zone/South Shore residency program. The event was also attended by more than 20 Central Zone clinics and physicians.

On February 22, our physician recruitment team hosted the first annual Maritime Resident Job Fair in collaboration with Dalhousie Medical School in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.

We had a great time gathering in Halifax to discuss the opportunities available for residents and ensuring that all who attended had a little bit of fun too. Check out this great photo of our physician recruitment team with some truly Nova Scotian photo-booth props!

Andrew Steele Moore, our Physician Recruitment Consultant focused on Medical Learners, makes his way around the province to meet with medical residents at our distributed learning sites throughout the year. In January, along with Western Zone recruiter Patti Smith, he hosted the SouthWest Nova family residents for a lovely meal

On February 28 and 29, Heather Rushton, Physician Recruitment Consultant, and Dr. Michelle Dow, MD Recruitment and Retention Lead for Western Zone, attended the Best Practice Conference in London, England. This was a great opportunity to engage with UK-trained physicians and showcase practice opportunities available in Nova Scotia

In October, our physician recruitment team gathered at the Dalhousie Medicine Career Fair. Great conversations were had and many connections made!

To follow our updates in real time, visit us on Facebook.

Dr. Eric Wainwright returned this past summer to Nova Scotia after completing medical school at the University of Queensland School of Medicine as well as residency training in Australia. With his two children and partner, Dr. Wainwright now resides in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, splitting his time as a family physician at the Bridgewater and Area Family Health Clinic and doing hospitalist work at the Bridgewater Regional Hospital.

Originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Dr. Wainwright completed undergraduate and graduate degrees in Neuroscience and a master’s in health administration at Dalhousie University. Dr. Wainwright initially went to Australia working for a health management company, although it was just for a short contract. He always wanted to pursue medicine and fell in love with the country, so decided to enroll in medical school there.

Dr. Wainwright came to Nova Scotia for a medical elective and that’s where he met his partner, Amanda. Eventually, she joined him in Australia.

“After completing my training, we felt it was the right time to come back home to Nova Scotia. I enjoyed my time in Australia, but coming back home was always in the cards, especially with starting a family,” explained Dr. Wainwright.

They took advantage of the Physician Recruitment Team’s Site Visit Program to explore different rural communities and practice opportunities but settled on Bridgewater because it offered everything the family needed, including proximity to Halifax and a great medical team at the collaborative practice.

Although Dr. Wainwright said that while he has a busy life, especially doing hospitalist shifts, he feels valued by the community.

“The community here in Bridgewater makes me feel like a celebrity sometimes. They're incredibly appreciative, which is very rewarding,” said Dr. Wainwright.

In his spare time, Dr. Wainwright enjoys fly fishing when he can find the time. He is also currently introducing the kids to Canadian winter sports like ice skating and hockey, as it’s their first winter in the country.

“It's been a joy watching them experience Canadian winters for the first time," he proudly noted.

The Nova Scotia Health Recruitment Team recently traveled to Australia to recruit more healthcare providers and to offer pathways for Canadians studying or practicing in Australia to return home to establish roots and practices. Dr. Wainwright is one example of a successful healthcare professional who made the journey back to Nova Scotia after studying and practicing abroad. With opportunities like these, the team aims to foster connections and support the growth of Nova Scotia's healthcare workforce while also welcoming back talented individuals like Dr. Wainwright to contribute to the local community.

Welcome home, Dr. Wainwright and family!

In Pictou County, a dedicated effort is underway to enhance understanding, inclusion and support for the Muslim community. Recognizing the significant number of doctors in Pictou County who follow the Muslim faith, the community organized Islam 101, a gathering to share valuable insights into Islam beliefs and practices. The goal extends beyond ensuring respect and understanding of religious and spiritual needs, aiming to establish a welcoming environment where recruited physicians of the Islamic faith choose to establish their practice and put down roots in the community.Community leader Deanna Mohamed hosted the inaugural Islam 101 event in 2019 but plans for subsequent events were disrupted by the onset of COVID-19. When funding became available through the Office of Health Professional Recruitment’s (OHPR) Community Fund, the community seized the chance to resume and expand their efforts.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tahmir (Tim) El-Tahan played a pivotal role in hosting the most recent Islam 101 presentation at the local mosque. The focus was on the fundamental principles of the Muslim faith, covering aspects such as prayer, fasting during Ramadan and creating an inclusive space within healthcare settings. The event drew more than 30 attendees, including community council members, town councilors and representatives from various organizations. The gathering began with a meal featuring Middle Eastern cuisines, followed by a presentation and an engaging Q&A session.

In collaboration with Dr. El-Tahan, Healthy Pictou County, a community-driven initiative led by healthcare professionals, organized the session. Nicole LeBlanc, the Project Navigator for Healthy Pictou County, plays a crucial role in making these community-driven endeavors possible. By supporting recruitment and retention committees, she actively addresses issues of equity, diversity and inclusion, contributing to the creation of an inclusive environment within Nova Scotia Health.

"I think sometimes it's the fear of admitting not knowing about something that holds people back,” explained LeBlanc. “Taking that brave step to understand it better is essential. We're excited to offer a second session for this cause, extending from the successful foundational session for our recruitment group to reach a broader community audience."

Dr. El-Tahan, raised in Newfoundland to parents who immigrated from Egypt, continued the legacy of his father by playing a key role in establishing the first mosque in Pictou County in 2019. The conversion of the former Christ the King Catholic Church in Trenton into a refreshed prayer space marked a significant milestone. The mosque now serves as a vibrant place of worship, attracting a growing number of individuals who come to pray.

“We started building this community and reaching out to the medical community for funding and donations. Having a mosque is crucial for recruiting doctors to the county, providing a place for worship,” explained Dr. El-Tahan.

After completing education and medical training in Newfoundland, Dr. El-Tahan pursued a fellowship in orthopedic sports medicine at the Cincinnati Sports Medicine and Orthopedic Center in Ohio. Following this, he and his wife relocated to New Zealand for a second fellowship. In 2010, New Zealand experienced a massive earthquake, and Dr. El-Tahan actively contributed to trauma care in earthquake-stricken Christchurch. Despite contemplating a permanent stay in New Zealand, the desire to be closer to family led them back to Canada.

Although Dr. El-Tahan and his wife explored the possibility of moving elsewhere in Canada or beyond, and numerous practice opportunities became available, they developed a deep love for the New Glasgow area and ultimately decided to make it their home. Since 2012, he has been practicing in Pictou County, primarily working out of the Aberdeen Hospital and Colchester / East Hants Health Centre.

The community's response to the introduction of the mosque, as well as the Islam 101 events, has been overwhelmingly positive, with a genuine interest in learning more, dispelling myths and creating a more inclusive environment. A Ramadan celebration was held at the Aberdeen Hospital for the first time this past Ramadan.

Growing up attending a Catholic school, Dr. El-Tahan explained that Muslim and Christian faiths have many similarities. He believes that the things that bring people together are much stronger than the things that set them apart, and we have more in common than what makes us different.

The Islam 101 initiative in Pictou County stands as a testament to the power of community-driven efforts in promoting understanding, breaking down barriers and embracing diversity. With plans to host future sessions, the hope is that these initiatives will create a more welcoming environment for existing and new healthcare providers who practice Islam.

In February, we welcomed Dr Eliza Moldovan and her family to Bridgewater. Dr. Moldovan joined the practice of Dr. Everett Weagle in Bridgewater. Shortly after they arrived in Bridgewater, Dr. Moldovan and her family joined Pattie Smith (Western Zone Physician Recruitment Coordinator), Martha Marchand (Physician Settlement and Retention Coordinator with Health Services Foundation of the South Shore) and Rebecca Baccardax (Community Navigator with the Town of Bridgewater) for a welcome lunch.

Dr. Moldovan is a Romanian-trained family physician who most recently worked as a General Practitioner in England. She achieved the Membership of the Royal College of General Practice (MRCGP). She has additional training in women's health, joint injections and minor surgery. She also has a Master of Science in Diabetes at South Wales University, UK. She says she took this training to better understand and manage her diabetic patients in primary care. She became a full MCFP member and, in 2021, achieved the LMMC (Licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada).

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: