True to an election promise, the NDP government is taking first steps in encouraging doctors, both newly trained and more established, to stay and work in Manitoba.
With $300,000 in newly allocated annual funding, programming will soon be underway to help support and mentor physicians during the first five years of their practice.
“Every Manitoban deserves quality care, close to home,” said Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care, in a press release. “To make sure that happens, we need to attract more doctors and keep doctors already in our system working here in Manitoba. This initiative will make sure all doctors new to practicing in Manitoba get the assistance and encouragement they need to thrive and provide excellent care to Manitobans. It shows the profession that we understand the demands of their job, particularly at the outset, and are here to help.”
As is expected, the new funding initiative is welcomed by staff at Niverville’s medical clinic, too.
“With healthcare a top priority for many residents of Niverville, Open Health welcomes this investment into recruiting and retaining physicians in the province,” says Sheyna Andries, Director of Health Services at the Niverville clinic. “As Open Health Niverville continues to grow, doctor recruitment is one of our priorities. This new program announced by the provincial government will help Open Health continue to provide a high level of support for our fantastic team of physicians and give us one more reason as to why physicians should consider Open Health Niverville their next home.”
In partnership with Doctors Manitoba, the provincial government has created the New to Practice Program. The new funding stream is intended to provide resources which will help reduce physician burnout and isolation while at the same time improve patient care.
Founded in 1908, Doctors Manitoba is a provincial advocacy organization governed by doctors who work toward supporting and representing its more than 4,000 physician members and medical learners from across the province.
Collaborating on the content of the New to Practice Program will be representatives from Doctors Manitoba as well as University of Manitoba staff, clinic managers, health authorities, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and other members of the healthcare system.
An advisor will be recruited from among them to lead the work.
“We appreciate this new funding from the government of Manitoba to support doctors as they begin and grow their medical practices in Manitoba, an important step as we work together to address the critical physician shortage,” said Dr. Michael Boroditsky, president of Doctors Manitoba. “For both recent Manitoba graduates or established physicians new to Manitoba, our New to Practice Program will help with establishing and maintaining a strong practice and foundation of support.”
Some of the practical support expected to come out of the program includes assistance for new doctors who are settling into a practice as well as settlement support for their families.
Doctors Manitoba will continue to work with the provincial government to find ways to reduce the administrative burdens faced by Manitoba’s doctors.
