Nova Scotia Health conducted a campaign in November to attract United States health-care workers to the region, generating more than 500 nursing leads and five new hires.

Doctors Nova Scotia says the demand for family physicians continues to rise.

“The waiting list also to see a specialist is too long to have and an investigation to have and getting a longer waiting list,” says Dr. Gehad Gobran, president of Doctors Nova Scotia.

However, as the waitlist goes down, there’s concern about how many will choose to retire in the near future.

Doctors Nova Scotia says 24 per cent of practicing family doctors in the province are over the age of 60. But the organization’s president says there are two key factors that could help address the issue.

“Decrease the burden on the family physicians and better remuneration, to keep them inside Nova Scotia because it is a competitive market everywhere,” said Dr. Gehad Gobran.

Dr. Gehad Gobran, president of Doctors Nova Scotia said retaining new doctors is important and involves the community making them feel welcome.

Doctors Nova Scotia President Dr. Gehad Gobran thinks the medical college will help get more doctors working in the province to decrease the number of residents needing one.