The Learning, Development and Support team within Medical Affairs plays a vital role in empowering Nova Scotia Health physicians with the skills and knowledge required to thrive in today’s complex and rapidly evolving healthcare environment.
The learning opportunities provided aim to improve leadership confidence, foster collaboration, and support continuous professional growth.
We offer a range of innovative, physician-centered learning opportunities through multiple formats, including:
- Asynchronous modules available in the Learning Management System (LMS)
- Live online seminars
- In-person workshops
- Communities of practice
- Podcasts
All learning opportunities provided by Medical Affairs are peer-validated; developed by physicians, for physicians, ensuring relevance, credibility, and practical value. Many qualify for CME credits (see program details).
Fall 2025 & Winter/Spring 2026 Programs
2026 Medical Affairs (Provincial) Physician Leadership Development Program
The Medical Affairs Physician Leadership Development Program is an opportunity for physicians to participate in a customized leadership development program with access to world-class leadership assessment, Leadership Circle Profile™ (LCP). This program is available by Expression of Interest to current physician leaders across all zones with 3-5 years of progressive leadership experience, and who haven't previously participated in leadership development education.
- Format: Bi-monthly virtual sessions + three in-person gatherings
- Facilitators: Executive Coaches Lorie Campbell & Verna MacDonald
- Dates: Apr. 22–Oct. 28, 2026, evenings.
- Eligibility: Physicians in leadership roles across all zones
- Capacity: 24 participants
- Deadline to register: Feb. 13, 2026
Submit your Expression of Interest. Promotional flyer is available here.
This activity meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education for up to 19.5 Mainpro+ Certified Activity and up to 4.5 Mainpro+ Certified Assessment Activity credits.
This activity is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) and an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education. You may claim a maximum of 19.5 Section 1: Group Learning hours and 4.5 Section 3: Self-Assessment Program hours (credits are automatically calculated).
Approval Statement: Educationally approved by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education.
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Doctor’s Lounge Community of Practice for Nova Scotia Health Physician Leaders
All physicians in formal leadership roles within NS Health are invited to participate in the 2026 Doctor’s Lounge Community of Practice.
This is a virtual forum covering a series of facilitated topics, with accompanying interactive programing modules on each topic housed in our learning management system (LMS). Physician Leaders across the province can connect and build skills, competencies and confidence around complex leadership topics. The forum will provide leaders with the opportunity to build a network of support through colleagues and other experts in leadership development, workplace conflict and resilience.
This programming is fully accredited for Section 1 and Section 3 of the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, as well as 1.0 Mainpro+® and 1.0 Mainpro+ Certified Assessment Activity credits with the College of Family Physicians of Canada. See bottom of this section for more information.
Nov 19 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): Managing Conflict – Scott Furlotte
It is crucial for leaders to be able to recognize the correlation between values and emotional triggers. From there, the application of active listening, empathy, curiosity and effective questioning open up a pathway for clearer communication and understanding. One can also learn to navigate from ‘big picture/balcony view’ perspective to better appreciate all views and assist in finding optimum outcomes to the conflict.
Scott Furlotte is a Conflict Resolution and Mediation Consultant. He holds a Master of Science in Business Psychology, and serves as a faculty member with Acadia University’s Department of Psychology and Nova Scotia Community College in the School of Health and Human Services.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca
Dec 10 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): The Weather You Bring – Coaches Lorie Campbell & Verna MacDonald
Participants will have the opportunity to consider how their personal leadership is demonstrated through communication and behavior, and gain clarity around how those intentions might align with their purpose and values. Are their intentions and impact aligning? When participants discover the ‘weather they bring’ – the impact of that weather on colleagues, patient’s, the healthcare team, they will have greater understanding about the atmosphere they are creating.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca.
Jan. 11 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): Navigating Hierarchy: Strategies for Physician Leaders – Executive Coaches Lorie Campbell & Verna MacDonald
In this interactive group coaching experience, participants will explore effective ways to thrive as leaders within structured healthcare systems. Together, we will consider how to lead with influence and adaptability in the face of external demands and organizational expectations. Case-based discussions and real-world examples will provide a foundation for open dialogue, shared learning and collaborative exploration of strategies for success. Through facilitated conversation, reflective practice and peer learning, this structured, hands-on approach is designed to strengthen self-awareness, emotional intelligence and collective problem-solving.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca
Feb. 25 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): Managing Conflict: Communication in High-Stress Environments – Scott Furlotte
This interactive session will help equip physician leaders with practical tools and insights to navigate conflict effectively in high-pressure, clinical settings. Participants will explore strategies for appreciating diverse perspectives, regulating emotional responses and communicating clearly under stress. Through reviewing theories, evidence-informed practices and guided discussion opportunities, attendees will gain confidence in managing difficult conversations and fostering collaborative solutions.
Scott Furlotte is a Conflict Resolution and Mediation Consultant. Scott holds a Master of Science in Business Psychology from the University of Hertfordshire and an undergraduate degree from Harvard University. Scott serves as a faculty member with the Nova Scotia Community College in the School of Health and Human Services, and with Acadia University’s Department of Psychology. Scott has consulted on the topic of conflict and change both nationally and internationally.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca
Mar. 25 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): The Trust Prescription: From Conflict to Collaboration in Healthcare – Dr. Kristen Woods
Participants will navigate a realistic workplace conflict scenario using an integrated Trust Edge approach, applying Priority Alignment for assessment, PAWS (Posture, Action, Words, Solution) for communication, and Curious Questions for breakthrough moments.
In this interactive session, participants will engage in a dynamic exploration of conflict resolution strategies – following the ‘Priority Alignment’ assessment, they will diagnose the root causes of the case of a dispute through mapping of priorities and undercovering the deeper values and concerns found under the surface. Following the PAWS framework, they will practice navigating this high stress scenario. Participants will learn to transform conflict dynamics through crafting curious questions to begin fostering collaboration and build a bridge towards trust, and a plan for a more positive way forward.
Dr. Woods is an executive coach with 25 years of healthcare experience, transitioning from family physician to senior leadership roles. She led interdisciplinary care redesign and later drove strategic, financial and cultural transformation in national health systems. Her coaching blends cognitive-behavioural methods with real-world leadership insights to empower healthcare leaders.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca
Apr. 15 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): Strengthening Civility in Healthcare Teams: Respect, Engagement and Burnout Prevention – Dr. Michael Leiter
Incivility has a high cost in healthcare, negatively impacting morale and patient care, and contributing to burnout. Participants will explore how small, intentional actions can foster a culture of respect and engagement in healthcare teams. Grounded in the SCORE (Strengthening a Culture of Respect and Engagement) framework, this session offers practical, research-based strategies to reduce burnout, improve team dynamics and enhance patient care.
In this interactive session, participants will gain insights into the powerful role physicians play in shaping workplace culture, learn scalable ‘civility nudges’ that can be applied immediately, and leave with tools to promote psychological safety, respectful communication and team cohesion across clinical settings.
Dr. Leiter is an organizational consultant leading expert in the psychology of work, with academic credentials from Duke University, Vanderbilt University and a PhD from the University of Oregon. He has held prominent academic roles, including Canada Research Chair in Occupational Health and Wellness at Acadia University and Professor at Deakon University in Australia. Renowned for his research on job burnout and work engagement, he now helps organizations use employee survey data to improve workplace well-being. Dr. Leiter developed the SCORE intervention to foster respect and reduce burnout. His recent publications with Christina Maslach include The Burnout Challenge and a Harvard Business Review article on job design.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca
May 13 | Doctor’s Lounge (5–6 pm, Virtual): Group Coaching: Designing Alliances – Executive Coaches Lorie Campbell and Verna MacDonald
This interactive session invites participants explore and practice the art and impact of coaching conversations in clinical and leadership settings. Through guided dialogue, reflective exercises, and peer engagement, participants will learn how to intentionally design coaching alliances that foster trust, clarity and mutual commitment. The session will introduce foundational coaching principles, highlight the importance of co-creating agreements, and offer practical tools to enhance communication and collaboration.
To Register: Contact Jane Bolivar, Manager, janee.bolivar@nshealth.ca
Credit Hour Statement:
This activity meets the certification criteria of the College of Family Physicians of Canada and has been certified by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education for up to 1.0 Mainpro+® Certified Activity and up to 1.0 Mainpro+ Certified Assessment Activity credits.
This activity is an Accredited Group Learning Activity (Section 1) and an Accredited Self-Assessment Program (Section 3) as defined by the Maintenance of Certification Program of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, and approved by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education. You may claim a maximum of 1.0 Section 1: Group Learning hours and 1.0 Section 3: Self-Assessment Program hours (credits are automatically calculated).
Approval Statement:
Educationally approved by Dalhousie University Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education.
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Leading Through Coaching Workshop
One day, (offered quarterly by zone) in person workshop for Nova Scotia Health physicians with over 3 years of formal leadership experience. Workshops facilitated by Executive Coaches Lorie Campbell and Verna MacDonald.
Nov. 14 | Eastern Zone (9–4, Sydney): Leading Through Coaching Workshop
Feb. 6 | Central Zone (9–4, Halifax): Leading Through Coaching Workshop
Apr. 17 | Western Zone (9–4, Kentville): Leading Through Coaching Workshop
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Medical Affairs Webinar Series: Inspired Leadership for Physicians
2025
Dec 9 | 5–6:30 pm: Understanding Moral Injury in Physicians – Dr. Muna Chowdhury
Moral injury refers to the psychological, emotional, and spiritual distress that arises when individuals are forced to act—or are unable to act—in ways that conflict with their deeply held moral beliefs.
Moral injury originally was conceptualized in a military context. In the health care setting, moral injury was highlighted especially during the covid pandemic where physicians often had to make very difficult decisions around determining who would receive life-saving interventions, such as ICU bed and ventilators, because of resource shortages.
These ethically challenging decisions resulted in many physicians and health care providers, who were at the forefront of resource management, to experience moral distress - and repeated moral distress resulted in moral injury. Clinically, this can manifest with symptoms similar to depression, PTSD, often going on to result in emotional detachment, decreased job satisfaction and burnout. Moral injury is also closely associated with empathic stress and secondary traumatic stress, further worsening the psychological burden experienced by physicians and other health care professionals.
Dr. Muna Chowdhury is an Assistant Professor at the Department of Family Medicine, Dalhousie University and current Member of the Board of Directors at Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS). Active in the community, Dr. Chowdhury is the Founder of ‘Thrive Youth Clinic, a Physician Professional Peer Counselor with DNS’ Professional Support Program, active with Direction 180 Opioid Agonist Treatment Centre, and a consultation physician with Gender Affirming Care for Youth, K'jipuktuk-Halifax.
2026
Jan. 14 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Leadership Styles & Calling – Mitigating and Predicting Burnout for Physician Leaders – Dr. Gary Ernest
This session will introduce the audience to the concept of coping behaviour patterns of highly motivated physicians, whether they consider medicine a ‘calling’ or not, and how these can either predispose physicians to burnout or, alternatively, offer protection. This will include a review of the current evidence-based literature on the potential association between different calling orientations and physician burnout. Common additional threads through these discussions will be the importance of issues related to equity, incivility, diversity, connectedness and inclusion within the physician leadership community, along with the promotion of physician leader support and resilience.
Dr. Gary Ernest is a seasoned rural family physician and physician leader, who has taught medical learners for more than 40 years. He has held leadership positions at local, regional, provincial and national levels, including serving as President of Doctors Nova Scotia. In 2023, he was awarded the QEII Platinum Jubilee Medal for service to physicians and the public. Dr. Ernest is in the final stages of his Doctorate in Business Administration. His research interests focus on burnout in physicians, both in leadership and non-leadership roles.
Jan. 22 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Grief Education Series for Physicians: Understanding Grief and Grief Literacy – Dr. Sarah Burm and Matt Fillier
This series of four (4) virtual sessions are meant to support physicians in understanding the necessity and value of engaging in difficult conversations around the experience of loss. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about grief and loss in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will leave with a better understanding of grief literacy in the context of healthcare and recognize key challenges associated with expressing grief in clinical work environments. They will develop greater comfort and capacity to reflect on personal and professional experiences with grief and loss and identify actionable strategies to promote grief literacy within clinical settings.
Understanding Grief and Grief Literacy (Session 1 of 4)
Participants will learn to define different forms of grief in the context of medical practice and find methods to reflect on how grief is acknowledged – or not acknowledged – within clinical training and practice. Different examples of loss that physicians may encounter will be explored and discussed.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Burm, Associate Professor and Education Research Scientist in the Office of Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education at Dalhousie University, and Matt Fillier, Bereavement Practice Lead, Primary Health Care, Palliative Care Network, NS Health.
Feb. 11 | 5–6:30 p.m.: AI Beyond the Buzzword: A Practical Discussion of AI in Medicine – Dr. Matthew Clarke
This session will provide the fundamentals on how AI works and its real-world applications in medicine today – from enhancing diagnostic imaging to reducing administrative workloads. This will include an exploration of why high-quality data is the essential engine for AI and how Nova Scotia’s data modernization strategy is building the foundation for future innovation. Participants will have the opportunity to examine the future of AI in healthcare, including its potential in predictive analytics, eliminating documentation with generative AI, and enabling personalized medicine. Discussion will be led around the practical steps NS physicians can take to become ‘AI-ready’ and their vital role in guiding the safe and effective integration of these powerful new tools.
Dr. Matthew Clarke is an Emergency Physician in Central Zone and the Associate Chief Medical Information Officer (CMIO) for NS Health and IWK Health. In these roles, he has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the system. He leads digital health projects with a core mission: to empower patients and providers by using technology to help people better manage their health and navigate our complex system. When he’s not working, his time is usually spent with his wife and their five young children, usually on a bike trail, at a campsite or at the rink.
Feb. 24 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Grief Education for Physicians: Talking about Grief in the Clinical Environment – Dr. Sarah Burm and Matt Fillier
This series of four (4) virtual sessions is meant to support physicians in understanding the necessity and value of engaging in difficult conversations around the experience of loss. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about grief and loss in a safe and supportive environment, leaving with a better understanding of grief literacy in the healthcare context and recognizing key challenges associated with expressing grief in clinical work environments. They will develop greater comfort and capacity for reflecting on personal and professional experiences with grief and loss, and identifying actionable strategies to promote grief literacy within clinical settings.
Talking about Grief in the Clinical Environment (Session 2 of 4)
Participants will learn to identify barriers to discussing grief among physicians and within healthcare teams. A deep dive into the impact of medicine’s professional culture on expressions of vulnerability will also be explored.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Burm, Associate Professor and Education Research Scientist in the Office of Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education at Dalhousie University, and Matt Fillier, Bereavement Practice Lead, Primary Health Care, Palliative Care Network, NS Health.
Mar. 4 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Building High-Trust Cultures in Medical Practice – Dr. Kristen Woods
This session equips physician leaders with actionable strategies to foster trust within their teams. Grounded in the Trust Edge model, the webinar explores how trust directly impacts clinical outcomes, team collaboration and organizational performance.
Participants will assess their current practice environment using the eight (8) Trust Edge pillars – Clarity, Compassion, Character, Competency, Commitment, Connection, Contribution and Consistency – to identify potential gaps affecting care and collaboration. They will learn and implement practical techniques to build trust with an emphasis on communication and care coordination. With a focus on trust-centred approaches, learners will be able to identify and develop systematic and measurable actions for creating improvements in overall team cohesion.
Dr. Woods is an executive coach with 25 years of healthcare experience, transitioning from family physician to senior leadership roles. She led interdisciplinary care redesign and later drove strategic, financial and cultural transformation in national health systems. Her coaching blends cognitive-behavioral methods with real-world leadership insights to empower healthcare leaders.
Mar. 31 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Grief Education Series for Physicians: Grief, Self-Care and Physician Wellness – Dr. Sarah Burm and Matt Fillier
This series of four (4) virtual sessions is meant to support physicians in understanding the necessity and value of engaging in difficult conversations around the experience of loss. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about grief and loss in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will leave with a better understanding of grief literacy in the context of healthcare and ability to recognize key challenges associated with expressing grief in clinical work environments. They will develop greater comfort and capacity for reflecting on personal and professional experiences with grief and loss, and identify actionable strategies to promote grief literacy within clinical settings.
Grief, Self-care and Physician Wellness (Session 3 of 4)
Participants will examine the relationship between unacknowledged grief and physician burnout, moral injury, as well as compassion fatigue. They will gain insight into how to differentiate between performative and meaningful self-care. They will also identify personal practices and available resources intended to help physicians navigate their grief and loss in a compassionate manner.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Burm, Associate Professor and Education Research Scientist in the Office of Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education at Dalhousie University, and Matt Fillier, Bereavement Practice Lead, Primary Health Care, Palliative Care Network, NS Health.
Apr. 22 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Strengthening Civility in Healthcare Teams: Respect, Engagement and Burnout Prevention – Dr. Michael Leiter
There is recognition amongst the healthcare sector of the high cost of incivility and its negative impacts on morale, patient care and burnout. In this webinar, Dr. Leiter will explore how small, intentional actions can foster a culture of respect and engagement in healthcare teams. Grounded in the SCORE (Strengthening a Culture of Respect and Engagement) framework, this session offers practical, research-based strategies to reduce burnout, improve team dynamics and enhance patient care. Participants will gain insights into the powerful role physicians play in shaping workplace culture, learn scalable ‘civility nudges’ that can be applied immediately, and leave with tools to promote psychological safety, respectful communication and team cohesion across clinical settings.
A highly sought out speaker on this topic, Dr. Leiter is an organizational consultant and leading expert in the psychology of work, with academic credentials from Duke University, Vanderbilt University and a PhD from the University of Oregon. He has held prominent academic roles, including Canada Research Char in Occupational Health and Wellness at Acadia University and Professor at Deakon University in Australia. Renowned for his research on job burnout and work engagement, he now helps organizations use employee survey data to improve workplace well-being. Dr. Leiter developed the SCORE intervention to foster respect and reduce burnout. His recent publications with Christina Maslach include The Burnout Challenge and a Harvard Business Review article on job design.
Apr. 28 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Grief Education Series for Physicians: Honouring Your Grief and the Grief of Others – Dr. Sarah Burm and Matt Fillier
This series of four (4) virtual sessions is meant to support physicians in understanding the necessity and value of engaging in difficult conversations around the experience of loss. Participants will have the opportunity to learn more about grief and loss in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will leave with a better understanding of grief literacy in the context of healthcare and recognize key challenges associated with expressing grief in clinical work environments. They will develop greater comfort and capacity for reflecting on personal and professional experiences with grief and loss, and identify actionable strategies to promote grief literacy within clinical settings.
Honouring your Grief and the Grief of Others (Session 4 of 4)
Participants will explore culturally responsive and ethically grounded approaches to honouring grief in diverse healthcare teams, settings and communities. They will develop strategies for creating space for grief in clinical practice and organizational culture.
Facilitated by Dr. Sarah Burm, Associate Professor and Education Research Scientist in the Office of Continuing Professional Development and Medical Education at Dalhousie University, and Matt Fillier, Bereavement Practice Lead, Primary Health Care, Palliative Care Network, NS Health.
May 6 | 5–6:30 p.m.: Leading the Way in Trauma-Informed Care – Dr. Aaron Smith, Rachel Askett, Luke MacMillan and Matt Fillier
Understanding empathic strain, secondary traumatic stress, grief and burnout, and associated symptoms, can be a game changer in terms of how physicians interact with their teams, patients and colleagues. This session offers practical tips and strategies on how to conduct formal and informal debriefs, including practical tools and techniques to promote wellness in the workplace. It also equips participants with an understanding of trauma-informed care and its application in health care. The ability to recognize signs of trauma in patients, colleagues and oneself allows for the application of appropriate, non-triggering interactions and responses.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Aaron Smith is a medical executive committed to improving health systems through innovation and continuous learning. He is also deeply focused on understanding the social determinants of health to foster more effective and equitable models of care. As the Provincial Medical Executive Director and Operational Lead for Primary Care Clinics and Health Homes, as well as Central Zone Medical Executive Director, Dr. Smith blends strategic leadership with active clinical practice in Hospitalist Medicine.
Rachel Askett is the Wellness and Education Lead within Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness (OHSW). She works alongside the OHSW team to advance psychological safety within the healthcare setting guided by the National Standard. Her approach to education is strengths-based and focuses on facilitating connections for knowledge sharing.
Luke MacMillan is the Provincial Wellness Manager within Occupational Health, Safety and Wellness at Nova Scotia Health. He oversees wellness initiatives across the province, leading efforts to improve occupational health and psychological safety for Nova Scotia Health staff and team members.
Matt Fillier is the Bereavement Practice Lead, Primary Health Care, Palliative Care Network, NS Health. In this role, Matt has developed a Grief Practice Support Program for physicians, health staff and volunteers
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Recordings of previous webinars
Reflective Practice in Medicine for Anti-Oppression – Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed
Reflective Practice is a requirement for effective anti-oppressive practice and care. This webinar explores reflexive practice questions and practices that practitioners might employ in order to deepen their anti-oppressive practice. The recording is available here.
Planetary Health & Healthcare Leadership – Dr. Nabha Shetty
Physician accreditation organizations agree that contributing to planetary health is an important objective in healthcare. This webinar will get participants ‘up to speed’ on the concept of planetary health, why it's important and how we all have a voice in making it a priority. The recording is available here.
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Podcast Series
Watch (and listen) for our monthly podcast series, “A Prescription for Leadership,” where executive coaches, Lorie Campbell and Verna MacDonald, share insights around leadership and welcome subject matter expert guests to talk about a variety important topics!
This podcast is shared in Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations, Dr. Nicole Boutilier’s newsletter. Subcribe here.
Visit our library of podcasts here!
