The Western Zone Women In Medicine Community of Practice is launching this June, uplifted by funding through the Valley Regional Hospital Foundation and Yarmouth Hospital Foundation. Together, the foundations are generously contributing $15,000 ($7,500 each) to support learning, professional development and collaboration for this Nova Scotia Health-driven program.
A community of practice is a group of people who share a common interest, career or passion. The Western Zone (WZ) Women in Medicine community of practice – co-led by physicians Drs. Farrell Nette, Anna Coolen and Shannon Joice and supported by Nova Scotia Health’s Physician Learning, Development & Support team – will provide a safe and collaborative forum for women physicians to discuss complex leadership topics, build community and achieve professional development goals. It builds on a successful Women in Medicine Community of Practice model in Central Zone.
“Physicians spend their careers caring for others and it’s important that they feel supported themselves,” said Karen Theriault, CEO, Valley Regional Hospital Foundation. “We’re thrilled to help fund this new initiative, recognizing the role that community, collegiality and mentorship play in helping women physicians build fulfilling and sustainable careers here in the Valley.”
Ann Jones, Board Chair for the Yarmouth Hospital Foundation agrees, highlighting how important groups like this are, particularly in rural settings.
“The Yarmouth Hospital Foundation is pleased to support the Women in Medicine Community of Practice, an initiative that strengthens connection, collaboration and wellbeing among physicians in our rural communities. Creating opportunities for physicians to connect with colleagues is essential to recruitment and retention and to building a more resilient healthcare system for our region.”
Dr. Cheryl Pugh, Medical Executive Director, Western Zone is excited for the opportunity this group, and the foundations’ generosity, represents for the zone.
"We are deeply grateful for the generosity and commitment of the Yarmouth Hospital and Valley Regional Hospital foundations in supporting the Women in Medicine Community of Practice. This partnership reflects a shared recognition that empowering physicians – particularly women across all stages of their careers – enhances our healthcare system’s resilience, innovation and quality of care throughout Western Zone."
Female-identifying physicians in Nova Scotia Health’s Western Zone are encouraged to join us for our kickoff event on June 18 at Maritime Cider Express in Kentville, NS. Learn more and register here. Space is limited – register early to secure your spot!
The WZ Women In Medicine Community of Practice is just one way Nova Scotia Health’s Medical Affairs team is supporting physicians through the Physician Leadership, Development and Supports portfolio. Learn more at Physician Leadership Learning Opportunities | Information and Wellness Portal.
