Premier Tim Houston launched a recruitment campaign today to bring more doctors to Nova Scotia.
Doctors who go to the Come Home to Nova Scotia website and say they want to work in the province will be contacted by a recruitment specialist within 24 hours.
Those who qualify could receive a conditional offer of employment within 10 business days.
“Having more doctors in more communities across this province is a priority for Nova Scotians – and for the government,” said Premier Tim Houston. “I’ve heard from doctors who moved away to train and many really want to come home. I want them to know that we are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to make healthcare better for patients, doctors and all healthcare professionals. I am happy to speak personally to doctors if that will help convince them to come home.”
The new Primary Care Physician Incentive Program encourages doctors to establish a family practice outside the central health zone.
Doctors who qualify can earn up to $125,000 in incentives – $25,000 when they sign the agreement and $20,000 per year for the next five years.
These payments will be made at the end of each year after key targets are met.
The new Specialist Physician Incentive Program offers the same incentives to specialists who establish a practice outside Central Zone.
These two incentive programs replace existing programs.
“Nova Scotia is a great opportunity for doctors: we have the highest compensation in the region for family doctors, exciting research is happening here, there are strong financial incentives and we are renovating and building new facilities so they have modern, cutting-edge places to work. This is also a beautiful province that is a great place to live and raise a family.” Said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness and Minister responsible for the Office of Healthcare Professionals Recruitment
The Province also has educational incentives for physicians who stay here after graduation.
The Come Home to Nova Scotia website highlights the government’s commitment to the healthcare sector – a commitment that includes respect for all healthcare workers, competitive compensation and establishing pensionable benefits for physicians.
