An exciting step forward for public health: Nova Scotia Health and Dalhousie launch Division of Public Health & Preventative Medicine

A new Division of Public Health and Preventative Medicine (PHPM) is set to transform how the region trains, supports and empowers public health clinicians, researchers and leaders.

Developed by a collaboration between NS Health and Dalhousie University, the new division is located in the Department of Community Health and Epidemiology and will strengthen public health expertise, training, research and care in Nova Scotia and the region. 

Applying lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic thrust public health into the spotlight, demonstrating the need for robust training, succession planning and academic engagement among public health physicians.

“COVID-19 highlighted the critical role that these specialists play in all aspects of public health and preventative medicine, as well as population health. This formalized structure will enhance our collective work to meet and respond to the evolving public health needs of our province, region and people,” says Dr. Nicole Boutilier, Executive Vice President, Medicine & Clinical Operations, Nova Scotia Health.

A home for clinical practice, teaching and learning

This division will support clinical practice, teaching and learning and serve as a new clinical and academic home for public health physicians, including Medical Officers of Health and other PHPM specialists. It will strengthen ties between Dalhousie, Nova Scotia Health and government partners to undertake critical public health and preventative medicine work. 

 “Having this division brings a focus on prevention to leadership tables and creates opportunities to rebalance investments in care and prevention. Prevention is multi-layered and complex, and working in this space requires a specialized skill set,” says Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Medical Officer of Health, Department of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia.

The division will also launch the region’s first PHPM residency program – making it the only program of its kind east of Quebec. The division is working closely with the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada to align with new national competencies and anticipates its first residency intake by 2028. 

“The new Division of Public Health and Preventative Medicine is transformational for Dalhousie Medicine and the broader Maritime region. It gives public health physicians a true academic home…and deepens our support for learners, faculty and researchers who are passionate about population health,” says Dr. David Anderson, Dean, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University.

Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed has been named interim head of the division, which will focus on health protection, disease prevention, surveillance, emergency response and health equity, serving diverse populations and supporting the development of future public health leaders. It will also foster research collaborations and enhance opportunities for medical students, residents and graduate learners.

“Establishing this division is a strategic investment in the health of our communities. By building a critical mass of expertise and supporting advanced training, we are better equipped to address public health challenges, promote health equity and improve population health outcomes across the Maritimes,” says Dr. Watson-Creed. 

She sees a number of opportunities ahead for clinical and academic practice.

“This new division will create a centrepiece of high-quality, evidence generation – marrying clinical experience with academic rigour. I couldn’t be more excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for our province and region.”

Photo of interim division head, Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, will lead this work. Photo credit to Danny Abriel, Dalhousie University.