Welcome to PACE: Your Pathway to Practice in Nova Scotia, Canada

PACE (Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence) is Nova Scotia’s new clinical assessment program for internationally trained physicians. Designed for experienced family doctors and general practitioners, PACE evaluates your readiness to practice through a hands-on clinical experience in real healthcare settings.

PACE provides an innovative, centralized model that consolidates all assessment activities under one roof, setting it apart from other Practice Ready Assessment programs across Canada. This unique approach underscores PACE’s commitment to streamlined, comprehensive evaluations for internationally trained physicians.

PACE Advantage:

• Competency-based, supervised clinical assessment
• Collaborative program built with Medical Council of Canada and the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
• Centralized assessment with a dedicated clinic
• Trained Assessors working collaboratively

Start the Assessment Process Today 

Step 1: Check Your Eligibility

Eligibility requirements for applying can be found here. Information for the selection process can be found here. Please submit your expression of interest to begin your PACE journey.

Typically for experienced international GPs or Family Physicians.

PLEASE ENSURE YOUR RESUME INCLUDES ALL FORMAL POST GRADUATE ROTATIONS AND YOUR THE DURATION, AS WELL AS YOUR MOST RECENT IN-PERSON CLINICAL EXPERIENCE

Please also ensure you meet the English Language Proficiency requirements of the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Nova Scotia:

Step 2: Complete the Assessment
Participate in a competency-based supervised clinical assessment at a Nova Scotia healthcare facility for a duration of 12 weeks (up to a max of 20 weeks).

Step 3: Pursue Licensure & Start Practicing

After successfully completing the PACE Assessment Program, candidates apply to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) for licensure to practice in their assessed setting (primary care or hospitalist). PACE recommends practice readiness, but CPSNS independently evaluates applications based on the Medical Act and regulations, potentially issuing a Defined, Restricted, or Clinical Assistant Licensure.

Licensure is not guaranteed. Nova Scotia Health supports placement in the assessed setting with a three-year return of service agreement. Guidance is provided throughout.

Start the Assessment Process Today