Wasn’t that a party!

More than 700 guests were at the sold-out gala, the largest yet celebrating Manitoba doctors’ commitment to caring and excellence. It was also a time of connection, with a program this year intentional in providing more time for everyone to connect and visit, to take photos, talk, dance, and even sing along to the winners’ chosen walk-up songs (listen to them on our Spotify playlist here).

Saturday’s Doctors Manitoba Awards Gala was made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsors MD Financial, Scotiabank and the Canadian Medical Association, along with Platinum Sponsor Bokhaut CPA LLP.

“It’s really special the way that Doctors Manitoba truly celebrates physicians, and so inspiring,” said CMA President Dr. Joss Reimer. ​“Medicine is hard, but hearing these stories and hearing from the winners left me so inspired and so grateful that I get to represent people like that. What an absolute honour.” She also noted that she was grateful for the opportunity to serve her time at CMA in the same year as Doctors Manitoba outgoing President Dr. Randy Guzman.

New President Dr. Nichelle Desilets

The evening’s program included the ceremonial passing of the chains of office between Dr. Guzman and incoming President Dr. Nichelle Desilets. The Doctors Manitoba tradition holds that someone important in their life is invited to assist with the ceremony, and Dr. Desilets selected mentor and friend Dr. Joanne Sivertson.

“Stepping into this role is really quite a distance from where I grew up, in a small farming town,” said Dr. Desilets, a family physician who practices in Neepawa. ​“We didn’t have any doctors in the family, but I was surrounded by people who understood the meaning of service, community and hard work.

“We have the profound privilege of being in the service of others,” she said. ​“Let’s stay grounded in our calling to care, to connect, and to heal.” 

Greetings from the Premier

Premier Wab Kinew attended alongside his wife and physician Dr. Lisa Monkman. Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-term Care Uzoma Asagwara also celebrated doctors with their attendance, along with many other dignitaries and representatives, including Roblin MLA Kathleen Cook, PC Critic for Health.

Awards Ceremony

We’ve shared the stories of our award winners here in advance of the gala, and the night was truly about celebrating them. Videos about each winner were premiered at the gala, with links below.

Dr. Leif Sigurdson received the Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award. As the winner of this award, Dr. Sigurdson had the honour of selecting the beneficiary of the evening’s fundraising, choosing Team Broken Earth, an organization the plastic surgeon has joined for volunteer medical missions around the world.

Video profile: Dr. Leif Sigurdson Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award

→ Fundraising success: Guests at the gala helped to raise $25,875 for charity Team Broken Earth. You can make a donation here. 

Medals of Excellence

The first award of the evening went to power couple Dr. Versha Banerji and Dr. Shantanu Banerji, a hematologist and medical oncologist, recognizing their commitment to showing up for others and Manitobans who receive the benefits of the Harvard-trained physicians knowledge and care.

Video profile: Dr. Versha Banerji & Dr. Shantanu Banerji Medals of Excellence

A Medal of Excellence was presented to Dr. Wendy Smith, honouring Dr. Smith’s career in service of remote and northern communities in Manitoba and Nunavut.

Video profile: Dr. Wendy Smith Medal of Excellence

Dr. Tamara Buchel received her Medal of Excellence for her instrumental role in introducing physician-led team-based care options in Manitoba. 

Video profile: Dr. Tamara Buchel Medal of Excellence

Physicians of the Year

Dr. Michel Bruneau and Dr. Selena Papetti were recognized for their contribution to the practice of medicine and their dedication to rural health care, family medicine and their commitment to supporting medical learners.

Video profile: Dr. Michel Bruneau and Dr. Selena Papetti Physicians of the Year

Resident of the Year

Dr. Alexander Sharp’s poignant story put him on a path to addressing barriers faced by individuals with addictions and complex social challenges. This is reflected in both his medical practice and scholarly work.

Video profile: Dr. Alexander Sharp Resident of the Year

Distinguished Service Award

The final award of the evening was presented to Dr. Jill Keddy-Grant, who has been a force in pediatric dermatology for more than 35 years and Manitoba’s sole specialist in this area for many years.

Video profile: Dr. Jill Keddy-Grant Distinguished Service Award

Nominations for the 2026 Doctors Manitoba Awards will open this fall.