The New Scotland Health Authority says that it has hired a doctor anxious to leave the United States due to President Donald Trump, and is in conversations with more than two more dozen.
The authority launched a digital recruitment campaign in the US. In November, pointing to doctors feeling uncomfortable with electoral results.
“We saw it as an opportunity with the elections to remind the people and protagonists we have in the US. What we are here, ready and waiting for them if they want to choose New Scotland to practice here,” said Katrina Philopoulos, director of medical recruitment.
New Scotland Health has been actively recruiting south of the border for years, but the new campaign led to 150 answers.
“We have seen some in certain specialties that have decided that they are concerned about how changes in the United States will change their practice,” Philopoulos said.
The pool has been reduced to 27 serious negotiations, including a new hiring.
Philopoulos said that the doctor, a hospitalist, is expected to begin at the end of the month. She will not say where they will be located until they arrive.
“That was a really fast change,” he said, adding that several other doctors have pledged to make Locums, which are short -term contracts to fill the gaps.
“I think the boots on the ground, we hope to see some of those people sooner rather than later in the coming months.”
‘They are very embarrassed’
In Elmsdale, NS, John Philpott is listening to a similar message. He directs a private recruitment company, Canam’s medical recruitment, which has contracts to hire international doctors throughout the country, but not in New Scotland.
He told CBC’s New Scotland Tomorrow Information that your business is listening to about 20 American doctors a day.
“It is the frustration of the Trump administration. They are very embarrassed with the rhetoric and the lies that leave the president of the United States.”
Philpott said he has been recruiting for 27 years and said this is one of the busiest moments of his career.
“They are very serious, they ask about citizens and are signing contracts.”
Philpott said it is too early to say how many doctors will move, but estimate that it could be as high as 50 percent of those who have had contact.
Nova Scotia Health is also depositing in strong returns during this uncertainty.
Philopoulos said that his team will continue to reach new and old contacts in the states, including Canadians who know who is working there.
“Sometimes it is the right time for someone to make the decision to change.”
