Nova Scotia Doctors Surge: Record Recruitment Continues

Nova Scotia Health has reported a significant increase in physician recruitment, with 278 new doctors joining the province last year, representing the greatest net gain in physicians over the past five years. This success is contributing to improved access to primary healthcare. As a result, the number of individuals registered on the Need a Family Practice Registry has decreased by nearly 32,000 compared to the previous year.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia indicates that the medical workforce has expanded by over 30% in the last three years, encompassing both family physicians and specialists. Encouragingly, the demographic of physicians is becoming younger, with a rapid increase in those under 40. Despite these positive recruitment trends, challenges remain, particularly concerning specialized care access, including gynecology and obstetrics, where wait times can extend to several years.