“I’m staying. There’s nothing I’d change”: Dr. Chris Picken’s path from Ireland to Nova Scotia

For Dr. Chris Picken, life in Nova Scotia’s Annapolis Valley feels like the perfect fit—both personally and professionally.

“I’m staying. There’s nothing I’d change,” he says, reflecting on his decision to practise family medicine in this peaceful, welcoming community.

Originally from Ireland, Chris completed his medical education at Queen’s University in Belfast before serving in the Royal Navy, then later in the Royal Air Force. His assignments included postings in Cyprus and Afghanistan.

After nearly a decade of military service, Chris took a new direction. “I moved to the Isles of Scilly, which are pretty remote,” he explains. There, he spent several years working on call 24/7 in a tight-knit community before realizing he was ready for a fresh start.

“I’ve worked abroad, traveled, done emergency medicine, family medicine, and now, over 20 years later, I’m still at it. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” he shares.

So, what brought him to Nova Scotia? Initially, Chris considered British Columbia but found it didn’t quite resonate with him. Then, during a conversation on a U.K. doctors’ online forum he learned about Nova Scotia. “I reached out to a doctor who had moved here,” he recalls.

That doctor was Dr. Simon Bonnington, a family physician who had relocated to Annapolis Royal from England in 2010. This connection set the wheels in motion for the big move.

Now, as part of the Annapolis Collaborative Practice, Chris couldn’t be happier. “It’s brilliant,” he says. “I love being part of a small, close-knit community where everyone looks out for each other.”

What keeps him content in the area? “It’s the people,” he says. “There’s a real sense of community here. And the work-life balance is amazing.”

Chris says the support from colleagues, the community, and the Nova Scotia Health physician recruitment team made his relocation to Nova Scotia smoother than expected. “Everyone’s been so open and helpful,” he explains.

One of the most striking differences he’s noticed is the attitude of his patients. “People are genuinely appreciative. It’s 180 degrees from what I was used to in the UK. That makes a huge difference in your motivation as a doctor.”

Chris’s gratitude for his new home and practice is clear. “The community has given us so much,” he says, with no regrets. “There’s nothing negative to say.”

Welcome to Nova Scotia, Dr. Picken. We’re lucky to have you.

Photo of Dr. Chris Picken.