Public health workers reduce malnutrition risk by dealing with underlying causes in the community. They run programs, offer check-ups, and reach out to people to find those at risk. At risk groups include seniors, children, and families with low income. They try to help before malnutrition starts or gets worse.
Dietitians and public health nurses work together to teach people about healthy eating. They also support lactation and help families learn about infant feeding. Dietitians encourage healthy eating throughout all life stages.
They also work with community groups to make it easier for people to get healthy food. This can include food programs, meal services, and support for better access to food.
Public health workers also study data to understand nutrition problems in the community. They use this information to find gaps and help create better policies. They look at factors like income, housing, and access to food, which all affect a person’s health.
By doing this work, public health teams “Lead the Change” by focusing on preventing problems instead of treating them. Their efforts help improve health and reduce malnutrition in the community.
Explore nutritioncareincanada.ca for valuable information about malnutrition and discover how you can play a role in leading the change to stop malnutrition.
Ten new International Medical Graduates recruited to PMH
Ten new International Medical Graduates recruited to PMH
Dr. Abdulatif Balogun and Dr. Porimol Debnath. Both accepting new patients in Russell.
Physician recruitment efforts continue within the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region, with 10 new international physicians working in various communities this fall. Collaborating with the Province and community partners, PMH continues to strategically enhance access to physician and primary care services within the Region by utilizing education and assessment streams through the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG) and Practice Ready Assessment for Manitoba Family Practitioners (PRA-MB FP).
The one-year MLPIMG Program and three-month PRA-MB FP programs help foreign-trained doctors obtain their medical license to practice as family physicians in rural Manitoba. In return for regional sponsorship, doctors agree to practice in their respective communities for four years. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, the provincial Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care.
“During the past year, the region offered tremendous support and mentorship through these programs,” said Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “After much consideration, physicians who successfully graduated from the programs were placed at various sites within PMH communities that require additional physician resources.”
The newly recruited physicians for communities are:
Killarney Dr. Shams Usman Dr. Ola Usman
Minnedosa Dr. Moazzam Raza Dr. Karen Aquino
Carberry Dr. Hanan Almanama (starts Sept. 14)
Dr. Shams Usman and Dr. Ola Usman. Both accepting new patients in Killarney.
Russell Dr. Abdulatif Balogun Dr. Porimol Debnath
Swan River Dr. Osa Osadolor Dr. Ola Fagbenro
Rossburn/Shoal Lake Dr. Ana Hernandez
In 2025, eight new MLPIMG physicians were placed in the communities of Swan River (3), Roblin (2), Neepawa, Souris and Virden. In 2024, five MLPIMG physicians were placed in the communities of Deloraine, Grandview, Russell, Ste. Rose and Virden.
During the next rotation, which is already underway, PMH will continue to sponsor physicians entering assessment through the two international recruitment streams.
Brandon Satellite Residency Program celebrates recent graduates: Looks ahead to 2026-2027 year
Brandon Satellite Residency Program celebrates recent graduates: Looks ahead to 2026-2027 year
Dr. Emma Gervin representing the family medicine residents, presenting Dr. Brian Bookatz with a clinical teaching award.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues its strong partnerships with University of Manitoba residency programs within the health region. Since 2013, the Brandon Satellite Program has been providing exceptional opportunities for physicians to train in rural settings. This has greatly increased the number of physicians who, once graduating, continue to practice in rural and more remote communities.
Associate Dean Dr. Joanne Maier says the Brandon Satellite Program continues to grow and evolve.
“Three of our programs— two postgraduate and one undergraduate— are based almost entirely in Brandon. This includes a two-year family medicine residency, a five-year psychiatry residency and a one-year longitudinal clerkship (third year of medical school with clinical rotations). There is a hybrid five-year anesthesia residency, which includes a portion of the training in Brandon, plus an Enhanced Skills in Emergency Medicine (CCFP-EM) program which provides an additional year of training in emergency medicine.
“We have many visiting medical students, residents and physician assistant trainees doing a variety of rotations here throughout the year. We also provide MLPIMG assessments and support the Neepawa and Parkland programs for some of their specialty rotations.”
Five Satellite Program residents graduated in June. Below is where they are currently providing service as of Aug. 2026.
-Dr. Andres Garcia Fiola (doing Palliative residency in Winnipeg),
-Dr. Emma Gervin (doing locum work within Prairie Mountain Health),
-Dr. John Ibanga (Locum work in PMH)
-Dr. Elena Vaz (Locum work in PMH)
-Dr. Derek Harris (working with PMH Medical Services on practice opportunities).
As well as two CCFP-Emergency Medicine residents graduated in 2026.
-Dr. Cimon Song – (Working in Brandon ER)
Medical students Caitlin Culleton and Muhammad Hayat representing the medical students, presenting Dr. Jason Kilimnik with a clinical teaching award.
-Dr. Fadi Bahodi – (Locum work in PMH)
Five students moved on to Med IV and matched to family medicine and surgery programs in various Manitoba communities this year, including Brandon, Portage and Winkler.
September 2026 Program Update
Looking ahead to this year, six incoming Med 3 students begin in September, and five students will be done their Med 3 at the end of September.
There are 13 residents in the year 1 & 2 family medicine programs and two entering year 3 of their family medicine residency-Emergency Medicine.
There are 10 psychiatric residents ranging from year one to year five and one anaesthesia resident, entering year four of residency.
Program awards and accolades
On May 27th, the Brandon Satellite Program held its annual Faculty Appreciation and Graduation event at the Backyard on Aberdeen.
Residents, students and staff alike wish the graduates all the best as they continue on in their next career chapters.
Clinical Teaching Awardswere presented to their respective preceptors.
The 2026 recipients were:
Welcome to Brandon’s new Family Medicine residents: (L-R) Taylor Bloomfield, Sam Narvey, Yamini Sharma, Yuliia Khudina, Shay Yakobov, YaeChan Son, Sarramma Mathai (PGY2 Senior Admin Resident), Eman Osman.
Dr. Jason Kilimnik (chosen by the Medical Students).
Dr. Brian Bookatz (chosen by the Family Medicine residents); and
Dr. Joel Braun (chosen by the Psychiatry residents).
Congratulations to these and all the preceptors for your time and dedication to teaching.
HOPE Launches New Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion Website
HOPE Launches New Suicide Prevention and Life Promotion Website
September is World Suicide Prevention Month, and HOPE (Healing, Outreach, Promotion and Education) is pleased to announce the launch of a new regional website dedicated to suicide prevention and life promotion: HopeInPrairieMountain.ca.
Created for individuals, families, communities, service providers and organizations throughout the Prairie Mountain Health region, the website provides a central place to find information, resources, supports and opportunities to get involved in suicide prevention and life promotion.
Visitors to the website can:
Learn about HOPE and opportunities to partner on suicide prevention and life promotion initiatives in their communities.
Stay up to date on the work being done by regional groups SPARK and SPIN.
Find suicide prevention resources, education and available training opportunities.
Access information about current services and where to reach out for support.
Find postvention information, resources and supports for individuals and communities impacted by suicide.
Learn about local and regional suicide prevention and life promotion initiatives, resources and events.
HopeInPrairieMountain.ca is designed to be a regional hub for suicide prevention and life promotion, connecting people with information and supports while highlighting the important work happening in communities throughout the region.
HOPE also welcomes community involvement. Organizations, groups and community members with information, resources, initiatives or upcoming events related to suicide prevention or life promotion are encouraged to connect with HOPE and help us continue building this regional resource.
The website launch comes ahead of World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, an opportunity for communities around the world to raise awareness, strengthen connections and encourage action to prevent suicide.
This September, we encourage everyone across the Prairie Mountain Health region to visit HopeInPrairieMountain.ca, explore the resources available, share the website with others and learn more about how each of us can contribute to suicide prevention and life promotion.
Together, we can raise awareness, strengthen our communities, promote hope and help prevent suicide.
Prairie Mountain Health and Shared Health were pleased to announce that the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) Emergency Department (ED) reopened on September 7 providing 24/7 Emergency Services for the first time since unprecedented flooding shut down the hospital on Canada Day. This incredible milestone was the result of the ongoing, focused efforts of clinical teams, operational staff, contractors, engineers, government and municipal partners, and many others who worked tirelessly to restore services in the existing Emergency Department (ED) space while ensuring safety remained a priority.
Outpatient lab and diagnostic services also reopened on the hospital’s main floor on September 8.
Prairie Mountain Health and Shared Health sincerely thank all staff, physicians, clinicians, leaders, and support teams for their dedication, flexibility, and commitment throughout this challenging period. We also extend our thanks and appreciation to staff at the Ste. Rose Hospital and Grandview Health Centre for their support in welcoming new colleagues and providing exceptional care to patients throughout the transition period related to the DRHC ED closure.
Restoration work continues in other areas of the hospital, and additional details and updates will be provided in the coming weeks.
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara toured the Dauphin Regional Health Centre on opening day of the 24/7 temporary Emergency Department, on the hospital’s main floor. The hospital had been closed since being flooded on Canada Day. Outpatient lab and diagnostic services resumed on the facility’s main floor on Sept. 8.Lab services reopeningED Station OpeningED Team Station 2ED reopeningShared Health Executive Director for Capital Projects, Craig Doerksen addresses staff before the opening of the Dauphin Regional Health Centre temporary Emergency Department on September 7. Also pictured from left are Dr. Chris Christoloulou, Shared Health Interim CEO, Treena Slate, PMH CEO, Dr. Kyle Conrad, PMH Associate Chief Medical Officer and Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn.
From classroom to community: Nutrition students experience rural healthcare first-hand
From classroom to community: Nutrition students experience rural healthcare first-hand
A group of 16 Masters of Applied Human Nutrition students recently had the opportunity to explore communities across Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) during a two-day bus tour.
Beginning in Dauphin, students connected with Registered Dietitians to learn about their roles and experiences working in rural healthcare. The group toured health facilities and community spaces before continuing through several communities including Russell, Hamiota, and Brandon. On the way to Russell, the group made a drive through Gilbert Plains, stopped in Grandview at the Friendly Corner Bakeshop to pick up baking for the bus ride, and then toured around the community of Roblin.
Arriving in Russell, the group gathered for dinner at ‘The Shop’ in Inglis, MB. Following their meal in the charming restaurant, participants made a quick stop to take pictures with the historic Inglis elevators.
Throughout the two-day tour, students were introduced to a wide range of services offered in rural settings, while also gaining insight into the lifestyle and opportunities available across the region. They heard firsthand from dietitians who shared their personal journeys into rural practice and the supports that helped them make the transition.
The tour wrapped up in Brandon, where students participated in networking opportunities and visited several key clinical areas including Cancer Care and the Renal Unit and also checking out the Brandon Regional Health Centre kitchen. The experience concluded with a visit to the Riverbank Discovery Centre.
Students returned to Winnipeg with positive feedback, highlighting the value of experiencing rural Manitoba in person and building connections with healthcare professionals.
This initiative was made possible through collaboration with Recruitment, Primary Care, and Nutrition Services, along with the many staff who contributed their time, expertise, and hospitality.
PMH thanks all staff involved with meal preparation, being part of presentations, providing tours, and networking. The efforts to do not go unnoticed and one of the reasons why people choose PMH to work and live!
Orange Shirt Day | September 30
Orange Shirt Day | September 30
We Wear Orange to Remember
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is on September 30th. This day is set aside as a day to honor residential school survivors that carry lifelong trauma and those who did not return home. Prairie Mountain Health acknowledges the harms and wrongs of the past and is committed to providing culturally safe health care that is without racism and discrimination, as written in our Land Acknowledgement.
Take time to read the Calls to Action that pertain specifically to healthcare – Calls to Action 18 through 24. Reflect on what you are already doing to realize these calls and what actions you can commit to as we work towards reconciliation. The road to reconciliation is the responsibility of us all.
We must provide care that respects Indigenous culture, traditions, languages, and healing practices. Two Eyed Seeing (Albert Marshall, Mi’kmaq Elder) encourages a holistic balance. It combines Indigenous knowledge and wisdom with western medicine. Two Eyed Seeing is combining western medicine with Indigenous ways of knowing and using both together for better health for all.
On September 30th wear orange to show your visible support of Truth and Reconciliation Day to honour the survivors and those who did not make it home from residential school. Check your local area to find events that observe the day with Elders and Knowledge Keepers sharing stories, community coming together to walk in solidarity, listen, read, learn. This is a day of remembering and reflection.
Every Child Matters – Wear an orange shirt on September 30
Events Across PMH
If you have an event you would like to share with the region please email [email protected].
National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation | University of Manitoba – Remembering the Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Watch the live broadcast, September 30.
Government of Canada | national Day for Truth and Reconciliation | Resources and Events
Dauphin
Health Promotion: Looking Upstream to Build Healthier Communities
Health Promotion: Looking Upstream to Build Healthier Communities
When we think about health, we often think about hospitals, clinics, and treating illness. These services are very important and essential, but health begins long before someone needs medical care. Health promotion is about creating the conditions that help people stay healthy, prevent illness, and thrive in the communities where they live.
A simple way to understand health promotion is through the upstream approach. Imagine a river where people are falling in and need rescuing. Downstream care responds to immediate needs ( the impact of not being able to swim/drowning) , but health promotion asks what is happening upstream— “Why are people falling into the river in the first place?” Is it an unsafe environment, lack of support and supervision, or are there other barriers to healthier choices, that are putting people at risk of falling into the river in the first place? By exploring and addressing these root causes, the work of health promotion can prevent harm before it starts, improve health outcomes, and create stronger, healthier communities.
Health Promotion work often happens behind the scenes, by bringing partners together to help create positive change. For example, Prairie Mountain Health’s Project RESET Committee recognized there was a growing concern from schools and families about children’s screen use. Rather than simply encouraging families to “use less screen time,” Health Promotion Coordinators worked with educators and community partners to understand local needs and developed a way to share evidence-informed resources to help bring greater awareness to the important connection screen time use has on wellbeing. Project Reset is just one example of the work of the PMH Health Promotion team. The team works in many different upstream ways by strengthening the factors that can help keep people healthy, including building supportive relationships, access to healthy food, promoting physical activity, education, safe communities, and building opportunities for social connection. Research shows that by investing in these protective factors, health outcomes can be improved, reducing the burden of chronic disease, and contribute to a healthier community. These upstream approaches are an essential part of all healthcare systems, it complements the care and treatment that health care providers offer when medical needs arise by helping prevent illness/ injury before it even begins. While the aim of health promotion work focusses on addressing the many factors that can positively influence health, the health promotion team in Prairie Mountain Health also supports programs and services that can help manage health risks by working further downstream as well.
At Prairie Mountain Health, the Health Promotion Team is proud to work alongside communities to help build environments where healthy choices are accessible, informed, and sustainable. Together, we are helping support healthier people, healthier communities, and a healthier future. To learn more about the role of Health Promotion be sure to check out the video Going Upstream : A Narrative About Health Promotion Work, link: https://vimeo.com/1106106188
As well, each month the Health Promotion Team will feature a Health Promotion in Action story , happening right here in Prairie Mountain Health. Stay tuned!
Written by: Sherrill-Lee Hyra, B.H.Ecol. Health Promotion Coordinator
September: A Month of Recovery, Hope and Connection
September: A Month of Recovery, Hope and Connection
September is National Recovery Month, preceded by International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31st, and featuring World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. These observances unite global communities to remember lives lost, promote effective treatment, and shatter the heavy stigma surrounding mental health, addiction, and suicide.
This year, Prairie Mountain Health’s the Recovery Champions Committee, Suicide Prevention Awareness Resilience Prevention (SPARK) Committee, and Healing Outreach Promotion Education (HOPE) Committees are coming to together to host an event in Dauphin.
Join us at Northgate Trails on September 2nd from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as we come together to recognize these important awareness days, connect with community, and promote hope, recovery and support.
We encourage everyone to share the event widely and join us if you are able!
Talking openly about mental health, substance use, and suicide can help reduce the stigma surrounding these issues. Silence can contribute to isolation, while compassionate and empathetic conversations can help people feel safe asking for support.
Mental Health and substance use are health concerns that can affect anyone. By recognizing this and creating spaces where people can talk about their experiences without fear of judgement, can encourage people to seek help earlier and connect with the supports they need.
Building compassionate communities where asking for help is met with care rather than judgement is an important part of creating strong support systems and supporting recovery.
Recovery looks different for everyone, but no one should have to navigate it alone. By sharing stories of hope, reducing stigma, and connecting people with support, we can help create communities where people feel encouraged to reach out, seek treatment, and move forward on their recovery journey.
Move More, Get More Done
Move More, Get More Done
Welcome to PMH Moves – a year-long Health Promotion series shared through PMH Communications. Each month, we’ll highlight a different way movement supports health across the lifespan — from boosting mood and focus to strength, walking, healthy aging, and staying active through the seasons.
While the topics will change, the message stays the same: every bit of movement counts — and it all adds up. Take what works for you and leave the rest.
This month’s article highlights how short movement breaks improve focus, reduce fatigue and help you feel more alert helping you get more done.
With the long days of summer in the rear-view mirror, you may be enjoying a return to routine. However, the business of Fall schedules often means putting movement on the back burner. We sometimes think that taking a break to add in movement means losing valuable time, but the truth is, a little bit of movement helps us have more energy and focus enabling us to get more done.
The reality. Movement doesn’t steal time – it can help you use it better!
Research consistently shows that short movement breaks of a few minutes improve concentration, memory and problem solving while reducing fatigue. A quick movement break of 2-5 minutes is a simple way to recharge, allowing us to return to our tasks alert and ready to focus. Stand up, march in place, do a few stretches or bodyweight exercises, take a brisk walk or wheel or a trip up and down the stairs. The boost in mood and focus help your brain work more efficiently. The result? You get more done!
Other ideas to move more during busy days include a short walk after a meal with family, coworkers or friends, or try walking or biking to work, school, activities or errands. You’ll arrive feeling energized – Your body and your brain will thank you!
For busy parents waiting at the rink, gym or field, why not move while you wait? Take a few minutes to do some squats, wall push ups or marching on the spot. If the space allows, walk back and forth along a hallway or around the block. It doesn’t have to be a workout, even 5 minutes can help you feel more energized and ready to tackle the rest of the day or evening. Check out the Move While You Wait campaign posters in a recreation facility near you.
-submitted by Tara Smith, Health Promotion Coordinator
