Dr. Nicole Boutilier is a highly respected physician leader whose career has been defined by her commitment to advancing physician leadership while strengthening health systems across Nova Scotia. As Executive Vice President of Medicine and Clinical Operations at Nova Scotia Health, she played a pivotal role in shaping a more integrated, accountable and high-performing provincial system.

Throughout her career, Dr. Boutilier has held progressive leadership roles at the departmental, regional and provincial levels, contributing significantly to Nova Scotia’s transition to a unified health system and helping to guide change across diverse communities and care settings.

Her leadership has led to significant improvements in healthcare delivery, including enhanced physician recruitment and retention, expanded access to care in rural communities and more coordinated, data-informed clinical operations.

In addition to her system-level contributions, Dr. Boutilier is widely recognized for her authentic, inclusive and values-driven leadership style. A dedicated mentor and certified physician coach, she actively supports the growth of physician leaders and fosters environments where physicians feel valued, supported and equipped to lead and contribute.

Respected nationally for her contributions to physician leadership and system transformation, Dr. Boutilier exemplifies integrity, service and excellence. Her lasting impact is reflected both in the strength of the health systems she has helped shape and in the many physician leaders she has inspired and developed.