Yesterday, our leadership team was at the Legislature to meet with Premier Wab Kinew and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara, advocating on behalf of physicians and medical learners. 

The meeting served as an important kick off conversation for negotiating the next Physician Services Agreement, as the current PSA expires in March. The discussion covered a variety of other matters important to physicians and their patients, including administrative burdens and other system issues, Dauphin flood recovery, the need to expand team-based care. 

The delegation included our President Dr. Alon Altman, President Elect Dr. Erin Olivier, and Past-President Dr. Nichelle Desilets.

“The Premier and Minister listened for over an hour as we discussed how to address doctor shortages and improve physician retention,” noted Dr. Altman. ​“We were encouraged to hear government leaders recognize that further improvements are needed to ensure physicians have the support and resources they need in their practice.”

The government asked for help in tackling ER wait times, a long-standing issue in Manitoba. In doing so, they quickly acknowledged the complexity of the issue and the need for solutions across the entire continuum of care to make significant and lasting changes. 

Dr. Altman emphasized the importance of the meeting. ​“The meeting is a significant step in continuing to build a collaborative relationship with those who fund physician services and make decisions about health care delivery. While we spent a lot of time describing issues and challenges in physician practices, we left the meeting feeling heard and optimistic as we look to the future.”

Government and Doctors Manitoba officials are expected to begin formal negotiations early this fall. You can always reach out with your ideas and concerns about the PSA by emailing practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.