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In the Annapolis Kings Network, collaboration and commitment have created a strong physician community, co-led by Health Services Manager (HSM) Jennifer Kelday and Family Physician Network Lead Dr. Marni Goodman. This partnership has built a culture of connection and support, strengthening recruitment, retention, and physician engagement in the region.
Creating Connections and Building Community
Dr. Goodman, who has served as Network Lead for nearly a decade, was driven by the need for connection. “When Nova Scotia Health transitioned from district health authorities, the regular meetings of family doctors stopped,” she said. “I missed those connections, so I applied for this role to help bring them back.”
These meetings, now held nine times a year, have become the backbone of the network. They serve as a platform for sharing information, addressing challenges, and fostering relationships among family physicians. Each meeting includes a professional development component, often featuring local consultants who share their expertise.
Behind the scenes, these meetings are supported by a dedicated team effort. From organizing logistics to ensuring physicians receive their continuing education credits, the work of Primary Health Care Coordinator Leanne Graham helps ensure these gatherings run seamlessly and provide real value for participants.
But the network meetings provide more than professional development—they create opportunities for physicians to support one another. Kelday shared a heartwarming example of this. “The network group created something called the Sunshine Fund, which allows us to honour retiring physicians with meaningful gifts,” she said. “These gifts are often handmade by local physicians, like a painting, framed photography, or cutting board. It’s a thoughtful way to thank them for their years of service.” Dr. Goodman agrees. “It’s a nice way to connect with people and recognize their contributions,” she added.
A Collaborative Approach to Recruitment and Retention
The collaborative spirit of the network extends to recruitment and retention efforts. Dr. Goodman regularly joins site visits to meet potential recruits, offering local insights and a warm welcome to physicians considering the area. This hands-on approach helps newcomers feel connected and supported from the start.
“Anything that improves our professional work as family physicians also improves our work-life balance,” Dr. Goodman explained. “Building a community where new physicians feel welcome and supported helps them establish roots here, which is essential for retention.”
Kelday highlighted the impact of the network’s structured meetings and strong leadership. “Physicians know they have a voice through the network,” she said. “It gives them a connection to the health system and a space to bring forward concerns in a meaningful way.”
This proactive approach has also fostered advocacy on behalf of the network. For example, the group successfully collaborated with public health to address challenges with vaccine supply. These collective efforts not only solved an immediate problem but also strengthened relationships between family doctors and public health leaders.
A Model for Physician Engagement
The Annapolis Kings Network stands out as an example of how dedicated leadership and collaboration can drive meaningful change. Its success demonstrates the value of building relationships, supporting physicians, and fostering a sense of community. Through their combined efforts, Kelday and Dr. Goodman have created a model for engagement that benefits both providers and patients.