Bridgewater is receiving increased attention from American health professionals, with Mayor David Mitchell calling it an emerging trend tied to political unrest in the United States.

In the past three weeks, all physician tours hosted in Bridgewater have involved candidates from the U.S.—a noticeable shift for a town more used to welcoming prospective doctors from overseas or other parts of Canada.

“We’ve had three recent visits: one physician, one physician assistant, and one nurse practitioner,” Mitchell said. “All of them were from the States. That really stood out.”

Mitchell says he didn’t need to ask why they were leaving the U.S.—it came up naturally in conversation.

“They’d mention they were coming from the U.S., then give a look like we all understood. The general feeling was: ‘We just can’t be there anymore.’”

Bridgewater is one of many Nova Scotia communities involved in recruitment efforts led by Nova Scotia Health. While the province vets and matches candidates to vacancies, the town helps with the local experience—giving tours, showcasing amenities, and walking candidates through what life could look like on the South Shore.

Mitchell says parks, trails, and community facilities are the strongest draws, along with the overall quality of life in the region.

“Hands down, the biggest draw is outdoor space,” he said. “Most of them are active, outdoorsy people. We also show off our fieldhouse, pool, and arena.”

He adds that by the time a tour takes place, the candidates are already in the final stages of considering a move. “They’ve been vetted, and the province knows their specialization fits what the area needs.”

While the mayor can’t confirm how many American doctors have been hired during his time in office, he believes there have been a few. More than a dozen physicians from various parts of the world have joined the region in recent years—something he attributes to the close working relationship between the town and public health recruiters.

Mitchell says that for Bridgewater, the focus isn’t just about getting new residents—it’s about helping improve health care across the region.

“We’re not just trying to get someone to live in Bridgewater. We’re trying to get someone to practise here—and in surrounding communities too.”

The interest from U.S. candidates comes as more American doctors and nurses express concerns about working conditions and the broader political climate. Nova Scotia Health says it’s seen a spike in inquiries from the U.S. and is actively supporting candidates through licensing and immigration.

According to provincial data, around 96,000 Nova Scotians remain without a primary care provider, though that number has been falling. A new licensing program for international doctors is expected to speed up processing and encourage more health professionals to settle in the province.