Celebrating Canadian Women Physicians Day - Meet Dr. Stephanie Scott, Dr. Abir Hussein, Dr. Andrea Faryniuk, and Dr. Alison Freeman
On March 11, we celebrated Canadian Women Physicians Day, recognizing the women doctors who make a difference in Nova Scotia. Whether caring for patients, mentoring future physicians, or leading healthcare initiatives, their dedication is shaping the future of healthcare in our province.
We are proud to highlight four physicians who embody excellence in medicine: Dr. Alison Freeman, a family physician in Liverpool; Dr. Andrea Faryniuk, a general surgeon in Amherst; Dr. Abir Hussein, a family physician; and Dr. Stephanie Scott, a gynecologic oncologist in Halifax.
These physicians represent the strength, expertise, and dedication of women in medicine. We celebrate their contributions today and every day, honoring their impact on Nova Scotia’s healthcare system.
Learn more here.
Opening of the New Waterford Community Wellness Centre
The New Waterford Community Wellness Centre opened March 10, as part of the CBRM Healthcare Redevelopment Project.
The new 10,000-square-foot Community Wellness Centre features a kitchen, meeting rooms, and a community gym. It can be used for exercise programs, events, celebrations, and recreational programs. It is part of a unique hub model that also includes a new health centre, long-term care home, Breton Education Centre, and recreational facilities.
Learn more here.
Chats On Change Episode 27 With Dave Benoit
Karen Oldfield welcomes Dave Benoit, CEO of Build Nova Scotia, who discusses the spirit and enthusiasm of the Build Nova Scotia team that is working to deliver new healthcare infrastructure, faster. Learn how their dedication is transforming healthcare for Nova Scotians on the latest episode of #ChatsonChange.
Listen to the episode to learn more here.
Meet Drew Burchell, Researcher and Healthcare Advocate for Trans and Nonbinary People and Register for the 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference 2025
Meet Drew Burchell, IWK Health research coordinator and advocate for the trans and nonbinary community, who will be presenting Pronouns 101 at the annual 2025 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference March 18 - 20. Drew is driven by their goal of helping trans and nonbinary youth, especially in the healthcare context. Their presentation will help healthcare providers and leaders foster a more inclusive environment for patients. Drew will be joined by a number of other presenters working towards the same goal of inclusive care.
Held in partnership by PrideHealth, Nova Scotia Health and IWK Health, the 2025 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference brings together clinicians, researchers, and advocates to share best practices, lived experiences, and strategies for delivering culturally safe healthcare to 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals and communities.
To learn more about Drew, click here and to register for the event, visit: 2025 2SLGBTQIA+ Affirming Care Conference.
World Delirium Awareness Day Update
March 12 was World Delirium Awareness Day. Leading up to World Delirium Awareness Day, from March 3 – 7, 260 volunteers assessed over 1,500 patients for delirium in various hospitals across all zones.
For more information about delirium, please visit the Frailty and Elder Care Network’s Delirium website and check out the patient education pamphlet.
Apply: Regional Medical Officer of Health (Eastern Zone)
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Travis Carpenter as our Central Zone Division Head, General Internal Medicine within the Department of Medicine.
Dr. Carpenter, originally from Winnipeg, Manitoba, completed his undergraduate degree at Dalhousie University, followed by medical degree at the University of Alberta, residency and fellowship at the University of Toronto, and Master of Public Health at the Harvard Chan School.
Dr. Carpenter joined the Division of General Internal Medicine at Dalhousie University/Nova Scotia Health in January 2025, coming from the University of Toronto and Unity Health Toronto's St. Joseph's Health Centre.
His non-clinical interests have focused on health quality and health policy. He is the Chair of the Health Policy Committee at the Ontario Medical Association and serves as a Research Fellow with the University of Calgary's School of Public Policy.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Carpenter!
Read the full newsletter here.
