Nova Scotia Gains Record Doctors

Nova Scotia Health reported a significant influx of new physicians in the last fiscal year, adding 278 doctors to its ranks. After accounting for departures and retirements, the net increase was 199 physicians, exceeding the prior year by a dozen.

Of the new additions, 111 are family doctors, representing a nearly 25% rise from the previous year, and 167 are specialists. Internationally trained doctors constitute 40% of these recruits, with many coming from the United Kingdom and the United States. Recruitment from the U.S. has nearly tripled.

Newly graduated medical residents also contributed to the growing physician pool. Dalhousie University's medical school saw 79 family medicine residents graduate between April 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026, with 41 remaining in Nova Scotia. Additionally, 108 specialty residents graduated, with 42 staying in the province.

Premier Tim Houston highlighted the positive impact, stating that more doctors lead to better access to primary care and specialist appointments. The waitlist for a family doctor has decreased, with 60,193 individuals needing one as of May 1, 2026. Health Minister Michelle Thompson noted that consistent recruitment efforts are yielding results.