The Physician Assessment Centre of Excellence (PACE) offers workplace-based assessments for internationally trained physicians (ITPs) seeking medical licensure in Nova Scotia to practice in office-based primary care.

PACE serves as a pathway to independent licensure in Nova Scotia by ensuring Candidates demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and professional judgment required to practice safely and ethically within the Nova Scotia healthcare system. For more information about PACE, please visit nspace.ca.

The office-based primary care program operates two dedicated assessment centres in Halifax, which also function as medical clinics. These clinics are designed to evaluate internationally trained physicians (ITPs) in a real-world, office-based primary care setting.

At the PACE Clinic, Candidates provide primary care to patients while being supervised by experienced family physician assessors. These assessors also serve as the most responsible physician, ensuring patient safety and providing structured evaluation throughout the assessment period.

The assessment environment is designed to closely replicate independent practice. Candidates are provided with the tools, systems, and supports they would typically use in a community-based setting, with the expectation that they will further develop their understanding of the Nova Scotia healthcare system during the assessment.

Candidates are assigned to one of the two assessment sites at the time of acceptance into PACE. Assignment to an assessment site is made for training and assessment purposes only and does not imply, guarantee, or confer eligibility for a subsequent Return of Service (ROS) placement in the same community, zone, or surrounding area.

Upon successful completion of the assessment program, candidates will be required to fulfill their Return of Service commitment in a community and facility identified by Nova Scotia Health based on physician workforce needs and the terms outlined in their signed Return of Service Agreement.

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Nova Scotia (CPSNS) set the eligibility criteria for participation in the PACE Assessment Program. Applicants are encouraged to review the CPSNS website for detailed information regarding eligibility criteria and the pathway to conditional licensure through a Practice Ready Assessment (Office-Based Primary Care), here.

Additional information about the application, review, and selection to PACE assessment programs can be found, here.

PACE is not a training program. Candidates are expected to possess the necessary education, medical knowledge, skills and experience to independently manage patient- care in a safe and supported environment.