Manitoba sees record physician shortage improve

The physician shortage in Manitoba is shrinking. New data shows that last year marked the largest-ever net gain of 133 physicians, equalling a 2% increase in physicians per capita.In 2023, Manitoba’s doctor shortage reached a record high—the province needed 445 more doctors required to reach the national average for physicians per capita. This shortage greatly impacted patient care, from the over 150,000 Manitobans without a family doctor, to others waiting unreasonably long wait times for emergency and specialty care, testing and surgery.“One of physicians’ top concerns has been the doctor shortage, because it leads to longer wait times for patients and that causes physicians distress and burnout,” said Dr. Randy Guzman, President of Doctors Manitoba, in a press release. “Some of physicians’ recommendations have been implemented, and we’re finally seeing improvements in doctor recruitment and retention, though this initial progress must be sustained with continued investments and relentless attention.”While this is a positive improvement, Manitoba still ranks second worst in the country on physicians per capita. An average of 227 doctors start practicing in Manitoba each year, while 156 are lost to other jurisdictions or retirement. Dr. Guzman notes that a focus on retention is a key part of the equation, as “leaving retention unaddressed risks undermining the improvements we have made in recruitment.”Doctors Manitoba recognizes significant progress in a number of areas, including expanding medical training, reducing burnout, and signing an historic new funding agreement for doctors last year. However, several recommendations still need attention, including expanding team-based care in physician practices, supporting physicians in Manitoba with their recruitment efforts, and focusing on recruitment and retention for smaller specialty groups and communities struggling with chronic shortages. Review the full analysis of new data in the latest annual report from Doctors Manitoba, Physicians in Manitoba (2024).

Manitoba sees record physician shortage improve

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