Locum - Family Medicine - Sydney

Nova Scotia Health is the largest provider of health services in Nova Scotia, with some specialized services also offered to clients throughout Atlantic Canada. We’re on a mission to achieve excellence in health, healing, and learning through working together, which is reflected in the hospitals, health centers, and community-based programs we operate across the province.

Our passionate team of professionals provides a variety of high-quality inpatient and outpatient services including academic, tertiary, and quaternary care, as well as continuing care, primary health care, public health, and mental health and addictions. Join a diverse team of innovators, collaborators, and creative thinkers today.

Docs & Dogs Family Medicine is seeking a Family Physician to provide Locum coverage for the following dates:

August 4-7, 2026

September 7-11, 2026

Responsibilities

• delivery of comprehensive primary health care services to patients of all ages and stages of health or illness
• work with other providers in the clinic to provide cross coverage and same day access
• utilize an electronic medical record (EMR) and record all relevant patient details in a provincially approved EMR which is accessible to all collaborating team members

Remuneration

• guaranteed daily minimum income of $1,200 for family physicians ($600 or half-day)
• additional shadow billings if above amount is exceeded.
• accommodations up to $300 per night 
• travel expenses (including air fare up to $1,500)
• travel time up to 10 hours per week
• licensing fees for College of Physicians and Surgeons (CPSNS)

• all applicants must be eligible for licensure with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)
• all family physicians must be eligible for certification with the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC)
• membership with the Canadian Medical Protective Association (CMPA)

Clinic Details 

Docs & Dogs Family Medicine is a welcoming outpatient family medicine clinic offering comprehensive primary care services in a supportive and collaborative environment. Operating from 9 AM to 3 PM, the clinic provides excellent clerical support, ensuring smooth administrative processes for physicians. The team includes a dedicated nurse practitioner (NP), as well as part-time social work (SW) and dietitian services to enhance patient care. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) support is also available, assisting with clinical tasks and patient flow. This setup allows physicians to focus on providing high-quality medical care while benefiting from a well-rounded interdisciplinary team.

Community Details

As the largest urban area on Cape Breton Island and the island’s historical capital, Sydney is the perfect mix of urban charm and down-home hospitality. This small city offers a blend of rich cultural heritage and contemporary living set against the backdrop of Cape Breton Island’s rugged landscapes. Residents enjoy a range of amenities, from local markets and shops to cultural events that celebrate Cape Breton’s music and traditions. Sydney is a place where the past meets the present, offering residents and visitors a warm and welcoming atmosphere enriched by its maritime legacy and the stunning natural beauty that surrounds it. 

Practicing in Nova Scotia

Physicians in Nova Scotia provide fulfilling patient care which embraces family life, professional development and community involvement. That's what makes practicing medicine in Nova Scotia unique. Physicians are increasingly attracted to practices that offer team-based care to their patients and allow them to consult with their peers. The size and scale of Nova Scotia allows for better connections across the health care system. Your practice of medicine and your life is richer here. Nova Scotia is more than medicine. 

Building a Diverse Workforce

The Physician Recruitment Team at Nova Scotia Health lives and works in Mi’kma’ki, the unceded and ancestral territory of the Mi’kmaq people. We are dedicated to equity, diversity, inclusion, and truth and reconciliation, and we are working to support medical communities that are reflective of and responsive to the diverse populations they serve in Nova Scotia. We welcome physicians from diverse backgrounds and experiences to join us in building healthier, more equitable communities across the province.