The new president of Doctors Manitoba has a message for physicians: Connection is protection. 

Dr. Randy Guzman introduced what has become the guiding theme of his presidency at the Doctors Manitoba gala in May of this year, in a heartfelt speech that touched on his career path and personal history.

In his greeting, he switched effortlessly between French and Tagalog, languages bridging his past and present. ​“C’est pas souvent qu’on a l’occasion de se rassembler, pour se parler et échanger entre collègues. Magandang gabi po sa inyong lahat.”

He underscored the importance of making the most of opportunities for connection. ​“One of the things I love about events like this are the connections. Whether it’s reconnecting with colleagues I haven’t seen in a while or meeting physicians for the first time, connecting with others from our community is important. Connection is protection.”

Dr. Guzman shared a story that began in the Philippines and unfolded in Winnipeg. ​“My parents came from the Philippines in 1956,” he said, first to Ottawa on medical student visas and then to Winnipeg. His father was here to pursue a residency as a pathologist, and his mother in pediatrics. ​“We were one of the first Filipino families in Winnipeg. My parents worked hard to become practicing physicians in Canada and to be good parents to my brother and me.”

Their journey, marked by resilience and adaptability, was emblematic of the immigrant experience. ​“We attended a nearby school and received 100% of my education en francais. My brother and I were usually the only visible minority students there,” Dr. Guzman recalled. Yet, it was this experience that serendipitously led to a life-changing meeting: ​“It led me to meet my wife, Marie. Yes, we have been together since Grade 11, and that’s almost 50 years now.”

Dr. Guzman painted a vivid picture of their family life, with their twin boys, Paul and Joel, born during his first year of general surgery residency, and their daughter Catherine, now a third-generation physician. 

He reflected on how an initial lack of direction transformed into a dedicated career in vascular surgery. ​“After medical school, I worked for a year and then decided to try surgery. A rotation in vascular changed my career direction.”

Dr. Guzman said mentors like Dr. Francisco Violago and Dr. Allan Downs, emphasized the importance of resident education. ​“Resident education has been a big part of my career. It is one of the most important and yet underappreciated roles in medicine.”

His vision for the future of medicine in Manitoba is one of diversity. ​“Medicine has changed over the last few years,” he said. ​“Our graduates today are much more reflective of the patients we serve in this province. We must ensure our profession offers an inclusive and equitable environment that welcomes and supports the diversity of our profession.”

Dr. Guzman reiterated the theme of connection. ​“Connections and sharing are human and important for perspective and well-being. We are hardwired for these social connections that are both supportive and protective.”

“Physicians are like everyone else — and yet we aren’t. We deal with patients and their health. It is different. It is important and it can be stressful. Burnout is high in physicians and peer support is critical.” 

In listening and connecting, he hopes to increase engagement for physicians in the system, and make physicians lives better in Manitoba. This commitment to fostering connections is not just a vision but a heartfelt promise. Connection is protection.