Nova Scotia

Nova Scotia is More than Medicine+

“The best of both worlds” gets thrown around a lot. But in Nova Scotia, just under one million people enjoy a lifestyle that offers it all. Why would you ever settle? In Nova Scotia, you get world-class professional opportunities balanced with a truly satisfying lifestyle. With 41 hospitals across the province, it’s easy to practice where you play which makes life here incomparably rewarding.

An ocean playground

With more than 13,000 km of coastline ready for you to explore, Nova Scotia’s culture is undeniably connected to the sea. You are never more than 67 kilometers from the ocean so sea kayaking, sailing, and yachting are never more than an hour away, and relaxing sandy beaches dot the coastline. So feel the sand between your toes, hike a rocky shore, or explore an urban boardwalk – with the clean, salty breeze your constant companion.

Affordable lifestyle - Life in Nova Scotia is an indulgence you can afford. In 2018, the average home price in the province was $228,070. Your money simply goes further here, but more importantly, it buys you a lifestyle you just won’t find anywhere else in the country.

Incentives

Nova Scotia Health Authority Programs

Site visit program

It’s understandable that you may want to visit Nova Scotia before committing to relocating. This program reimburses you (and your partner) for a one-time visit to a potential practice site. You must be eligible for a license in Nova Scotia, and work with a recruiter to obtain approval from the Nova Scotia Health Authority prior to your visit. 

Relocation allowance

If you have an accepted offer for work in Nova Scotia, you may be eligible for a relocation allowance of up to $10,000. For more information, contact a recruitment consultant.

Nova Scotia Department of Health & Wellness incentive programs

The Department of Health and Wellness in Nova Scotia manages a range of incentive programs to help you choose a practice that suits your career goals, and help transition you into your new life in Nova Scotia. For more information on these programs, contact a recruitment consultant or Department of Health and Wellness Physician Resources.

Physician Tuition Relief Program

Graduates of Canadian medical schools may receive reimbursement for the tuition they paid during medical school up to a maximum of $120,000. International Medical Graduates may receive reimbursement up to the maximum tuition level they would have paid at a Canadian medical school.

Physicians/residents are eligible if they will be practicing in Nova Scotia where an approved vacancy is available and where deliverables have been agreed to. All physicians/residents (family physicians and specialists; graduates from both Canadian and international medical schools) are eligible to apply. You can apply during residency, or if currently practicing outside of Nova Scotia, during the first seven years of practice after completing residency training.

Return of Service bursaries for Family Medicine residents

Family Medicine residents could receive a $60,000 bursary for establishing a practice in Nova Scotia. The return of service is for a three-year period in the agreed upon location.

Bursary payments include:

• $10,000 ON SIGNING THE RETURN OF SERVICE AGREEMENT AND ON PROVISION OF VERIFICATION OF A CARMS/NRMP MATCH IN A FAMILY MEDICINE RESIDENCY TRAINING PROGRAM.
• $20,000 ON SIGNING AGREEMENT REGARDING PRACTICE LOCATION AND DELIVERABLES.
• $30,000 ON STARTING TO PRACTICE IN NOVA SCOTIA IN THE AGREED UPON LOCATION.

Eligible residents include Family Medicine residents in Canadian programs including those enrolled in PGY3 in Emergency Medicine (CFPC Emergency Medicine Program); Nova Scotians doing their Family Medicine residency in accredited programs in the U.S.; and fourth-year medical students from Nova Scotia. Note, residents/medical students with pre-existing return of service agreements/obligations are not eligible to apply.

Debt-assistance plan

If you choose to practice as a specialist or family physician in Nova Scotia, you could be eligible to receive between $20,000 and $45,000 in debt-assistance for up to three years.

Eligible applicants include new medical school graduates in family practice or designated specialties; graduates of medical schools in Atlantic Canada; and Nova Scotia residents graduating from other Canadian medical schools.

Locum support

The Provincial Locum Program supports practicing physicians in rural communities. It helps bring medical care to patients of eligible physicians when the physician is away from their respective practice due to illness, vacation, or continuing medical education.

The locum program is administered by Medavie Blue Cross on behalf of the Nova Scotia government. The Department of Health and Wellness provides policy direction and funding.

Locum physicians in family medicine and designated specialties receive the following payments.

• MILEAGE
• PER DIEM
• DAILY GUARANTEED RATE
• OVERHEAD

Physicians interested in participating in the locum program must submit application forms to, and establish billing arrangements through, Medavie Blue Cross. Locum registration—including guidelines, application forms and claim forms—may be found at Medavie Blue Cross.