November participants — Standing from left: Dr. Shams, Dr. Abdelrazik, Dr. Al Habbal, Dr. Obekpa, Dr. Eziashi, Dr. Alidina, Dr. Akinola, Dr. Obi, Dr. Pugliese, Dr. Loubani, Dr. Omosebi, Dr. Nwanna, Dr. Khanuja, Dr. Olaleye, Dr. Eyitemi, Dr. Christoffels, Dr. Elkin, Dr. Ogba, Dr. Modarresi, Dr. Tshiruruvhela, Dr. Adesanya

Seated from left: Dr. Elhassan, Dr. Singh, Dr. Grant (Registrar & CEO, CPSNS), Dr. Mahmassani, Dr. Nabavi

In November, 29 physicians new to practising in Nova Scotia participated in the Welcome Collaborative orientation program. The program 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 participants, 25 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 attended one day which featured the Communication Skills Workshop.

This physician cohort included physicians in the following specialties: 24 in family medicine, two in emergency medicine, one in medical biochemistry, one in obstetrics and gynecology, and one in palliative medicine.

Dr. Elhassan, an ostetrics & gynaecology specialist, attended the November session of the Welcome Collaborative.

Eight of the physicians hold a Full licence, seven hold a Clinical Assessment licence, and one holds an Academic licence. The remaining 13 have been issued a Defined licence and, as such, are under supervision on a pathway to independent licensure.

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

The next Welcome Collaborative takes place January 27–31, 2026 at the College and Dalhousie University.

For more information, email welcomecollaborative@cpsns.ns.ca or visit welcomecollaborative.ca.