There are significant financial barriers for physicians who choose to relocate to Nova Scotia from elsewhere in the world.
Financial help is on the way for international medical graduates (IMGs) with the launch of a new annual grant. The McCarthy/Stewart International Medical Grant will provide a one-time grant of $10,000 to 10 successful IMGs each year.
Eligibility
To be considered for the grant, applicants must:
- Be considered an international medical graduate
- Have signed a contract to practise in Nova Scotia and have successfully completed the Nova Scotia Practice Ready Assessment Program (applicants must be within first two years of practice)
- Have a desire to continue practising in Nova Scotia long-term
A selection committee will evaluate applications based on factors including:
- Identified financial need
- Intention to practise in Nova Scotia
- Perceived ability of applicant to reach full licensure, based on where they are in the process
About the grant
Dr. Graham Stewart was an IMG who joined the Nova Scotia health-care system from Scotland. He faced many challenges in the transition to practice. The McCarthy/Stewart Foundation, established by Dr. Stewart’s wife, Julia McCarthy (now also deceased), aims to support IMGs in their transition to practice by lessening monetary barriers.
As this is the first year of the program, an evaluation of the timing of funds and feasibility of expanding the criteria will be carried out in early 2023.
Applications closed on Nov. 25, 2022. Applicants will be selected shortly.