Dr. Sara Rahsepar’s journey to becoming a practicing dermatologist in Cape Breton was an extensive one. After completing her medical education and dermatology residency at Mashhad University of Medical Sciences in Mashhad, Iran, she worked as a general practitioner for two years to fulfill the mandatory service required in Iran before qualifying for the specialty exam. Following her success in the exam, she completed a dermatology residency.

A doctor walks onto a stage, paddling a canoe. No, wait. A doctor walks onto a stage, dressed as a penguin. No, I’ve got it. A doctor walks onto a stage as an over-the-top motivational speaker. All three (and more) have been true over the years for Dr. Stephen Workman, internal medicine specialist at the QEII Health Sciences Centre, and member of the Central Zone Players, an independent theatre troupe made up of Nova Scotia Health Central Zone staff, physicians and friends.

Noah Matthews Cremo’s journey into nursing is rooted in his Mi’kmaq heritage, community values and a profound sense of responsibility to care for others. As the first male nurse from Membertou, a Mi’kmaq community in Cape Breton, Noah has not only broken barriers in healthcare but also created a powerful example for future generations of Indigenous people pursuing careers in medicine.

Meet Charlotte Green, a Primary Health Care Coordinator working as a Practice Facilitator in the Northern Zone at Nova Scotia Health. With a background in Psychology and Addictions Counselling, Charlotte has spent six years with Nova Scotia Health, including five years working with the Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention Program. Now, as a Practice Facilitator, her role focuses on making primary healthcare delivery more efficient for both staff and patients. 

Culturally specific Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics enable people of African descent to receive vaccinations in a place that feels familiar and respectful. Appointments are not needed to attend Black Health and Wellness Immunization Clinics, drop-ins are welcome. Although these clinics are culturally specific, all are welcome to attend.

The following Black Health and wellness Clinics will be held over the next week:

The Islamic Association of Nova Scotia
42 Leaman Dr., Dartmouth
Saturday, Nov. 30 from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Need to know about Colon Cancer Prevention Program – during Canada Post service disruption
 

The Behaviour Change Counselling Development Program (BCCDP) is evidence based and increases skills for health care providers in behaviour change counselling to support patients to make changes to impact their health. The program is aligned with the chronic disease management and wellness strategy for primary healthcare. There are multiple ways to access this program.  The first stream of the program is designed for all IWK/NSH staff.

Meet Dr. Tiffany Shepherd and Heather Smith, who are transforming how patients manage diabetes in Nova Scotia by focusing on emotional and practical well-being.

Managing diabetes involves far more than medications and the food we eat. For adults in Nova Scotia’s Central Zone, Dr. Tiffany Shepherd, psychologist, and Heather Smith, master’s-trained clinical social worker, play vital roles in addressing the emotional and practical challenges of living with this chronic condition. 

With her homebase at Fishermen’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg, occupational therapist (OT) Robin Philp is part of the Seniors Community Health Team. She can often be found in the community supporting clients to stay safely in their homes.

Philp was recognized as one of Nova Scotia’s 2024 patient safety champions for her commitment to patient safety. 

Nova Scotia Health’s Emergency Preparedness team participated in REX2-24, a one-day functional exercise held on November 22 in New Glasgow. Led by Nova Scotia’s Department of Emergency Management, the exercise brought together municipal, provincial, and emergency partners, including municipalities of Cumberland, Colchester, Pictou, St. Mary’s, Antigonish and Guysborough, the Provincial Coordination Centre, Shubenacadie Radio Communications Centre, and others.