Doctors Day is coming up on May 1. It’s a day to reflect on the role and dedication of Nova Scotia’s doctors, and the hard work they do to keep Nova Scotians healthy.

With tens of thousands of people on the wait list for a family doctor, we know it’s a stressful time for patients and health-care providers alike. No one wants to see patients struggling to access health care, and our physicians are working harder, longer and in new ways, to serve patients and fill service gaps in their communities.

As part of our Doctors Day campaign, we’ve asked Nova Scotians to share a shout-out to their doctor about the care they provide and how it’s making a difference in their life. Be sure to write a shout-out for your doctor and we’ll make sure they receive your message.

We also love showcasing family physicians in our province who are working hard to serve their patients and keep health-care services funning smoothly in their communities.

After practising public health in Ontario, Nigeria-trained family physician Dr. Onyebuchi “Stephanie” Ofoegbu embarked on a new life in Cape Breton. She practises family medicine in New Waterford, helping ensure that patients in her rural community get health care when and where they need it. Watch a video about her practice.

In Yarmouth, family physician Dr. Joe Gillis provides health care to patients in his family practice and at the local emergency department. Mentoring medical residents is a key focus of his work and he’s part of the team making Yarmouth a supportive hub for doctors to set up shop when they complete their training. Watch a video about his work.

Beyond running a family practice in Hubbards, family physician Dr. Reza Mehrpooya has spent his career helping Nova Scotians with chronic pain and substance use disorder. He provides care at several clinics in Halifax, including at Pain and Addictions Albro Lake (PAAL), a community-based clinic in north-end Dartmouth. Watch a video about his practice.

These are just a few of the Nova Scotia doctors we’re honoured to recognize. Head over to our the “featured doctors” section of our website to browse more profiles of local physicians working hard to provide exceptional health care for their patients.

Have a family doctor or specialist you’d like to recognize? Write a shout-out for them here.

Doctors Day was first recognized as the official day of appreciation for Nova Scotia’s medical profession in 2013. May 1 was selected as Doctors Day to mark the birthday of Canada’s first female physician, Dr. Emily Stowe.

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