July 9, 2026

TOP STORIES

01

Parkland Flooding Update 

Due to severe flooding last week, health services remain deeply disrupted in Dauphin and the surrounding region, with officials anticipating Dauphin Regional Health Centre could be closed for months before services are fully restored.  

• Where to find information: The situation remains highly dynamic. Prairie Mountain Health officials are trying to keep staff and physicians up to date on the Dauphin Flood Staff Updates page. You can also visit the Doctors Manitoba Extreme Weather Update page for a list of emergency resources. 

• Raising your concerns: Doctors Manitoba has been in regular contact with health system leaders to ensure physicians’ concerns are heard and urgently addressed. We will hold a town hall meeting tonight with Parkland physicians, continuing dialogue throughout this recovery phase and beyond. 

• Want to help? Physicians in PMH or anywhere in Manitoba open to providing additional support to assist in efforts, please complete this Doctors Manitoba form. 

Thank you. We extend our support and deep gratitude to the physicians and staff working tirelessly during this significantly challenging time to care for patients and for each other.  

Please continue engaging with us at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca so we can be sure to press system leaders for the supports you need most. 

Read our full coverage.  

02

Help Build Doctor Directory 

This fall, Doctors Manitoba will launch Doctor Directory, a modern and comprehensive online directory designed by physicians, for physicians, to make referrals, consultations, and collaboration easier.  

• How it works: Every physician will have a profile that includes publicly available CPSM registration information in a more searchable format, plus new information about sub-specialty, areas of focus, typical wait times, and referral pathways. 

• Watch for your annual membership renewal later this summer, when you'll be invited to create or customize your profile. 

• Help shape the directory by taking this survey by July 16. 

By physicians, for physicians: This project is a direct result of the feedback you provided at our Referral and Consultation Summit last fall and would not be possible without your engagement. Thank you.  

Read the full story. 

03

Introducing PracticeForward 

As the demands of medical practice continue to grow, physicians need practical support that helps reduce administrative complexity and strengthen their practice. That's why Doctors Manitoba is launching PracticeForward. 

It brings together: 

• Trusted services — including billing and contract advice, audit support, and our New to Practice program for early career physicians. 

• Expanded support — with additional Practice Advisors, more education, one-on-one practice check-ups, physician leadership development, and enhanced practice opportunity listings. 

• New resources — including Business of Medicine guides and tools, practice management resources, vetted vendors physicians rely on, and member discount programs. 

Learn more! 

FEEDBACK NEEDED

Help Shape Pediatric RSV Program 

With all infants now eligible to receive one dose of the RSV monoclonal antibody product nirsevimab during their first RSV season (October 1 to March 31), Public Health is asking physicians to review two options for determining how much immunization supply your site would receive this fall. 

Nirsevimab is the most expensive of all publicly funded immunizations, so it’s important to find the right approach to meet patient needs while minimizing wastage. 

Learn more and let Manitoba Health know which option you prefer. 

Help Improve VECTRS: Share Your Feedback! 

Doctors Manitoba is circulating this message on behalf of VECTRS. We know some physicians have had inconsistent experiences with VECTRS, and we are encouraging you to share your views to help evaluate and improve the service. 

The Virtual Emergency Care and Transfer Resources Service (VECTRS) is proud to serve as Manitoba’s centralized, single point of contact for health care providers, supporting you and your patients when time is of the essence. To ensure VECTRS continues to evolve and meet the needs of our provincial system, we want to hear from you. 

We invite all individuals who have directly interacted with VECTRS services to share your experiences by completing a brief survey. Your insights are important and will directly help us identify strengths, bridge gaps, and enhance care coordination across Manitoba. 

• Please click here to access the survey 
• Time commitment: 5 to 15 minutes 
• Confidentiality: All responses are confidential and used to guide service improvements. 

Thank you for taking the time to complete the survey. For any inquiries, please contact emergencyresponseservices@sharedhealthmb.ca. 

GETTING HEALTHY

👟 Run (or Walk!) With Us July 15th! 

We are teaming up with RALLY, a weekly run club created by third-year medical student Jenna Cross. It’s open to everyone regardless of running experience, with a walking club too.  

Come try it out yourself, and encourage your friends, family and patients to join us too. It’s a movement for movement, so come run, jog, walk, and hang out!  

• When: Wednesday, July 15th at 7:00 p.m. 
• Where: Assiniboine Park Cargo Bar by the Duck Pond 
• Who: Everyone of all abilities  
• Cost: Free!  
• Learn More: Give @werallyhere a follow on Instagram for the latest updates! 

HEALTH SYSTEM UPDATES

New CancerCare Referral Guidelines  

CancerCare Manitoba has introduced changes to their referral process which includes revised forms and updated descriptions of the minimum information required for patient referrals. 

With the new guidelines, CancerCare says: 

• Completed referrals are processed promptly and forwarded to CancerCare Manitoba’s triage for further evaluation and determination of the appropriate next steps for consultation. 
• Incomplete referrals will be returned to the referrer for completion before processing. 

View the guidelines.  

Let us know what you think! What’s working and what might need some adjusting? Send us a note, in confidence, at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca. 

Hep A Vaccine Eligibility Expanded 

Manitoba Health has updated the criteria for free hepatitis A vaccines due to the 2026 Manitoba Indigenous Summer Games (MISG) taking place July 8 to 12 in Norway House Cree Nation and Aug. 10 to 15 in Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation. 

Read the announcement.  

GB3 CHUS Requisition Requirement 

All requests for Globotriasylceramide (GB3) samples now require the CHUS (Sherbrooke University) Biochemical Genetics Requisition to be completed by the ordering location and accompany the sample along with a Biochemistry Requisition. Samples without a completed CHUS requisition may be rejected. 

Read the memo to health care providers.  

Sponsored Content

WORTH NOTING

President Update on Doctors Manitoba 

Last week, Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Alon Altman shared an update about the investments we're making to better support physicians across Manitoba, including launching PracticeForward, building Doctor Directory, and improving our advocacy bench strength as we prepare to negotiate the next Physician Services Agreement. To support this expansion, the board has approved an increase to the annual fee for physicians, though our fee will still be the second lowest in Canada.  

Read the President’s Message. 

Enhance Your Communication Skills During Diagnostic Uncertainty  

CancerCare Manitoba CCMB, in collaboration with the Red River College RRC Polytech Simulation Centre, is pleased to invite you to a live/virtual interactive simulation-based education session focused on enhancing communication skills during serious illness conversations in diagnostic uncertainty, aimed at improving the experiences of people with advanced pancreatic, hepatobiliary, and esophageal cancers. 

Event Details 

• Date: July 16, 2026 
• Time: 4:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. 
• Location: RRC Polytech Simulation Lab/Virtual 

Learn more and register by July 10. 

Adventure Awaits at the Zoo 

Join us on the evening of August 20 at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, exclusively for Doctors Manitoba members and their families. Enjoy a relaxed summer night exploring the Zoo, connecting with colleagues, and introducing your family to new friends from the medical community.  

Need a place to stay? A block of rooms has been reserved at the Best Western Plus Winnipeg West. Book by July 28 to take advantage of the group rate. 

Register today! 

PHENOMENAL PHYSICIAN

Congratulations to Dr. Peter Nickerson, dean of the Max Rady College of Medicine and vice-provost (health sciences) at the University of Manitoba, on being appointed an Officer of the Order of Canada. Recognized internationally as a transplant nephrologist and physician-scientist, Dr. Nickerson has helped improve access to kidney transplantation and reduce organ rejection for patients, while also playing a key role in building Canada’s national kidney donation and transplantation network.  

Read more about Dr. Nickerson’s appointment to the Order of Canada.  

PRACTICE OPPORTUNITIES

Doctors Manitoba’s job board has 5 new practice opportunities for physicians at Sage Creek Medical Center, Open Health Niverville, Pinnacle Medical, Panacea Medical Clinic, and Fetuga Medical Clinic, along with dozens more opportunities previously listed Check it out!  

Placing a job ad on our site is free – add one here. 

ICYMI

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

• Diagnostic Waits Hit New Highs in Manitoba: A new national report shows Manitoba’s wait times for MRI and CT scans are getting longer and continue to be the worst in Canada. Take our survey about your experience with DI Central Intake. 

• Retention Top of Mind: Frustrated physicians are leaving Manitoba. Doctors Manitoba President Dr. Alon Altman spoke with CJOB about our advocacy for practical solutions to this persistent problem. Learn more. 

• Do You Have Concerns About Hospital EPR? We know the implementation will be met with anticipation for a long overdue step away from paper records, as well as worry and concern about a major change to your practice. Learn more at our Doctors Manitoba Tech Hub and let us know what you think. 

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. 

30th Annual Bug Day 2026, October 22, 7:55 a.m. - 4 p.m. Virtual. Join the 30th Annual Bug Day, a free, virtual, fully accredited continuing professional development event hosted by Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg in collaboration with the University of Manitoba CPD Medicine Program. Hear from leading experts on infectious diseases, public health, and communicable disease prevention. Important: To receive continuing professional credits for attending the daylong program.

Learn more and view the agenda. 

CBT‑I (CBT for Insomnia), July 17, 12 – 1 p.m., Brodie Centre. Learn more and register here.  

CBT‑I (CBT for Insomnia) #2, August 21, 12 – 1 p.m., Brodie Centre. Learn more and register here.  

Lipedema Canada Conference (LipCanCon) 2026, September 10 – 12, Winnipeg. This inaugural event will feature leading research, hands-on clinical learning, and collaborative discussions aimed at advancing lipedema care and shaping the future of healthcare in Canada. Learn more and register today!

Dignity in Care Online Training 2026, September 11, 18, and 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Virtual. Designed to enhance the human side of healthcare, this 3 day workshop focuses on the role and application of dignity in all aspects of clinical practice. Learn more and register. 

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

Get the latest on our social media feeds, including Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.



Do you have a suggestion for our Member Message?

Is there something Doctors Manitoba can help you with?

Email us anytime at general@doctorsmanitoba.ca