Forward Together
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Forward Together

Annual Report 2023

President’s Message
Doctors and Patients overhead, blurred motion

President’s Message

President Andria Macaulay

Dr. Andria MacAulay, MD, CCFP, FCFP
PRESIDENT

Nova Scotia is in a healthcare crisis. Physicians are burning out. Emergency rooms are in chaos. Specialist wait times are increasing. Patients are struggling to access care. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia has had access to care as a primary strategic focus during the two years I have been President. While there are many areas that as regulators we cannot impact, I am proud of the innovative and thoughtful changes that we have initiated and implemented over the past two years. There is progress being made.

Our Registration Policy Committee has done extraordinary work in expanding the recognition of international training and practice. Nova Scotia is a national leader in developing licensing policies, with much of our work routinely being adopted in other provinces. This policy work requires extensive research and careful thought, but it has allowed us to license more physicians with confidence they are safe and competent.

While there are many areas that as regulators we cannot impact, I am proud of the innovative and thoughtful changes that we have initiated and implemented over the past two years.

Doctors and Patients overhead, blurred motion

This work continues, but it must always be done with careful thought to ensure that the physicians we license to practise in Nova Scotia are competent to do so. There are exciting developments on the horizon as we dive into new ways to assess and license internationally trained physicians. I am encouraged and proud, that the College’s Registrar, Dr. Gus Grant and Deputy Registrar Dr. Keri McAdoo, have been installed as Chair and Vice Chair of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC) Committee on Medical Licensure in Canada.

Nova Scotia has been a leader in facilitating multi-jurisdictional licensing agreements. The Atlantic Registry is a model that may pave the way for future national licensure models. I am proud of the heavy lifting that Nova Scotia, under Dr. Grant’s leadership, has provided in this revolutionary model.

High Angle View Doctors, tablets in hand

As we explore options to license more competent physicians trained outside of Canada, it is essential that we ensure their successful onboarding to life and practise in Nova Scotia. There is no question that the novel Welcome Collaborative has been a success. The importance of the role that it will play in integrating new physicians to Nova Scotia will expand as we develop additional pathways to licensure.

As I come to the end of my time as President of the College, I can confidently say we are in good hands. The College has a strong senior leadership team that is not afraid to think critically and suggest bold changes where it is reasonable and defensible to do so. Although we are in a healthcare crisis, be assured the College, as regulator, is exploring all safe solutions. I look forward to continuing to work within the regulatory world to address the needs of Nova Scotians.

Registrar’s Message
medical professionals sitting around conference table with paper documents and laptops, high angle shot

Registrar’s Message

Registrar Gus Grant

D.A. (Gus) Grant, AB, LLB, MD, CCFP, ICD.D
REGISTRAR & CEO

The primary focus of the College’s work in 2023 has been in answer to the call for access to care for Nova Scotians. While our core responsibilities of investigating complaints, developing professional standards, assessing physician performance, and overseeing physician health have been ongoing, our strategic energy has been focused on access, whether it be through the licensure and integration of physicians trained outside of Canada or the development of broader roles for physician extenders. It is the sole theme of our strategic plan.

Although there is much work left to do, I am pleased to report on our progress to date.

Nova Scotia’s door to welcome more physicians into practice is now wider than any other province. We have created more pathways to provide long-term licensure for physicians trained outside of Canada, with the shortest period of supervision in the country.

Nova Scotia’s door to welcome more physicians into practice is now wider than any other province. We have created more pathways to provide long-term licensure for physicians trained outside of Canada, with the shortest period of supervision in the country.

medical professionals sitting around conference table with paper documents and laptops, high angle shot

This important work is anchored in a commitment to license only competent physicians, to license no incompetent physicians, and to license physicians only to the scope of their competencies. This is a complex challenge. Medical training and practice vary greatly around the world, which gives rise to a significant need for due diligence and assessment. It is clear, however, that physicians trained outside Canada can make a valuable and important contribution to our healthcare. Our task is to identify, license, welcome, and support them.

At the beginning of the pandemic, there were 13 physician extender programs (a term that encompasses physician assistants and clinical associates/associate physicians). These programs were all located in the central zone, and all connected with academic departments. At year-end 2023, there were 29 programs, distributed around the province, all of which have been approved and accredited by the College. The impact of these programs is hard to overstate. In many cases, the programs allow for a service or a department to stay open.

This work does not take place in a vacuum. The changes implemented by the College would not have been possible without the contribution and collaboration of many stakeholders. My thanks to Nova Scotia Health (NSH), the Department of Health and Wellness (DOHW), Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS), community groups, and the individual physicians who have contributed their time and energy.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank the profession broadly. These last few years have been stressful for all in medicine. I am continuously impressed with the resilience and generosity of physicians as we work towards solutions.

Doctor In Operating Room wearing mask

Licensing & Welcoming Physicians

Doctor In Operating Room wearing mask

Responding to the Need for Improved Access to Care

The College has a central role in addressing access to care. As the regulator of the medical profession, the College establishes the requirements for entry to practice in our province.

We have opened our door wider for the licensure of more internationally trained, competent physicians. The College has established policies and programs that offer the country’s shortest pathway in Canada for physicians internationally trained. Our efforts lead the country.

Faster Licensing Decisions

Physicians trained outside of Canada without certification from the Royal College or the College of Family Physicians of Canada have the shortest pathway in Canada to long-term renewable licensure. In as little as six months of concentrated supervision in practice, physicians can become eligible for independent, renewable licensure. The College is grateful to the supervising physicians, who provide us with the necessary data and observations to make safe, defensible licensing decisions.

Increasing Internationally Recognized Jurisdictions for Licensure

Physicians holding the equivalent to a Full licence in the US, Australia and New Zealand can receive a licence to practice in Nova Scotia without first establishing Royal College eligibility, the process for which has long been a rate limiting step. We are the first College in Canada to do so.

Through a process of thorough scrutiny and analysis, the College continues to actively review other jurisdictions appropriate for the same recognition.

Back View of woman surgeon in a Hospital Intensive Care Unit

Identifying Faculty-Specific Jurisdictions for Licensure

To support the province’s recruitment, extensive research is ongoing of medical education faculties around the world.

Throughout Canada, the licensure of internationally trained physicians has always been based on an assessment of the medical system of a jurisdiction, an approach which assumes that medical training is homogeneous within jurisdictions. The College is questioning this assumption, convinced that there are faculties of excellence around the world in jurisdictions not recognized for licensure in Canada.

We are the first College to undertake this targeted approach and we are optimistic it will open new avenues for licensure.

Full Licensure for American-Board Certified Physicians

In early 2023, we became the first province to offer Full licensure to American board-certified physicians without need of Canadian certification exams. Full licensure for American board-certified physicians has now been increasingly adopted across the country.

Physicians Licensed: 2023 Snapshot

This data is as of December 31, 2023 and represents a physician headcount, not a total of full-time equivalent practising physicians.

3864
Total Licences
1260
Family Medicine
2011
Other Specialists
593
Postgraduate Trainees
411
Medical Students
The College licensed 379 more physicians including 115 more family physicians
13%

Increase in physicians licensed January 1, 2023 to January 1, 2024

 

Physicians Licensed: 6-Year Overview

Customize your view of licensing data by changing the chart type or click on the legend to show/hide each set of data.

Physician Age Distribution

(This data does not include postgraduate trainees.)

Customize your view of licensing data by changing the chart type or click on the legend to show/hide each set of data.

Female doctor wearing mask and gown

Increasing Physician Extenders

The College recently welcomed physician assistants (PAs) into regulation as registrants of the College. Until now, PAs had worked only within pilot projects. The evaluation of these pilots was clear: PAs had important skills to contribute to our system going forward. The College worked closely with the Department of Health and Wellness (DOHW) to develop changes to the regulations of the Medical Act to allow for the licensure and regulation of PAs.

It is hard to overstate the impact of physician extender programs. In many instances, the presence of associate physicians or PAs has enabled departments to remain open.

At the onset of the pandemic, there were 13 physician extender programs in Nova Scotia, all within the central zone, and all housed within academic departments. At the close of 2023, the number of programs has expanded to 29, with new programs located around the province and not always connected to an academic department. These programs employ 63 physician extenders. Each of these programs has been accredited by the College, with established duties, structures of oversight, and scopes of practice.

PAs expand the impact of physicians, working independently but not autonomously. As such, they must work in structured programs. The College has developed a framework for PA programs, accounting for supervision and sponsorship, together with defined duties and scope. The process is now fully templated, with a minimum of administrative burden. There are now four PA programs in operation, with others soon coming.

Overhead photo of doctors on stairs in discussion

Associate Physicians

The College is excited by two associate physician hospitalist pilots presently being launched in the northern zone. These are first-of-a-kind projects in Canada, which contemplate a pathway from associate physician to attending physician by way of a competency-based assessment of performance over time. After providing care over an 18 to 24-month period as an associate physician, recommended candidates will be assessed for independent licensure as hospitalists.

These pilots will deliver up to eight new hospitalists into the healthcare system in the first iteration. With success, these programs will be poised to grow.

Atlantic Registry

The Atlantic Registry enables fully licensed physicians in any of the Atlantic provinces to enjoy Full licensure and ease of mobility throughout the region. The Registry greatly reduces the administrative burden and costs on physicians who practice throughout the region and may have the effect of promoting physician mobility.

The Atlantic Registry has generated significant national attention. Health Canada is now conducting research on its impact.

The Atlantic Registry is being widely viewed as a model for national licensure. In June of 2023, the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC) formally recognized the Atlantic Registry as a model for pan-Canadian or multi-jurisdictional licensure.

Atlantic Registry Data (April 2024)

114
Family Medicine
178
Other specialties
292
Total on the Registry

Note: Nova Scotia is the home jurisdiction for 135 of those physicians on the Registry.

Welcoming New Physicians

The College is also leading the way in onboarding physicians trained outside of Canada. The Welcome Collaborative supports physicians trained outside of Canada, who have been issued a medical licence, and are new to practising in Nova Scotia. It is an orientation program that helps physicians successfully integrate into the healthcare system. This program is the first of its kind in Canada.

These physicians have excellent training, but success in practice in Nova Scotia requires more than just excellent training. The curriculum of the Welcome Collaborative touches on the unique aspects of medicine in our province, together with introducing physicians to important resources that will support them in practice. Our belief is that by setting physicians up for success in practice, the Welcome Collaborative will play a foundational role in retaining them in our province.

The program is receiving considerable national and international attention. The qualitative reviews from the physicians are overwhelmingly positive.

The Welcome Collaborative is an orientation program that helps physicians successfully integrate into the healthcare system. This program is the first of its kind in Canada… Our belief is that by setting physicians up for success in practice, the Welcome Collaborative will play a foundational role in retaining them in our province.

The Welcome Collaborative, an initiative developed and run by the College, is funded by a grant from Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration.

welcome collaborative participants March 2024
Physicians who participated in the March Welcome Collaborative along with George Chimdi Mbara (seated centre), Program Manager, Welcome Collaborative, at the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia.

Outreach to Expand Licensure and Support Physician Retention

  • The College is regularly called upon to participate in national initiatives. The College’s Registrar, Dr. Gus Grant, sits on the board of the Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada (FMRAC).
  • Dr. Grant is the Chair of FMRAC’s Committee on Medical Licensure in Canada, which works toward shared licensing standards across the country. Deputy Registrar Dr. Keri McAdoo is Vice-Chair.
  • Dr. Grant is a member of the Board of Directors of the Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS).
  • Within Nova Scotia, Dr. Grant and Dr. McAdoo continue to provide strategic leadership to support the Atlantic Registry, which promotes the mobility of physicians throughout our region.
  • Dr. Grant has been active on the province’s Virtual Care Advisory Group. He continues to work closely with the Offices of Health Care Professional Recruitment and Retention.
  • Dr. Grant continues to provide leadership to expand the reach and impact of the College’s Welcome Collaborative program. The program aims to support the integration of physicians trained outside of Canada into medical practice in the province.
  • The College enjoys multiple touchpoints with the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University and the health authorities. We participate in virtual rounds, presenting to postgraduate trainees and medical students, as well as continuing professional development (CPD) events such as the Dalhousie Refresher.
Strategic Plan 2023–2024
Doctor with clipboard in hallway

Strategic Plan 2023–2024

Access to Care

Vision

Our vision is to be a respected leader that protects the public while supporting the medical profession.

Mission

Our mission is to serve the public by effectively regulating the medical profession.

Commitment

We will be thorough, decisive and fair.

Values

Our work will reflect the values we place in:

  • Professionalism;
  • Excellence in medical care;
  • Consultation and collaboration; and
  • Anti-racism and anti-oppression.

2023 Strategic Plan Focus

The College will improve access to equitable, competent care by:

  1. Expanding the recognition of acceptable international training and practice, to license more physicians.
  2. Growing physician extender programs, to increase the number of Associate Physicians and Physician Assistants.
  3. Facilitating multi-jurisdictional licensing agreements, such as the Atlantic Registry, to promote mobility of physicians and postgraduate trainees.
  4. Supporting physicians trained outside of Canada through the Welcome Collaborative orientation program, to advance long-term success and retention.

 

2023 Strategic Plan Outcomes

Doctor with clipboard in hallway
1

Expanding the recognition of acceptable international training and practice, to license more physicians

Physicians trained outside of Canada without certification from the Royal College or the College of Family Physicians of Canada have the shortest pathway in Canada to long-term renewable licensure. In as little as six months of concentrated supervision in practice, these physicians can become eligible for independent, renewable licensure.

In early 2023, we became the first province to offer Full licensure to American board-certified physicians without the need of Canadian certification exams. Full licensure for American board-certified physicians has now been increasingly adopted across the country.

To support the province’s recruitment, we are continuing to undertake extensive research of medical education faculties around the world. Throughout Canada, the licensure of internationally trained physicians has always been based on an assessment of the medical system of a jurisdiction, an approach which assumes that medical training is homogeneous within jurisdictions.

The College has determined that there are faculties of excellence around the world in jurisdictions not recognized for licensure in Canada. We are the first College to undertake this targeted approach and we are optimistic it will open new avenues for licensure.

Closeup Of Doctors Discussing Patients
2

Growing physician extender programs, to increase the number of Associate Physicians and Physician Assistants

At the onset of the pandemic, there were 13 physician extender programs in Nova Scotia, all within the central zone, and all housed within academic departments. At the close of 2023, the number of programs has expanded to 29, with new programs located around the province and not always connected to an academic department. These programs employ 63 physician extenders. Each of these programs has been accredited by the College, with established duties, structures of oversight, and scopes of practice.

Two associate physician hospitalist pilots are launched in the northern zone. These are first-of-a-kind projects in Canada, which contemplate a pathway from associate physician to attending physician. After providing care over an 18 to 24-month period as an associate physician, recommended candidates will be assessed for independent licensure as hospitalists.

These pilots will deliver up to eight new hospitalists into the healthcare system in the first iteration.

Along the Cabot Trail in Cape Breton Highlands National Park, Nova Scotia
3

Facilitating multi-jurisdictional licensing agreements, such as the Atlantic Registry, to promote mobility of physicians and postgraduate trainees

The Atlantic Registry launched in May of 2023 and as of April 2024, 292 physicians have signed on including 135 with Nova Scotia as their home jurisdiction.

The Atlantic Registry is being widely viewed as a model for national licensure. Health Canada is now conducting research on its impact.

Welcome Collaborative participants November 2023
4

Supporting physicians trained outside of Canada through the Welcome Collaborative orientation program, to advance long-term success and retention

In 2023, 60 physicians new to practising in Nova Scotia participated in the Welcome Collaborative 3-day orientation program. The program was delivered four times during the year with 31 family medicine specialists attending along with 29 other specialists.

Feedback has been very positive, and suggestions shared by way of session evaluations continue to inform the design of the program to ensure the needs of participating physicians are addressed.

Physician Health
Doctors in bright white hospital lobby

Physician Health

Doctors in bright white hospital lobby

At any time in their career, a physician may develop a health condition that impacts their ability to deliver safe, competent care to their patients.

Physician health is a priority for the College for many reasons, not least of which is that physician unwellness can negatively impact patient safety. Because of the relationship between physician health and patient safety, physicians have important reporting responsibilities. Under the Duty to Report Health Professionals standard, physicians are required to notify the College if they (or another regulated health professional) have a health condition that may impact their practice.

Our Physician Health Program has been successful in connecting physicians with supports needed to maintain active clinical practice. Physicians are appreciative of the program’s approach of treating them with respect and maintaining a wellness focus.
Physician Support Officer

Doctor Facing Camera wearing a surgical mask

The Physician Health Program is a confidential and collaborative approach to ensure a physician’s health condition does not impact patient safety and to connect them with support for their wellbeing. Each physician’s health situation is unique and is approached respectfully, sensitively, and with the utmost confidentiality. The College does not provide direct treatment but connects physicians to available resources or assessments.

The Physician Health Program is entirely separate from the professional discipline or complaints process. On occasion, concerns about a physician’s health arise while investigating a complaint. When this occurs, the physician health lens takes priority, and the complaint investigation is either paused or closed.

To the extent the physician’s health permits, our focus is to ensure the physician is supported to maintain a safe practice. In some instances, this may include ongoing physician monitoring, changing scope of practice, a health assessment, or a leave of absence from practice.

Our goal is to ensure the supports physicians need are in place to balance their health and clinical responsibilities.

Council 2023–2024
Council March 2024

Council 2023–2024

The Council is the governing board of the College with meetings four times a year. Its authority is provided for in the Nova Scotia Medical Act.

The Council includes physician members elected by physicians and public members appointed by the College through a nominations process. Nova Scotia’s medical school holds a Council seat, and medical learners are represented as observers.

Council and committee members bring their diverse perspectives as care providers and as Nova Scotians to the table. It is responsible for setting strategic direction, developing policies, setting licensing fees and providing oversight of the College’s performance.

With a keen sense of the context to inform the exercise of their authority, the Council and its committees aim to provide a well-balanced and equitable approach to regulating medicine in the public interest.

CPSNS Council members 2023–2024

Members of Council 2023–2024

BACK ROW (left to right)
Ms. Michele Brennan, Dr. Melissa Broaders, Dr. Umesh Prabhu, Dr. D.A. (Gus) Grant (Registrar & CEO), Dr. Patrick Holland (Maritime Resident Doctors Appointee), Dr. Michael Clory, Dr. Mary Oxner (PhD)

FRONT ROW (left to right)
Dr. Mutiat Sulyman, Dr. Minoli Amit, Dr. Andria MacAulay (President), Dr. Mary-Lynn Watson (President-Elect), Ms. Meredith Otley (Dalhousie Medical Students’ Society Representative)

ABSENT
Dr. Martin Gardner (Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine Appointee), Dr. Alyson Holland, Ms. Damilola Iduye, Ms. Sherry McNeil-Mulak, Mr. Mark Rosen

Developing Professional Standards
Writing in notebook with a pen

Developing Professional Standards

Nova Scotians expect high-quality care when they seek medical help from a physician. To support public safety, the College sets the minimum expectations of medical practice by way of developing professional standards and guidelines.

The development of professional standards and guidelines is the responsibility of the Professional Standards Committee. The committee is comprised of a range of specialist physicians and public members of Council. The committee’s work is informed by research, consultation, and input from clinical experts. The College greatly appreciates the many physicians from many organizations who offered their expertise in reviewing standards. Their valuable feedback informed the guidance provided to the profession.

In addition to professional standards, physicians are expected to adhere to the CMA’s Code of Ethics and Professionalism and the recommendations of Choosing Wisely Canada both of which have been endorsed by the College. All are referenced during the investigation and resolution of a complaint.

Physicians are expected to stay current with these documents provided on the College’s website.

Public safety is the core principle that guides the work of the committee which addresses key areas of practice while responding to current and emerging issues. This important work is guided by extensive consultation with stakeholders.
Ms. Michele Brennan
Chair, Professional Standards Committee

Writing in notebook with a pen

The College values the input from stakeholders provided by way of consultations undertaken to inform the development of standards and guidelines. The following College standards were reviewed and revised:

The following new professional standards approved by the College’s Council in 2023 are as follows:

In anticipation of the federal government’s intention to expand eligibility for medical assistance in dying (MAiD) for persons suffering solely from a mental illness, the College undertook to align its standard with this change that was set to take effect in March 2024. However, in February the government introduced legislation to extend the temporary exclusion of eligibility for MAiD for persons suffering solely from a mental illness until March 17, 2027.

Investigating Complaints
Hospital Waiting Area

Investigating Complaints

Through the complaints process, the public and physicians turn to the College to uphold the standards of the profession and to maintain their collective confidence in the practice of medicine. We value the importance of complaints, as they represent one of the few mechanisms available to the public to hold the profession accountable or to gain understanding.

The volume of complaints has significantly increased over the past seven years, up 56% from 2017. With resources in healthcare stretched beyond limits, patient frustration and anger are driving a national trend upward. As would be expected, the costs associated with investigations are growing in step.

To address the volume and costs, and in recognition of the stress felt by both physicians and complainants, we have implemented significant changes to our staffing and our investigative approach.

The College now has three licensed physicians working as investigators on our team. Together with our Public Support Advisor, who is a trained social worker, they work to sensitively humanize the complaint process, offering support without compromising the legal integrity of the complaint process.

In response to mounting stress experienced within healthcare, we have expedited the complaint process, with a trauma-informed lens without compromising fairness and due process for all.

Closed by Registrar

Total: 226

2023 Complaint Statistics

343
Complaints received (up 10% from last year)
318
Complaints closed by disposition (up 9% from last year)

Through the complaints process, the public and physicians turn to the College to uphold the standards of the profession and to maintain their collective confidence in the practice of medicine. We value the importance of complaints, as they represent one of the few mechanisms available to the public to hold the profession accountable or to gain understanding.

The volume of complaints has significantly increased over the past seven years, up 61% from 2017. With resources in healthcare stretched beyond limits, patient frustration and anger are driving a national trend upward. As would be expected, the costs associated with investigations are growing in step.

Closed by Committee

Total: 92

Categories of Complaints upon Disposition

Investigating complaints is challenging, complex, and emotionally charged for all involved.

College staff and committees tasked with this sensitive work receive ongoing training in trauma-informed and culturally appropriate approaches. We are expanding the diversity of our team, realizing the importance of first voice and lived experience when investigating complaints.

We wish to express our gratitude to the physicians and members of the public who work on committees and undertake this high-stakes work. All share a commitment to protecting the public interest and upholding the public’s confidence in the medical profession.

Complaints Received: 6-Year Overview

The College received 84 more complaints in 2023 compared to 2018
32%

Increase in complaints over the past 6 years

Stethoscope Financial Graphs

Operations

The College’s focus for 2023 was Access to Care. Council approved many new registration policy changes that opened our doors wider for physicians trained outside of Canada.

These changes authored financial impact. The College experienced a drastic increase of 60% in reviews of qualifications and initial applications. The increase in interest gave rise to the need for more staffing in response to demand.

We enjoyed another clean audit, with an unmodified opinion from our Auditors for 2023. The financial statements approved by Council demonstrate a surplus of $397,398, which reflects a rebounding bond market and breakeven operational results. The surplus for 2023 is derived from an unrestricted fund deficit of $26,219 ($70,623 deficit in 2022) and a combined investment income and an increase in the fair market value of our investments for a surplus of $423,617 ($454,887 deficit in 2022) in the reserve fund. While the College had budgeted for an operational deficit of $744,660, the results for 2023 were a deficit of only $26,217. The main contributing factors to this were an increase in applications and review of qualifications as a direct result of registration policy changes in March 2023, and an increase in investment income as the markets had a stronger year than in 2022.

The College also chose to pause family medicine peer reviews, in recognition of the stresses felt by primary care providers at this time.

Update on Investments

We continue to ensure our investments are managed in a way that promotes the short and long-term sustainability of our operations. Preservation and the safety of principal is the overriding consideration in investment decisions. Our reserve fund enjoyed a recovery of fair market value throughout 2023, now sitting at our target of 60% of our annual budget. Investments will always ebb and flow, and decreases in fair market value are expected.

One of our objectives, included in the College’s Statement of Investment Policy and Goals Policy, is to ensure investments are in accordance with socially responsible investing as follows: To invest funds in a responsible manner with a specific focus on Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), with direct investments in the following areas excluded: gambling, tobacco, alcohol, cannabis, and weapons.

Medical History Vignette
William Grigor

Medical History Vignette

William Grigor

Portrait of Dr. William Grigor by William Valentine. (From the Portrait Collection of the Nova Scotia Museum)

Dr. William Grigor a Pioneer in Medical Care for Nova Scotians

Dr. Grigor was born in Scotland in 1798 and attended lectures in the Faculty Medicine, Edinburgh University, from 1814 to 1816 before successfully passing an exam to become a Licentiate of the Royal College of Surgeons in 1817. Two years later he was practising in Antigonish and, during the period 1821 to 1825, practised in Truro. A year later, Dr. Grigor established a practice in Halifax and during the next 41 years took the lead in providing medical services to the poor, in establishing a medical society, and in promoting science education in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Grigor established a practice in Halifax and during the next 41 years took the lead in providing medical services to the poor, in establishing a medical society, and in promoting science education in Nova Scotia.

Dr. Grigor realized that Halifax needed a hospital and, in partnership with Dr. John Stirling, established the Halifax Dispensary in 1829 on Granville Street. Their dispensary provided free medications and minor surgery to the poor of Halifax prior to the opening of the provincial and city hospital in 1867. They provided treatment for over 1,000 patients at the dispensary each year. Drs. Grigor and Stirling also visited the homes of the poor throughout Halifax and gave free medications, vaccinations, and medical advice. They received an annual grant of £50 from the Nova Scotia government to support their work.

Dr. Grigor also noted that Halifax did not have a scientific society to educate students, the general public and medical practitioners, about recent developments in the science of optics, pneumatics, electricity, acoustics, mesmerism, and anatomy. Borrowing the idea from England and Scotland, he established the Halifax Mechanic Institute in 1832 and, over the next 12 years, gave a total of 26 lectures on scientific subjects. His lectures were open to the public as well.

His third major accomplishment was the formation of the Medical Society Nova Scotia in 1854 which brought together medical practitioners from Halifax and rural areas of the province. This was important because it provided the medical profession with a common voice when it approached government on issues of payments for medical care provided to First Nations, to the Black community and to the poor. It also allowed the profession to work towards legislation which would ensure that all medical practitioners had been properly trained and educated to provide medical care to the public. Dr. Grigor served as the first President of the Medical Society of Nova Scotia.