About the program

The PLDP aims is to enhance the skills of experienced leaders to influence health system decisions that affect physicians and patients. The program will create more visionary, collaborative, effective leaders in health care.

Program participants will collaborate on an action learning project, working to find solutions to complex, real-life problems in collaboration with their colleagues and partner organizations (including Nova Scotia Health, the IWK Health, Dalhousie Medical School and Doctors Nova Scotia). The project provides an opportunity for participants to apply the skills they are learning.

The program, designed specifically for Nova Scotia physicians and delivered by physicians and leadership experts, focuses on integrative systems thinking and other key skills necessary to lead in an ever-changing health care environment.

Key program outcomes

The PLDP will create a community of physician leaders in Nova Scotia who have the skills and abilities to be visionary, collaborative and effective leaders in health care.

Participants will:

• Practice and apply approaches to innovation and design thinking
• Learn to identify and apply different change methodologies in order to lead change effectively
• Gain coaching skills and benefit from results-driven one-on-one faculty coaches
• Gain knowledge in order to effectively influence and navigate complex systems
• Learn to navigate the provincial health-care system/environment
• Gain relevant business skills, such as project management, finance, conflict resolution and marketing
• Identify and achieve individual leadership goals
• Increase team effectiveness

Program overview and learning outcomes

Program benefits & cost

Doctors Nova Scotia subsidizes enrolment costs by paying $8,000 of the $12,000 program cost per physician participant. Each physician is responsible for covering the remaining $4,000 in program fees, plus travel to the Halifax area and accommodations.

The PLDP is applicable for CPD funding, as outlined in the Physician Agreement contract. Additional professional development funding opportunities may be available to physicians. Applicants are encouraged to inquire with their employer, where applicable.

In return for this investment, participants will receive:

• Six leadership training modules and an orientation session (Sept. 20, 2023) prior to module 1 (Participants must attend the orientation session and all six modules of the program.)
• Modules 1, 4 and 6 will take place in person, with the orientation and modules 2, 3 and 5 taking place virtually.

• Five, one-hour individual coaching sessions over the course of the program
• CPD credits
• Leadership certificate

*A virtual format provides the same learning content and CPD credits, but will consist of live facilitated Zoom sessions with opportunities for group interaction. Faculty will work to make the sessions as rich and engaging as possible. 

Additional time commitment

In addition to the six modules and the orientation sessions, participants will:

• Complete a 360-degree feedback assessment (prior to module 1)
• Participate in an action learning project that requires 2-5 hours between modules

How to apply

Applications for Cohort 6 (September 2023-April 2024) are now open. Only 24 spots are available. Application deadline is 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, June 1.

The PLDP was developed in partnership with CMA Joule and in consultation with Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health and Dalhousie Medical School.

Apply now
View sample application