Manitoba is making waves by welcoming U.S. doctors—here's why it matters.
Manitoba has recently seen a significant influx of physicians from the United States, with six doctors either already working in the province or having accepted positions. Five of these physicians are based in Winnipeg, while one has joined the Prairie Mountain Health region in western Manitoba. This is just the beginning: according to the province's health minister, these six are part of a larger group of 33 U.S. doctors at different stages of the recruitment process.
But here's where it gets controversial: the surge in recruitment is closely linked to the political climate south of the border. Health officials accelerated their efforts to attract American physicians following the election of former President Donald Trump, and those efforts now appear to be paying off.
"We've already begun welcoming physicians from the U.S., and I've personally spoken with a few of them. It's wonderful to have them join our community," Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara said Monday.
Asagwara explained that the six doctors are among the 33 currently engaged in the recruitment process, with plans to bring the remaining 27 to Manitoba. "The process can involve anything from finalizing employment paperwork to completing immigration requirements or even preparing to relocate their families. We provide extensive support to ensure a smooth transition," the minister added.
The push to recruit U.S. doctors began in earnest about six months ago, although broader recruitment efforts through the Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office started more than a year ago. Between 2020 and 2024, Manitoba welcomed only zero to three physicians from the U.S. per year, according to the latest annual report from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. Since November 2024, the college has registered 10 doctors who most recently trained or practiced in the U.S., with an additional eight applications still under review.
Dr. Nichelle Desilets, a rural physician and president of Doctors Manitoba, highlighted the benefits of recruiting American doctors. "They often have similar training and are already accustomed to harsh weather conditions," she said. Desilets also pointed out that this talent pool had been largely untapped for Manitoba's central regions.
The association launched its recruitment initiative partly in response to the political environment in the U.S. Desilets emphasized a unique angle: attracting physicians who may feel uneasy about politics influencing their work and the patient-physician relationship. "We want to open our doors to any U.S. doctors who feel discomfort with politics entering the exam room," she noted.
While recruitment is a priority, Desilets stressed the importance of maintaining strong relationships with current Manitoba physicians, who have dedicated their careers and lives to the province. Their role is also crucial in fostering a welcoming and supportive environment for incoming doctors.
This trend raises intriguing questions: How much should political factors influence physician migration? And could the influx of U.S. doctors reshape Manitoba's healthcare landscape? Share your thoughts in the comments below—do you see this as a positive development, or could it stir tension among local healthcare providers?
WATCH: Some U.S. doctors are moving to Manitoba
Hospitals and clinics are starting to see a boost from south of the border, as American doctors seek opportunities in Manitoba amid political unrest back home.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Josh Crabb is a reporter with CBC Manitoba. He began his journalism career in 2005 at CKX-TV in Brandon, Man., and after a brief period working in television in Red Deer, Alta., he returned to Manitoba in 2010. Since then, he has been covering stories throughout the province, including Winnipeg.
With contributions from Jim Agapito.
