2010-2011 Resolution: Rural Medical School

Posted by Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on 5/04/09 • Categorized as 2010-2011 Resolutions Archive

Preamble: There is a well documented need for increased physician manpower in rural and northern Manitoba and in spite of significant efforts and expenditures of monies, little progress in recruiting for either foreign or Winnipeg trained physicians to stay in rural and northern locations has worked. Studies show that the location of training institutions and the originating of local students selected are the two most important signifiers on eventual practice location. Brandon University and the Brandon Regional Health Center have demonstrated capacity produce medical education programming at a high level.

Resolution: That the Government of Manitoba establish in Brandon rural and northern medical training of physicians.

Resolution Report:

The Manitoba Chambers of Commerce produces Resolution reports as part of its commitment to be accountable to its members. The reports are updated as matters unfold and have two components:

MCC Advocacy: Specific activities the MCC has done to help make this Resolution a reality.

Developments: All other information (e.g. government action, media coverage, reports) that relates to Resolution.

Advice, comments, and information sharing are welcome; simply enter a reply at the bottom of this post.

MCC Advocacy:

May 11, 2010: The 2010-2011 Resolutions were posted on the MCC website, listed as part of a comprehensive Report on AGM 2010 and then notice of this story was circulated through the MCC E-Update is sent to all MCC members, Media and Government.

June 16, 2010: Resolution books were sent to every MLA and every Member of Parliament that hails from Manitoba. The following had this Resolution specifically drawn to their attention with a detailed letter setting out the background to this issue, Government initiatives (where applicable), and an argument for the Resolution:

The Minister Advanced Education and Literacy
The Minister of Health

Developments:

May 13, 2010: On related news:

“Manitoba has invested $400,000 this year to help transition the PN [ Practical Nursing] program at ACC from a certificate to a diploma. The curriculum has been updated and will be introduced in classes starting this fall. The new diploma program will increase the total number of practicum hours required to graduate to 880 from 800. It will also require graduates to complete an additional 120 classroom hours in microbiology, nutrition and sociology.”

Find out more at http://www.mbchamber.mb.ca/2010/05/nurse-training-continues-to-grow-in-manitoba-supporting-front-line-care-premier/

July 27, 2010: The Honourable Diane McGifford, Minister of Advanced Education and Literacy, wrote to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on this issue.

Here is the Minister’s response:

With regard to the Resolution concerning the establishment of a site in Brandon for rural and northern medical training of physicians, the government recently announced the funding of a study to examine how education, recruitment and retention initiatives can further increase the supply of physicians throughout the province, with particular emphasis on doctors serving in rural and northern areas.

The study will specifically examine the potential for a greater role for Brandon University in educating medical professionals, as well as ways to improve access to family doctors in Manitoba. I expect that the government will make a recommendation covering the Brandon site, once the study is complete.

October 25, 2010: The Honourable Honourable Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health, wrote to the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce on this issue.

Here is a key excerpt of the Minister’s response:

“On June 24, 2010, the provincial government announced that we will be funding a study to examine how education, recruitment and retention initiatives can further increase the supply of doctors throughout the province, with particular emphasis on doctors serving rural and northern areas. This includes examining the potential for medical education in Brandon. I have been advised that the Council for Post Secondary Education (COPSE) is currently working with BU to develop this study. ”

Click here to read the full response.

January 11, 2010: The Honourable Theresa Oswald, Minister of Health, was asked for an update on this issue. Here is a video of her response: