On Doctor’s Day, Nova Scotia Celebrates a Record Year and Says Thank You
On Doctor’s Day, the PC Government is extending heartfelt thanks to the doctors across Nova Scotia who dedicate their lives to caring for others—and celebrating a record-setting year for physician recruitment in our province.
Between April 2024 and March 2025, 253 new doctors began working in Nova Scotia. That’s a net gain of 187 physicians—nearly double the gain from the year before and one of the strongest recruitment years in the province’s history.
“Our doctors go above and beyond to care for Nova Scotians every single day,” said Premier Tim Houston. “On Doctor’s Day, we say thank you—and we celebrate that more doctors than ever are choosing Nova Scotia to live, work, and care for our communities.”
The recruitment numbers include 89 new family doctors and 164 new specialists, with 18 joining the IWK Health Centre. Importantly, 32% of the new recruits are internationally trained, coming from countries like the U.K. and U.S.
The success is also thanks to stronger partnerships with Dalhousie Medical School, with more than half of family medicine residents and nearly half of specialty residents staying to work in Nova Scotia.
“These results are a testament to the strength of our recruitment strategy and the appeal of our province as a place to build a meaningful medical career,” said Health and Wellness Minister Michelle Thompson. “We’re not only attracting doctors—we’re giving them the tools and support they need to stay.”
On this Doctor’s Day, the PC Government recognizes the hard work, compassion, and commitment of all physicians in Nova Scotia. Their dedication is making a real difference in people’s lives—and helping to build a stronger, healthier province for everyone.