Over 30 U.S. Doctors Set to Join Manitoba’s Health Care Workforce

Efforts to recruit American physicians to Manitoba are beginning to show significant results, with 33 U.S. doctors currently in various stages of recruitment. This information was confirmed by a spokesperson for the province’s health minister, Uzoma Asagwara. The recruitment drive is part of a broader strategy to address physician shortages in Manitoba, where many communities remain underserved.

Asagwara highlighted the appeal of Manitoba’s health care system during a recent dinner with a newly recruited physician from the United States. “One of the things he made really clear to me is that what makes Manitoba and Canada such an attractive place to practise as a doctor is that he’s not going to have to make decisions about his patient’s health care based on what they can afford,” Asagwara explained. The minister emphasized that this aspect of the universal health care system allows doctors to prioritize patient well-being without the burden of financial considerations.

According to Doctors Manitoba, the province ranks near the bottom in Canada for the number of physicians per capita. This makes the recruitment of additional healthcare professionals crucial. The advocacy group has been pushing for a greater focus on attracting U.S. physicians since the launch of a targeted campaign in November 2016, shortly after the election of former President Donald Trump. The campaign included advertisements in various states and a dedicated website providing information to U.S. doctors.

The recruitment initiative aimed to attract physicians concerned about the political climate in the U.S. and the limitations it places on evidence-based medical practices, particularly in areas like reproductive health and gender-affirming care. Manitoba’s government has also supported these efforts, recently streamlining the licensing process for U.S. doctors, making it easier for them to obtain full licensure if they meet specific requirements.

Dr. Nichelle Desilets, president of Doctors Manitoba, expressed optimism about the future, stating, “It’s very encouraging to hear that 2025 is shaping up to be a record year.” She noted that the success of the recruitment strategy is a result of a collaborative approach that includes outreach by individual physicians, government initiatives, and changes made by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba.

Manitoba is not slowing down its recruitment efforts. Asagwara stressed the importance of diversity in strengthening the health care system, remarking, “We want people to know that this is a province for everyone.” He shared a positive experience with a doctor from the United Kingdom who has recently begun practicing in Manitoba, highlighting the welcoming environment for foreign-trained physicians.

In a recent report, the province announced a record number of net new physicians, with registered family doctors, specialists, and medical residents reaching 3,498 as of April 30, 2024, up from 3,334 the previous year. This represents a net gain of 164 medical professionals. Furthermore, Manitoba’s provincial nominee program has invited 328 temporary foreign workers in health care to apply for permanent residency, which includes 21 physicians.

The recruitment of U.S. physicians is especially important for rural communities like Killarney, where local officials have noted the challenges of attracting healthcare professionals. Mayor Janice Smith remarked, “It can be more challenging to recruit in rural communities compared to larger centres, but the right fit sees the incredible value of small town life.”

As Manitoba continues to tackle its physician shortage, both the government and healthcare advocacy groups remain committed to enhancing the province’s health care system, ensuring that residents have access to timely and quality medical care.