Dr. Joan Evans with the Welcome Collaborative Program Manager, George Mbara with Dr. Joan Evans. Dr. Evans leads the communications workshop during the 3-day physician orientation.

The Welcome Collaborative aims to strike a balance in addressing issues physicians face when new to practising in Nova Scotia. These issues include those they experience both in their medical practice and as they and their families settle into communities across the province.

The training and information provided to physicians attending the orientation continuously evolves reflecting the thoughtful feedback provided by participants. In past sessions participants requested more information on teaching and research opportunities through Dalhousie’s medical school. This sparked an addition to the agenda whereby representatives from Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine provide an overview of the Dalhousie’s medical program, highlighting pathways for physicians to enter into teaching opportunities.

Physicians new to practising in Canada have also identified the desire for communications training that will prepare them with the skills for success in delivering patient care and in collaborating with colleagues.

As physicians learn how to navigate our healthcare system, they and their families are often faced with a number of challenges. Settlement challenges include locating suitable housing, searching for daycare services for young children and finding employment for spouses. The College regularly engages the Welcome Collaborative partnering organizations which can assist in addressing these concerns.