Medical Director

Job Description

The Medical Director / Primary Care Physician plays a central role in enhancing the health and well-being of residents at our 39-bed long-term care facility. This position is responsible for the coordination, delivery, and oversight of comprehensive medical services, with a focus on quality of life, person-centered care, and clinical excellence. The role supports and guides the care team in upholding best practices across primary care, admissions, medication management, goals of care, and end-of-life planning.

1. Resident Quality of Life & Primary Care Delivery

• Deliver comprehensive and ongoing primary care services to all residents in accordance with clinical guidelines and resident preferences.
• Collaborate with the interdisciplinary team to develop, implement, and revise individualized care plans.
• Ensure medical interventions align with each resident’s physical, psychological, and social needs.
• Document all medical services in residents health record in accordance with Nova Scotia Health and College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS)

2. Admissions & Goals of Care

• Participate in and provide oversight for resident admissions, including initial assessments, health reviews, and care planning.
• Lead or support goals of care discussions with residents and their substitute decision-makers.
• Ensure that advanced care directives and care goals are clearly documented, communicated, and reviewed regularly.

3. Medication Management

• Provide ongoing medication reviews and deprescribing where appropriate to promote safety and reduce polypharmacy.
• Collaborate with pharmacy consultants, nursing, and other care staff to ensure safe and effective medication practices.

4. Education & Staff Support

• Provide clinical guidance and education to nursing and care staff regarding disease management, palliative care, and other relevant medical topics.
• Support a culture of learning, coaching, and professional development.

5. After-Hours Medical Support

• Ensure appropriate coverage and availability for after-hours medical consultation (e.g., on-call or via rotational system).
• Provide timely response to urgent or emergent clinical needs in coordination with the care team.

6. Medical Oversight & Compliance

• Participate in regular quality reviews, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Support compliance with provincial long-term care standards, accreditation requirements, and applicable legislation.
• Collaborate with facility leadership on medical policies, procedures, and infection control protocols.

Qualifications

• Medical Degree (MD) and current registration/licensure with the [College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia or applicable provincial authority].
• Experience in geriatrics, primary care, or long-term care settings strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Nova Scotia's Continuing Care system and relevant legislation is an asset.
• Demonstrated skill in interprofessional collaboration, communication, and person-centered care.
• Ability to provide after-hours support or coverage.
• Proof of professional liability insurance as required by Canadian Medical Protective Association
• Adhere to all PHIA regulations and protect residents personal health information

Compensation

• The physician will be compensated as per the applicable funding model, which may include:

  • Fee for service billing through Medavie Blue Cross (as per MSI guidelines).
  • Longitudinal Family Medical (LFM) payment model if applicable
  • Direct facility compensation

The physician shall be responsible for accurate and timely billing submission in compliance with Nova Scotia MSI Billing Rules.

Additional Information

Application Process
For more information about this opportunity or to discuss the role in detail, please contact:

Jennifer Jesso Executive Director at [email protected]   

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter and CV to [email protected]   

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.