Dr. Timothy Holland, CCFP(EM)

 

The College of Family Physicians of Canada is proud to recognize Dr. Tim Holland as the 2025 Family Physician of the Year for Nova Scotia. A dedicated clinician, preceptor, and leader, Dr. Holland’s career exemplifies both compassion for patients and commitment to advancing the specialty of family medicine.

He co-founded and continues to serve as Medical Director of the Newcomer Health Clinic, which provides comprehensive primary care for refugees and refugee claimants in Halifax.

As Head of the Department of Bioethics at Dalhousie University, Dr. Holland brings thoughtful leadership to some of medicine’s most complex ethical issues. He previously served as Chair of the Canadian Medical Association’s Ethics Committee, playing a key role in the landmark 2018 revision of the CMA Code of Ethics. A recognized leader in Medical Assistance in Dying, he has contributed to provincial and national guidance and curriculum development, ensuring this care is delivered with both expertise and compassion.

Dr. Holland provides culturally safe care to Indigenous patients through his ongoing work at Sipekne’katik Health Centre.

He has also championed equity and social justice more broadly, co-founding Doctors for Decriminalization to advocate for evidence-informed drug policy and address the disproportionate impact of criminalization on marginalized communities.

Through his scholarship, teaching, and advocacy, Dr. Holland has made an enduring impact on patients, medical learners, and health policy in Nova Scotia and across Canada.

 

Kaleidoscope by John Cooper

About the FPoY Award:

Each year at the Awards Banquet & Celebration of Family Medicine, Nova Scotia’s Family Physician of the Year is presented with a kaleidoscope.

The kaleidoscope is a visual representation of the dynamic specialty of family medicine. Like a kaleidoscope, family medicine offers an unpredictable allure that is constantly flowing and transforming.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Nova Scotia’s Family Physician of the Year

Nova Scotia’s Family Physician of the Year award recognizes outstanding NSCFP family physician members who exemplify what it means to be a family doctor: exceptional care to patients and contributing to the health and well-being of the community.
 
A family physician may be nominated by their peers for:
  • Providing exceptional care to their patients
  • Making meaningful contributions to the health and well-being of their communities
  • Dedicating themselves as researchers and educators of future generations of family doctors
Exemplifying the four principles of family medicine, they must:
  • Be skilled clinicians
  • Be community based
  • Act as a resource to a practice population
  • Recognize the central importance of the doctor-patient relationship
All CFPC members are invited to submit nominations for Canada’s Family Physicians of the Year. Health care colleagues, community leaders, and patients are encouraged to submit letters of support for this nomination.