Article content“This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when governments, institutions and communities come together with purpose,” Fares said. “By tapping into the strength and talent of our diverse society, we are not only addressing urgent health-care needs, but also building a more inclusive, resilient and compassionate Nova Scotia.”Article contentSpeaking by video from Beirut, Dr. Sola Aoun Bahous, dean and professor of medicine at Lebanese American University, said the partnership with Nova Scotia is about more than education, it helps address the shortage of primary care physicians being felt all over the world.Article contentThe dean said the agreement represents “mutual and shared responsibility, supporting workforce migration in a structured, adequate and responsive way.”Article content“This collaboration ensures that physicians are not just trained but they are deployed where they are needed most, bridging health-care gaps while upholding the quality and continuity of care.”Article contentArticle contentAoun Bahous said the university is proud to contribute to Nova Scotia’s health system while providing a meaningful path for graduates to grow, serve and teach.Article content“This is a win-win situation and together we are strengthening both our systems,” connecting people through an exemplary model of co-operation.Article contentDr. Mohammad Srour, a graduate of the faculty of medicine at American University of Beirut who is practising at the Richmond Family Practice in Halifax, said his experience in Nova Scotia has been both exciting and humbling.Article content“From Day 1, I felt the deep sense of trust that patients place in their family doctor,” Srour said. Article content“That’s something I carry with responsibility and gratitude.”Article contentHe said it is rewarding to work in a system that values team-based care and community connection.Article content“As I continue to grow in this role, I look forward to strengthening those connections, learning from my colleagues and continuing to serve this wonderful community and beautiful province with compassion and integrity.”Article contentArticle contentThe partnerships stem from a 2023 recruitment mission to Lebanon and meetings with Lebanese American University and American University of Beirut.Article contentThe College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia has a streamlined licensure process for Lebanese physicians. Graduates of the two universities, which are both accredited American universities, are ready to practise in Nova Scotia as if they had been educated in the United States.Article content Rod Wilson, the New Democrat MLA for Halifax Armdale, says every recruited doctor helps but the pilot program to recruit 10 physicians from Lebanon over five years won’t have a huge impact. Photo by Francis Campbell /The Chronicle HeraldArticle contentDr. Gus Grant, registrar and CEO of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia, said Wednesday’s announcement and the province’s success over the past year in recruiting physicians from Lebanon are first and foremost a recognition of the excellence in family medicine training at the two universities in Lebanon. Article content“They are also a reflection of the extraordinary and robust strength of the Lebanese-Nova Scotian community that made this happen,” Grant said.
Pilot program bringing family doctors from Lebanon to N.S.
