Doctors Nova Scotia installed Halifax-based cardiac surgeon Dr. John Sullivan as its new President during the association’s annual conference on Saturday, May 31 in Halifax.
Growing up with a brother with severe Down Syndrome, triggered a desire in Dr. John Sullivan to help others through a career in medicine. Little did he know when he began his career that matters of the heart would become his passion.
After the Halifax native completed his studies at Dalhousie University, he began work as a general practitioner in rural Cape Breton. He returned to medical school to become a general surgeon, intending to return to rural life. But a single rotation in cardiac surgery was how he discovered his life’s work as a cardiovascular surgeon.
For 35 years of his 40-year career, he’s performed delicate and life-saving heart surgeries for countless Nova Scotians. He’s a husband and father of two grown daughters who’s always been able to achieve a good work-life balance, despite his busy schedule.
He’s an academic clinician at Dalhousie University, teaching the next generations of cardiovascular surgeons. In his former role as division head of cardiac surgery, he was instrumental in establishing a residency training program in cardiac surgery. He’s a 2013 recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Medal for outstanding service to his province.
And now he’s President of Doctors Nova Scotia.
Dr. Sullivan hopes to leave a legacy of a more engaged and motivated membership within the organization and in the promotion of health in the province’s communities.
Comments
Submitted By: Millie Spearns
Congratulations, Dr Sullivan. You can teach them all a thing or two!
Submitted By: Rita Murray
Excellent choice!
Submitted By: Amanda Macdonald
Thank you Dr. Sullivan for helping my Mom thru her third open heart surgery. Your talent, dedication and compassion has allowed my Mom to continue to live a full life. The honesty and knowledge you shared with our family gave us the hope, strength and confidence we needed at a difficult time. It’s been almost two years now and I think my Mom has more energy than I do! I can’t thank you enough.
Submitted By: Denise Davidson
Congratulations, Dr. Sullivan. I feel very fortunate to be one of the countless Nova Scotians to have benefitted from your surgical skills. Wishing you the best in your latest endeavour.
Submitted By: Ritchie Mac Innis
Congratulations to you Dr. Sullivan, You certainly have a fine reputation based from the glowing testamony and comments on the internet. Please do your best to find caring and compassionate new doctors for Nova Scotia. Our shortage of tax dollars poorly funds our provincial healthcare, with a global recession in full swing we need to locate and identify doctors and nurses who have a heart for the people. Doctors should not be “ALL ABOUT THE MONEY”. Our tax dollars fund the provincial health care, Doctors Nova Scotia needs to communicate with the public about the need for tax dollars to look after us and our loved ones. Things like research and development are badly needed for new emerging diseases. (Lyme)
Submitted By: MAEVE Beckett
Yay PaPa!!!!
I am so proud to be able to tell people that not only do I have a grandfather who saves lives, he is also the new president of doctors Nova Scotia! I love you!!
❤️MAEVE
P.s. Happy Early Birthday!
Submitted By: Marianna (Zocchi) Bater
Congratulations Dr. John!
Submitted By: Peet Huberg
I am a friend of Peet Huberg posting on his behalf. Dr. Sullivan performed a quadruple bypass for Peet almost 28 years ago. At almost 77 he is not comfortable with computers but would like to be able to shake your hand and look in your eyes in person when he thanks you for the best part of his life. Perhaps after Covid …
Submitted By: Jim Leadon
Congrats , dad would have been pleased.