Dr. Colin Audain has taken the position for 2023-24, during the association’s annual conference Saturday, June 10.
“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.”
His new position comes as contract negotiations are between DNS and the provincial government are at their peak.
“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 negotiating table are productive as well as constructive. The Department of Health and Wellness, the IWK, Nova Scotia Health, and Dalhousie Medical School are all aligned on one big 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 was a Dalhousie medical school graduate in 2002 and completed his specialty training at Memorial University of Newfoundland. Today, Dr. Audain continues to work in the Faculty of Medicine at the University, in addition to his clinical work.
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.
He says he sees the lack of healthcare resources daily and the negative effects it has the healthcare team as providers…meaning they are required to do more with less. This leads to burnout.
Through his career he has sought opportunities to contribute to the healthcare system, in a meaningful way. His interests align with the association’s 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.
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.
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