On Thursday morning, 106 doctor of medicine (MD) graduates celebrated their graduation from the University of Manitoba, marking the culmination of years of hard work. The president of Doctors Manitoba, Dr. Randy Guzman, described the current state of healthcare in the province as challenging, with physician shortages leading to long waitlists. Despite these challenges, many graduates are eager to begin their careers in Manitoba, with 73% of the graduating class planning to stay in-province for their residency.
Dr. Peter Nickerson, the dean of the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, expressed confidence that even those graduates who go away for their residency will eventually return to Manitoba. Many graduates see the need for more healthcare providers in the province and are committed to filling those gaps. Some are specifically drawn to rural and remote areas where access to healthcare is limited, such as Dr. Gillian McIvor who is focused on primary care in the north, where she hopes to increase access to healthcare services.
While the province currently has the lowest number of physicians per capita in Canada and is in need of 445 more physicians to meet the national average, the commitment of these new graduates to staying in Manitoba is a positive sign for the future of healthcare in the province. Dr. Guzman emphasized the importance of their hard work and passion in helping patients and improving healthcare for all Manitobans. The graduates are seen as valuable assets to the healthcare system and are encouraged to continue their work in the province.
Despite the challenges facing healthcare in Manitoba, the new graduates are hopeful and eager to make a difference in their communities. Many have personal ties to the province and are committed to addressing the healthcare needs they have witnessed firsthand. Dr. Nickerson and Dr. Guzman both have personal stories of returning to Manitoba after pursuing opportunities elsewhere, highlighting the sense of community and shared purpose that drives healthcare professionals to stay and work in the province.
Overall, the graduation of 106 new doctors in Manitoba represents a positive step towards improving healthcare in the province. The commitment of these graduates to staying in Manitoba, as well as their dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of underserved populations, bodes well for the future of healthcare in the province. With their hard work, passion, and commitment to making a difference, these new doctors are poised to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Manitobans.
