More than 650 physicians, family members and guests packed into Assiniboine Park Zoo on a beautiful August 20 evening for exclusive after-hours access.

Why it matters: For many physicians, the event provided an opportunity to connect with colleagues outside the pressures of clinical life.

“It’s nice to connect outside of work — it’s much more cheerful rather than in a more stressed environment,” said Dr. Mubeem Rafay, who attended with daughter and pediatric resident Dr. Umema Rafay and husband Mohammed Rafay. ​“We [doctors] are a family, too, and we need to do a little bit more outside of work. It’s a wonderful opportunity to do that.”

The scene: Guests had a front-row view of swimming polar bears at those relaxing outside the floor to ceiling windows of the Tundra Grill, wandered through Monsters of the Abyss and Dinosaurs Uncovered, and fueled up on hot dogs, hamburgers, ice cream, mini doughnuts and lemonade.

Thank you: Doctors Manitoba is proud to recognize MD Financial Management (MD) and Scotiabank for their generous support at ​‘Adventure Awaits at the Zoo’. As valued long-time partners, their continued investment in the well-being of Manitoba’s physician community is deeply appreciated and helps make events like this possible. Whether it’s investments, banking, insurance, pension, or estate planning, MD and Scotiabank are there for you. Connect with an Advisor to learn more.