Health System Updates — January 29, 2026
Victoria Hospital Upgrades
In August, surgical theatre four — an integrated suite that runs on equipment from 2015 — will be renovated to add more than $430,000 of new technology intended to improve the quality of visuals that surgeons rely on during operations.
Read more in the CBC story featuring surgical site lead Dr. Chris Andrew.
Hip and Knee Surgery Record
The Manitoba government is delivering more hip and knee surgeries than ever before, with 7,056 joint replacement procedures completed across the province in 2025, the highest annual total on record, Manitoba Health announced this week. The province says nearly 70 per cent of joint replacements are now performed as outpatient procedures, allowing patients to recover at home and freeing up inpatient hospital beds.
Read the government announcement.
Resident Appreciation Week is almost here!
We’re looking forward to celebrating Resident Doctors Appreciation Week February 9 to 13, and the huge role they play in Manitoba’s health care system.
🍩 While residents are busy learning and caring for patients, we’ll be busy sharing treats, prize draws, and rolling out a few fun surprises to say thanks.
❤️ We’re excited to recognize the dedication, skill, and impact resident doctors bring to our hospitals and communities every day.
Physician & Family Day at the Forks February 15
Join us Sunday, February 15 at The Forks in Winnipeg, and bring along your family for a winter wellness afternoon of skating, snacks, and connection! As a proud partner of The Forks’ Winter Wellness programming this year, we’re excited to offer you and your loved ones a day of fun and informal connection with colleagues though a great variety of activities including an outdoor fitness class, skating, a warming hut tour, some tasty treats from Tall Grass Prairie and much more!
🗓️ Sunday, February 15
⌚1 – 4 p.m.
⛸️ 1 Forks Market Rd, Winnipeg, MB
Learn more and register today. We can’t wait to see you!
New Physician Leadership Courses
Doctors Manitoba is excited to offer several new leadership courses including Physician Leadership Institute trainings that focus on the development of physicians and interdisciplinary teams which will have a positive impact on the organizations and the patients they serve.
- Leading Change: March 5 – 6, 9 a.m. — 3:30 p.m. each day, Virtual. Facilitated by Mamta Gautam, MD, and Scott Comber, PhD, participants will learn to develop a systematic approach to analyzing and addressing change challenges and opportunities. Learn more and register by February 3.
- Managing Disruptive Behaviour: May 8, 8:30 a.m. — 4:30 p.m., The Forks, Winnipeg. This free workshop is designed to help physician leaders recognize workplace behaviours that impact patient safety, understand contributing factors, and learn how to respond best. Learn more and register by April 24.
- Crucial Conversations in Health Care: May 29 — 30, 8:30 a.m. — 4:00 p.m. each day, Alt Hotel, Winnipeg. Participants will identify problems contributing to broken relationships, explore skills related to keeping composed when feeling angry, and access tools to support dialogue. Learn more and register by April 29.
MBiz Breakfast
Let’s talk health care. Join us February 11 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the RBC Convention Centre for a special State of Health Care in Manitoba breakfast, presented by Doctors Manitoba and hosted by the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce as part of their MBiz Breakfast series.
Hear straight from Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Nichelle Desilets as she delivers a keynote message, and CEO Theresa Oswald, alongside Dr. Kent Stobart, President and CEO of CancerCare Manitoba, and Jonathon Lyon, President and CEO of the Health Sciences Centre Foundation in the following panel discussion.
Have a question you want answered? Send it in by Friday, February 6 to practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca and help shape the discussion.
WinterToba Contest Ends Sunday
Final call! ⏰ Small healthy steps = big winter wins. There’s still time to encourage entries into our WinterToba Challenge and be part of a healthier winter, one simple step at a time. Whether it’s moving more, sleeping better, managing stress, or trying something new outdoors, it all adds up.
🗓 Contest closes at 11:59 p.m. on January 31.
While the contest is coming to an end, Doctors Manitoba sponsorship of Winter Wellness programming at The Forks continues, helping make movement fun, accessible, and winteriffic!
💫Looking for ways to do more than just get through a cold snap? Read our latest posts:
Phenomenal Physician
Congratulations to Dr. David Perrin, 39, who has been named a Future 40 winner by CBC Manitoba. Dr. Perrin became Manitoba’s first and only orthopedic oncologist in 2019.