Karina Scoggins, presenter of the Role of the Regulator session at the March Welcome Collaborative.

A new session introduced in March is helping internationally trained physicians better understand a key and often misunderstood part of practising medicine in Nova Scotia: the role of the regulator.

Karina Scoggins, a lawyer with McInnis Cooper with a practice focus on professional regulation. She brings a unique dual perspective to this area of law. Before entering law, she spent 12 years as a registered nurse, giving her firsthand experience on both sides of regulated professions.

“I have lots of experience in health care and being regulated as a health-care worker, and now regulated as a lawyer,” Scoggins said. “It’s kind of like a marriage between two perspectives.”

Her session focuses on demystifying what a medical regulator does and how it differs from other organizations in the health-care system, such as Doctors Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness.

“The majority of my presentation talks about the purpose of the College how we fulfill that purpose, and how we’re different from other organizations,” she explained.

Scoggins says internationally trained physicians often arrive with varying assumptions shaped by their previous experience. Some may see regulators as supportive partners, while others may view them with apprehension.

A key message of the session is that regulators exist to serve the public interest, a concept that can differ in jurisdictions around the world. Understanding the uniqueness of the College can assist physicians in their practice.

“A lot of people’s headaches with their regulator are from avoidable problems,” Scoggins noted. “It’s about setting physicians up for success.”

The session also emphasizes practical steps, including staying informed about professional standards, guidelines, and the Canadian Medical Association Code of Ethics and Professionalism, as well as knowing where to turn for support.

Ultimately, Scoggins says programs like the Welcome Collaborative are vital in helping physicians navigate both the professional and cultural nuances of practising in a new environment.

“It’s a huge transition,” she said. “If there’s anything we can do so people can feel confident in their practice and know how to navigate challenges, that’s really important.”