Changes on way to speed process for internationally trained MDs to work in Manitoba

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 24/07/2023 (828 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Regulatory changes that go into effect Sept. 1 are expected to make it easier for internationally educated doctors to work in Manitoba as the provincial government recognizes the need to remove barriers for family doctors and specialists from other countries.

Health Minister Audrey Gordon and the Manitoba College of Physicians and surgeons announced the changes Monday afternoon as part of the province’s goal to recruit an additional 150 doctors.

The regulation change means internationally educated physicians who meet all other registration requirements will no longer be required to hold a licentiate of the Medical Council of Canada in order to practise in Manitoba. As well, some sub-specialist doctors will be eligible for a new fast-tracked registration process.

Provisional registration requirements are also being lifted for physicians who are already fully licensed from countries on a list that includes the United States, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand. Those doctors won’t have to undergo assessment and supervision requirements when they begin practising in Manitoba. Gordon said those jurisdictions offer similar education and training to Canada and the provisional registration has offered little to no value.

Dr. Anna Ziomek, registrar for Manitoba’s College of Physicians and Surgeons, said the regulatory body held public consultations before proposing the changes to the government.

“We heard from physicians who were international medical graduates who said our process was cumbersome and difficult and led to delays. We heard from Canadians who trained internationally and now would like to come back to Canada, and again, the process was too difficult for specialists to come back to Manitoba,” Ziomek said, adding the college is looking forward to seeing the results of these changes and enhanced recruitment in Manitoba.

“We heard from the university and Shared Health. These changes will allow the province to bring in more specialists with less-burdensome qualification processes. We’re confident this will strengthen Manitoba’s workforce.”

The province has contracted recruitment firm Canadian Health Labs to recruit 150 additional physicians to Manitoba — 50 each for northern Manitoba, Winnipeg and rural communities.

Shared Health’s request for proposals to secure a recruitment firm was announced in April. Gordon said she’s confident they’ll be able to meet the target.

“I’m very confident about reaching the 150 goal. We set that goal after talking with the regional health authorities, after talking with Shared Health, and hearing from our recruiters. So part of the RFP process, there was a requirement to lay out their ability to achieve those goals and we’ve also established penalties if they do not achieve those goals at certain stages of the contract,” the minister said.

She said doctors want to come to Manitoba, “and we need to make it more equitable and easier for them to do so.”

As the contracting agent for health system employers, Shared Health stated the contract with Canadian Health Labs is for two years with an option for a third year. Compensation figures haven’t been announced. Shared Health is not responsible for recruitment, but is responsible for health system supply chain and procurement.

“The number of physicians recruited per geographic area impacts the overall compensation, with greater incentives given for successful recruitment to positions in rural and northern areas that are typically more difficult to fill,” a Shared Health spokesperson stated.

“Finally, the time commitment required to work in a specific role and/or community would be subject to negotiated contractual terms agreed to between the physician and health system employer.”

katie.may@winnipegfreepress.com