About a year ago, the provincial government created a new Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office, or HCRRO, to help bring together and lead local and out-of-province efforts for physicians, nurses and other health providers. We are sharing the following to respond to questions from physicians about the role of the HCRRO, and what services and support they provide.

When it comes to physicians, the HCRRO is focused primarily on attracting and retaining physicians, ​“with personalized support, career resources, and expert guidance.” Their advice and services are available to:

• Potential physician recruits, including local, out-of-province, and international graduates and established physicians.

• Manitoba-based medical practices, clinics, and health facilities looking for assistance with recruitment efforts.

Potential recruits, whether local or out-of-province, can expect help with sorting out their pathway to licensure and immigration, matching with career opportunities in Manitoba, advising on recruitment incentives and support, and more.

Clinics and medical practices can access help with recruiting too, something that traditionally was only available to the RHAs or hospitals. In some cases, practices have identified an international applicant and could use help with the immigration and licensure process, and in other cases you may have a need to recruit but need help finding a candidate. The HCRRO has confirmed they can help with both scenarios, at no cost to clinics or medical practices. This includes help with navigating the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) and other steps that have been a delay or barrier to recruitment efforts in the past.

In all cases, the HCRRO has adopted a physician-led service, which they describe as a ​“doctors recruiting doctors” approach. Potential recruits and practices looking for help with recruiting can request one-on-one consultations, as well as attend webinars that are being offered on a regular schedule. The recruiters often attend out-of-province events, and are keen to understand the needs in Manitoba before these trips to ensure they can promote the diverse practice opportunities within Manitoba.

Requesting Help

As an established physician or learner in Manitoba, you can always reach out to Doctors Manitoba for assistance, and you can now also reach out directly to the HCRRO. When contacting HCRRO directly, please copy us to help us track requests and follow up as needed.

• Email HCRRO at info@​healthcareersmanitoba.​ca with the subject line ​“MD Recruitment”

• Copy newtopractice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca

In your email, be clear about your request. Are you looking for help finding a position in Manitoba as a potential candidate yourself, or are you seeking advice and support with finding and recruiting a physician into your practice setting?

Doctors Manitoba is always happy to assist existing physician or prospective recruits too. Please reach out if you need help navigating recruitment or with questions about remuneration. As a physician begins practice in Manitoba, please refer them to our recently created New to Practice program for support with settling in, building connections, getting oriented to the health system, and navigation of Doctors Manitoba’s programs and benefits. Reach out to newtopractice@​doctorsmanitoba.​ca.

Further Resources

The following resources may be helpful when it comes to physician recruitment:

• Make It In Manitoba, a new website created by the HCRRO as a provincial recruitment hub for health care, including a page for physicians.

• Practice Opportunities by Doctors Manitoba, a free job board for physician opportunities, and the most visited page on our site!

• Man​i​to​baMD​.com, a website we created to speak to U.S. physicians considering the move to Manitoba.

Meet the HCRRO Physician Recruitment Advisors

Dr. Don Klassen, Physician Recruitment Consultant

With over 45 years of experience as a rural family physician and anesthetist, Dr. Don Klassen is a trusted resource for those considering a career in Manitoba. Having spent 16 years as the Medical Director of the Office of Rural and Northern Health, now part of the HCRRO, and having previously served as Associate Head of the Department of Family Medicine at the University of Manitoba, Dr. Klassen has played a vital role in shaping medical education and physician recruitment in the province. His deep understanding of Manitoba’s healthcare system and dedication to mentorship make him an invaluable guide for physicians exploring practice opportunities in the region.

Dr. Shadi Rezazadeh, Physician Recruitment Consultant

Originally from Iran, Dr. Shadi Rezazadeh brings firsthand experience in navigating the challenges of relocating and establishing a medical practice in Manitoba. After graduating from the University of Manitoba, she worked in rural health care facilities before moving back to Winnipeg where she opened in her first small clinic in 2016. Today, Dr. Rezazadeh operates four clinics in Winnipeg with another set to open in 2025, while still practicing as a family physician. Dr. Rezazadeh specializes in matching internationally trained physicians with fulfilling career opportunities, offering insights on immigration, licensing, and community integration.

Physician Recruitment Picking Up

Last week we announced that Manitoba had just surpassed a major milestone: 3,500 physicians licensed in our province! This follows continued advocacy by us, guided by your concerns and ideas as physicians and learners, to improve retention and recruitment. We have now seen a significant net increase in physicians over the last couple of years, but we know we still have a significant physician shortage. Read more here.