Celebrating National Physicians’ Day
Our CEO, Theresa Oswald, is sharing the following message of appreciation to all physicians as we marked National Physicians’ Day this week.
On the occasion of National Physicians’ Day, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to all our members for the teaching, learning and incredible care that you provide to us all each and every day.
As a citizen of Manitoba, I am thankful for the expertise and wisdom you bring to every interaction with members of my family, my circle of friends and to my community. We are in excellent hands with you during some of the worst moments of our lives. This is no small thing.
As CEO of Doctors Manitoba, I want to extend my thanks to the legions of you who serve on our committees, on our Board, on our working groups and beyond. Your advice helps us to advocate for the things you need to be able to practice medicine in the best possible way for the patients you serve. Simply put, when you take the time to provide feedback and advice, you just make us better.
I hope you take a moment to celebrate yourself this week, for all that you do for your colleagues and your patients. You are deserving of our love and support for the work that you do, every step of the way.
Our President Dr. Michael Boroditsky spoke to the meaningful change he’s seen that will continue to help Manitoba’s doctors strengthen their joy in medicine. You can watch Dr. Boroditsky’s message here.
There was also a Physicians’ Day shoutout from Premier Wab Kinew to all physicians, including his wife, Dr. Lisa Monkman. If you missed it, you can watch it here. Kathleen Cook, health critic and deputy leader for the Manitoba Progressive Conservatives offered her gratitude for physicians’ commitment to the future of health care and care for their patients.
Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara shared a celebratory message including the news that the University of Manitoba has successfully filled all 173 first-year medical residency seats. You can read more about that in our update below.
CMA President-Elect Dr. Joss Reimer also acknowledged National Physicians’ Day in her post, noting the pressure physicians face without the resources needed to fully support their work, while recognizing their dedication to care.
AGM and Gala Next Week!
Members are invited to join us on Zoom for our virtual Annual General Meeting on May 9, beginning at 5 p.m. Learn more and register here. You will hear from our outgoing President Dr. Michael Boroditsky and our CEO Theresa Oswald. They will unveil a sneak peak of a new strategic plan for Doctors Manitoba to guide our work for the next four years. You will also meet the next President-Elect!
Our Annual Awards Gala is next Saturday, May 11, at the RBC Convention Centre. The Gala is sold out, however we may have a few seats left as final seating is arranged. Please contact us at general@doctorsmanitoba.ca if you would like to attend but don’t yet have a ticket.
Residency Record a Positive Sign
Manitoba added 17 new first-year residency positions for a total of 173, and every position has been filled by a medical school graduate this year. Meanwhile, 87 residency spaces across Canada were left unfilled.
Past President and Chair Dr. Candace Bradshaw attended the event on behalf of Doctors Manitoba along with representatives from the Province and University of Manitoba for the announcement.
“I am happy to be here to celebrate the largest number of resident doctors set to begin their residency in Manitoba this summer,” said Dr. Bradshaw. This is a decision that has the potential to have a lasting impact, in a good way. Now, our job is to start attracting more and more of these residents to stay in Manitoba as they enter independent practice after their residency.”
“The fact that Manitoba has been able to fill all available residencies reinforces that the province is steadily rebuilding its workforce,” said Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara. “We believe more doctors are seeing and will continue to see Manitoba as the place to establish their medical careers. To all students, residents, and doctors in Manitoba – thank you for choosing to practice medicine here and for the determination, compassion and professionalism your career demands.”
The announcement was covered on the front page of the Winnipeg Free Press. “We know that wherever you practice and learn is where you tend to practice after training,” said Dr. Peter Nickerson, University of Manitoba vice-provost. CBC News also covered the story, in a video clip available to watch here and story. Both the Free Press and CBC highlighted Stefon Irvine, one of five Indigenous grads to join the remote northern family residency program
Financial Wellness Pilot Program
An additional 15 seats are available for members to participate in the Doctors Manitoba Financial Wellness Pilot Program.
This new four-month program offers access to the Enriched Academy’s Online Financial Wellness Platform.
Feel free to check out this 30-minute Orientation webinar. While the orientation session is not mandatory – it provides a helpful understanding of the program’s offerings.
Sign up here to reserve your spot! We look forward to working with you to complete this pilot program and receive your feedback.
Show Your Pride
Be a part of the action with Doctors Manitoba at the Winnipeg Pride Parade and Rally on Sunday, June 2. Join us as we “Transcend Together” in the theme of this year’s festival, embracing inclusivity, highlighting the diverse spectrum of identities within the queer community and fostering solidarity among all members. Showing physicians support for this community is especially important this year, as 2SLGBTQ+ rights and access to medical care is being threatened in other jurisdictions.
The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and the route will go down Portage Avenue, and end at The Forks. We invite you, your friends and family to walk the parade route to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community. Sign up here to take part.
Golf Tournament Registration Open
Let’s get out on the greens together! Mark your calendar for the 2nd Annual Doctors Manitoba Getting Healthy Golf Tournament on Tuesday, September 3 at Southwood. The format is friendly for less-experienced golfers, with a shotgun start and best-ball scramble, while more experienced golfers will enjoy the challenge of a premier championship course. Presented by MD Financial and Scotiabank with support from Bokhaut CPA.
Find out more and register at doctorsmanitoba.ca/golf24
Presented by MD Financial and Scotiabank with support from Bokhaut CPA
Fantastic Physicians
Dr. Alon Altman was recognized for being in the Top 10 of ERAS (Enhanced Recovery After Surgery) physicians in the world, with the University of Manitoba also making it into this year’s list of top institutions supporting ERAS, an evidence-based approach to surgical care aimed at minimizing the stress of surgery and supporting patients to recover quickly.
Mask Changes in Health Facilities
Effective May 1, Shared Health issued new guidance with a return to routine practices and additional precautions in health facilities.
This means masks are no longer required in most areas, though continue to be available based on point of care assessments and personal risk assessment.
Shared Health and RHA facilities continue to be “mask-friendly environments” for anyone choosing to wear a mask. This means staff are expected to comply with patient requests to wear a mask.
Symptomatic patients will continue to be asked to mask as well.
You can read Shared Health’s memo here.
Doctors’ offices are encouraged to align their practices with Shared Health to offer a consistent experience for patients across the province.
New ER at Victoria Hospital
Initial work is underway to restore the Victoria Hospital as a centre for exceptional health care in southern Winnipeg, with plans to open a new Victoria Hospital emergency room (ER), reopen the Mature Women’s Centre and build the Anne Oake Family Recovery Centre
We’ve heard from some physicians concerned about the plan to reopen the ER, and others who want to ensure it is planned in a new and not replicating old models of care. We are pressing for front line consultation as the next step, to ensure physicians and other providers have a voice in shaping this investment.
ICYMI
- Capital Gains Changes – MD Impact?
- Mentorship Program: Guidance, Support and Connection
- CME Rebate Reminder
- Job posting: Physician Data Analyst
- 100 new doctors in one year. Is it doable?
- Gaining More Doctors Requires Team Effort — Read our editorial about how the government could achieve a new record for physician recruitment and retention.
- Group-based peer support opportunities
Upcoming Events
You can always review upcoming events on our events calendar page.
Doctors Manitoba Book Club
Join us for our Doctors Manitoba Book Club on June 4 at 7 p.m. We’re reading Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein, winner of the Scotiabank Giller Prize. Register 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/agm2024.
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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