Doctors Manitoba is committed to strengthening and supporting the whole physician. We work to ensure that every physician has the support they need to deliver exceptional care to Manitobans. A significant part of this work is advocating for the health and wellness of our members.

Research tells us that 30% of Manitoba’s and Canada’s physicians and medical learners were already experiencing burnout prior to the pandemic, especially residents, female physicians, and those in their first five years of practice. Currently, over 50% of Manitoban physicians and medical learners are experiencing high levels of burnout. We also know that physicians are experiencing high rates of depression and suicidal ideation, with residents and female physicians most at risk.

Doctors Manitoba has supported the development of physician-led health and wellness services for decades through the Physician and Family Support Program, Physicians at Risk, and MDCare. We know that comprehensive physician health programming needs to encompass prevention and reducing stigma for help seeking behaviours, have treatment programs specific to the needs to physicians and medical learners and move beyond the focus on individual interventions. The organizations and systems also need to be healthy. Healthy environments for physicians mean better outcomes for patients.