Celebrating Physician Assistants across Nova Scotia

Each year on Nov. 27, Nova Scotia Health joins Canadians in celebrating Physician Assistant (PA) Day, a chance to recognize the essential contributions PAs make across the healthcare system. Working alongside physicians, nurses and allied healthcare professionals, PAs play an important role in improving access to care, reducing wait times and supporting patients throughout their healthcare journey.

Throughout Nova Scotia, PAs are making a difference in diverse areas of care, from emergency departments to primary care clinics to operating rooms. Three of our dedicated PAs, Stephanie Konway, Lorraine Osbourne and Ella Caulfield, share what inspires them and how they’re helping to strengthen patient care in their communities.

Stephanie Konway – Orthopedic Surgery Physician Assistant, Dartmouth General Hospital

Inspired by her family physician, who encouraged her to explore the PA profession, Stephanie chose a career that blends collaboration, variety and hands-on care. At Dartmouth General Hospital, she supports orthopedic surgeons by seeing patients for consultations, caring for inpatients and assisting in the operating room. Her support helps expedite admissions and discharges. 

“As a PA, I’m well-positioned to provide continuity of care,” says Stephanie. “It’s rewarding to see patients improve over time and reach their goals.”

Her days vary from seeing patients in the clinic to responding to requests to see patients in the emergency department. What stays the same is her teamwork with nurses, technologists and therapists, all focused on helping patients regain mobility and independence. “In orthopedic surgery, we help people return to everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs,” she says. “That progress is what motivates me.”

Lorraine Osbourne – Physician Assistant, Emergency Department, Cape Breton Regional Hospital

For Lorraine, becoming a PA was driven by a desire to combine compassion with clinical care. In the fast-paced emergency department in Sydney, she works with a supervising physician to diagnose and manage patients with a wide range of conditions.  In this way patients are seen and cared for more quickly.   

“It’s challenging and energizing,” Lorraine says. “I have to think quickly and adapt, but it’s incredibly fulfilling to make an immediate impact when patients need care the most.”

Her day includes performing procedures such as suturing, splinting and incision and drainage, while co-ordinating care for admission and safe discharges. This helps free up emergency physicians to care for other patients with more complex or urgent needs. 

She finds purpose in knowing her work directly affects patient outcomes. “I was drawn to the profession because of the balance between autonomy and teamwork,” she explains. “That collaboration ensures patients receive safe, timely and compassionate care.”

Ella Caulfield – Primary Care Physician Assistant, Harvest Tides Family Practice, New Minas

At Harvest Tides Family Practice, Ella Caulfield works in collaboration with her supervising physician to deliver accessible, patient-centred care. “I loved the idea of working closely with an MD while maintaining autonomy,” says Ella. “In primary care, we help improve access and reduce wait times.”

Her typical days include same-day visits, health exams, preventative counselling and follow-ups. For Ella, building trust and providing continuity of care are the most rewarding parts of her job. “You really get to know your patients,” she says. “Seeing the positive impact over time is what makes this work so meaningful.”

This Physician Assistant Day, Nova Scotia Health celebrates all PAs who bring skill, compassion and teamwork to patient care across the province and improve lives every day.

Learn more about a career in PA with Nova Scotia Health.

Photo of (L-R) physician assistants Lorraine Osbourne, Stephanie Konway and Ella Caulfield.