Manitoba aims recruitment efforts at U.S. doctors distressed by American politics
Doctors Manitoba is stepping up its recruitment efforts to address Manitoba’s doctor shortage, particularly targeting physicians in the United States who may be concerned about the incoming presidency of Donald Trump. The organization has placed ads in several U.S. states, focusing on areas where state governments have been targeting issues like abortion or gender-affirming care.
The headline on the recruitment website reads, “Practice with stability and certainty, where you are valued and trusted as a physician and the government stays out of the exam room. Build a practice and life you’ll love in Manitoba.” The recruitment campaign emphasizes Manitoba’s health-care system as one that values medical evidence and enables doctors to practice medicine with stability, predictability, and zero political interference between the physician and the patient.
According to data from the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Manitoba typically recruits one or two U.S.-trained doctors per year, compared to about 90 internationally trained physicians from other countries. Keir Johnson, Doctors Manitoba’s director of strategy and communications, stated that the organization has identified the U.S. as an untapped market for recruitment and is actively monitoring recruitment trends.
Theresa Oswald, CEO of Doctors Manitoba and former Manitoba health minister, explained that the organization has been working closely with university professionals, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, and the provincial government to address the doctor shortfall in the province. Manitoba currently requires 375 to 400 more physicians just to reach the national per capita average.
The recruitment efforts are aimed at states where physicians may be feeling distressed about government interference in medical practices. Oswald highlighted North Dakota, South Dakota, and Florida as initial targets due to their negative approaches to issues like gender-affirming care and abortion restrictions. The organization believes that Manitoba offers a welcoming environment for physicians seeking to practice medicine without political interference.
Despite the challenging political climate in the U.S., Doctors Manitoba remains optimistic about attracting American physicians to Manitoba. The organization’s recruitment ads have been appearing in medical association journals and other physician-focused publications, emphasizing the benefits of practicing in Manitoba, such as the low cost of living, natural attractions, academic and research opportunities, and universal health coverage.
While the recruitment campaign has not yet generated a significant response, Doctors Manitoba is committed to working with the government of Manitoba’s health-care resources recruitment office to facilitate the relocation process for interested physicians. The organization sees itself as a piece of the broader puzzle in addressing the doctor shortage and aims to collaborate with all relevant authorities to attract qualified medical professionals to Manitoba.
In conclusion, Doctors Manitoba’s recruitment campaign is positioning Manitoba as an attractive destination for American physicians seeking a practice environment free from political interference. The organization’s efforts to highlight the benefits of practicing in Manitoba and collaborate with government agencies demonstrate a proactive approach to addressing the province’s doctor shortage.
