September 5, 2025

This week’s Vitals is 1,100 words or a 4 min read. If you only have 1 minute, here are the highlights: 


  • Hollow Water First Nation Tragedy: We are shocked and saddened by Thursday’s tragic events on Hollow Water First Nation and offer our condolences to the victims and their loved ones. We extend our appreciation and support to physicians and colleagues who responded and continue to care for patients as they recover from this unspeakable attack.
  • Public Health Webinar on Thursday: Join us for a webinar with Dr. Brent Roussin and others from Manitoba Public Health on Thursday, September 11 at 12 p.m. to learn more about the forecast for this respiratory season, and important new updates to COVID and influenza vaccines this season.  
  • CMPA Fee Increase: Doctors Manitoba offers rebates for CMPA fees over $1,000 that will help cover CMPA's increases for 2026. Check your eligibility!
  • PCQI Update for Family Physicians: New Patient Quality Care Indicators are included in a new guide that takes effect October 1.
  • CPSM Restorative Practice Update: On Tuesday, September 16 at 6 p.m., the CPSM will host a webinar on accountability, healing & cultural safety in medical practice as part of its Restorative Practices Program. 


Plus, many thanks to those who joined us at the Getting Healthy Golf Tournament Tuesday! We raised more than $3,000 for the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba, with additional proceeds going toward our Getting Healthy public health initiative.  

 

TOP STORIES

01

Hollow Water First Nation Tragedy 


We are shocked and saddened by Thursday’s tragic events on Hollow Water First Nation. We join all Manitobans in offering our support and sympathy to those impacted, along with our appreciation to the first responders, physicians and other health care workers who assisted with the response and continue to care for patients as they recover from this unspeakable attack. 


A tragic event like this can affect everyone, whether or not you are involved directly in the response. In times of fear, loss, and grief, please remember our Doc360 resources are available to you, a colleague, or a family member in need of support. You can contact Physicians At Risk directly by calling 204−237−8320. 

02

Public Health Webinar on Thursday 


Join us for a webinar with Dr. Brent Roussin and others from Public Health with an outlook for this year’s respiratory season, new guidance regarding this year's influenza and COVID-19 vaccine products, eligibility criteria, and ordering procedures. This webinar comes at an important moment, as vaccines are being undermined and government policies are creating confusion in places like Alberta and Florida. Join us Thursday, September 11 at 12 p.m. 


Learn more and sign up here.  

03

CMPA Fee Change  


Physicians' fees for 2026 Canadian Medical Protection Association (CMPA) coverage have been released, and in Manitoba, the average fee per member will increase by 20%, or an average increase of about $284 per member. CMPA notes this will ensure alignment with projected medico-legal costs in the province. Our analysis shows that while there is a 20% increase this year, rates will still be about 50% lower than a few years ago. Rates were temporarily low for the last few years thanks to positive investment returns on reserve funds. Most physicians are now eligible for our CMPA rebate for costs above $1,000.  


Read our full coverage and check your rebate eligibility here.    

04

PCQI Update for Family Physicians 


Changes to the Patient Care Quality Indicators (PCQI) guide will be implemented on October 1, 2025, for primary care physicians using Family Medicine Plus. The PCQI guide is a series of evidence-based targets that physicians should strive to meet in caring for their patients both on prevention and caring for common conditions. FM+ requires physicians and their teams to provide service aligned with the most recent PCQI guide. If you have any questions, concerns or comments, we encourage you to contact your home clinic liaison and copy us or email us directly at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca. 


Learn more about the changes. 

05

Brisk Day, Big Drives, Bigger Impact 


More than 100 golfers teed off at the stunning Southwood Golf and Country Club for the 3rd annual Doctors Manitoba Getting Healthy Golf Tournament Tuesday. From seasoned pros to enthusiastic amateurs, golfers of all skill levels came together for a day of friendly competition, camaraderie, and community impact. After a full day of play, a team including Dr. Gerry Visser, Dr. Jan Roux, Dr. Corne Vlock and Dr. Darrin Nichol claimed the win. Congratulations!

  • Pro golfer Brett White joined us for a new “Donate to Drive” initiative, where his powerful swings raised more than $3,000 for the Child Nutrition Council of Manitoba.  
  • Tournament proceeds also went toward our Getting Healthy initiative. 
  • A heartfelt thank-you to our presenting sponsors MD Financial and Scotiabank Healthcare, and to our platinum sponsor Bokhaut CPA LLC.  We’re also grateful to Fillmore Riley for sponsoring lunch, Manulife for dinner, and to all our hole sponsors and prize donors who helped make the day memorable. 


We’re already looking forward to next year! Stay tuned for details on the 2026 tournament! 


Read our full recap.  

 

HEALTH SYSTEM UPDATES

 

Measles 


Manitoba Health reports 24 confirmed cases of measles for August and two new exposure sites in the last week: Winkler Medical Clinic on August 28 and Boundary Trails Health Centre emergency department on August 28 and 29.  


We’re keeping track of the province’s updates and resources for you and your patients on the Doctors Manitoba Measles page.  

CPSM Restorative Practice Update 


On Tuesday, September 16 at 6 p.m., the CPSM will host a webinar on accountability, healing & cultural safety in medical practice as part of efforts through the Restorative Practices Program to support the Standard of Practice, Practicing Medicine to Eliminate Anti-Indigenous Racism. The webinar offers a safe space for registrants to learn and engage, ask for advice and seek guidance. 


Register here.  

Student Mental Health Services/MDCare Coordinator  


Do you know anyone who can help? The University of Manitoba’s Department of Psychiatry is looking for a full-time nurse to serve as Student Mental Health Services/MDCare Coordinator.  


More information is available here.  

 

WORTH NOTING

 

CW Wiebe Celebrates 100 Years 


The C.W. Wiebe Medical Centre celebrated 100 years since its namesake, Dr. Cornelius W. Wiebe, first began practicing medicine in the Pembina Valley. Doctors Manitoba President, Dr. Nichelle Desilets, spoke at the event about how inspiring Dr. Wiebe’s legacy is to her. 


Read more about the anniversary here.  


Rounds Feature – Dr. Joss Reimer’s Year as CMA President 


Dr. Joss Reimer’s time as president of the Canadian Medical Association saw her travel across Canada and around the globe, from rural Manitoba clinics to international health conferences, listening and advocating for physicians and patients.  


Read about her extraordinary year here.  


Become a Mentor! 


Residents and practicing physicians are invited to take part in the Medical Learner Mentorship Program as mentors. It is a rewarding experience with supports available for mentors. No previous mentoring experience is required.  


Learn more and register. 


2025 Paul Wawryko Memorial Run 


2025 Paul Wawryko Memorial Run is set for September 27, 6 p.m. at Andrew Currie Park, Wellington Crescent (at Renfrew St.), in Winnipeg. Dr. Paul Wawryko was a beloved friend, coworker, and family member to countless people. The proceeds from this 5k run in his honour will go toward funding an annual scholarship for the University of Manitoba’s Department of Pathology, where Wawryko worked and won a prestigious teaching award. The remaining funds will be donated to various causes which were near and dear to Paul’s heart.  


Learn more and register here. 


Black Physicians of Canada Conference 


Join a community of Black physicians, physicians-in-training and Black health care professionals at the 2025 Black Physicians of Canada national conference on October 24 to 26 at the Westin Castle Harbour Hotel in Toronto. This year’s theme is Stronger Together, drawing on BPC’s new 2025-2030 strategic plan. Early bird registration ends on Friday, September 5 with special rates for residents and medical learners.  


Register today!  

 

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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


  • Renew Your Membership by September 18! Plus, there’s a special chance to contribute to the future of medicine by donating to the new Doctors Manitoba Student Bursary. 
  • HSC Safety & Security: Many physicians, students and residents who work and study on the campus reached out, and last week we shared what we heard, along with advice we’re offering to make the entire hospital and university campus safer and more welcoming.  
  • Billing Seminar: We have a billing seminar designed for early-career physicians and final-year residents to get essential billing advice, learn about benefits and insurance options, and explore wellness supports through our New to Practice program. It is on September 24. 
 

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. 


Featured event: 


Peer Support Webinar 


Join Dr. Alexis Botkin and Doctors Manitoba for an overview of peer support, and the evidence for how peer support benefits physicians. Explore the different ways physicians across Manitoba are creating a culture of connection, and how physicians can find a trained colleague for support though programs like Organizational Peer Support (OPS), Physicians-at-risk (PAR), and peer support groups. 


📅 When: Tuesday, September 16, 5 to 5:45 p.m. 


💻 Where: Zoom 


🔗 View event details and register. 

More events: 


CancerCare Manitoba Webinar, September 9, 8 a.m. A healthy tomorrow starts with HPV vaccination today, September 9. Learn how to improve access to the HPV vaccine in your practice, including practical strategies and promotional tools to support conversations with patients. Register here.  


Digital Health Canada WIN25, September 16, 8 – 11:30 a.m. Learn about local innovation programs and opportunities, and gain insights into digital health partnerships and collaborations from other provinces to spark new ideas and drive progress in Manitoba and beyond. Register here.  


Early Career Webinar, September 24, 5:30 p.m. The session will feature tailored billing information for family physicians and specialists in their first five years of practice in Manitoba, or your last year of residency. Register here. 


2025 Canadian Conference on Physician Health, October 17 – 18, Vancouver. This biennial conference that showcases both research and innovative initiatives related to improving physicians’ health and wellness within the medical training and practice environment. Learn more and register here by October 1. 


Family Medicine Forum (FMF), November 5 – 8, Winnipeg. FMF is Canada’s largest and most comprehensive annual conference for family physicians hosted by the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC). Learn more and register here. 


Opioid Agonist Therapy 101: Introduction to Clinical Practice, November 13 – 14, Thompson, and November 20-21, Winnipeg. These workshops will equip you with new knowledge and skills around opioid addiction and the resources available to support patients. Learn more and register here. 

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Every step of the way.


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