September participants — Standing from left: Beshoy Zaky (Lead, Welcome Collaborative), Dr. Abed, Dr. Koleilat, Dr. Obasohan, Dr. Olamide, Dr. Elsheaita, Dr. Hiskens, Dr. Okpiri, Dr. Uchidiuno, Dr. Kuzhivelil, Dr. Bamidele, Dr. Pillay, Dr. Traboulsy, Dr. Madras, Dr. Barneto, Dr. Moodley, Dr. Malapermala, Dr. Owoeye, Kris Lane (Director, Programs and Allied Health Professionals, CPSNS)

Seated from left: Dr. Ade-Phillips, Dr. Somani, Dr. Grant (Registrar & CEO, CPSNS), Dr. Vettraino, Dr. Herrara Mondragon

In September, 21 physicians attended the 4-day Welcome Collaborative orientation at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia. Additionally, four physicians from the Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence joined the group for the Communication Skills Workshop and stayed for further sessions.

The Welcome Collaborative supports physicians trained outside of Canada to better understand the Nova Scotia health-care system and to settle into their new places of practice.

Of the participating physicians, eight hold a Full licence, six hold a Clinical Assessment licence, and one holds an Academic licence. The remaining 10 have been issued a Defined licence and, as such, are under supervision on a pathway to independent licensure.

This physician cohort included physicians in the following specialties: 15 in family medicine, five in emergency medicine, two in internal medicine, one in psychiatry, one in anesthesiology, and one in palliative medicine.

The Welcome Collaborative program is the first of its kind in Canada designed to support internationally trained physicians integrate into the health-care landscape in Nova Scotia.  

The next Welcome Collaborative takes place November 25–28, 2025 at the College.

For more information contact: welcomecollaborative@cpsns.ns.ca or visit the program’s website at: welcomecollaborative.ca.