Section of Family Doctors Council

Section of Family Doctors Council

The Section of Family Doctors Council advocates for the business and interests of primary care physicians. The council's work involves developing strategies for dealing with key issues affecting the role, responsibilities, and capabilities of primary care physicians.

Influencing change

The Council has submitted letters to and met with key health policy leaders, including the CEO of the Nova Scotia Health Authority and the Minister of Health and Wellness. They have provided feedback on new College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia standards of practice, as well as consultations on changes in scopes of practice for other primary care providers. They regularly discuss key concerns for family physicians in the province such as virtual care, COVID policy changes, and remuneration models.

Honoraria and travel

Council members receive a $600 honorarium for each meeting and are reimbursed for travel expenses. Physicians have the option to connect to meetings via video-conference. The Council meets about four times a year, usually on Saturday mornings.

Membership

Executive
Chair Dr. Katherine Quackenbush 2021-2023
Chair-Elect Dr. Jen Gillis 2022-2023
Past Chair Dr. Mary Gorman 2021-2023
Treasurer Dr. Michel Chiasson 2022-2024
Secretary Dr. Jennifer Gillis 2021-2023
Grants Coordinator Dr. Yousaf Sulemankhil 2022 - TBD
Other Members
Board of Directors representative Dr. Patricia Menard 2022-2023
NSCFP representatives

Dr. Tim Woodford (NSCFP President)
Cathie Carroll (non-voting)

2022-TBD

Maritime Doctors representative Dr. Vladislav Evdaev 2022-TBD
DMSS representative Miranda McConnell 2021-2023
Flex positions vacant  
IMG physician Dr. Jessica Mitchell 2021-2023
Elected seats
County Name Year elected Term ending
Halifax counties (rural and Metro) Dr. Jennifer O'Connell (rural) 2021 2023
Dr. Shalini Veerassamy (Metro) 2021 2023
Dr. Andrew Cumming (Metro) 2021 2023
Inverness/Victoria/Cape Breton and Richmond counties Dr. Michel Chiasson 2022 2024
(second term)
Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon 2022 2024
Colchester/Hants counties Dr. Stephen McCarthy 2021 2023
(second term)
Cumberland County Dr. Yousaf Sulemankhil 2021 2023
Pictou County Dr. Osemekhian Eriakha 2021 2023
Annapolis/Kings counties Dr. Jennifer Gillis 2021 2023
Antigonish/Guysborough counties Dr. J. Howard (appointed) 2022 2023
Digby/Yarmouth/Shelburne counties Dr. Emma Leon 2022 2024
Lunenburg/Queens counties Dr. Asim Akhtar (appointed) 2022 2023

Please email Sonia Abi-Ajab if any information is incorrect or out of date.