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South West Health

60 Vancouver Street, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia 
Canada  B5A 2P5  
Phone:  902-742-3541 Fax: 902-742-0369

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Physician Recruitment

 

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Download our recruitment brochure (PDF, large file but worth the time!)

Head South . . . Way South!  

To South West Health – your new home and rewarding career in health services.

Don’t just head south for the winter – head south forever! With fulfilling career opportunities and the promise of tranquil living, South West Health offers a unique experience where everyone has something to gain and nothing to lose. Here’s why.

Live the Dream

As one of Atlantic Canada’s best kept secrets, South West Nova invites you to discover the serenity of living and working in one of its characteristically charming communities. Located on the most southerly tip of Nova Scotia, this attractive region hugs the coast, creating a soothing climate of mild winters and hot, breezy summers.

Whether you arrive by boat, car or plane, once you step foot on one of our region’s relaxing, sandy beaches or brilliant rugged shores, you’ll instantly feel yourself come alive as you breathe in the fresh salt air. Looking around, you’ll marvel at the beauty and delight in the many scenic vistas around each corner. And later, as you wander through lush forests and stroll down friendly main streets, you’ll soon realise that South West Nova isn’t just another tourist attraction -- it’s a community that really treasures life.

 

Physicians
News
Patient Information
Partners
Links

Print our APPLICATION FORM complete and fax it to South West Health at 902-742-0369.

Benefits
College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia
Doctors Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia College of Family Physicians
Physician Recruitment - Department of Health, NS
Nova Scotia Today

 

Ties That Bind

"I chose South West Health, because I like the lifestyle -- it is a great place to raise children. Because our communities are close knit, I see staff going above and beyond the call of duty to help our patients."  -- Donna Braun, Pharmacist.  

Beauty Abound

"I love the community, it's beautiful and the people are friendly and outgoing. Not to mention that I love my working environment -- the people I work with are excellent!" -- Michelle Hilliard, RN

Safe, clean and friendly, the inspiring communities of South West Nova offer an array of activities to suit any lifestyle. And, whether you arrive single, or with a partner or family, we’re confident you’ll discover many reasons to stay.

"I moved to Nova Scotia this summer (2003) from Calgary, Alberta, because I wanted to live and work in a smaller urban or rural setting. Nova Scotia has proven to be a beautiful place to work and live. I love the harbours, the quiet public beaches and the hilly forest landscape. I am originally from rural New Brunswick and having lived in a large city for the past eight years I have developed a better appreciation for the quietude rural living offers. As well, I have met many warm and neighbourly people since moving to Nova Scotia, which has helped me to feel that I am part of a first-rate community." -- Robin Swift, Psychologist

Digby County (click for website)

Home to the world’s highest tides and the famous Digby scallops, this picturesque community is just a ferry ride away from the hustle and bustle of New Brunswick, and only metres away from countless majestic humpback whales, should you venture across the Bay of Fundy, off Digby Neck. And, whether you choose to stroll along the town’s waterfront, take in the breathtaking beauty of a late summer sunset, or visit one of the area’s quaint cafes or charming country inns, you’ll soon discover why Digby has been named one of the most romantic spots in Canada.

This miraculous setting is also where you’ll find Digby General Hospital – a primary health care facility where a staff of 115 offer 24-hour emergency care; outpatient services such as physiotherapy, nutrition counselling and specialty clinics; inpatient medical care; and restorative, convalescent and continuing care to nearly 20,000 people. The facility is also home to several physician offices, speech therapists, addiction counsellors, a domestic violence support hospice, VON, Home Care, Public Health, Mental Health and a Community Health Board. In addition, hospital staff partner with community agencies such as the RCMP, local school and Emergency Measures Organization committees, to address various community health issues. Facility staff also provide support services to Tideview Terrace, a neighbouring long-term care facility that operates an Alzheimer Unit.

The Ideal Setting

"I chose Digby, because of the opportunity to work in the emergency department where I would see a variety of cases. I also like the location, since it is close to the Saint John ferry and to Halifax." -- Dr. Syed Naqvi, Family Physician

Yarmouth County (click for website)

Rich in Acadian history, Yarmouth County has more lakes than any other area in the province, and features 14 annual festivals and an active regional theatre/arts centre that showcases both local and international talent. Furthermore, if you’re looking for a close knit community that also provides quick passage to other desirable destinations, you’re in luck! A provincial bus line and car/passenger ferries make travel a breeze -- especially the region’s high-speed catamaran (The CAT), which offers daily summer runs to the United States.

Of course, Yarmouth County also features the Yarmouth Regional Hospital – home to the main administrative offices of South West Health. Here, staff provide primary health care to nearly 27,000 people, along with specialised care to residents from Shelburne and Digby counties. With medical specialists in internal medicine, general surgery, ophthalmology, obstetrics/gynaecology, paediatrics and more, the hospital also provides a large array of services including diagnostic imaging, respiratory therapy, inpatient addiction services, inpatient mental health services, renal dialysis and ambulatory care.

Small Town Blessings

"I am an internist and my wife is a family physician. We came to Yarmouth 30 years ago and have immensely enjoyed our stay that has provided full professional satisfaction. Having lived in big cities in other countries, we realised after coming here, the blessings of a small town -- the closeness of the community and friendly environment in and outside the hospital. Our two boys were born and raised here.  They have since moved away, but have fond memories and visit often."  -- Raj and Asha Parkash

A Great Place to Live

"The smell of the ocean and the call of the seagulls is what initially drew me to Yarmouth. What made me stay was the fact that it is a great place to raise my sons and acreage is actually affordable. Yarmouth is a quaint town that has a great deal to offer without taking on the bustle of a larger city. People are very friendly and the pace of life quite relaxed.  It has beautiful scenery and interesting places to explore. From a professional point of view, Yarmouth is a great place to be. There is so much potential for service delivery and growth that the possibilities are endless. For someone looking for quality of life Yarmouth is the place to be." – Tracey Lynn Gerber, Social Worker.

 "I originally chose to come to Yarmouth for more of its outdoor, rural lifestyle opportunities. I now realise after staying many more years than I had originally anticipated, that Yarmouth is a great place to put down roots and raise a family, in that it has just about the right mix of services and things to do in a healthy small town atmosphere." - Barry Wiser, Clinical Psychologist.

Shelburne County (click for website)

Surrounded by miles of crashing ocean waves, forest and serene lakes, Shelburne County is steeped in loyalist history and known as the lobster capital of Canada. In addition, it’s quickly becoming the “Hollywood” of Nova Scotia, as individuals and organizations continue to recognise the area as an attractive site for local, national and international film production. And, besides being a draw for our provincial tourism and film industries, Shelburne County is also an important partner within our health care industry.

 In particular, this colourful setting is the site of Roseway Hospital – a primary health care facility where a staff of 108 offer 24-hour emergency care; outpatient services such as physiotherapy, nutrition counselling and specialty clinics; inpatient medical care; and restorative, convalescent and continuing care to 16,200 people. Roseway is also home to several physician offices, speech therapists, addiction counsellors, VON, Home Care, Public Health, Mental Health and a Community Health Board. In addition, staff partner with community agencies including the RCMP, local schools and Emergency Measures Organization committees, to address community health issues. And, through its medical staff, Roseway has established a comprehensive referral system with other health care facilities in nearby Yarmouth, Kentville, Liverpool, Bridgewater and Halifax.

Heaven on Earth

"The community and people are beautiful." -- Dr. Kamini Kambli, Family Physician

 A Community Committed to Health

With state-of-the-art equipment (e.g. CT scanner, echocardiography, digital x-ray, etc.) and highly trained professionals, the health care facilities within South West Nova are well-respected for providing its residents with quality primary health care, close to home. The district also focuses on health and wellness from birth to end-of-life, and is responsible for mental health, public health and addiction services throughout the area. As well, through partnerships with the province and renowned tertiary care centres and post-graduate educational institutions in nearby Halifax, our professionals share in the expanding opportunities associated with research, learning and health promotion. We’re also fortunate to have active hospital foundations and auxiliaries whose members extend tremendous effort to raise funds for new equipment and special programs. These volunteers are a true blessing and indeed, their spirit reflects the generosity of the community at large.

 In short, South West Nova is an inspiring health care community where the professional and personal benefits are plenty and the direct, hands-on care experience invaluable. Of course, the opportunity for you to share in this unique experience is yours for the asking. Just think – by assuming a position with South West Health you’ll be able to tell your family and friends that you live down South – where the climate is mild, the atmosphere friendly, and you get lots of old-fashioned peace and quiet in a lovely and relaxing setting. Oh, and there’s no need to wake up now, after all, this is not a dream!

South West Health - Quick Facts

Our District

The South West Nova District Health Authority (District Health Authority 2) is one of nine district health authorities serving the province of Nova Scotia. The province created district health authorities in 2001 to bring health care decision-making closer to the community level and improve accountability for health care decisions.

Our Facilities

In South West Nova, more than 1,000 staff provide primary health care services to 62,600 residents in Shelburne, Yarmouth and Digby through Roseway Hospital, the Western Regional Health Centre (includes Yarmouth Regional Hospital, Harbourside Lodge, Tidal View Manor, Veteran’s Place and Dalhousie University School of Nursing, Yarmouth Site) and the Digby General Hospital. The health authority is also responsible for Mental Health, Public Health and Addiction Services throughout the district.

Our Mission

To work with individuals, families and partners to promote and improve the health of our communities. We use resources wisely to provide access to a broad range of quality services.

Our Vision

We are a community committed to health and to sustainable quality health services.

Our Commitment

The residents of South West Nova are encouraged to actively participate in the district’s health planning. To this end, the area features four Community Health Boards (CHB) that together, cover just over 7102.6 square kilometres: Shelburne Community Health Board, Yarmouth Community Health Board, Clare Community Health Board and the Digby Community Health Board. Maintaining an advisory role, the CHBs seek input and build community health plans, which are submitted to the District Health Authority, reviewed, and then recommendations are integrated into the district’s business planning process.  

South West Nova – Perks and Pluses

Schools

Locally, whether you choose an education in English, French or French Immersion, our school system offers children a solid foundation from which to grow and learn. And, with 11 provincial universities and 13 community college campuses, residents of South West Nova have close access to more post-secondary institutions per capita than anywhere else in Canada.

Transportation

In South West Nova, it’s all about easy access! And, whether you hop on a plane at the Yarmouth Regional Airport, board the provincial bus line or one of our two ferries, or take to the highway yourself, you’ll soon get where you’re going, hassle-free!

Beach Life

Proving that “all roads on the South Shore end at a beautiful beach,” South West Nova proudly boasts several sandy oases including Lockeport’s Crescent Beach, Barrington’s Sand Hills Provincial Park, Cape Sable Island’s South Side/The Hawk Beach, and Yarmouth’s Port Maitland and Mavilette beaches.

Sports and Leisure

Whether you choose to tee-off at one of our five, 18-hole golf courses or exercise your passion for camping, ocean kayaking, sailing or sport fishing, South West Nova is a miraculous playground for outdoor enthusiasts. Of course, we always like to have a good time ‘down south’ and, as such, we continually feature festivals, community celebrations and county exhibitions throughout the summer months. And, if you’re into organised sports, you’ll be glad to know that each county has its own arena (note: Barrington boasts a new arena, as does Yarmouth, which also features a double ice surface!), plus lighted baseball fields and curling rinks.

 Note: For facts and figures on Nova Scotia, visit www.gov.ns.ca/cmns/overview.

Join our Team Today

Whether you’re just starting out in your career, looking for a change or winding down to retirement, South West Health has a home for you. It’s the perfect place to apply and sharpen your skills and expertise in primary, community health care. It’s the ideal spot for enjoying that relaxed lifestyle you’ve always dreamed of. And, it’s the only provincial district that offers the divine combination of isolated serenity and close proximity to thriving urban centres in both Canada and the U.S.

That Down Home Feeling

"I like the atmosphere in the clinic and the community -- people are friendly and very, very kind."  -- Dr. Mandouh Metrie, Family Physician

If you share our belief in the active involvement of our community in decisions related to care and health, and are interested in learning more about the unique needs and benefits of a rural setting, please visit our web site at www.swndha.nshealth.ca and explore the ‘dream come true’ of living and working ‘down south.’ (Note: position openings within the district are posted on our web site, which also include a special section for physician recruitment). And, if you have the time for a personal tour or would like to speak directly to one of our knowledgeable staff, please contact South West Health at:

Shirley Watson-Poole, Physician Resource Manager 

South West Health

60 Vancouver Street, Yarmouth, Nova Scotia

Canada  B5A 2P5  

Phone:  902-742-3542 ext. 451  Email: swatson@swndha.nshealth.ca

Fax: 902-742-0369

Live the dream. Join our team at South West Health and enjoy a rewarding career in health care management and an enriched life in simple rural living.

 What More Could You Want?

"South West Nova Scotia – lobster, ocean frontage, 200-year-old houses, history, picturesque villages and real people. Why would anyone live any where else?" - Blanche E. Turner, Psychologist.

 

For more information contact:

SHELBURNE COUNTY
Jodi Ybarra
Site Manager, Roseway Hospital
ph. 902-875-4144 ext. 229   Email:  jybarra@swndha.nshealth.ca
or 
Dr. John Keeler
Chief of Medical Staff, Roseway Hospital
ph. 902-875-3011
 
 
 
YARMOUTH COUNTY
Shirley Watson-Poole
Physician Resource/Primary Health Care Manager
742-3542 ext. 451 Email: swatson@swndha.nshealth.ca
or
Dr. David Webster
ph. 902-749-1655
or
Dr. Edwin Janke
District Chief of Medical Staff, South West Health
ph. 902-742-3542 ext. 194 Email:  ejanke@swndha.nshealth.ca
 
 
DIGBY COUNTY (MEDIC)
David Irvine
ph. 902-245-4063
or 
Dr. Roy Harding
Chief of Medical Staff, Digby General Hospital
ph. 902-245-2501

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