CPSM Consultation: Entering a New Practice Setting

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba is inviting physician feedback on a new draft Standard of Practice on Entering a New Practice Setting.

• The new standard aims to ensure that physicians and other registrants entering practice in Manitoba — whether newly licensed or transitioning from another jurisdiction — are effectively supported in their integration into the local clinical and community context.
• Review the draft Standard of Practice and the contextual documents.

Share your feedback: Submissions are welcome by May 21. Please submit your comments by emailing CPSMconsultation@​cpsm.​mb.​ca and copying us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Virtual Integrated Clinical Service (VICS) Update

Assessment and Plan notes from Virtual Integrated Clinical Service (VICS) encounters are now available in eChart! 

How it works: Callers who meet criteria are directed to VICS family physicians and nurse practitioners for virtual assessment, which may include ordering investigations or prescriptions and may transition to video if needed. 

• As VICS does not provide continuity or chronic disease management, access to this documentation supports follow‑up care by subsequent providers.
• In addition to eChart, VICS notes are faxed to the patient’s primary care provider when identified. 

VICS can be reached for general (not patient) questions at VICS@​sharedhealthmb.​ca.

Share your feedback with us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca

Tentative Deal for B.C. Doctors 

Doctors of BC has reached a tentative deal with the provincial government on a new four-year physician master agreement (PMA). While official details are not expected until after member ratification, the medical association said the new PMA ​“addresses priority issues identified by doctors across BC.” 

We are monitoring this very closely as we prepare to negotiate the renewal of our Physician Services Agreement next year. If you hear of new or innovative changes in the B.C. agreement that should be considered in Manitoba, let us know by emailing practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Exception Drug Status Updates 

This month’s Manitoba Drug Benefits and Manitoba Drug Interchangeability Formulary Amendments Bulletin is out and includes updates on: 

• Exception Drug Status Additions 
• New Interchangeable Categories & Products 
• Discontinued Products

These amendments take effect Friday, May 1.

Measles Update

Manitoba now has 567 confirmed and probable measles cases, the highest in Canada. An update is anticipated tomorrow. Manitoba Public Health is also reporting the first measles case in a resident of northern Manitoba. Cases have now been identified in all regions of Manitoba. 

Visit the Doctors Manitoba Measles Updates page for physician-curated resources, including the latest memos to health care providers, a full list of exposure sites, tips for talking to patients about making the decision to get vaccinated and how to access their records if they are not sure.