Urgent Retreat Addresses Critical Physician Shortage in Manitoba

UPDATE: A critical physician shortage in rural Manitoba is taking center stage at the University of Manitoba Family Medicine Residents Retreat, held from September 19-21 in Brandon. With 128 family medicine residents attending, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is leveraging this event not only for training but as an urgent recruitment initiative aimed at underserved communities.

Manitoba currently faces a severe healthcare crisis, with just 219 physicians per 100,000 residents—the second-lowest rate in Canada. Disturbingly, to meet the national average, the province needs 346 additional doctors. The situation is exacerbated by an impending wave of retirements: in the next three years, an estimated 688 physicians, about 20% of the province’s active workforce, are considering leaving the field.

For rural residents, this shortage translates into real challenges—longer travel distances for healthcare, limited access to doctors, and heightened stress for those still practicing. A 2023 study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal underscores these issues, indicating that rural communities already experience significant healthcare disparities.

As the retreat unfolds, it is clear that PMH is focused on building connections between residents and rural opportunities. A job fair held on the first evening connected attendees with health clinics and community representatives eager to highlight the benefits of practicing medicine in rural areas. PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung emphasized the importance of creating lasting relationships, stating, “We’ll meet and discuss opportunities with residents and their spouses. We have a lot to offer.”

However, recruitment hurdles remain. Darlene Gray, Physician Recruitment & Retention Coordinator with PMH, noted that potential candidates often grapple with family-related concerns and a lack of familiarity with rural life. “Many residents don’t realize what rural communities have to offer or how close they often are to larger centres,” she explained. The retreat aims to break down these barriers by showcasing the lifestyle advantages of rural practice.

The theme of the retreat, “Rural Medicine – Endless Horizons,” resonates deeply with the recruitment message. PMH CEO Treena Slate highlighted the professional diversity and personal fulfillment available in rural settings, stating, “From diverse practice opportunities to rewarding team-based care, the horizons are truly endless.”

Participants in the retreat are also addressing the needs of potential physicians’ families. Gray pointed out, “Health care recruitment is everybody’s business. Sometimes we’re not only recruiting a doctor, but also helping a spouse find work.” This holistic approach aims to ensure that families feel welcomed and supported in rural communities.

Communities from across PMH’s territory, including Deloraine-Winchester, Glenboro, and Virden, are also participating as sponsors, eager to attract new doctors by emphasizing affordable housing, family-friendly amenities, and the advantages of small-town life.

With the stakes so high, the urgency for recruitment is palpable. As Manitoba’s healthcare system teeters on the brink of crisis, the connections forged at this retreat could pave the way for a healthier future. “We are fortunate to have many local physicians and community members assisting over the weekend,” Dr. Fung stated, underscoring the importance of long-term solutions to the physician shortage.

In summary, the retreat in Brandon is more than just an event; it is a vital step toward securing the future of rural healthcare in Manitoba. The message is clear: attracting the next generation of physicians is not just necessary—it is essential for the survival of community health services across the province. The time for action is now.