Dr. Don Brien is an accomplished orthopedic surgeon with more than 23 years in hospital and clinic settings. He is an experienced leader who is known for collaboration, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional communication.
"My goal is to have the opportunity to use the knowledge, experiences and skills I have gained throughout my career in a setting where I can make a positive impact on a larger scale. The pandemic and post-pandemic periods are and will continue to be challenging on many fronts. More than ever, our teams will need positive and engaged leadership and I am eager to make a commitment to the future of healthcare in Eastern Zone," says Dr. Brien.
Don has been on the surgical team at Cape Breton Regional Hospital since 1998 where he also supports the Cape Breton University Athletics as team physician and surgeon. He has been an Assistant Professor with the Department of Surgery at Dalhousie University in both Halifax and Sydney since 2000.
Dr. Brien completed undergraduate and master’s degrees in Physical Education and Sport Science before attending Dalhousie Medical School, where he obtained his MD in 1993. He then completed his Orthopedic Surgery Residency at the University of Calgary at Foothills Hospital.
A former Canadian Olympic Team member (1980, 1984, 1988), Dr. Brien is also a passionate and accomplished athlete. He is an inductee to the Nova Scotia Sport Hall of Fame in both individual and team sports. He has competed in paddling sports that range from Dragon Boat to Canoe/Kayak and ran cross country for the Dalhousie University Varsity Cross Country team. He has also given back to his community, dedicating time to coaching the Sydney Minor Hockey Association and coaching canoeing at the provincial and national championships.
