When asked what tops their concerns about the health care system, physicians now cite the doctor shortage. This is no surprise, since Manitoba has a record shortage of physicians, with one of the lowest numbers of physicians per capita in the nation. 

Following steadfast advocacy by Doctors Manitoba, the provincial government has set a goal to add 400 doctors during its first term in office, including 100 in its first year. This would be the largest ever net increase in physicians on record. 

“We support the government’s ambitious plan to add 100 more doctors to Manitoba this year,” said Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Randy Guzman. ​“However this work has to include a focus on retaining the doctors we have, not just recruiting new doctors.”

The research backs Dr. Guzman’s assertion, showing a concerning situation could get even worse if things don’t improve:

46% of existing doctors are considering relocating to another province, retiring, or reducing their hours in the next three years.

Manitoba is at risk of losing 21% of the physician workforce, or 688 doctors, in the next three years to relocation or retirement.

In three quarters (74%) of cases, plans to retire, relocate, or reduce hours are related to systemic or institutional issues that could be addressed.

The main risks to retaining physicians include issues like burnout, not feeling valued, administrative burden, mistreatment, and not being engaged by the health care system. Of note:

47% of physicians are experiencing high levels of burnout, and 56% are experiencing moral distress because of their work.

46% reported experiencing mistreatment at work based on their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation or other personal attribute.

Less than a quarter of physicians feel valued by the provincial government, Shared Health, and/​or their Regional Health Authority.

Only 19% of physicians describe the health system as responsive to physician concerns. 

“The best way to stop losing physicians in Manitoba is by improving how the system engages and supports us,” explained Dr. Guzman.​“It is very concerning to see two thirds or more of physicians saying the health system isn’t keeping them up to date, isn’t seeking their input, and isn’t responsive to their concerns. We have recommendations to address these issues that very much align with the government’s promise to change the culture in health care and prioritize front line feedback.” 

While the numbers are still very concerning when it comes to the physician shortage, research suggests Manitoba may be turning the corner with modest improvements to rates of burnout, moral distress, feeling valued by the health system, and plans to stay in practice in Manitoba. 

Doctors Manitoba is helping to tackle this problem beyond simply making recommendations. It is launching a new program to support physicians in their first five years of practice in Manitoba. A new initiative is underway to understand physicians’ needs for support and new services around their business and professional obligations. Work also continues on reducing administrative burdens, as well as developing new guidelines to improve physician engagement by the health system.