A new report shows a significant improvement in Manitoba’s doctor shortage over the last two years, due to strong success in attracting more physicians to the province. However, the research also shows serious challenges with retaining doctors in Manitoba, an issue that requires further attention. 

Doctors Manitoba released its annual Physicians in Manitoba report today, drawing on national reporting from the Canadian Institute for Health Information and provincial data to understand trends, concerns, and opportunities related to Manitoba’s physician resources. 

“Manitoba is climbing out of a record physician shortage, thanks to strong recruitment efforts and record increases over the last two years,” said Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba. ​“It took years for the shortage to get as deep as it was, and we are digging out faster than we anticipated.” 

Recruitment Progress:

• Manitoba had a record-breaking net increase of 164 doctors last year. 
• Manitoba now has 225 physicians per 100,000 people, a 2.5% improvement over last year that moves the province closer to the national average of 241. 
• Manitoba needs 246 more doctors to meet the national average, down from a high of 445 just two years ago. 

“While Manitoba made strong progress on recruitment, this year’s research reinforces the need to focus on improving our efforts to retain the doctors we have,” Dr. Desilets added. ​“Manitoba loses more doctors to other provinces than we gain, and Manitoba appears to be retaining fewer local graduates, both flags that need to be addressed to avoid seeing our shortage grow again.” 

In 2024, Manitoba saw a net loss of 8.3 physicians per 1,000 to other provinces, the second worst performance of all provinces, according to analysis of data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information. 

Retention Risks:

• 43% of doctors are considering reducing their hours, retiring, or leaving Manitoba in the next three years. 
• 710 physicians (or 21% of all doctors) are considering retiring or leaving Manitoba in the next 3 years. 
• Only 60% of students and residents are planning to stay in Manitoba, with the other 40% planning on leaving or undecided on their plans. 
• 56% of physicians are experiencing distress and 48% are experiencing high rates of burnout. 

“Frustration about broader issues within Manitoba’s health care system like excessive administrative burden, siloed electronic record systems, and a lack of access to equipment and facilities are key drivers of physician burnout and distress, and thus major reasons why they are planning to leave the province,” explained Dr. Desilets. ​“We need to see continued investment in these areas to provide physicians with the support they need and deserve. Broader supports for physicians lead to better patient outcomes and a healthier medical system in Manitoba.” 

In the last five years, Doctors Manitoba has led initiatives focused on improving physician health and well-being through early career physician support, a robust mentorship program, physician leadership training, enhanced peer and physician mental health support, continued advocacy to reduce physicians’ administrative burden, and more. 

Doctors Manitoba urges the provincial health system to improve the environments where physicians work and learn by enhancing physician consultation and engagement, streamlining interoperability between referring physicians and specialists, taking action to eliminate sick notes and other unnecessary administrative burdens, expanding team-based care, and investing in the facilities and equipment physicians need to care for patients, including in hospitals and in community practices. 

More information is available in Doctors Manitoba’s Physicians in Manitoba report.