Nominations
Nominators must be a member of Doctors Nova Scotia (DNS) in good standing. Self-nominations are ineligible.
Members are eligible for nominations if they are a member of DNS and fall into one of the following membership categories* (see membership definitions):
- Full members
- Life members
- Retired members
- Members on Leave
- Student members
- Residents/fellows
Full nomination criteria is outlined in the Award Committee Terms of Reference.
Each nomination must include:
- Nominee's curriculum vitae (five pages maximum) or an outline of the nominee’s education, work experience (or career to date), and current medical practice (if applicable)
- A detailed typed a detailed letter from the nominator (must be a DNS member) providing evidence of the nominee’s outstanding or significant contributions relevant to the award - no more than 300 words, outlining why the nominee is deserving of the award. (Highlight the nominee's career accomplishments, contributions to their community, and personal points of interest about their family and/or hobbies.)
- Two additional letters of support:
- one from at least one Nova Scotian physician (or medical student for the Outstanding Medical Student Award)
- one from an additional physician, community partner, allied health professional, or organization who have directly benefited from the nominees work
Doctors Nova Scotia recognizes the role of health inequities in the health of Nova Scotians and suggests that nominations should be made to prioritize applicants who have not or have rarely received this award in the past due to factors such as their gender, age or being part of an underrepresented and/or marginalized group (including LGBTQ2SIA+ individuals, people of African descent, Indigenous People (First Nations, Inuit, Metis), people with disabilities, women, or racialized individuals). The Awards Committee will consider equity, diversity and inclusion as part of the selection criteria.
Awards presentation
The awards will be presented at Doctors Nova Scotia’s Impact Summit in June 2027.
Past winners
Doctors Nova Scotia honoured 10 physicians and one medical student for their contributions to the medical profession in 2026. For a complete list of all physicians honoured in past years, check out this list of achievement award winners.