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100 new doctors in one year. Is it doable?

In its first budget earlier this month, the provincial government promised to add 100 doctors to the province over the next year. Our President, Dr. Michael Boroditsky, was at the Legislature that day. With the doctor shortage a top concern for physicians, his analysis was full of praise for an ambitious goal, and questions about how the province could achieve it, especially considering last year saw a net increase of only 44 doctors. 

Our team went to work, using the research and analysis we had amassed over the last few years, the valuable feedback and advice we have received from physicians, to fine tune our recommendations on recruitment and retention. 

Earlier this week, the Winnipeg Free Press published an op-ed from Dr. Boroditsky about how Manitoba could set this new record and add 100 doctors in one year. 

→ Read President Dr. Michael Boroditsky’s editorial Gaining More Doctors Requires Team Effort.

In a nutshell, if we can boost recruitment this year by 10% and decrease the number of physicians leaving practice in Manitoba by 10%, the bold target of 100 more doctors in one year is doable. 

It is within reach, if a collaborative approach is taken. 

“Achieving what has never been done before will take a true partnership with all the players, including physicians, and we are ready to help,” said Dr. Boroditsky.

Yesterday, Doctors Manitoba took part in the provincial government’s announcement outlining its plan to add 100 more doctors this year. Held at Grace Hospital, the media event reinforced the message that collaboration is necessary to address the physician shortage here in Manitoba. 

Our Past President, Dr. Candace Bradshaw, attended the event on behalf of Doctors Manitoba. She reinforced our support for this ambitious goal. 

→ For a quick overview on how we got here and how we can achieve 100 doctors, see our Instagram and Facebook posts.

Our Board Chair, Dr. Candace Bradshaw, attended the government announcement and emphasized that the only way to achieve this new record is through collaboration. The goal ​“sounds doable to me, but only with an ​‘all-in’ approach. It will need all of us. The College. The University. The government. Shared Health and the regional health authorities. And doctors. The best doctor recruiters out there are other doctors,” she added.

  • Expanding training and residency spaces

  • Establishing a new Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office

  • Streamlining the path to licensure for international medical graduates

  • Improving the culture in health care

  • Increasing the rural doctor recruitment fund

  • Continuing the focus on reducing administrative burdens for physicians

→ Manitoba Government Unveils Plans to Hire 100 New Doctors 

What else do you think should be done to recruit and retain physicians here in Manitoba? Send your suggestions to practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

See our full analysis of last week’s provincial budget here.

Awards Gala 75% Sold Out

We hope you can join us at our Annual Awards Gala on Saturday May 11. If you are thinking of attending, don’t wait to buy your ticket as 75% of tickets have already been sold! 

→ Get details about the Gala and purchase your tickets here!

The Gala will honour our seven amazing 2024 Award Winners. We’re building in more time to connect and visit with colleagues and friends, with a whole new look and feel for our event. Plus, the Gala will raise funds to support the cause of our Humanitarian Award winner, the late Dr. Dick Smith, including 

Our Own Health Centre and Rainbow Resource Centre. We look forward to seeing you at this signature event for the medical community. 

Celebrating Dr. van Ineveld

This week we are sharing about Medal of Excellence winner Dr. Kristel van Ineveld, a geriatrician who has made remarkable contributions to the understanding of interdisciplinary geriatric care and education. A true leader, she models the importance of continuous learning and always provides equitable, current, and compassionate care for older patients. Read Dr. van Ineveld’s full bio here and join us in honouring all our winners May 11 at our gala event. 

Reminder: COVID isolation support claim deadline

The COVID-19 Isolation Support Benefit for physicians ended March 31, 2024. This means isolation claims can still be submitted, assuming the first day of isolation occurs on or before this date. All claims must be submitted to Doctors Manitoba by April 30, 2024. Manitoba Health will no longer accept any claims from us after the April 30 deadline. You can review eligibility for this benefit and submit applications on our website.

Doctors Manitoba AGM

Members are invited to join us for our virtual Annual General Meeting May 9 beginning at 5 p.m. You’ll hear from our outgoing President Dr. Michael Boroditsky and our CEO Theresa Oswald, meet the new President-Elect. Learn more and register here. 

Fantastic Physicians

Congratulations to Dr. Joss Reimer and Dr. Harvey Chochinov who both received Distinguished Alumni Awards from UM. The Distinguished Alumni Awards recognize UM graduates who have achieved outstanding accomplishments in their professional and personal lives, and who have been an inspiration to fellow alumni, current students, and the community, both close to home and around the world.

Dr. Reimer has been one of the most important medical voices in our province, leading arguably the most effective COVID-19 vaccine rollout program across Canada, and her leadership continues to result in the saving of lives and long-term health for Manitobans and for all Canadians as the incoming President of the Canadian Medical Association.

One of the most prolific and respected researchers in supportive and palliative care in the world today, Dr. Chochinov’s research-informed best practices are recognized globally for enhancing the psychological well-being and quality-of-life of patients with advanced disease.

Congratulations to neurologist Dr. Doug Hobson who was recognized by the Winnipeg Jets at the home game on April 4 for his tireless work in research and with patients living with Parkinsons. Dr. Hobson’s research protocols are aimed at treating Parkinson’s disease and related disorders. 

Dr. Lerly Luo, the Doctors Manitoba Resident of the Year is making the media rounds as the spokesperson for the WRHA childhood vaccination campaign. You can watch her appearance on CTV News here.

Join Us at Family Physician ASA Next Week!

The Manitoba College of Family Physicians’ 66th Annual Scientific Assembly will stream virtually on April 19. The 66th ASA is certified for 6 Mainpro+ credits. Review the program and register here.

Doctors Manitoba is hosting a Lunch and Learn at the ASA focused on Family Medicine Plus. Our Practice Advice team will be online to discuss how the first few weeks of the new FM+ era is going, and to answer your questions. 

Health System Updates

Data Accuracy Reminder for Vaccine Records

Public Health has issued a reminder to providers after a review found a large volume of data entry errors related to seasonal and high dose influenza vaccines. The review found both seasonal and high dose vaccines are entered for the same client on the same date. Physicians and their staff are reminded to ensure the correct data is entered. See the full memo here.

Meningococcal and measles, mumps, rubella, varicella vaccine clinics

A series of catch-up immunization clinics for MMRV are scheduled for April and May to help ensure children are up to date on their vaccines. 

Fertility Tax Credit Doubled

Last week, the province confirmed that the Fertility Tax Credit will be doubled to $16,000 to support families who must incur these costs. More expenses will also become eligible including any money paid to surrogates and donors for medical expenses they have incurred, as well as payments to fertility clinics or donor banks. Manitobans will continue to be able to claim other costs like fees paid to fertility clinics and related prescription drugs.

“We are very excited to see the fertility tax credit expanded to a maximum refund up to $16,000,” said Dr. Gordon McTavish, medical director, Heartland Fertility Clinic. ​“This will help the many people struggling to start or expand their family goals. This makes Manitoba one of the most affordable provinces to receive assisted reproductive treatment.”

Resting easy with new fellowship

A new fellowship is making it possible for more Manitoba patients to be assessed and treated for sleep disorders. The Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada recently accredited the section of respirology at UM – part of the department of internal medicine in the Max Rady College of Medicine – to start training one fellow per year to be certified in the sub-specialty of sleep medicine.

You can read up on the fellowship and see coverage of the announcement via the UM Today News.

Safety officers coming to HSC
Institutional safety officers (ISOs) will begin patrolling Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg starting April 15. ISOs are also licensed as security guards and in health-care environments have additional training. You can read the full release from the province here.

More beds coming to HSC

Earlier this week, the government announced plans to add 50 more beds to HSC. This includes 35 medicine beds, 10 psychiatric beds, and five for surgery. The beds will be added over the next two years as part of ongoing efforts to expand inpatient capacity. This is part of a larger plan to add 151 beds across multiple hospitals, with 27 already in operation. Read more here.

Portage Place redevelopment to include new health care centre

True North has received the green light to move ahead with plans to redevelop Portage Place, including a 300,000 square foot Health Care Centre of Excellence, including primary care, mental health and addictions services, dialysis capacity, and an expansion of Pan Am Clinic. It should open in 2028. Read more here.

ICYMI

Upcoming Events

You can always review upcoming events on our events calendar page.

Women physician well-being workshop

Take part in an empowering workshop dedicated to enhancing the mental and physical well-being of women physicians. Sessions include physical self-defense and mental resilience training. The workshop takes place Sunday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gimli. The cost is $225 per person. To register or for further questions please reach out to drastridguenther@​gmail.​com.

View the flyer here.

CFPC Physician Wellness Retreat 

The College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) Physician Wellness Retreat May 23 – 26 aims to provide family physicians an environment in which they can learn and apply principles of physician wellness. Keynote speakers include Dr. Jillian Horton and Dr. Catherine Hansen.
Register here.

CMA AGM May 29

This year’s Annual General Meeting for the CMA is special for Manitobans, as CMA President-Elect Dr. Joss Reimer will officially become president. Register to hear from her and other CMA leaders. The CMA AGM will be held virtually on Wednesday, May 29, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.Meeting information, including the agenda, is available at cma​.ca/​a​g​m2024. The annual report and additional resources will be added in advance of the meeting.

Community Engagement of Sexual and Gender Minorities 

Dr. Murdoch Leeies will lead a discussion April 24 from noon to 1 p.m. focused on patient and community engagement of sexual and gender minorities for research leading to health policy change. CHI’s Lunchtime Learning is open to all researchers, decision-makers, clinicians, patients and members of the public who want to learn more about the theory and practice of meaningful, inclusive, and safe patient and public engagement. Register now.

2024 Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership — May 24 – 25 in Montréal

Lead the change our healthcare system desperately needs! Attend the CCPL2024 in Montréal, where you’ll gain invaluable insights and skills to drive transformation.

View the conference program here. Register now.

Cancer Day for Primary Care

The 16th biennial Cancer Day for Primary Care, a collaboration between the Community Oncology Program at CancerCare Manitoba and the University of Manitoba, is back May 31 as a hybrid event, offering both virtual and in-person attendance options at Theater B, 727 McDermot Ave, University of Manitoba. What sets this event apart is the opportunity for attendees to submit their own cases for discussion by our expert panel. Join us for a dynamic and informative program. Learn more and register.

HPV and Cancer — Interdisciplinary Rounds 

Speakers for the June 5 event focused on prevention, treatment and future direction include Dr. Vanessa Poliquin, Dr. Ciaran Lane and Dr. Sarah Kean. Register now.

IPAC Mentorship Gathering 

Registration is open for the Indigenous Physicians Association of Canada’s Annual Mentorship Gathering and AGM July 12 – 14 in Halifax. The gathering is an opportunity for Indigenous medical students, residents, and physicians, both members and potential members, to come together to share stories of their academic journeys, grow their networks, and enjoy cultural activities.

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