April 25, 2025

This week’s Vitals: 516 / 2 min read 

 

Today’s Vitals is a 2-minute read. If you only have 1 minute, here are the highlights:


  • Read a recap on our 2025 AGM where members overwhelmingly supported bylaws changes,
  • We want your feedback on CPSM changes including a simpler path to licensure for US physicians, and
  • See a summary of each party's platform on health care before you vote next week in the federal election
 

TOP STORIES

02

AGM Recap


Our Doctors Manitoba membership is growing


WHAT HAPPENED: At the 117th Annual General Meeting held at the Fort Garry Hotel on April 23, members voted by an overwhelming majority to approve a bylaw expanding Doctors Manitoba membership criteria to include physicians in the Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates, or MLPIMG.


WHO’S JOINING? MLPIMG is a one-year program for international medical graduates, featuring a series of rotations, similar in some ways to a residency program. Until now, MLPIMG physicians were not Doctors Manitoba members, nor were they part of any professional association. 


WHAT’S NEXT? Like all other members, including medical students and residents, they will be able to vote and serve on committees and working groups. 


WHY IT MATTERS: With this new recognition, MLPIMG physicians will be supported and welcomed as part of the medical and broader community to remain in Manitoba. 


Read more in our full recap of the AGM, including additional bylaw amendments, a new President-Elect Dr. Alon Altman and our new and outgoing Board Directors. 



âš™ Annual General Meeting 2025 Recap - Doctors Manitoba

We are planning a follow up on the full HeartBeat 2025 event next week, after we have an opportunity to review responses from attendees, and share the testimonials and video we were able to capture at the event. Attendees will receive a separate message a little later today, and we would deeply appreciate your feedback and advice as we work on very important next steps.

02

CPSM Changes: We Want to Hear From You


Your concerns about Manitoba's severe physician shortage are top of mind in our public advocacy efforts to amplify your voice and drive tangible change. As you saw in last week's issue of Vitals, our nationally recognized U.S. physician recruitment campaign was featured on CTV National News and Dr. Guzman laid out our specific asks in a Winnipeg Free Press op-ed.   


Now, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) is putting out a call for comment by May 25th on changes intended to reduce barriers for internationally trained physicians to practice in Manitoba.

Read more about the changes proposed by the CPSM and how you can provide your input. 


âš™ CPSM Changes: We Want to Hear From You - Doctors Manitoba

03

Party Platforms on Health 


In these final days of the federal election campaign, Manitobans rank health care as their third biggest issue of concern behind cost of living and Canada-U.S. relations. That's according to a new poll by Probe Research and the Winnipeg Free Press that reflects similar trends nationwide.


Read our snapshot of party promises on health care and Doctors Manitoba’s stand with the CMA that a publicly funded health care system is fundamental. 


âš™ Party Platforms on Health - Doctors Manitoba

 

HEALTH SYSTEM UPDATES

Read the latest Health Systems Updates, including:


  • A measles update for cases in Manitoba
  • Changes to CancerCare Manitoba’s CervixCheck program
  • A new appointment for Dr. Nick Hajidiacos, and
  • An opportunity to enrol in Project ECHO sessions on ADHD and Autism in Adults
Read all the Health System Updates here.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Here are the most-read and important recent stories, in case you missed them:


 

EVENTS and CPD

We feature events planned by Doctors Manitoba, as well as other events submitted by the medical community to share and connect with their peers.

 

Featured Events:


Cultivating Wellbeing for Health Professionals - Retreat 

DATE: September 21-26 - Cortes Island, BC

OVERVIEW: This mindfulness-based meditation retreat for health professionals and partners counts for 15.5 hrs of MOCOMP Section 1 unaccredited small-group activity credits for specialist Canadian physicians (31.25 hours total – 0.5 credits per hour). Come away to the serene shores of Cortes Island to be replenished, restored, and equipped with tools to help navigate life in modern healthcare. This retreat emphasizes connection as key to vitality, and fosters connection with supportive peers, connection with a nourishing environment, and connection with our own moment-to-moment experience. Facilitated by Andrea Grabovac, MD, FRCPC and Erin Burrell, MD, FRCPC

DETAILS: Register

HOSTED BY: HollyHock


Dance for Your Health Gala 2025: Greek Style! 

DATE: May 8

OVERVIEW: An evening in support of the Women’s Health Research Foundation of Canada featuring guest speaker Dr. Joss Reimer, Greek food and performances from Greek dancers and dance instruction at the Saint Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church, 2255 Grant Avenue in Winnipeg. 

DETAILS: Ticket purchase. 


Other Events:

 

Dr. David Crawford Memorial Run

DATE: June 1, 9am and CMU in Winnipeg

OVERVIEW: Run/Walk 3.3km or 5km to raise funds for the Dr. David Crawford Memorial Fund.

DETAILS: Register for the run.

HOSTED BY: Manitoba Runners Association


Introduction to Mindful Practice presented by Dr. Jillian Horton

DATE: June 7-8, 2025 at The Studio in Pineridge Hollow

OVERVIEW: Rooted in the evidence-based, JAMA-published Mindful Practice Program from the University of Rochester, this CPD accredited workshop teaches and deepens skills in meditation, self-awareness, and self-regulation

DETAILS: Sign up today! No previous experience with mindfulness is required.

HOSTED BY: Rady Faculty of Health Sciences


Mental Health Rounds 

DATE: May 23, 2025 - 6th Floor, 363 Broadway, Winnipeg

OVERVIEW: Psychological injuries in the workplace- What role does WCB play?

DETAILS: RSVP by emailing alockste@wcb.mb.ca

HOSTED BY: WCB


Resuscitation Course for Acute Medicine Practicing Physicians (ReCAPP)

DATE: July 12, 2025, Clinical Learning and Simulation Facility, Brodie Centre

OVERVIEW: Designed to provide a high-quality, interactive educational opportunity for Canadian practicing physicians who are involved in the initial or ongoing care of acutely unstable patients, increasingly cared for outside the walls of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU).

DETAILS: Register.

HOSTED BY: Canadian Critical Care Society

Browse our Events Calendar

We are here to support the whole physician.

Every step of the way.


Your health & well-being are important to us.

Visit DRMB.ca/HELP to connect to support services or call 1.844.433.3762


For all other support, including benefits and insurance support,

career resources or practice advice please

email general@doctorsmanitoba.ca or call 204.985.5888


Visit DRMB.ca/Bannatyne for more information on our Bannatyne office and to view the full calendar.


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