An Interview with Physician Supervisor Dr. Crystal Todd
Ensuring Access to
High-Quality Care
The role of a supervisor is to monitor, assess, and support the supervised physician as they work towards Full licensure.
Supervisors play an important part in ensuring access to high-quality patient care for Nova Scotians.
Interview with
Physician Supervisor:
Dr. Crystal Todd
Dr. Crystal Todd is a Family Physician practicing in Kentville and has been engaged with the College for five years in the role of supervisor.
Dr. Todd discussed her experience as a supervising physician with the College.
BSc, CCFP, FCFP, EXTRA fellow, CHE
Question: In your role as supervisor, what has been the most rewarding aspect of this work?
Dr. Todd: It is very rewarding to know that you are playing a part in helping improve access to primary care by mentoring and supervising physicians. They are almost always very eager to learn and always grateful for the experience and knowledge that I share to help them as they go through their supervised time.
Question: What would you say to those physicians considering taking on the role of a supervisor?
Dr. Todd: I would encourage any physician to consider this experience. It is very rewarding, not tremendously time-consuming and, you keep your own skills and knowledge up to date as well.
Question: In your experience, what has been the impact of your role on those physicians you have supervised, for patients and for the profession overall?
Dr. Todd: I have seen physicians that I have supervised go on to take over practices so physicians could retire knowing their patients would not be left without a doctor. Those physicians have become solid members of collaborative teams.
It is so very important for places that are struggling with access to care to have these physicians be able to come and do primary care while being supervised. Patients are getting access where they would not have a provider if these physicians were not in their community.
I would have a hard time finding anyone more appreciative and eager for feedback than most of the physicians I have supervised. It is one of the most rewarding things I have done in my career along with teaching students and residents.