Section of Family Doctors Council

Section of Family Doctors Council

The Section of Family Doctors Council advocates for the interests of family doctors. Its work involves developing strategies for dealing with key issues that affect the role, responsibilities and capacities of family doctors.

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. Jennifer Gillis 2023-2025
Chair-Elect TBC  
Past Chair Dr. Katherine Quackenbush 2023-2025
Treasurer Dr. Michel Chiasson 2022-2024
Secretary Dr. Jennifer O'Connell 2023-2025
Grants Coordinator Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon 2023-2024
Other Members
Board of Directors representative Dr. Michel Chiasson (Section Forum Chair) 2023-2025
NSCFP representatives

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

Appointed 2022

Maritime Doctors representative Dr. Sarah Galley 2023-2025
DMSS representative Miranda McConnell Appointed 2021
Flex positions Vacant  
IMG physician Dr. Jessica Mitchell Appointed 2021
Elected seats
County Name Year elected Term ending
Halifax counties (rural and Metro) Dr. Jennifer O'Connell (rural) 2023 2025
(second term)
Dr. Shalini Veerassamy (Metro) 2023 2025
(second term)
Dr. Martina De Sousa (Metro) 2023 2025
Inverness/Victoria/Cape Breton and Richmond counties Dr. Michel Chiasson 2022 2024
(second term)
Dr. Emmanuel Ajuwon 2022 2024
Colchester/Hants counties Dr. Roshan Abid (appointed) 2023 2024
Cumberland County Vacant    
Pictou County Dr. Osemekhian Eriakha 2023 2025
(second term)
Annapolis/Kings counties Dr. Crystal Todd 2023 2025
Antigonish/Guysborough counties Dr. David Faour 2023 2025
Digby/Yarmouth/Shelburne counties Dr. Emma Leon 2022 2024
Lunenburg/Queens counties Dr. Norah Mogan 2023 2025

Please email Sonia Abi-Ajab if any information is incorrect or out of date.