New clinic aimed at luring foreign-trained doctors to N.S. could soon treat thousands of patients

A groundbreaking initiative in Nova Scotia is set to revolutionize the way foreign-trained doctors are recruited to work in the province. The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) clinic, spearheaded by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, is on a mission to address the critical shortage of family physicians in the region.

With over 110,000 individuals on the need-a-family-practice registry as of January 2nd, the demand for medical professionals in Nova Scotia is at an all-time high. Dr. Gus Grant, the registrar and CEO of the college, emphasized the importance of tapping into the pool of internationally trained physicians who can make an immediate impact upon arriving in Canada.

The current shortage of 13,000 family physicians nationwide is projected to escalate to 20,000 within the next five years, while Canadian medical schools are only producing 1,300 to 1,400 doctors annually. Grant stressed the necessity of attracting foreign-trained doctors to bridge this gap effectively.

At the PACE clinic, foreign-trained doctors will undergo assessments under the guidance of Canadian physicians, a more comprehensive approach compared to the conventional method of passing a Canadian entrance exam. Grant highlighted the importance of maintaining high standards in recruiting new doctors, reassuring the public that only safe and qualified individuals will be licensed to practice.

In addition to the PACE clinic, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia is actively involved in the Welcome Collaborative program, which assists new physicians in acclimating to life in Nova Scotia. Nova Scotia has taken a progressive step by accepting American-trained doctors without requiring them to pass the entrance exam, setting a precedent for other jurisdictions.

Looking ahead, the college is exploring partnerships with licensing authorities in countries like Lebanon, where an excess of doctors could potentially fill the workforce gap in Canada. The PACE clinic, currently housed in a temporary location, is expected to move to a purpose-built facility by 2026, with the capacity to treat up to 6,400 patients.

By embracing innovative recruitment strategies and fostering international partnerships, Nova Scotia is paving the way for a more diverse and skilled medical workforce. The PACE clinic’s pioneering approach signals a new era of healthcare delivery in the province, ensuring better access to quality medical care for residents.