These physicians provide confidential support to their colleagues. Because they’re located across the province and have different expertise and interests, you can always connect with someone who best meets your needs. They are also available to lead group outreach sessions for physicians.

Dr. Olawumi Adaramodu 

Physician counsellor

A family physician based in Mount Uniacke, Dr. Olawumi Adaramodu, or “Dr. Wumi,” has extensive experience providing peer support and counselling. Before moving to Nova Scotia in 2022, she was a general practitioner in the UK, and also worked in oncology, internal medicine and psychiatry. During COVID-19, she supported colleagues, patients and members of her wider community through difficult times. She understands the unique pressure that internationally trained physicians can face practising in a new country. “I’ve navigated different systems: Nigeria, UK and Canada…. Physicians from Nigeria, the UK or have those who have trained internationally may feel more comfortable sharing their experiences with me.”

Dr. John Chiasson

Physician counsellor

A family physician who has practised in Antigonish for more than 40 years, Dr. Chiasson is passionate about physical activity, lifelong learning, and balancing work and play. Supporting the well-being of his colleagues has been a focus for Dr. Chiasson for the last 10 years and he advocates for system change that will affect that outcome. He derives joy from time with family and friends, and leading change that improves the lives of others. “I have been influenced by the thinking of Stoic philosophers who advocate attention to things within our control in order to lead an intentional life.”

John Chiasson

Dr. David Martell

Physician counsellor

Dr. Martell has lived and worked in Lunenburg since 2004. For the first 20 years of his career, he practised full-scope family medicine. He now focuses on addiction medicine. “Having worked in every variety of front-line medical practice, I can relate to what front-line providers face in their daily grind. Having dealt with some of the emotional challenges and events that come with the work of being a caring provider while maintaining a private life, I can connect with my colleagues who have to deal with these same issues.”

Dr. David Saunders

Physician counsellor

With his practice focusing on addiction medicine, Dr. Saunders specializes in opioid assisted treatment, general addiction consultation and inpatient consultation at the IWK (pre-and antenatal). He is also an abstinence-based rehabilitation medical consultant at Crosbie House in New Minas. “I became interested in physician health when I transitioned from family medicine to addiction medicine. My focus is on addiction, career fatigue and burnout.”

David Sunders

Contact your wellness navigator today

Your mental health matters. Don’t delay reaching out to learn more about Family Plus and how it can support you and your family. Call 902-329-8689 or click the button below to connect with the DNS physician wellness navigator, Katelyn Junus. All information is confidential.

Contact your wellness navigator today

Contact Katelyn

Connect with our Navigator Today

Interested in learning more about our programs and services? Please fill out the form below and our physician wellness navigator, Katelyn Junus, will contact you with more information. All correspondence is confidential.

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