Hubbards to get internationally trained family doctor

An internationally trained family doctor will be setting up shop in Hubbards.

The physician is one of four from Nigeria who have become the first to successfully complete the new Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program.

The program is designed to make sure family doctors trained outside Canada meet the licensing requirements of our province.

“We know doctors trained in other countries who come to Canada often end up working in other jobs because of differences in their medical licences,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey in a news release.

“The Practice Ready Assessment Program was created to give these trained professionals an opportunity to show they have the knowledge and skills required to practise in Nova Scotia.”

Applicants are screened by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, and if successful, have to write and pass the Therapeutics Decision Making Exam before completing a 12-week clinical field assessment.

All four will practice under certain conditions and supervision, and they're required to work in a designated community for at least three years.

In addition to Hubbards, the doctors have been assigned to Truro, New Glasgow and Glace Bay.

“We know some people in these communities do not have access to a regular primary care provider – it's one of the reasons these locations were chosen,” said Nova Scotia Health Authority director of physician recruitment, Katrina Philopoulos.

“Once these physicians are settled in their family practices, they'll help improve access for existing patients and some will be accepting new patients.”

The Practice Ready Assessment Program is a partnership between the Dalhousie Department of Family Medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority, College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia and the Department of Health and Wellness.

Nine potential candidates are being interviewed for its second year.