On May 1, we celebrate Doctors Day, a time to recognize the important contributions of Nova Scotia’s doctors.It’s no secret that our province needs to recruit and retain physicians, both family doctors and specialists. Over 142,000 Nova Scotians are on the wait list for a family doctor. It’s a difficult time for patients and health-care providers alike.

However, we know that there are 2,400 doctors working in our province right now, doing their best to provide health care to Nova Scotians. They are logging long hours at family practices, clinics, hospitals and labs, and are working behind the scenes on public health policy to keep our communities safe.

Doctors Day is a chance to celebrate them.

To help us do that, we’ve invited Nova Scotians to share messages of gratitude for their doctors. Here is a sample of the hundreds of messages we’ve received so far in Doctors Nova Scotia’s online communities:

“It’s tough to work in health care right now. Thank you to all doctors who are hanging in there in a system that’s hugely overtaxed.”

“Dr. Adrienne Watson has been a safe harbour during medical crises, going well above the call of duty in providing care.”

“We are so very grateful to have a doctor as knowledgeable, kind and caring as Dr. Colin Burgoyne.”

“Thank you, Dr. Krishna Myneni, for your kindness, gentleness and professionalism. During Covid when you were a new doctor to us and my husband had a diagnosis, you called every week to check on us during that difficult time, even though we had never met.”

Is there a family doctor or specialist you’d like to recognize? Write them an e-card on YourDoctors.ca. We will pass your message along to your doctor in time for May 1, helping to brighten their day.

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.

Want more information on healthy living and health-care delivery sent directly to your inbox? Subscribe to our newsletter to get all of our content first!