Doctors Nova Scotia welcomes new President and President-Elect
Dr. Colin Audain, of Halifax, N.S., was installed as Doctors Nova Scotia’s President for 2023–24 during the association’s annual conference on Saturday, June 10, 2023.
“During my term, I hope to see family medicine stabilized in the province,” said Dr. Audain. “Although it’s not the only problem in health care, in my opinion, it is the most pressing today.”
He becomes president as contract negotiations are at their peak, with hopes of a confirmed deal in the offing.
“In this moment, contract negotiations between DNS and the provincial government are critical to the future of health care in the province. I hope to see us reach an agreement that will put us on a path to better access to care for Nova Scotians and a thriving physician workforce.,” said Dr. Audain.
Conversations at the negotiation table continue to be constructive and productive. The Department of Health and Wellness, Nova Scotia Health, IWK Health and Dalhousie Medical School are all aligned with the Doctors Nova Scotia on a single guiding priority: ensuring the best care for the people of Nova Scotia.
“Patients’ confidence in their ability to access the care they need, and physician morale seems to be at an all-time low,” he said. “If we can achieve a blueprint for improving Nova Scotians’ access to health care and that makes it easier for physicians to provide that care, it will be an important achievement.”
Dr. Audain received his medical training in Halifax at Dalhousie Medical School (1998–2002). He completed his specialty training at Memorial University of Newfoundland (2002–07).
Since 2007, Dr. Audain has been a staff general anesthesiologist at the Victoria General and the Halifax Infirmary. In recent years, he has also worked occasionally at Dartmouth General Hospital, due to ongoing redevelopment of the QEII Health Sciences Centre.
In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Audain is an assistant professor in the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University, teaching medical students, residents and other learners.
The new President said he sees the overall lack of health-care resources in his daily work and witnesses its negative effects on the health-care team as health-care providers try to do more with less. Over time, this leads to burnout, and he fears the result may be further reductions in health human resources.
Throughout his career, Dr. Audain has sought opportunities to contribute meaningfully to the health-care system. His interests align with the association’s mission and vision.
As a member of the Promoting Leadership in Health for African Nova Scotians advisory committee and the Black Physicians of Nova Scotia Society, Dr. Audain is acutely aware of the importance of equity, diversity and inclusion in medicine.
His wife, Dr. Lori McDonald, is a radiologist specializing in breast imaging. They have two daughters, Grace and Charlotte.
In his free time, Dr. Audain enjoys travelling, plus playing, watching and coaching sporting events.
In assuming the presidency of DNS, Dr. Audain is following in his father, Dr. Vincent Audain’s, footsteps. The elder Dr. Audain, an ophthalmologist, was President in 1988–89.
Also on Saturday, Dr. Gehad Gobran was endorsed as President-Elect. Dr. Gobran is a family physician practising in Bedford. He previously served on the DNS Board of Directors and as the Board representative on the e-Health Committee. He is also Chair of the Long-Term Care Section.
His term as President will begin in June 2024.