A new standard from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM), effective November 1, 2026, sets clearer expectations for physicians entering a new practice and those receiving them. 

💡 Why it matters: Starting in a new practice involves more than clinical skills. Learning unfamiliar systems, workflows, and workplace expectations can be challenging. The new standard recognizes that helping colleagues make a safe, successful transition is a shared professional responsibility, not just the responsibility of the incoming physician. 

Who it affects: The standard applies to physicians entering a new practice setting and to those colleagues receiving them. This includes Canadian-trained and internationally trained physicians, as well as physicians moving between practice environments. 

What’s required: The standard outlines expectations in four key areas: 

• Orientation and onboarding: Formal physician leaders must take reasonable measures within their authority to ensure structured orientation is provided, tailored to the physician and practice setting. 
• Clear roles and communication: New physicians must understand local expectations, practise within their competence, and seek help when needed. Existing colleagues must be approachable and offer guidance. 
• Wellness and peer support: Physicians are expected to support healthy boundaries, recognize signs of distress, and create environments where colleagues feel comfortable asking for help. 
• Respectful workplace culture: All registrants must address discrimination and hostility, demonstrate cultural humility, and support colleagues experiencing harassment. 

🩺 What this means for your practice: If you’re welcoming a new colleague, consider whether they have the support needed to succeed. 

• Is there a clear orientation to local clinical protocols, EMRs, billing and referral processes? 
• Does the physician know whom to approach with questions? 
• Are expectations around workload, responsibilities and team-based care clear? 
• Does your workplace encourage feedback, inclusion and respectful communication? 

The bottom line: Successful transitions shouldn’t depend on physicians figuring everything out alone. The standard reinforces that welcoming and supporting colleagues is part of providing safe patient care and building stronger, healthier practice teams. 

We’re here to help! Whether you’re new to practicing in Manitoba, or you’re receiving a new physician in your practice, Doctors Manitoba offers resources and supports to help. This includes: 

• New to Practice program offering personalized advice and support for physicians’ first five years of practice in Manitoba. 
• PracticeForward with personalized remuneration advice and practice support. 
• Doc360 Physician Health resources and peer support for physicians at every career stage. 
• Advocacy: We continue to advocate for the resources and support needed to support transitions in practice, including appropriate remuneration for supervisory duties. 

🔎 Go deeper: Read the CPSM announcement and supporting resource for physicians.

Let us know what you think, and how Doctors Manitoba can better support physicians transitioning into practice. Email us at practiceadvice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.