In March, 15 physicians participated in the Welcome Collaborative held at the College.

The Welcome Collaborative orientation program supports the integration of physicians trained outside of Canada (PTOCs) to successfully practice in the Nova Scotian healthcare system.

In March, 15 physicians attended the 3-day orientation session delivered at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. Of the participating physicians, three held a Full licence, while 12 had been issued a Defined licence and, as such, are under supervision on a pathway to independent licensure. This physician cohort included the following specialists: eight in family medicine, three in internal medicine, two in anesthesiology, one in dermatology and one in psychiatry.

The physician orientation program covers three days of intensive discussion and training, which is intended to help PTOCs settle into their new places of practice. The program is the first of its kind in Canada and is designed to help newly arrived physicians become familiar with the healthcare landscape and resources in Nova Scotia. 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 agenda strives to ensure a well-structured and comprehensive orientation. The combination of presentations, workshops, and networking sessions offers participants a well-rounded and informative experience. The orientation session focuses on practice elements such as medical record keeping, MSI billing, funding models, communications and prescribing, including caring for legacy patients. The orientation program also connects participants with support, mentorship, and a sense of community, all of which are critical to long-term success in practice.

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