|
This week’s Vitals is 1,041 words or a 4 min read. If you only have 1 minute, here are the highlights:
-
Join us at Pride Winnipeg! We invite you, your friends and family to walk the parade route with Doctors Manitoba to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community on Sunday, June 7. Register here.
-
Prepare for New Collaborative Care Standards: On June 1, CPSM’s new set of standards will go into effect. Watch for clearer expectations about communication, including referrals. See our summary for details!
-
Docs on Clocks: Lawmakers are seeking the public’s opinion about abandoning seasonal time changes, something we asked you about earlier this spring. Find out what doctors think below!
-
Winnipeg Family Medicine District By-Election Begins: Eligible voters will be notified with more information via email.
-
CancerCare Referral Changes Coming: CancerCare Manitoba will release new streamlined forms, clearer descriptions, and new website content on June 1.
Plus, a reminder that Manitoba’s Spring COVID-19 Vaccine Program is open to eligible high-risk patients until June 30.
| |
| | | |
Join Us at Pride Winnipeg!
We invite you, your friends, and family to walk the parade route with Doctors Manitoba to celebrate and support the 2SLGBTQ+ community on Sunday, June 7!
-
10 a.m. Rally begins at the Legislative Building
-
11 a.m. Parade kicks off at Memorial Blvd., extending to Portage Avenue to and Main Street, ending at the Forks where the Pride Festival continues
-
Sign up today! Register here and stay up to date on further details
🏳️🌈 Pride season reminder: Members can order both pronoun cards and Safe Space stickers here.
| Physicians, medical learners, Doctors Manitoba staff, and friends stand together smiling at the 2024 Winnipeg Pride Parade, showing support and celebration for the 2SLGBTQ+ community. | | | | |
Prepare for New Collaborative Care Standards
On June 1, The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM)’s new set of collaborative care standards will take effect.
Reminder: Under the new guidelines, consultants should generally respond within 14 days of receiving a referral according to the new standards, a change from the current 30 days.
✅ This means acknowledging and confirming the referral, even if you cannot provide all the required information just yet.
❌ It does not mean an appointment needs to be booked within that window.
❓Are you already living the 14-day rule as a consulting physician? We would love to hear from you, so we can learn more about how you manage referrals in your practice and strive for timely responses.
Review CPSM and Doctors Manitoba resources here.
| | | | |
Manitoba Considers Keeping Clocks the Same Year-Round
A new Manitoba Health report details the health consequences posed by seasonal time changes, as lawmakers consider whether to keep seasonal time changes or adopt the same time all year-round. The government is seeking the public’s opinion in a new survey launched this week.
Docs on Clocks: We gathered physician feedback on this issue earlier this spring and of the 391 who responded:
- 80% of members agree or strongly agree it’s time for Manitoba to put an end to seasonal time changes
- Only 14% disagree, often expressing concerns about Manitoba making a change out of step with neighbouring jurisdictions
We will share physicians’ views from our consultation directly with government too.
Read our full analysis, including a summary of health effects and a link to the public consultation now underway.
| | | | |
Winnipeg Family Medicine District By-Election Begins
Voting is now open to all Winnipeg Family Medicine District members to elect one new representative to the Doctors Manitoba Board of Directors!
Following the April 15 AGM, Dr. Erin Olivier was confirmed as President-Elect, creating the vacancy and the need for a by-election.
👉 If you are eligible to vote in this medical district election, watch your email for further information!
| | | | |
Looking Ahead to Fire and Flood Season
With the potential flood and wildfire season upon us, CPSM reminds physicians that any regulatory information or guidance addressing concerns that may impact your practice is primarily communicated via email and posted on the CPSM website. CPSM asks that you keep your email on file up to date.
If you need to update your email, you can do so through the CPSM Portal.
| | |
Spring COVID Vaccine Program Open Until June 30
Spring COVID-19 vaccination doses aimed at providing protection to those most at risk of developing severe illness from the virus will be available until June 30.
- This is especially important ahead of the summer months when COVID-19 circulation may increase.
- Starting July 1, 2026, COVID-19 immunizations will not be offered again until the fall 2026 immunization program begins, except in special cases, assessed on an individual basis.
Learn more here.
| | |
CancerCare Referral Changes Coming
In an effort to strengthen its ability to triage, plan and manage each patient’s referral, CancerCare Manitoba will release new streamlined forms, clearer descriptions, and new website content on June 1.
As we monitor the new processes, we want to hear your feedback. Please email us at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.
Learn more here.
| | |
There are now 642 confirmed and probable cases of measles in Manitoba. The latest exposure location is Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg in the Children’s Hospital Emergency Department.
Visit the Doctors Manitoba Measles Updates page for physician-curated resources to help you take care of your patients.
| | |
CMA Annual General Meeting May 29
Canadian Medical Association Members are invited to attend the Annual General Meeting, held virtually at 12 p.m. CT on Friday, May 29.
The virtual format will include live webcasting of all proceedings, secure online voting for those with voting rights, moderated question and answer periods, and simultaneous interpretation.
Learn more and register here.
| | |
ECHO Survey on Your Learning Interests
A new survey asks Manitoba physicians about demographic and practice information, access to mental health and addictions services, and need and interest in further education in these areas.
The assessment is being conducted by Shared Health’s Extension for Community Health Outcomes (ECHO) Mental Health and Addictions, in partnership with University of Manitoba.
The Learning Needs Assessment Survey is available here and takes about 10-15 minutes to complete.
| | |
Ebola Watch
One person who recently returned to Ontario from East Africa is being tested for the Ebola virus out of an abundance of caution, according to the Ontario Ministry of Health. There are no current confirmed cases of Ebola in the province.
The latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda has resulted in at least 134 deaths and more than 500 suspected cases.
| | |
Doctors Manitoba’s job board has new practice opportunities for physicians at Vitalis Comprehensive Healthcare and Vitalis Surgical Centre, 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:
-
Take a Sec to Double Check! Physicians are responsible for the accuracy of all chart notes, including those first drafted by an AI scribe. New evidence of hallucinations in medical documentation is a reminder to always review. Read our analysis.
-
Hepatitis A on the Rise in Winnipeg: Manitoba’s outbreak continues to expand, including in Winnipeg. Public health officials are urging clinicians to identify eligible patients and promote vaccination. Read the full update.
| | 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 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!
| | |
Advanced Learning in Palliative Medicine Conference, May 28 – 30, Winnipeg. This national conference offers expert-led education, practical clinical insights, and the chance to reconnect with a national community that shares the same commitment to high‑quality care. Learn more and register today!
Crucial Conversations for Healthcare Physician Leadership Institute (PLI) May 29 and 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., in person in Winnipeg. Identify problems contributing to broken relationships, explore skills related to keeping composed when feeling angry, defensive or intimidated, and access tools to support dialogue to address challenging issues and cultivate mutual purpose. Accredited for up to 13.5 hours. Register here.
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!
Cancer Screening & Cervix Check Competency Training, June 3, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., In-person near the Misericordia Health Centre, Winnipeg. CancerCare Manitoba is hosting a training session for physicians who would like to learn about cancer screening, refresh competency in cervical cancer screening, or mentor colleagues in becoming competent in screening for cervical cancer. Register today!
Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) Conference, June 7-9, Winnipeg, Ideal for emergency medicine specialists and family physicians working in emergency, this conference brings together professionals and experts from across Canada to discuss the latest advancements and best practices in emergency medical care. Register today.
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!
Connection Evening for Female Physicians Navigating a Cancer Diagnosis, June 16, 7-8:30 p.m. Doctors Manitoba is hosting an evening of connection and peer support for practicing female physicians navigating a cancer diagnosis. You are welcome to join us for a confidential physician-facilitated evening to connect with colleagues who understand. Learn more and register here.
| | |
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.
| | | | |
