In today’s message you will find:
Rural ER Update
We’re continuing to monitor the instability of rural ERs closely. Our findings indicate that only 19 ERs in rural and northern Manitoba are open 24/7, with five open with part time hours and/or periodic closures. Six are fully closed for an extended period and 18 have long-term closures.
We know this is a concern for our members, and have issued a public advisory on social media for the public to plan ahead and be aware of rural disruptions, referring people to our RuralCare.ca resource.
We invite members to reach out at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca to let us know how emergency coverage is working in your community and to share any concerns you may have.
Write for Our Getting Healthy Guide
Our Getting Healthy Guide launched in June, and with it a continued appetite for expert advice from Manitoba physicians.GettingHealthy.ca and our new screening tool bring an important public awareness message to Manitobans. They also reinforce that Manitoba’s physicians care deeply about the health and well-being of Manitobans, while emphasizing that doctors are the experts when it comes to health and medicine.
We’re looking for physicians to lend their expertise for both the Getting Healthy Guide articles and blog posts for the site. The Guide articles are linked with the custom results returned to visitors to the site when they enter their age and gender, while the blog posts are more general in nature. Here is an example of a Guide article, and here is an example of a recent blog post.
If you would like to contribute, please reach out to us at GettingHealthy@doctorsmanitoba.ca. An honorarium is provided.
Mentors Needed
Lend your experience to medical learners finding their way. The Mentorship Program is seeking new mentors, both residents and practicing physicians. The program offers a variety of support for participants, including mentorship events and complimentary training! Learn more about the program here and please reach out to Cynthia Okojie, Doctors Manitoba mentorship and member engagement coordinator at cokojie@doctorsmantioba.ca to get started!
Dr. Dick Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship awarded
Dr. Titus Olukitibi of the University of Manitoba’s department of medical microbiology is the inaugural recipient of the Dr. Dick Smith Postdoctoral Fellowship in HIV-AIDS Research.
The fellowship was created by the Manitoba government and Research Manitoba in honour of Dr. Dick Smith, a visionary pioneer in HIV-AIDS patient treatment and education in Manitoba. The fellowship supports an exceptional postdoctoral researcher dedicated to advancing the understanding and management of HIV epidemiology in Manitoba.
You can read the full news release here.
Dr. Smith was the winner of the Doctors Manitoba 2024 Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award. You can learn more about his legacy in this video on our YouTube channel.
CPSM Leadership Transition Complete
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba announced the leadership transition of Registrar and CEO is complete. Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk stepped into the role of Registrar and CEO on July 1, 2024.
Dr. Mihalchuk has been a valuable member of CPSM’s senior executive team for five years. On January 1, Council appointed her as Deputy Registrar. She joined CPSM as Assistant Registrar of the Quality department in 2020, where she transformed the Quality Department with her vision and leadership.
“Dr. Mihalchuk has been instrumental in enhancing the way CPSM monitors the professional competency of registrants in the province,” said Dr. Nader Shenouda, Council president. “With her extensive experience and proven leadership, we look forward to seeing the impact she will have organization-wide and on medical regulation in the province.”
Improving public perception and trust in regulation is high on her list of priorities. She is well-attuned to the public’s shifting expectations. One of her goals is to modernize regulation to create better outcomes for patients receiving medical care and the people in the profession delivering it.
You can read the full announcement here.
Black Health Primer
The Black Health Primer aims to transform medical and health professional education to improve the lives of Black communities and beyond. The Primer is a multi-module, online, and self-paced course on Black health and anti-Black racism in the Canadian healthcare system. The course is suitable for all medical and health profession learners, faculty, educators, professionals, and practitioners (including administrative and other staff).
This 1‑credit-per-hour Self Learning program has been certified by the College Family Physicians of Canada for up to 6.5 Mainpro+® credits.Register here.
Cortext Secure Messaging Switch July 23
The transition from Cortext to Teams is planned for July 23, at 9 a.m., according to Shared Health. This change comes as the vendor behind Cortex discontinues the service. Digital Shared Services and government arrived at a solution to use Microsoft Teams for secure physician messaging. Physicians are encouraged to set up Teams as soon as possible.
Here’s some key information from Shared Health to help:
Main web resource with Quick Reference Guides and other information.
Memo about the change including the apps needed on your device and the support available to help.
Is a trophy in your future?
Who’s ready to claim the trophy this year? Gather your team of co-workers, family, or friends and compete for the WINNING title at our Getting Healthy Golf Tournament. Enjoy some friendly competition while playing on the tour-quality, Thomas McBroom-designed Southwood Golf and Country Club.
A healthier community wins as well! Your participation will directly contribute to increasing the awareness of the Getting Healthy Guide, our new online resource providing Manitobans with expert, physician-approved health advice.
Presented by MD Financial and Scotiabank with support from Bokhaut CPA LLP. Find out more and register at doctorsmanitoba.ca/golf24
Health System Updates
Incorporating Team-Building into Quality Improvement
Team-building in healthcare is crucial for quality improvement. When healthcare professionals unite with a shared vision and clear strategies, patient outcomes improve, staff satisfaction increases, and the overall efficiency of the practice soars. High-quality teamwork therefore plays a critical role in transforming the dynamics of primary care, making it more responsive and focused on patients’ needs.
Incorporating team-building into quality improvement involves several strategic steps. First, making decisions as a team ensures that every member has a voice in the planning process, fostering ownership and commitment. Engagement is critical; by involving all team members in discussions and decision-making, we harness diverse perspectives and expertise. Removing obstacles, such as workflow inefficiencies or communication barriers, allows the team to function more effectively. Building on the change involves continuous monitoring and adaptation, ensuring that improvements are sustained and refined over time. This list is not exhaustive, as effective team-building encompasses many other components, all aimed at creating a cohesive and high-performing team.
Our Access Improvement Model (AIM) program embeds these team-building principles throughout training, ensuring concepts are not only taught but also actively practiced and refined. We are always looking to engage with new primary care clinics and have openings available as early as this summer!
If you would like to explore AIM in greater detail, please visit the AIM website and be sure to reach out to us at aim@sharedhealthmb.ca.
COVID-19 Vaccines Available on Request
Frequent concerns have been raised by members of the public regarding healthcare providers’ inability to access COVID-19 vaccine supply at this time. Public Health wishes to remind providers that supply is available upon request for those at highest risk for severe COVID-19 illness.
As per the letter sent to health care providers on April 25, 2024, providers can still order COVID-19 vaccines for clients who have received a recommendation from their primary care provider or specialist to receive a dose. Email vaccines@gov.mb.ca to request doses needed.
ICYMI
Here’s the latest and most popular stories, in case you missed them:
Upcoming Events
You can always review upcoming events on our events calendar page.
Ma-Buhay! Local Talent on Rainbow Stage
There’s still time to see Ma-Buhay! the musical about three young singers competing to win Star on the Rise, a reality TV singing competition that has come to Canada from the Philippines. There’s a Doctors Manitoba connection, as the production’s book, music and lyrics are by Joseph Sevillo, brother of Shedlmor Sevillo, our member services administrator. The production’s music director, conductor and piano vocal arranger is Seanne Buenafe, the 19-year-old son of Dr. Jay Buenafe. Learn more and get your tickets here.
Youth Mental Health Conference
The 44th Annual Canadian Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Conference is happening in Winnipeg this fall. The focus is Innovative Treatments in Child and Youth Mental Health. You can learn more about the September 21 – 24 event here. See the conference program here, and register today!
Canadian Surgery Forum is coming to Manitoba!
For the first time ever the largest surgical meeting in Canada will be held in Winnipeg, Manitoba from September 25 – 28. To help celebrate, the Canadian Surgery Forum will do a draw of all Manitoba surgeons who register and attend to receive a refund of their conference registration post event.*
Held at the RBC Convention Center at 375 York Ave., the Canadian Surgery Forum includes scientific and educational sessions offered through interactive symposia, panel discussions, postgraduate courses, debates, plenary sessions, video sessions, and ‘Meet the Fellowship Director.’
The theme of CSF 2024 is “Surgery Through Inclusive Innovation.” Delegates can expect over 50 accredited sessions across all participating sub-specialties, with full and half-day post graduate courses, content geared towards community and rural surgeons, and free child care!
Early bird rates: Secure your spot by July 31 and save on registration fees.
You don’t want to miss this premier event featuring cutting-edge surgical advancements, networking opportunities with leading professionals, and invaluable workshops.
Visit canadiansurgeryforum.com for speaker bios, the conference program, travel and accommodation information, and to register!
Members of CAGS and CSF partner sub-specialty societies qualify for special discounted member rates!
Don’t forget, Doctors Manitoba members are reimbursed for continuing medical education expenses.
For all conference information, including registration information and pricing, and the scientific program, please visit the CSF 2024 website.
*Draw excludes the cost of post-graduate courses.
CANPAD CME Conference and Family Event
The annual CANPAD Annual Continuing Medical Education Conference and Family event August 1 to 5 at the Fort Garry Hotel Spa And Conference Centre includes education sessions, activities and programs.. Youth activities include movie nights, speakers, and volunteer opportunities. Events also include a ladies night, financial talks, family day at the zoo, picnic and gala night. Established in 2001, CANPAD has been at the forefront of advocating for the interests of Nigerian physicians and dentists across Canada. Register now.
Nutritional Psychiatry Survey Opportunity
Researchers at the University of Ottawa and The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre are seeking Canadian psychiatrists and family doctors to fill out an anonymous survey on their perceptions of nutritional psychiatry.
The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will ask about your clinical and research experience and opinions of the field of nutritional psychiatry.
If interested, you can be entered into a draw for one of five $20 Amazon gift cards following completion of the survey.
Fill out the survey here.
Federation of Medical Women in Canada Educational Conference & AGM
We look forward to welcoming you at the Fairmont Château Laurier Hotel in Ottawa September 27 – 28, 2024 for this special ACCREDITED event to celebrate our 100th anniversary.
Come and network with medical leaders from across Canada including award winner Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer, CMA Co-Presidents Dr. Kathleen Ross and Dr. Joss Reimer, plus Globe & Mail health columnist André Picard and a special virtual presentation by Dr. Jane Philpott! And so many more.
ADVOCACY – CLINICAL PEARLS – NETWORKING – CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF MEDICAL WOMEN
Portfolio positioning as the Bank of Canada cuts rates first
MD Financial Sponsored Content
For the first time in over four years the Bank of Canada (BoC) cut interest rates by 0.25%, bringing the target rate to 4.75%. The BoC is the first G7 central bank to cut rates, with other central banks likely to follow. Learn more about what this means for you and your portfolio here.