Two Resident Physicians Coming to Pictou County

Nova Scotians will have access to more family doctors as new residents begin their training this month.

The new North Nova Family Medicine Teaching Site in Truro is welcoming six residents. Two will work in Truro, two in New Glasgow and two in Amherst.

“These new residency spaces are an important part of our plan to increase Nova Scotians’ access to family doctors,” said Health and Wellness Minister Randy Delorey. “Residency spaces are among our best recruiting tools – many residents who train here stay in Nova Scotia long term.”

The existing Cape Breton site will also welcome two additional residents. Two more family medicine residents will gain more clinical experience in areas that will improve services in the community - women’s health and community hospitalist medicine.

Residents will spend two years in a family practice where they will follow a group of patients, gaining skills and experience in areas like maternal care, mental health and senior care.

“I’m thrilled to be completing my family medicine residency through Dalhousie at the new North Nova site,” said Dr. Jamie Grandy, one of the six incoming residents. "This type of program will provide an excellent learning experience, and my plan for the future is to be a family physician in the Truro area.”
“Working in a rural setting, our residents will have the opportunity to learn a number of skills,” said Dr. Deanna Field, North Nova site director. “From minor procedures to home visits to covering emergency rooms, our learners will be given a wide range of clinical opportunities.”

The new additional spaces were announced last July and are part of Dalhousie University’s Family Medicine Residency Training Program.

“This is a significant accomplishment for Dalhousie Medical School and the province,” said medical school dean Dr. David Anderson. “Welcoming these six medical school graduates to North Nova is proof of our commitment to work closely with community partners, the Nova Scotia Health Authority and provincial government in a collaborative effort to address current and future challenges.”

Residency training is a joint effort of the Department of Health and Wellness, Dalhousie Medical School and Nova Scotia Health Authority.

“Physicians are more likely to practise where they train - that’s why expanding these rural programs has been a priority,” said Dr. Nicole Boutilier, incoming vice president of medicine, Nova Scotia Health Authority. “We appreciate the collaboration with our partners to make this a reality for northern communities. Our physicians and leaders are excited to welcome the residents, and provide education and experiences that will give them a solid foundation.”

The new site and additional spaces brings the total number of Dalhousie Family Medicine teaching sites to five, training about 80 family medicine residents throughout the year.

Government will invest $3.3 million annually in the new spaces.