Every year, the Doctors Manitoba Awards Gala celebrates the physicians who make Manitoba medicine extraordinary. The 2026 edition was no exception.

The special event at the RBC Convention Centre included recognition of the year’s award winners, the introduction of the new Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Alon Altman, and a fundraising effort on behalf of a cause close to the heart of our Humanitarian of the Year. Ace Burpee emceed the event in his signature witty style, bringing laughter and joy to over 700 in attendance. The gala was made possible by the generous support of Presenting Sponsors, MD Financial Management and Scotiabank, and Platinum Sponsor Bokhaut CPA LLP.

Awards Ceremony

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

Medal of Excellence — Dr. Mandy Buss

Dr. Mandy Buss, a national leader in Indigenous health and anti-racism in medical education, and culturally safe care, received a Medal of Excellence. In her acceptance speech, she reminded the room that transformative work is never done alone.

“This award is really a reflection of them,” she said of the community surrounding her — including her mother, stepfather, and son. ​“Working towards Indigenous anti-racism and culturally safe care is hard work, mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And I couldn’t do it without all those people.”

📺 Watch a video about Dr. Mandy Buss

Medal of Excellence — Dr. Natalie Casaclang

Dr. Natalie Casaclang, a public health physician who immigrated from the Philippines in 2012 and has championed Manitoba’s vaccine policy and infant health initiatives. She acknowledged the colleagues who make the daily work possible — and offered a heads-up about what’s coming.

“This award is for all of us,” she said, referring to a table of her peers. ​“Buckle up, guys — I just heard that the government has announced a universal RSV immunoprophylaxis program in Manitoba. Lots of hard work coming. Thank you for always showing up to do the hard work every day.”

📺 Watch a video about Dr. Natalie Casaclang

Medal of Excellence — Dr. Shayne Taback

Dr. Shayne Taback, founding director of the University of Manitoba’s Clinician Investigator Program (CIP) — a nationally recognized model that has trained 40 clinician-scientists over 14 years — received a Medal of Excellence. With his teenage children in the audience alongside his wife Kathy, Dr. Taback offered a wry reflection on the program he has spent his career building.

“For me, it’s been a dream job, working at the intersection of clinical training, education and research,” he said.

📺Watch a video about Dr. Shayne Taback

Humanitarian Award — Dr. Holly Hamilton

Dr. Holly Hamilton, a rural family physician from Notre Dame de Lourdes whose humanitarian work centres on Aspen Winds/​Vents de Tremble, a day program and home for adults living with disabilities, received the Humanitarian Award. Dr. Hamilton accepted her award alongside her friend, Jay, an Aspen Winds client.

She turned Jay’s tender act of support into the heart of her remarks: ​“Sometimes it’s not about who gets to wear the heels. It’s about who is making sure the other person doesn’t fall. This room is filled with people who spend their lives supporting.”

Thanks to the generosity of our guests and additional donors, as well as a contribution from Doctors Manitoba, $22,525 was raised for Aspen Winds.

📺 Watch a video about Dr. Holly Hamilton

Distinguished Service Award — Dr. Cliff Yaffe

Dr. Cliff Yaffe, a general surgeon and transformative leader in postgraduate medical education at the Max Rady College of Medicine, received the Distinguished Service Award. In his remarks, Dr. Yaffe expressed his thanks for the colleagues who have shaped and defined his tenure, many of whom were in the room.

📺 Watch a video about Dr. Cliff Yaffe

Resident of the Year — Dr. Tegan Turner

Dr. Tegan Turner, an emergency medicine resident with a passion for motorsports medicine and a master’s program in Sports Medicine and Exercise Science underway, received the Resident of the Year award. In a thoughtful and grateful acceptance speech, Dr. Turner paid tribute to the wide village of people who shaped her training.

“I can only hope to build a village as wonderful as the one I was welcomed into.”

📺 Watch a video about Dr. Tegan Turner

Physician of the Year — Dr. Devon Evans

Dr. Devon Evans walked up to the song ​“Where is my husband?” by Raye, detouring from the red carpet into the audience to invite his wife, Jesse Evans, onstage to accept the award alongside him.

In a profession that rarely pauses, Doctors Manitoba is grateful to the award winners, their families, and colleagues for a wonderful night of connection.

📺 Watch a video about Dr. Devon Evans

Nominations for the 2027 Doctors Manitoba Awards will open this fall.

The evening included a ceremonial passing of the chains of office from outgoing President Dr. Nichelle Desilets to incoming President Dr. Alon Altman. In keeping with Doctors Manitoba tradition, Dr. Altman invited someone important in his life to assist with the ceremony, his children Yaelle and Ardon.