More Than 30 U.S. Physicians Set to Join Manitoba Healthcare

Efforts to attract American physicians to Manitoba are yielding significant results, with more than 30 U.S. doctors currently in varying stages of recruitment. Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara confirmed the news, highlighting the growing enthusiasm among incoming professionals for the province’s healthcare system.

At a recent dinner, Asagwara met a new physician from the United States who expressed excitement about joining the local healthcare workforce. This influx is partly a result of the initiatives spearheaded by the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office, which was established by the province last year.

Dr. Nichelle Desilets, president of Doctors Manitoba, emphasized the effectiveness of a collaborative approach to recruitment. The organization has long advocated for focusing efforts on U.S. physicians, particularly in light of concerns surrounding the political climate in the United States.

According to Desilets, the recruitment campaign launched in November 2016 after the election of former President Donald Trump has been instrumental. The campaign targeted physicians who were apprehensive about the implications of the new administration, particularly in states with restrictions on evidence-based medicine in areas such as reproductive health and gender-affirming care.

Manitoba promotes itself as a province offering economic stability and a quality of life that fosters a strong patient-doctor relationship, free from the financial concerns often faced in the U.S. healthcare system. Asagwara noted that one of the appeals for U.S. doctors is the assurance that they will not have to make medical decisions based on patients’ financial capabilities, a sentiment echoed by the new arrivals.

Despite these positive developments, Manitoba continues to face challenges in healthcare access, ranking low in the number of physicians per capita. As highlighted by Doctors Manitoba, many communities remain underserved, with ongoing difficulties in accessing timely care.

To address these issues, the province has streamlined the licensure process for U.S. doctors, allowing for quicker integration into the local healthcare system. Changes made by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba have facilitated these efforts, making it easier for qualified physicians to apply for full licensure.

Desilets expressed optimism about 2025 being a record year for physician recruitment, attributing the progress to collaborative outreach between individual doctors, government initiatives, and changes in licensure regulations.

Asagwara reiterated the importance of diversity in strengthening Manitoba’s healthcare system. He shared his parents’ immigrant background from Nigeria and underscored the province’s commitment to creating an inclusive environment for all healthcare professionals.

The province recently reported a record increase in the number of physicians, with registered family physicians, specialists, and medical residents rising to 3,498 as of April 30, up from 3,334 the previous year. This marks a net gain of 164 physicians.

In addition, the province has invited 328 temporary foreign workers in healthcare to apply for the provincial nominee program, which allows skilled workers to gain permanent residency based on local labour needs. Among these, 21 physicians have been invited, two of whom are now set to work in Killarney. Janice Smith, mayor of the Municipality of Killarney-Turtle Mountain, expressed optimism about the recruitment efforts, emphasizing the positive impact physicians can have in smaller communities.

With these ongoing efforts, Manitoba is poised to address its healthcare challenges while enhancing its attractiveness to medical professionals from across the border.