March 14, 2025

This week’s Vitals: 1,255 words / 4.5 min read 

Learn about our push to eliminate sick notes, supporting physicians through the trade war, hepatology referrals, and concerns about new health cards. We have a summary of proposed legislation that could impact health care too. Plus, don’t miss our Awards Gala and another special event called HeartBeat.

5 Years Later? It’s hard to believe it’s been five years since the COVID-19 pandemic started. Doctors and medical learners played such a vital role in getting Manitoba through it. We hope you know the team at Doctors Manitoba had your back then, and that we still do now. We know you are working in a health system that is still recovering from the pandemic, and that there are other challenges that make it difficult to do your jobs. We are working hard to ensure you get the resources and support you need to thrive and to provide exceptional care to Manitobans. Thank you for everything you did then, and everything you do today.

TOP STORIES

01

Manitobans Support Eliminating Sick Notes



Yesterday, we released a new report showing strong widespread support among Manitobans for eliminating sick notes, including strong support from employers too. This is important evidence as we make the case for legislation to eliminate one of the leading administrative burdens for physicians. See our story here about the new report.

We’ve also launched a new website SickNote.ca to help policymakers and employers understand the impact of sick notes.  

Finally, we would welcome your feedback on our draft policy recommendation about sick notes and other forms of medical certificates or requests from employers and other third parties. You can see a draft of the policy position here, and send your feedback to adminburden@doctorsmanitoba.ca. It’s important to note that while this part of the project focuses on eliminating sick notes used solely to verify short term absences, we are also focusing on streamlining other requests where medical expertise is needed by workers and employers.

SPECIAL EVENT

02

HeartBeat 2025 and our AGM

Join us Wednesday, April 23 to celebrate the excellence and diversity of our profession. Connect with physicians, students and residents at this special in-person event. We’ve planned a program that includes a look back at our history and our future. You’ll be inspired by leaders who will share their journeys to breaking through at our fireside chat, and you’ll have the opportunity to be part of our Annual General Meeting, including voting on extending membership to international medical graduates in the medical licensure program. There is no charge for members.

Planning to attend the Rural and Remote Medicine Conference April 24-26? Start your stay in the city with HeartBeat the night before.   

03

Dr. Wendy Smith Received Medal of Excellence

Meet Medal of Excellence winner Dr. Wendy Smith!



Dr. Wendy Smith has dedicated her entire medical career to providing compassionate, comprehensive care to remote and northern communities in Manitoba and Nunavut. Through her work at Ongomiizwin Health Services and in her advocacy for patients, she models clinical excellence, cultural safety and community connection.

Her journey began with the J.A. Hildes Northern Medical Unit in 1988, and later Dr. Smith became one of the inaugural physicians at Ongomiizwin Health Services. Over the past 30 years, she has served as the principal primary care physician for Wasagamack First Nation, embodying cultural safety, clinical excellence, and deep community connection. She also provided decades of service to Red Sucker Lake First Nation

Dr. Smith’s impact extends beyond providing clinical care. She has advocated for culturally directed obstetrical services, advanced cervical cancer screening programs, and addressed public health challenges, including tuberculosis and diabetes complications. A dedicated mentor, she has guided countless medical students, residents, and international medical graduates, demonstrating the value in collaboration and bringing an understanding of cultural humility.

Known for her unwavering compassion, Dr. Smith goes above and beyond for her patients. Her profound contributions and positivity stand as an example to others in medicine and beyond.

🏆 Read about all of our 2025 Doctors Manitoba Award recipients.

Also: Read this feature from the University of Manitoba about all 9 of our 2025 Doctors Manitoba Award winners 

Celebrate Dr. Smith and the other 8 physician winners at our Gala on May 10! It’s already over 25% sold out! Get your tickets here!

04

Trade War and Physicians: Your Investments

Last month, we released an action plan to help tariff-proof the health care system, based on physicians’ concerns about how the economic uncertainty could impact patients and health care funding. 

This week we are responding to another concern. Our survey found 61% are concerned about their investments or retirement funds, and 77% are worried about inflation. To support physicians with these concerns, we have reached out to our partners with MD Financial to provide updates and support to physicians during this uncertain economic time.

Please continue to reach out with your concerns by emailing us at practiceadvice@doctorsmanitoba.ca.

Tariff Watch with MD Financial

Most Canadians are watching the current volatility in U.S. and Canadian relations closely, and physicians are no exception. MD Financial Management is now publishing Tariff Watch Updates to look at recent events with a focus on specific implications for practice management and physician investment strategies. This information is available whether or not you are an MD client. 

→ Read MD Financial Tariff Watch here. 

Looking for more detail, or wanting to discuss how your particular situation might change? Contact MD.

Doctors Manitoba is proudly sponsoring Stone Soup Week March 17 - 23, with our friends at the Child Nutrition Council. Get out next week, try some excellent soups and support free breakfast programs for school age children!

Learn more here.

HEALTH SYSTEM UPDATES

453 words / 2 min read

Read the latest on:

• Managing liver disease in primary care and hepatology wait times
• New health cards with less information?
• Adult tetanus booster update from public health

OTHER NEWS

Doctors Into the Cold for Main Street Project

Come get "Into the Cold" with a group of physicians who are getting active while fundraising for Main Street Project. This fundraiser supports key MSP programs including the Emergency Shelter, Food and Nutrition Services, Housing, Case Management, Withdrawal Management Services, and Van Outreach. 'Into the Cold' runs throughout March, so there is still lots of time to join "The Walking Meds" team (last year's champions!) and/or to make a contribution. Our title is currently under threat, so we need all the help we can get!

Check out the Walking Meds 

Manitoba Moose Health and Wellness Night

The Manitoba Moose are happy to present a special ticket offer for the March 21st game vs. the Abbotsford Canucks. Tickets are just $20 plus fees!

For any inquiries, or to purchase groups of 8+, please contact Braden Fleury: bfleury@tnse.com

To manage your tickets for the game please use the new Official App of the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose. Once you download the app, sign up for the Jets 360 Rewards Program, then link your Ticketmaster Account in the “More” section of the app. Learn more about Jets 360 HERE. You will be able to load to your wallet on your phone or forward to those who will be attending the game.

Nominations Open for MCFP Medical Home Award

The Dr. Gary Beazley Patient's Medical Home (PMH) Award was created by the Manitoba College of Family Physicians to recognize the impact of an outstanding leader in family medicine. This award will be granted to a family physician or physician's practice group that best embodies the principles of the Patient's Medical Home.

All nominations may be submitted to info@mcfp.mb.ca until Thursday, March 28, 2025.

Award Guidelines

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

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

• Our President, Dr. Randy Guzman, met recently with Finance Minister Adrien Sala to discuss our recommendations for this year’s provincial budget. Our advocacy focuses on urgent, cost-effective actions to help doctors improve care for patients. Read more.
• Manitoba Health is replacing the EPiCS/WebLink billing submission process with a new web-based e-claims portal beginning April 1. See what’s different and find out more about transition planning.
• Work with Doctors Manitoba this Summer! We’ve created two internships for medical students this summer. Get the full details and apply before March 17!

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.

Spring Mentorship Event

Mentors and mentees are invited to the spring mentorship event on Monday, April 14 at the Leaf at Assiniboine Park. The night features a live game show, dinner and prizes and plenty of opportunities for connecting. If you are part of our mentorship community as a mentor or mentee, check your email and send along your RSVP!

Other Events:

EVENT: Webinar: Changes in HPV Testing at Colposcopy

DATE: March 26, 2025, 8 to 9 a.m.

OVERVIEW: Join Dr. Sarah Kean, Medical Lead, CervixCheck CancerCare Manitoba, in this interactive presentation on the assessment and treatment of abnormal cytology.

DETAILS: Registration is required.

To view/download the event poster, click here (pdf).

HOSTED BY: CancerCare Manitoba

EVENT: CMA Health Summit, Ottawa and Virtual

DATE: March 27-28, 2025

OVERVIEW: Sessions will cover where political parties stand on the future of healthcare,

Indigenous self-determination, and Navigating the AI revolution in healthcare

DETAILS: Access more program details and register now.

EVENT: Introduction to Mindful Practice presented by Dr. Jillian Horton

DATE: June 7-8, 2025 at The Studio in Pineridge Hollow

OVERVIEW: Rooted in the evidence-based, JAMA-published Mindful Practice Program from the University of Rochester, this CPD accredited workshop teaches and deepens skills in meditation, self-awareness, and self-regulation

DETAILS: Sign up today! No previous experience with mindfulness is required.

HOSTED BY: Rady Faculty of Health Sciences

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