Our PC government is taking action to bring more family doctors to communities across Nova Scotia by partnering with two leading universities in Lebanon.
A new five-year pilot program with the Lebanese American University will see 10 family physicians come to Nova Scotia—two per year—under a formal memorandum of agreement. This partnership builds on an already strong relationship with Lebanon’s American University of Beirut, which has produced two physicians now practising in the province, with another expected to arrive soon.
“We have doctors who want to make Nova Scotia their home, and we have opportunities to help them do what they do best – provide care to patients,” said Michelle Thompson, Minister of Health and Wellness. “These partnerships will further strengthen ties between our province and Lebanon and create a unique opportunity to bring highly skilled family physicians to Nova Scotia.”
The government is working closely with the Honorary Consulate of Lebanon in Halifax and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia to support these recruitment efforts.
As part of this initiative, our government is investing $5 million over the length of the agreement with Lebanese American University. The funding will support two residency positions each year, as well as cover licensing exams, immigration, and relocation expenses. All incoming doctors will sign a three-year return-of-service agreement to practise in Nova Scotia.
Under Premier Tim Houston’s leadership, Nova Scotia is becoming a magnet for healthcare providers. This is another step forward in our PC government’s Action for Health plan to strengthen healthcare and improve access to care across the province.