The Launch of a New Era in Maritime Public Health Education

Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health have officially unveiled the Division of Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM), a collaborative initiative poised to reshape public health training, research, and practice across the Maritimes. Announced on March 5, 2026, this division addresses longstanding gaps exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, providing public health physicians with a dedicated academic home within Dalhousie's Department of Community Health and Epidemiology. Public Health and Preventive Medicine (PHPM), recognized as a specialty by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada, focuses on population health assessment, surveillance, protection, promotion, and disease prevention.

The partnership integrates clinical expertise from Nova Scotia Health with Dalhousie's academic strengths, aiming to build capacity in a region where public health leadership has been fragmented. This move comes at a critical time, as Canada's health workforce grapples with post-pandemic shortages, including in specialized areas like public health.

Why Now? Lessons from the Pandemic and Regional Needs

The COVID-19 crisis spotlighted the vital role of public health specialists, much like Dr. Robert Strang, Nova Scotia's Chief Medical Officer of Health, who led the province's response. Yet, it also revealed deficiencies in training pipelines, succession planning, and academic integration for these professionals. Prior to this launch, public health physicians in the Maritimes often lacked a formal academic base, sometimes affiliating with family medicine departments instead.

In Nova Scotia and the Atlantic provinces, challenges such as rural health disparities, aging populations, and emerging threats like climate-related diseases demand robust preventive strategies. Nationally, Canada's health workforce shortages—exacerbated by pandemic burnout—affect over 5.8 million people without primary care access, underscoring the need for preventive specialists. The new division responds by prioritizing prevention, health equity, and structural determinants of health, rebalancing investments from reactive care to proactive measures.

Leadership at the Helm: Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed and Esteemed Colleagues

Dr. Gaynor Watson-Creed, a seasoned public health specialist with 18 years of experience, serves as interim head. Formerly Halifax's Medical Officer of Health and Nova Scotia's Deputy Chief Medical Officer, she brings expertise in health equity and anti-oppression frameworks. "Establishing this division is a strategic investment in the health of our communities," she stated, emphasizing advanced training and evidence generation.

Supporting her are Dr. David Anderson, Dean of Dalhousie's Faculty of Medicine, who called it "transformational," and Dr. Nicole Boutilier, NS Health's Executive VP for Medicine, highlighting pandemic lessons. Dr. Strang stressed prevention's complexity, requiring specialized skills.

This leadership team positions the division to attract top talent. For aspiring academics, check Dalhousie's faculty positions or university jobs in health sciences.

Creating an Academic and Clinical Home for Specialists

For the first time east of Quebec, public health physicians—Medical Officers of Health, epidemiologists, and others—have a unified space for clinical practice, teaching, and research. Housed in Dalhousie's Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, which offers MSc and PhD programs in Epidemiology and Applied Health Research, the division fosters cross-appointments.

This setup enables practitioners to pursue academic careers, secure funding like CIHR grants, and mentor the next generation. "It gives public health physicians a true academic home," notes Dr. Watson-Creed. Explore tips for academic CVs if you're transitioning to such roles.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Pioneering the Region's First PHPM Residency Program

A cornerstone is the planned residency program, aligned with the Royal College's new national competencies, with first intake by 2028. This five-year postgraduate training will embed residents in Nova Scotia's public health infrastructure, covering population assessment to emergency response.

• Hands-on experiences across Atlantic Canada public health units.
• Focus on leadership, policy development, and program evaluation.
• Attracts medical graduates nationwide, energizing the workforce.

"Having residents energizes the public health system," says Dr. Watson-Creed. This addresses succession gaps, vital amid national shortages.Learn more on Dalhousie's site.

Boosting Research and Innovation in Population Health

The division will catalyze community-driven research on Nova Scotia's needs, from health equity to chronic disease prevention. By linking clinicians with Dalhousie's resources, it amplifies funding access and impact. Faculty can develop research portfolios, while students engage in projects.

Post-COVID, public health research surged, but sustained investment is key. Dalhousie's health faculty, with over 3,000 students, provides a strong base. Interested in research roles? Visit research jobs at AcademicJobs.com.

Advancing Health Equity and Preventive Strategies

PHPM emphasizes upstream interventions—addressing social determinants like housing and food security—to reduce disparities in diverse Maritime communities, including Indigenous and African Nova Scotian populations. Dr. Watson-Creed's equity focus aligns with Dalhousie's inclusive culture.

This preventive shift could rebalance NS Health's budget toward long-term savings, amid 2026 challenges like primary care access.

Educational Opportunities for Students and Learners

Medical students gain electives, graduate programs expand, and undergrads access population health projects. Dal's MSc/PhD in Epidemiology train investigators in disease patterns and interventions.

• Undergraduate electives in public health.
• Graduate theses on regional issues.
• Interdisciplinary collaborations with nursing, health admin.

Prospective students, rate your experiences at Rate My Professor or seek scholarships for health studies.

Photo by CDC on Unsplash

Career Pathways and Job Opportunities in Public Health

Graduates enter roles as Medical Officers, epidemiologists, or policy advisors, with demand high post-pandemic. NS needs specialists for surveillance and equity work. Dalhousie alumni thrive in academia, government, NGOs.

Build your career with higher ed career advice, resume templates, and explore postdoc or clinical research jobs.

Future Outlook: Building a Resilient Public Health System

By 2028, residents will bolster the workforce; research outputs will inform policy. Amid Canada's $17B research pledge, this division positions the Maritimes centrally. Challenges like funding persist, but momentum is strong.

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