HeartBeat 2025 was a rhythm of connection, compassion, and reflection last week at the Fort Garry Hotel, with over 100 members attending.

“Connection is not just a buffer against burnout. It’s a foundation for resilience, advocacy, mentorship, and change,” said Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Randy Guzman, addressing members at the occasion recognizing diversity and excellence, and carrying out the business of the annual general meeting.

Dr. Guzman reflected on his journey from the son of Filipino immigrants to becoming a vascular surgeon. ​“I am reminded of the opportunities I’ve had and the barriers others still face. It’s not enough to simply increase diversity. We must also build relationships and structures that ensure every physician feels seen, supported, and valued.”

Fireside Chat with Dr. Monkman and Premier Kinew

The evening included a Fireside Chat with Dr. Lisa Monkman and Premier Wab Kinew.

Dr. Monkman told the heartbreaking story about the death of her aunt, one where the system failed and an example she has come to share with students about discrimination in health care. ​“When we talk about racism in health care, it’s multi-layered, multi-level… sometimes it’s hard to see. It’s easy to point fingers and blame when people act out in racist ways. It’s not about hurting feelings. It’s about saving lives. And we as physicians all have a calling to protect the public.” 

New Endowment Announced

Doctors Manitoba will be creating a new endowment fund with the Max Rady College of Medicine. This is an investment in the future of medicine in Manitoba, helping those from underrepresented and marginalized communities who face barriers to becoming physicians. More details of this will be shared soon.

Opening Membership to MLPIMG

Members also voted by an overwhelming majority to approve a bylaw expanding Doctors Manitoba membership criteria to include physicians in the Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates, or MLPIMG. With this new recognition, MLPIMG physicians will be supported and welcomed as part of the medical and broader community to remain in Manitoba.

You can read our earlier coverage of the Doctors Manitoba AGM here.

Group Photo
One of the highlights of the event was the recreation of the photo taken on the steps of the Fort Garry Hotel at the Manitoba Medical Association Annual Meeting in 1925. In this instance, a photo spans 100 years and is worth a thousand words.

Confronting Hard Truths

The evening also featured a presentation about a preliminary report on the history of Doctors Manitoba and the discrimination and oppression that has existed in the profession. It included hard truths and disturbing revelations, and comes with a content warning. The draft report also looks at the present and the future, and the commitment to continued progress by Doctors Manitoba to ensure every doctor belongs, and every patient receives the best possible medical care. Attendees were invited to share their feedback, and this report will then be published for the broader membership. We know hearing and seeing these facts about the depth and breadth of past oppression can be extremely difficult to hear. If you want to talk, please know our Doc360 team is here for you. As we move forward with these truths, in a spirit of reconciliation, we must take advice from experts and those with lived experience to ensure our efforts provide space and time for healing and for action.