With Doctors Day (May 1) just around the corner, we’re recognizing the contributions of Nova Scotia’s physicians and medical learners.

Doctors are the heart of health care in our province. They keep services going in our communities, working in family practices, community clinics and hospitals, and behind the scenes on medical research, innovation and public health policy. They’re also mentors, leaders and teachers, helping to train and support future health-care providers for our province.

With tens of thousands of people on the wait list for a family doctor, we know it’s a difficult time for patients and health-care providers alike. No one wants to see people struggling to access health care, and our physicians are working harder 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 note 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 shining light on Nova Scotia doctors who are working hard to serve their patients.

Halifax family physician Dr. Ron Milne has been leading a push to boost health care access for Black Nova Scotians. As founder and lead of the Nova Scotia Brotherhood, he holds clinics in historic Black communities across Halifax. He also leads the annual Black Men’s Health Conference, sparking discussion on Black men’s physical and mental health. Watch a video about his work.

In Barrington, family physician Dr. Robyn Pierce provides house calls for her patients and is a lifeline for people who can’t make it into her clinic. She’s also sharing her skills and unique experiences with medical students and residents, mentoring the next generation of family physicians for her rural community. See her in action in this video.

We also connected with Liverpool family physician Dr. Asha Dawson. Facing burnout as a general practitioner in Scotland, she crossed the ocean for a fresh start in Nova Scotia. After moving to Liverpool, she can finally focus on what she loves about being a family doctor – nurturing close relationships with her patients. Watch this video to see how Dr. Dawson has fallen back in love with family medicine.

These are just a few of the Nova Scotia doctors we’re excited to recognize. Head over to our the “featured doctors” section of our website to browse more profiles of local physicians providing 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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