Dr. Patience Omaiye-Oklobia, family physician, at the March session of the Welcome Collaborative

For Dr. Patience Omaiye-Oklobia, the journey to practicing family medicine in Nova Scotia has been one of support, collaboration, and community.

Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia, who studied medicine in Nigeria, participated in the March Welcome Collaborative after moving from Edmonton to Musquodoboit.

Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia credits the College of Physicians and Surgeons and the Welcome Collaborative for easing her transition into Nova Scotia’s healthcare system.

“The support from the College, the commitment to bringing in new physicians, it gave me the feeling of being supported,” says Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia. “Being warmly welcomed into Nova Scotia was one of the reasons I wanted to practice here.”

“It gave me a sense of belonging,” she said. “I was able to make meaningful connections with other physicians and the presenters.”

Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia says the sessions gave her practical tools to use in practice and opened her eyes to new skills that help her connect with patients in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia highlighted the program’s approach, which included not only clinical guidance but also emotional and social support. “They were interested in our families and well-being, not just our medical skills,” she said.

After practicing in Nova Scotia for almost four months, Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia says she appreciates the collaborative nature of healthcare in Nova Scotia. “People don’t work in isolation here,” she said. “Collaborating with colleagues makes medical practice exciting because there’s always someone to reach out to and discuss new ideas.”

Dr. Omaiye-Oklobia says she is optimistic and excited about making Nova Scotia her home. She hopes the Welcome Collaborative continues to support internationally trained physicians and offers more follow-up and mentorship opportunities.