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This week’s Vitals is 1,309 words or a 5-minute read. If you only have 1 minute, here are the highlights:
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Sick Note Farewell: That’s right, the government has confirmed it will eliminate sick notes next year with the strongest rules in Canada. The change isn’t immediate, but the relief for many physicians is.
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Throne Speech Recap: The sick note promise is one of many included in the government’s agenda for the upcoming year. We have a summary of what their plans mean for health care, including some with promising potential, and others that are raising concerns like expanded scope of practice for retail pharmacists, and legislation about nursing resources.
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New DI Viewer: We have a summary of updates from Shared Health about a new Diagnostic Imaging (DI) Viewer coming December 1. There are some enhancements, and you may need to update your bookmarks or log in. We also want to hear from you after it goes live to understand if this change is positive or slowing you down.
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Health Politics in Alberta: Two big moves in Alberta this week highlight growing political interference in medicine across Canada – something we watch closely to ensure we are ready to protect physician expertise and autonomy in Manitoba.
Don’t forget to consider nominating a colleague for a Doctors Manitoba Award! Nominations close December 15. Learn more here!
Special Black Friday cell phone discounts are available to members through our partnership with Rogers. This includes an $80 credit on the set-up fee for upgrades and new activations, plus discounts on monthly plans. Click here to learn more and access the deals through Red Wireless.
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Sick Notes to Be Limited
It’s finally happening. Manitoba is moving from worst to first, as far as limiting sick notes is concerned.
This week, the government committed legislating the elimination of sick notes for short term absences of 7 consecutive days or less. Manitoba was one of only two provinces that hadn’t taken any action to limit sick notes. Once implemented, the limit here will be the strongest rule in Canada, and likely worldwide.
With over 600,000 written per year, sick notes are a major administrative burden for physicians. We launched a public campaign and built strong consensus among business, employer, government, and union stakeholders to pave the way for this breakthrough.
Read more about this win for doctors (and patients!), and what comes next.
Full article 577 words / 2 min read
Funding for this initiative was made possible by the Canadian Medical Association, MD Financial Management Inc. and Scotiabank as part of the Health Care Unburdened Grant program.
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Throne Speech Recap
The government laid our its agenda for the year ahead in its annual Speech from the Throne, and it was “dominated by health care promises” according to the Free Press. Doctors Manitoba President, Dr. Nichelle Desilets, was there to review the promises and react on behalf of physicians.
In addition to a commitment to eliminate sick notes, we find some potentially promising moves for the health care system such as more allied health training, a smartphone digital version of Manitoba Health cards, and more institutional safety officers in hospitals.
But we also heard promises that are raising concerns in the absence of any specific details, like expanding the scope of practice for retail pharmacists or plans to end mandatory overtime and legislate staff to patient ratios. We also did not see any mention of moving Team-Based Care forward, something we will relentlessly pursue to benefit specialists and family physicians.
Dr. Desilets stressed how essential it is to consult and involve physicians as health system changes are planned and implemented.
See a full recap and our reaction, and an invitation to share your take, too.
Full article 422 words / 1.5 min read
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New DI Viewer Coming
We are sharing an update from Shared Health about a new DI Viewer that will be available on December 1. Our quick review suggests the new viewer will offer some improvements to make it easier for physicians, but we are acutely aware that upgrades to digital health apps like this sometimes result in more clicks and admin burden, not less.
Review our summary of what is changing, what you may need to do (like updating bookmarks and log in), with links to Shared Health resources about the change.
See the full summary and let us know how it goes after December 1.
Full article 367 words / 1.5 min read
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Health Politics in Alberta
Political interference in physician care has shifted this week from Quebec to Alberta. We monitor developments in other provinces closely to help protect and support physicians here in Manitoba.
What’s happening: Premier Danielle Smith announced the Alberta government will introduce legislation to allow a parallel private surgical system, by permitting surgeons to perform certain publicly and privately funded surgeries including knee, hip, eye and shoulder procedures.
- The Canadian Medical Association cautions it could worsen wait times and widen inequities.
- AMA stresses any reforms must be transparent, evidence-based, and developed with physicians and patients.
- Watch Premier Danielle Smith’s full video here.
There’s more: The Alberta government plans to invoke the notwithstanding clause on bills affecting care for trans and gender-diverse youth, limiting doctors’ autonomy to offer certain evidence-based treatments. This legal tool allows a provincial government to disregard individual rights protected in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Zoom out: These developments come as Quebec faces backlash over Bill 2, which physicians say is harming access to care and straining the province’s health system. Doctors Manitoba recently spoke with Radio-Canada about the growing concern.
Bottom line: Manitoba faces less political interference, but these national trends underscore the need to stay vigilant and ensure physician advice guides changes to the health care system.
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Nominate Your Colleague!
Each year, the Doctors Manitoba Awards celebrate the very best in our medical community. This week we’re profiling the Doctors Manitoba Resident of the Year, one of five categories.
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This award recognizes excellence in academic and clinical training and noteworthy contributions to the resident’s home program specialty or residency program.
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Recent winners include Dr. Alexander Sharp, Dr. Lerly Luo, Dr. Alwyn Gomez, Dr. Dorothy Yu, Dr. Heather Watson, Dr. Clare Whitehead
📆 Nominations are due by December 15, 2025.
Awards are presented at our Annual Awards Gala, planned for Friday, May 1, 2026.
➡️ Learn more and start a nomination!
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Reminder: New AI Learning Rebate
Have you signed up for your AI Scribe Learning Rebate? It’s now available to support physicians investing time in understanding this emerging artificial intelligence (AI) technology. The new one-time rebate was approved by your Doctors Manitoba Board of Directors this fall and offers:
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$500 rebate to recognize the time invested in learning about AI scribes.
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$125 overhead supplement if you had to contribute to overhead costs while learning.
Bottom line: The AI Scribe Learning Rebate recognizes that learning takes time — and ensures physicians are supported as they prepare to adopt technology that could meaningfully reduce documentation burdens.
Learn more about AI Scribe Learning Rebate.
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Celebrate National PA Day!
Celebrate Physician Assistants (PAs) and the difference they make across Canada’s healthcare system this National PA Day - November 27, 2025!
Manitoba is a national leader on introducing PAs, and today has over 170 registered to practice. They make a huge impact in supporting physicians and patients.
How You Can Make an Impact
- Share recognition on social media – use #CanadaDeservesPAs
- Highlight the contributions of PAs on your Teams
- Learn more at www.capa-acam.ca
The Canadian Association of Physician Assistants notes that as healthcare demands rise and physician shortages grow, Canada needs more PAs to improve access, reduce wait times, and deliver timely, high quality care.
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Physician Leadership Opportunities
Strong physician leadership supports healthier teams, smoother change and better patient outcomes. Doctors Manitoba is offering two virtual PLI courses to help physicians lead with clarity and confidence.
📈 Inclusive Leadership: Cultivating Psychologically and Culturally Safe Working Environments
January 15 and 16, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Accredited for up to 10 hours
Learn more and register.
🩺 Leading Change
March 5 and 6, 2026, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Accredited for 13.5 hours
Learn more and register.
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Apply for Professional Development Scholarships
The Community Oncology Program has announced its Professional Development Awards for 2026! This is your opportunity to enhance your expertise in oncology, blood disorders, and palliative care through funded professional development.
What can you apply for?
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Individuals: Courses, conferences, certifications, or 1–2 weeks of personalized training
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Groups: Courses, conferences, or guest speakers
Who is eligible?
- Healthcare professionals affiliated with the Community Oncology Program
- Primary care providers in Manitoba or the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut
Application Deadline: December 12, 2025
Learn more and apply today.
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Phenomenal Physicians
We extend our best wishes to the 2025 Manitoba College of Family Physicians award winners! Congratulations to Dr. Ainslie Mihalchuk, Family Physician of the Year, along with Dr. Chaitasi Intwala and Dr. Robert Obara for receiving Awards of Excellence. Thank you for your exceptional care and unwavering commitment to our medical community.
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Grey Cup Winner
Congratulations to Dr. Cynthia Robinson, the winner of a pair of Grey Cup tickets courtesy of Doctors Manitoba, as part of our partnership this year with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers.
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Doctors Manitoba’s job board features nine new practice opportunities at All Seniors Care Retirement Homes, De Salaberry District Health Centre, Bethesda Regional Health Centre, Boundary Trails Health Centre, Carman Memorial Hospital, Altona Community Memorial Health Centre and Portage Regional Health Centre, plus dozens of previously listed roles. Check it out!
Placing a job ad on our site is free – add one here.
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Here are popular and important recent stories, in case you missed them:
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Rate Prospective Med Student Interviews: The Max Rady College of Medicine is recruiting MMI raters. Learn more and pitch in!
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Claim your $500 AI Scribe Learning Rebate: Our new rebate recognizes the time you must spend to learn about this new technology. Learn more and apply!
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Family Medicine Forum Highlights: The Doctors Manitoba booth was a hub of activity, with staff connecting both with local members and with out-of-province physicians curious about practicing here and Family Medicine Plus (FM+). Read our recap.
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SPONSORED CONTENT
Federal Budget 2025: Recap for Physicians
The 2025 federal budget introduces new trust reporting rules, tax credit updates and funding for health infrastructure and foreign credential recognition. Learn what these changes could mean for physicians, their families and their practices — and how to prepare for what’s ahead with insights tailored to the medical community. Read more from our partners at MD Financial and Scotiabank .
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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 Event:
In Our Own Words: Stories of Identity in Medicine Physicians, residents and medical learners are invited to join us for an evening of reflection and storytelling to explore identity, culture and lived experience in medicine.
📅 When: December 4, 2025, 5 to 8 p.m.
📍 Where: Doctors Manitoba, 20 Desjardins Drive
📢 Who: All equity-denied members (physicians, residents and medical learners)
Register today.
Cognitive Biases in Practice 2025: Are Hidden Thinking Traps Steering Your Clinical Decisions? Join an in-person session November 28, from 1 to 4:30 p.m. in the Concordia Place Chapel (in-person only). Learn more and register here.
Fridays at the University Gynecology Day Join virtually on December 12 from 8:20 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. for a comprehensive and engaging day focused on enhancing women’s health care in the primary care setting. All Friday at the University sessions are offered digitally through the University of Manitoba. Learn about all eight sessions here.
The Science of Happiness, Part II: Evidence-Based Strategies for Enhancing Well-Being Friday, December 19, noon to 1 p.m. with Gillian Mandich, PhD, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry, University of Manitoba. Identify evidence-based strategies shown to enhance happiness and resilience among physicians. Learn more and register.
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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
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Visit DRMB.ca/Bannatyne for more information on our Bannatyne office and to view the full calendar.
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