In November, 16 physicians participated in the Welcome Collaborative held at the College.

The Welcome Collaborative orientation program is the first of its kind in Canada designed for physicians who have trained outside of Canada to successfully integrate into the Nova Scotian healthcare system. 

In November, 16 physicians attended the 3-day orientation session, two participants held a Full licence, while 14 had been issued a Defined licence and as such are under supervision on a pathway to Full licensure. This physician cohort included the following specialists, two in family medicine, five in internal medicine, four psychiatrists, one in anesthesiology, pediatrics, emergency medicine, plastic surgery and general surgery. 

Physicians who have undergone medical training outside of Canada and have been recently licensed to practice in Nova Scotia are obligated to attend the orientation as a requirement of their licensure. 

The orientation session focused on elements of practice such as medical record keeping, MSI billing, funding models, communications and prescribing including caring for legacy patients. The orientation program will also connect these doctors with support, mentorship, and a sense of community, all of which are critical to long-term success in practice.

Among the presenters were the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment, Nova Scotia Health, ISANS, Dalhousie’s Faculty of Medicine, and Doctors Nova Scotia.

The next Welcome Collaborative is March 6–8, 2024. For more information contact: welcomecollaborative@cpsns.ns.ca.