Doctors Nova Scotia hopes all 20 graduates of Dalhousie University’s Master of Physician Assistant Studies program will stay in the province and be part of the health-care system’s future.

“Right now, it’s a small role,” says Dr. Amanda MacDonald Green, president of Doctors Nova Scotia. “We’re hoping to see that expand, and especially as we are moving to more ‘health home’ models.

Doctors Nova Scotia, the association representing all physicians in the province, has been pushing for a ban on energy drinks for those under 19 since the 2010s.

According to the association’s president, Dr. Shelly McNeil, the drinks can have adverse effects in children and young adults ranging from seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood and behaviour disorders. They can also interact with certain medications.

Meanwhile, Doctors Nova Scotia’s president-elect said although additional medical school seats and international recruits help, it’s a race against time in reality, as aging doctors are set to retire.

“The current numbers that we will be graduating and the time it takes aren’t going to be at the same rate as the people that will be retiring. And particularly with the increased health care needs as we have an aging population,” said Dr. Amanda MacDonald Green.