|
This week’s Vitals is 1,295 words or a 4.5 minute read. If you only have 1 minute, here are the highlights:
-
Federal Directive on “Physician-Equivalent” Services: There are new federal rules aimed at prohibiting user pay for services provided by NPs and pharmacists. We are looking at what this means, and what it doesn’t, and how the directive can improve health care for physicians and their patients.
-
AGM Recap: Thanks for joining us at the 2026 Doctors Manitoba AGM! We announced our new president-elect, highlighted key regulatory changes that might impact your practice, and physicians voted on by-laws changes.
-
CMAJ 2026 Cancer Report: A new report from the Canadian Medical Association Journal shows 8,100 Manitobans are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis this year.
-
Help Reduce Resident Burnout: Resident physicians are invited to a special roundtable discussion on April 28 held to better understand how burnout, moral distress and other wellness challenges are affecting them.
Last Chance for Gala tickets! We have a handful of tickets left for our Annual Gala on May 1. We’re happy to unveil some special guests, including Premier Wab Kinew and Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara along with celebrity radio host Ace Burpee who will be serving as our MC this year!
Get your tickets here. Can’t go, consider sponsoring a student on our wait list!
| | | | |
Federal Directive on “Physician-Equivalent” Services
A federal directive is now in place and requires provinces to ensure patients do not pay out-of-pocket for what they call “physician-equivalent” services provided by nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and midwives.
What it means: While in effect, the directive has not yet been implemented in Manitoba and several other provinces. This means patients may still be paying NPs or pharmacists for medically necessary care.
- The directive leaves decisions about payment models, such as fee-for-service, up to each province.
Bottom line: Our top concern is avoiding new silos and fragmentation in the system, and the unnecessary follow up and duplication for physicians and patients.
Read our full analysis of what the move means for physicians.
| | | | |
AGM Recap
On Wednesday, members gathered in Portage la Prairie and virtually for our Annual General Meeting and discussed several important topics:
Why it matters: The AGM is a time to review key decisions made about leadership, advocacy efforts, and how we support your practice.
-
New President-Elect Announced: Dr. Erin Olivier will serve as the next President-Elect for 2026–27. She will take the reins as President in one year.
-
CEO Update: Theresa Oswald provided her CEO update, focusing on a year defined by regulatory changes, and active advocacy on your behalf.
-
Governance Updates: Members approved by-law changes including housekeeping amendments and modernized operations.
Outgoing President Dr. Nichelle Desilets reflected on unity as a defining theme for her year as President, and how physicians have shown up for each other as a profession.
Dr. Alon Altman, a gynecologic oncologist, will take over as President on May 1 at our Annual Gala.
Learn more about key updates from this year’s AGM.
| | | | |
CMAJ 2026 Cancer Report
A new report from the Canadian Medical Association Journal (CMAJ) shows cancer remains the leading cause of death nationwide, with lung, breast, prostate and colorectal cancers projected to make up nearly half of all new cases this year.
The picture looks similar in Manitoba:
- Much like other provinces, the deadliest cancers Manitobans face are lung and bronchus, colorectal, pancreas and breast
- Manitoba has the 4th highest cancer mortality and incidence rates of all provinces
- This year, 8,100 Manitobans are expected to receive a cancer diagnosis, and 2,900 Manitobans are expected to die from cancer
- Manitoba has the highest mortality rate for prostate cancer in males
These results are a reminder to promote prevention with patients across Manitoba. Manitobans can get personalized tips on cancer screening and prevention at GettingHealthy.ca, our public online resource.
View the Manitoba-specific data here.
| | | | |
Help Reduce Resident Burnout
Our annual survey data tells us that burnout in Manitoba remains high, and is affecting every stage of a medical career, especially resident physicians.
By the numbers: Our 2025 Annual Member Survey found:
➡️ 48% of physicians reported high levels of burnout, compared to 30% before the pandemic.
➡️ Resident physicians reported rates (64%) a third higher than average.
📢 Join us for a roundtable discussion: As part of a series of small, in-person discussions to better understand how burnout, moral distress and other wellness challenges are affecting physicians, Doctors Manitoba Physician Health and Wellness Committee invites resident physicians to join us Tuesday, April 28 at 6 pm.
Learn more and register today!
| | | | |
Awards Gala – Last Chance!
Our May 1 Awards Gala is nearly sold out, with a handful of tickets remaining. If you would like to attend, don’t wait to purchase your ticket.
🩺 Can’t make it? Sponsor a student!
You can sponsor a medical learner to attend our awards celebration for $185, and with your consent you will be recognized for this generous support.
Get your tickets and learn about sponsorship here.
We gratefully acknowledge our Presenting Sponsor, MD Financial Management and Scotiabank, and our Platinum Sponsor, Bokhaut CPA, for their generous support.
| | |
Province Considers Cardiac Centre Legislation
As noted in our Budget 2026 analysis, Manitoba has earmarked funding to re-establish a new cardiac centre of excellence at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.
The $22.1 million project for Heart Care Manitoba includes:
- A new rapid cardiac assessment unit set to open in early July
- Funding for 19 in-patient beds for cardiac care, including five re-assessed and 14 new
- A centralized access office
What’s new: Provincial leaders announced Friday they are also considering legislative protections for the centre, so that investments in the program would continue regardless of provincial leadership in office.
Read the announcement.
| | |
Drop in Suspected Substance-Related Deaths
The number of suspected substance-related deaths in Manitoba fell in 2025 from the year prior.
Why it matters: The data is a signal for cautious optimism among addictions experts, indicating work to improve access to naloxone and harm reduction education within Manitoba appears to be making a positive difference.
➡️ Yes, but️ "Even though we've seen a decline, it is still essentially somebody losing their life in Manitoba every day to a preventable cause," Winnipeg addictions medicine leader Dr. Erin Knight told CBC News. “I don't want to lose the urgency for us to continue to work towards lessening the loss of life that's unnecessary.”
Preliminary provincial data shows a total of 354 suspected substance-related deaths from January to November 2025, down from 530 in the same period for 2024.
| | |
Premier and PM Discuss Manitoba Health Projects
At a meeting this week about infrastructure priorities, Premier Wab Kinew spoke with Prime Minister Mark Carney about federal funding for the new Victoria Hospital emergency room and Cancer Care headquarters in Winnipeg. Health care capital projects can qualify for new federal infrastructure funding, though we would hope federal funding would be targeted toward new projects, not on underwriting projects the provincial government is already pursuing.
Read the announcement.
| | |
Manitoba’s measles case count is nearly at 500 confirmed and probable, with the latest exposure sites at following places:
-
East Selkirk Middle School, Selkirk, April 9
-
Boundary Trails Health Centre ER, near Winkler, April 9
-
WELL Health Medical (inside Superstore), Winnipeg, April 10
-
Portage District General Hospital ER, Portage la Prairie, April 13
Talking to patients about vaccines: Please visit our Doctors Manitoba Measles Updates page for physician-curated resources, including tips for talking to patients about making the decision to get vaccinated and how to access their records if they are not sure.
Read the latest Measles Bulletin.
| | TIMES OF TRANSITION FOR PHYSICIANS | | |
Are You Relocating, Retiring or Closing Your Medical Practice?
Spring is a time of transition, not just as the snow melts, but for many physicians opening a new chapter in their personal and professional lives, and a great opportunity to ensure you’re organized for what’s ahead.
What to do: Closing or relocating a medical practice carries the risk of interrupting patient care. Physicians are expected to make reasonable arrangements to ensure continuity of care, except in exceptional circumstances.
As CPSM notes, three main areas need to be considered and addressed, as applicable, when closing or relocating a medical practice.
- Communication and Notice
- Arrangements for Continuity of Care
- Practice Environment Considerations
Doctors Manitoba is here to help. View our Resource Guide on Retirement and Practice Closure or email us at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca if you have questions.
| |
|
Turning Points: Writing Through Transitions in Medicine
Transitions are constant in medicine—and how physicians process them can shape identity and well-being. Join us May 14 for a virtual workshop on navigating change and professional transitions through the powerful tool of writing.
- A practical framework for understanding transitions
- Guided discussions of published physician narratives
- Structured reflective writing exercises
Learn more and register here.
| | |
Doctors Manitoba’s job board has 5 new practice opportunities for physicians at River West Medical Centre, Ray of Hope Medical Centre, Previvo, and Manitoba Minor Injury, along with dozens more opportunities previously listed. Check it out!
Placing a job ad on our site is free – add one here.
| | |
Here are the most-read and important recent stories, in case you missed them:
-
Manitoba Health Searching for new Medical Officer of Health: Physicians have until April 19 to apply. Check it out!
-
Reminder: Help Improve DI Requisitions: We have shared concerns from physicians with Shared Health about the new CT requisition form and process, and they have asked to partner with Doctors Manitoba to gather constructive feedback from physicians. Are you interested in participating? Please let us know by emailing practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.
-
New CPSM Collaborative Care Standards: CPSM’s new standards will begin June 1, with contextual guidance offered through the rollout. We are looking for your feedback to develop tools, tips and guidance to make the transition as easy as possible for physicians. Read our analysis.
-
New CPSM Quality Improvement Cycle: The CPSM’s new Quality Improvement (QI) Program is entering its second cycle this spring. Learn more.
| | |
We feature events planned by Doctors Manitoba, as well as other events submitted by the medical community to share and connect with their peers.
Doctors Manitoba Spring Mentorship Event, April 20, Winnipeg, Kilter Brewing Co., 6 – 9 p.m. This is a great opportunity to meet other mentors and medical learners and enjoy a fun evening together with music from a live DJ, interactive activities and great prizes. Non-alcoholic drinks will be available. It’s not too late to register!
Reimagining Indigenous Data Collaboration at Health Data for All, April 21, Ottawa & Online, 7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. CT / 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ET. Bringing together researchers, community groups, members of the public and policymakers to engage with topics related to health data access and use in Canada, this year's forum will guide participants through the full spectrum of the health data journey. It's not too late to register!
HIV Prevention Can’t Wait: HIV Prevention and Treatment for Women and Priority Populations April 27, 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. at the Convention Centre or online (hybrid event). Learn about current HIV trends and hear from experts in the field. Learn more and register.
Resident Physicians | Physician Health and Wellness Roundtable Discussion, April 28, 6 – 8 p.m., Winnipeg, in person at Doctors Manitoba. Our annual survey data tells us that burnout in Manitoba remains high, particularly among residents. Join us for a roundtable discussion to understand how burnout, moral distress, and other wellness challenges are affecting residents. Dinner will be provided. Learn more and register here.
The Women's Health Research Foundation of Canada 2026 Dance for Your Health Gala, April 29, Centro Caboto Centre, Winnipeg. This fundraising dinner will support scholarships focused on health research for women and gender-diverse people. These awards help to fill funding gaps in women’s health research and encourage students to develop a career in this much needed field. Learn more and buy tickets!
Cancer Day for Primary Care 2026, May 8, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Hybrid from Winnipeg, focuses on enhancing primary care provider knowledge on early diagnosis and work up of suspected cancer, and enhancing communication and relationship building between primary care providers and oncology specialists. Learn more and register.
Winnipeg Francophone Medical Symposium, May 29, 8:15 a.m.- 4:20 p.m., Virtual. The first of its kind event offers interdisciplinary training sessions and was developed with Francophone physicians from across Manitoba. Learn more and register today!
Doctors Manitoba Book Club with Special Guest, Author Lisa See! June 2, 6 – 7 p.m., Virtual. We’ll explore Lady Tan’s Circle of Women by bestselling author, Lisa See. We are delighted that Lisa See will be joining us for a special virtual conversation, where participants will have the opportunity to discuss the book and hear insights directly from the author. All members are welcome to join. Learn more and register!
The Canadian Women in Medicine Conference, June 11-13, Winnipeg, RBC Convention Centre Hear from an impressive lineup of speakers, including best-selling authors, physicians, founders and other inspirational women leaders. Make connections that will last a lifetime! Learn more and register today!
| | |
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.
| | | | |
