🩺 Join the WinterToba Challenge // We’re Hiring a Medical Director // Attestation Form Frustration

January 8, 2026

This week’s Vitals is 1,581 words or a 6 minute read. If you only have 1 minute, here are the highlights:

The Year of Retention: Manitoba hit a record for physician recruitment last year, but we’re still losing too many doctors to other provinces. Our advocacy work in 2026 will focus on retention, to help ensure today’s gains don’t become tomorrow’s shortages.
Breast Cancer Screening Change: BreastCheck has lowered the screening age of eligibility from 50 and will now accept self-referrals from average-risk, asymptomatic people aged 45 to 49. Talk to your patients about the risks and benefits of early screening.
Getting Healthy WinterToba Challenge: We’re launching the new year with a simple, public-facing initiative that encourages Manitobans to commit to one small, achievable healthy action this January. Spread the word!
Board and Governance Webinar: Have you wanted to expand your role to include a leadership position on Doctors Manitoba’s Board but didn’t know where to start? Join us for a webinar January 26 to learn how to get involved.
Attestation Form Frustration: We share your deep frustration about the new hospital attestation form process and are reviewing your concerns with health system leaders to inform solutions.
We’re Hiring! Doctors Manitoba is looking for a new Medical Director for our Physician Health Program. Deadline extended due to a busy holiday season. Apply by January 12.

Plus, don't miss your chance to attend two important events next week: A two-day leadership course on cultivating safe work environments, and a lunchtime webinar about balancing the complexities of professional and personal obligations.

TOP STORIES

2026: The Year of Retention

Manitoba hit a record for physician recruitment last year — but we’re still losing too many doctors to other provinces.

📈 What we’re doing: In 2026, we’re stepping up advocacy and action on strategies proven to keep physicians practicing in Manitoba. That includes:

Reducing administrative burden by tackling referral and consultation bottlenecks, pushing for interoperable digital tools, and expanding adoption of AI scribes in all settings.
Pressing for investments in team-based care in a variety of physician practices.
Strengthening physician consultation by rolling out physician engagement guidelines to improve consultation and decision-making within the system.
Supporting the business of medicine with new tools and resources to help physicians manage professional and operational demands.

Read our full 2026 outlook and learn how you can help!

Full story: 388 words / 2 min read

Practice Change: Breast Cancer Screening

Manitoba has expanded access to breast cancer screening, making timely, informed conversations with patients even more important.

🩺 What’s new: BreastCheck now accepts self-referrals from average-risk, asymptomatic people aged 45 to 49.

People aged 45 and over can self-refer
No provider referral is required
Booking line: 1-855-952-4325

What’s next: The government has committed to further expanding eligibility down to age 40 by the end of 2026.

Read our full coverage here.

Full story: 204 words / 1 min read

Getting Healthy WinterToba Challenge!

January is peak resolution season... and peak burnout season. For many Manitobans, ambitious health goals can feel unrealistic. Our new challenge reframes the conversation, helping to motivate your patients to take on step towards getting healthy this month.

What’s new: We've launched the WinterToba Challenge, a simple, public-facing initiative that encourages patients to commit to one small, achievable healthy action this January.

Examples: Moving a little more, trying a nourishing meal, keeping hydrated, improving sleep, or managing stress.
Message: Small steps count and they add up.

Learn how it works and share with your patients!

BONUS: You can enter too! Start the year right with a healthy pledge. Enter here.

Full story: 240 words / 1 min read

Doctors Manitoba Board and Governance Webinar

Have you wanted to expand your role to include a leadership position on Doctors Manitoba’s Board but didn’t know where to start? Join us for a webinar on Monday, January 26th at 7 p.m. CT to learn more about the basics of board governance, our Medical District nomination and election process and what it’s like to contribute toward bettering Manitoba’s health system in this way. We look forward to seeing you there!

Attestation Form Frustration

We have received concerns from many physicians frustrated with the new online hospital attestation form from Shared Health. We have heard you clearly, and we continue to raise these concerns with health system leaders with suggestions to simplify the process.

Please continue to send your feedback to practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.

Air Travel Medical Requirements Form Standardized

Airline medical forms have been an administrative burden for physicians for some time. Now, four major Canadian carriers - Air Canada, Air Transat, Jazz Aviation LP and WestJet - have agreed to adopt a new standardized medical-requirements form for travelers with complex health needs. There are no new requirements for providers, just a simpler process.

✈️ Why it matters: Passengers and health providers can now complete one form that’s valid across all four airlines, replacing separate forms previously required by each carrier. This reduces physicians’ paperwork and removes barriers to travel for those with special needs.

Learn more:

Read the National Airlines Council of Canada announcement
View frequently asked questions about the new process
Download the new Air Travel Requirements Assessment Form

SPONSORED CONTENT

HEALTH SYSTEM UPDATES

Manitoba Minimizes Private Nursing Agency Contracts

Beginning January 15, Manitoba will only work with four private agencies to fill vacant shifts at public health-care facilities, down from nearly 80 companies the province currently contracts. It’s part of an effort to redirect spending on private firms back into the public system, Health Minister Asagwara said in a CBC interview, and to help streamline standards of care among private agencies. Some have raised concerns that the move will lead to more vacancies and more demand on an already strained system.

What do you think? Email us, in confidence, at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.

Respiratory Season Update

This year’s flu strain is hitting harder and spreading faster across Manitoba than what we typically see, according to Shared Health. Hospitals and emergency departments seeing a rise in cases across all age groups, and a noticeable spike in Health Sciences Centre Children’s Hospital admission.

🏥 What’s happening: The predominant strain circulating is Influenza A (H3N2). This is known to cause more severe illness, particularly in young children and older adults. People who are otherwise healthy are being sidelined, and those at higher risk are facing even more serious complications.

👶 What’s new: The province issued a reminder of health-care options available reminding clinicians and families about available immunizations and care options during respiratory virus season.

Free flu and COVID-19 vaccines continue to be available across Manitoba. It’s not too late.
A new RSV immunization is available for infants born between Oct. 1, 2025, and March 31, 2026.

Visit the Doctors Manitoba Vaccine Updates page for more information.

Measles Update

As we enter 2026, all health care providers are asked to continue recommending measles vaccinations to patients. In the final week of 2025, Manitoba led the nation with 12 cases, far outpacing the next highest number of three in British Columbia.

Of 339 confirmed and probable measles cases last year in Manitoba, 87.6% of patients were unvaccinated.

Measles Cases in Manitoba 2025

	Number of Cases	% of Total Cases
0 doses	297	87.6%
1 dose	9	2.7%
2 or more doses	14	4.1%
Unknown	19	5.6%

Source: Manitoba Health

The latest exposure sites include Winnipeg’s Health Sciences Centre Children’s ER, along with several sites in Steinbach, Morden, and St. Pierre-Jolys.

We’re keeping track for you on the Doctors Manitoba Measles Update page featuring a quick reference guide, exposure locations and vaccine eligibility resources.

Hepatitis A Outbreak

In response to a hepatitis A outbreak in the northeast part of the province, Manitoba Health is now offering free vaccines to the following groups aged six months and older:

Island Lake area community members (Garden Hill, St. Theresa Point, Wasagamack and Red Sucker Lake);
Anyone travelling to or working in these communities; and
Those who have household visitors from these communities.

Refer to the hepatitis A communicable disease protoco l for further information. Vaccines can be requested by completing the Manitoba Health Vaccines and Biologics Order Form.

Updated Biochemistry and Hematology Laboratory Requisitions

Effective January 12, Shared Health advises the following laboratory requisitions will be updated: Body Fluid, Hemostasis, Bone Marrow Triage Confirmation and Urine Chemistry Testing. Print Shops as well as Digital Shared Services have been provided the updated requisitions. Updated copies of these requisitions are also already available on the Lab Information Manual (LIM) Lab Information Manual.

Syphilis Treatment Shortage

Manitoba Health is asking providers to restrict the use of long-acting penicillin G (Bicillin® L-A) to specific categories of patients with syphilis and conserve medication supply amid a national shortage expected to last until January 16. Manitoba’s stock of the medication is expected to last until that time, however new orders will be evaluated by CDPC on a case-by-case basis to conserve supply during the shortage.

Learn more about the specific guidelines in this memo to health care providers.

Practice Change: Lupus Anticoagulant Testing

In an effort to streamline laboratory workflow for Lupus Anticoagulant testing and improve result turnaround time, Shared Health advises one of two assays in the testing algorithm will transition to a Hexagonal Phase Phospholipid PTT-LA kit assay (Precision Biologic, HEXLA kit), which utilizes the Werfen ACL TOP series coagulation analyzers.

Read the full update to learn more.

WORTH NOTING

Health Improving — Equity Gaps Remain

A new provincial report shows Manitobans are healthier overall, but not everyone is benefiting equally. The 2025 Health Status of Manitobans Report, led by Dr. Brent Roussin, finds long-term improvements in life expectancy, infant mortality, premature death, and injury mortality.

⚖️ Yes, but: Persistent inequities remain in the Northern Health Region and among lower-income Manitobans.

Learn more: Read the full report to learn more about Public Health’s policy recommendations for a healthier Manitoba.

Cultivate Psychologically and Culturally Safe Working Environments

Doctors Manitoba is pleased to offer the two-day Inclusive Leadership: Cultivating Psychologically and Culturally Safe Working Environments Physician Leadership Institute course.

📅 January 15 – 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

📍 Virtual

📚 The course is accredited for up to 10 hours.

The course is designed for physicians who want to learn practical approaches to effect positive and sustainable change within their organizations.

Don’t miss your last chance to register!

Enhance Your Work/Life Balance

Doctors Manitoba, Shared Health and the University of Manitoba invite you to participate in Wellness Rounds, a monthly series that teaches physicians how to use cognitive, behavioural and mindfulness skills to manage life stresses at work and at home.

📅 January 16, from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m.

📍 Virtual

📚 To register, contact Karen Simpson at ksimpson@hsc.mb.ca

Join the discussion about how to balance the complexities of professional and personal obligations.

Learn more!

Tackling Health Misinformation in Canada

The spread of false health information has devastating consequences for patients and the broader health care system. Join the CMA and the Empire Club of Canada on Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2026, at the Chateau Laurier in Ottawa or virtually for the launch of this year’s Media Tracking Survey results and explore how to protect Canada’s information environment from bad actors.