Expression of Interest: Network Community Family Practice Lead - Annapolis and Kings County

Company Description

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, with some specialized services also offered to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We’re on a mission to achieve excellence in health, healing and learning through working together, which is reflected in the hospitals, health centres and community-based programs we operate across the province. Our passionate team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join a diverse team of innovators, collaborators and creative thinkers today.

Nova Scotia Health is committed to being a workforce that is free of discrimination, values diversity and is representative, at all job levels, of the people we serve. We encourage all qualified applicants who self-identify as Indigenous, Black/African Nova Scotian, Persons of Colour, Foreign Nationals/Newcomers, Persons with Disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ to apply and self-identify. 

Job Description

Each of the four administrative Zones within the Nova Scotia Health Authority (NSHA) have a Department Head of Family Practice supported by a broader medical administrative structure for family practice, which  includes medical leadership at the network level.   Community Health Networks are geographic based; there are 14 networks in Nova Scotia, with three in the Western Zone. The Networks serve as a mechanism to facilitate linkages across all health system and community partners, linking primary, secondary, tertiary, and diagnostic care across settings (hospital, community, long term care).

Mandate: 

Reporting to the Head, Department of Family Practice, Western Zone and working within a co-leadership model with the network Primary Health Care Manager, the network community family practice lead provides service leadership and support to ensure that Network medical staff activities are consistent with the overall strategic and operational direction of the Department and aligned with NSHA strategic imperatives. 

Responsibilities

1. Support the Zone Department Head. Examples include: responding to physician network inquiries on specific topics, providing contextual information about specific issues, individuals, communities, etc., based on existing knowledge of network and relationships with network physicians.

2. Meet with the respective Zone Department Head in person or via e-technology at a minimum once a month. Meetings will focus on network and departmental updates.

3. Work in a co-leadership model with the Network Primary Health Care Manager with scheduled check-ins in person or via e-technology. Co-leadership activities include (but not limited to) - meeting with physicians, family practice teams and other key stakeholders in the network to support activities associated with implementation of the Health Home Model. 

4. Advise and assist the Zone Department Head in family physician recruitment and retention within the Network. This includes activities such as: a. Contacting retiring physicians, reviewing data gathered about their practice, making recommendations regarding replacements. b. Meeting with potential new recruits, working with the Zone Recruitment Officer, making recommendations to the Head regarding payment models and deliverables.

5. Chair meetings of the Network Family Practice Council on a regular basis (every 4-6 weeks) in addition to biannual department meetings with the family physicians of the network.

6. Maintain linkages with family physicians within the Network, working to promote the functions and activities of the DFP including (but not limited to) engaging in ad hoc meetings and interactions with individual physicians and family practice teams, either in person or by telephone.

7. Attend meetings of network physicians (where there are meetings) as required either accompanying the Zone Department Head or attending in their stead.

8. Liaise with the regional hospital and CEC site leads in the network where applicable through the Network Council and on an ad hoc basis.

9. Assess minor complaints or SIMS reports concerning family physicians within the network and refer to the Zone Department Head as indicated. This would include activities such as initial trouble shooting and data gathering, resolving minor complaints, and referring more significant issues to Head or ZMED. As the organization matures, areas of responsibility may change to create needed alignment of Departments and Networks

Qualifications

• MD (WITH OR WITHOUT SPECIALTY) with an interest in Medical Leadership and evidence of past and ongoing leadership training. experience as a family physician

Additional Information

To Apply: 

• Application Deadline:  Open until filled Application Requirement: Please submit your expression of interest with cover letter and CV outlining your experience in relation to the accountabilities for the position to Julianne Croft at julianne.croft@nshealth.ca
• Compensation: Four Year term with a stipend of $18,750 annually

Community Details

Annapolis County and Kings County, located in the heart of the Annapolis Valley, are known for their scenic beauty, fertile farmland, and close-knit communities. With stunning views of the Bay of Fundy and the North Mountain, this region is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, offering everything from hiking and cycling to exploring local vineyards, orchards, and historic sites. The area’s agricultural heritage shines through in its many farmers markets, providing access to fresh, locally grown produce and artisanal goods year-round.

In both Annapolis and Kings Counties, residents enjoy a blend of rural charm and modern conveniences, with a variety of cultural and recreational opportunities. From the Apple Blossom Festival in Kings County to historic Annapolis Royal’s vibrant arts scene and heritage, there’s something for everyone. Strong community bonds, excellent schools, and an abundance of local events make this region a welcoming and enriching place to live, work, and play.

Physicians in Nova Scotia provide fulfilling patient care which embraces family life, professional development and community involvement. That's what makes practicing medicine in Nova Scotia unique. Physicians are increasingly attracted to practices that offer team-based care to their patients and allow them to consult with their peers. The size and scale of Nova Scotia allows for better connections across the health care system. Your practice of medicine and your life is richer here. Nova Scotia is more than medicine.