Doctors Manitoba Announces 2026 Award Winners
Doctors Manitoba is pleased to unveil its 2026 Award recipients, seven physicians who match their outstanding dedication to Manitoba patients with a meaningful commitment to mentoring colleagues.
“Our 2026 Doctors Manitoba Award recipients reflect a wide range of specialties and career stages, and they share a defining commitment to advancing medical care for Manitobans,” said Dr. Nichelle Desilets, President of Doctors Manitoba. “They are role models who elevate their colleagues and learners by their examples. We are proud to celebrate their contributions to the medical community, and the tremendous impact they have on patient care in Manitoba.”
The Doctors Manitoba Awards are the highest honour bestowed upon physicians in the province. Award recipients are nominated by their peers and selected after a thorough evaluation by an Awards Committee made up of physicians.
Dr. Desilets noted that mentorship is a key determinant in improving physician retention, an area in which Manitoba has historically not performed well.
“While there are many actions needed to retain more students and physicians in Manitoba, I’m inspired by the personal commitment all seven award winners make to supporting and mentoring medical students and physicians,” Dr. Desilets added. “These efforts are critical to helping maintain the significant physician recruitment gains made in recent years, and keeping our excellent graduates and physicians living and practicing in Manitoba.”
The 2026 Doctors Manitoba Award recipients are:
Dr. Devon Evans - Physician of the Year
Dr. Devon Evans is a national leader in endometriosis, pelvic pain, and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery (MIGS). He founded Manitoba’s Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis Clinic and MIGS fellowship program, supporting colleagues and trainees to expand Manitoba’s capacity to provide high-quality gynecologic care. Known for his exceptional skill, mentorship, humility, and patient advocacy, he is transforming care across Manitoba.
Dr. Cliff Yaffe — Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Cliff Yaffe is a distinguished surgical educator whose four decades of mentorship have supported hundreds of residents and thousands of medical students. A national leader in postgraduate medical education, he has strengthened training programs, championed innovation, and offered steady guidance through challenging times. He is recognized for his professionalism, compassion, and academic excellence.
Dr. Holly Hamilton — Dr. Jack Armstrong Humanitarian Award
Dr. Holly Hamilton is a rural family physician and humanitarian whose longtime service to Aspen Winds/Vents de Tremble reflects profound compassion and community commitment. Through clinical expertise and hands-on support, she enriches the lives of adults with disabilities while championing rural medicine and medical education across Manitoba.
Dr. Tegan Turner — Resident of the Year
Dr. Tegan Turner is an emergency medicine resident known for clinical excellence under pressure, strong communication skills, and compassionate care. She mentors medical students with enthusiasm and brings a unique interest in motorsports medicine, inspired by Formula 1 racing, which will help strengthen emergency care in Manitoba.
Dr. Mandy Buss — Medal of Excellence
Dr. Mandy Buss is a national leader in Indigenous health and medical education. Through curriculum reform, advocacy, and mentorship, she has advanced culturally safe care and strengthened pathways for Indigenous learners. She continues to drive meaningful system change across Manitoba and Canada.
Dr. Natalie Casaclang - Medal of Excellence
Dr. Natalie Casaclang is a public health specialist who has played a lead role in launching Manitoba’s major immunization initiative to protect more newborns against RSV. As a family physician, she focuses on supporting parent-infant dyads with breastfeeding difficulties.
Dr. Shayne Taback — Medal of Excellence
Dr. Shayne Taback is the visionary founding director of Manitoba’s Clinician Investigator Program, which has trained 39 clinician scientists to date and set a national standard for excellence. He is a dedicated mentor and certified executive coach. His work has strengthened research capacity across Manitoba and Canada and shaped the next generation of medical innovators.
Doctors Manitoba will honour this year’s recipients at the 2026 Awards Gala on May 1, and raise funds to support a local charity, which will be unveiled shortly.
Find out more at https://doctorsmanitoba.ca/events/2026gala.