Four graduate from Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit in 2026
Four graduate from Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit in 2026
Parkland Family Medicine Residency Graduates 2026 – Dr. Mannat Chahal, Dr. Brian Nyandieka, Dr. Karan Gupta and Dr. Kevin Mowbrey.
A local celebration honouring the four graduates of the 2026 Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit was held on Tuesday, May 26th at Obsolete Brewing Company in Dauphin. A lovely catered meal by Merry’s Bistro was enjoyed along with songs, games and fellowship. Residents, students and staff alike wish the graduates all the best as they continue their next chapter. The graduates, and the next steps in their career path, include:
Dr. Karan Gupta–will be joining the Dauphin Medical Clinic
Dr. Mannat Chahal – will be completing a 3rd year of training in Emergency in Brandon
Dr. Brian Nyandieka – will be doing locums in Manitoba
Dr. Kevin Mowbrey– will be moving to Kelowna, BC
Of note, all four graduates passed their qualifying Certification in the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CCFP) exam. It is a professional designation awarded to medical specialists who have completed approved residency training and successfully passed the Certification Examination in Family Medicine.
As of 2025, 83% of all the graduates from the Parkland Unit since its inception in 1991 have begun their first practice in a rural setting.
More Than a Club: HERO Programs Helping People Thrive Across PMH Communities
More Than a Club: HERO Programs Helping People Thrive Across PMH Communities
They’re more than just places to gather—they’re spaces where people grow, connect, and rediscover their strengths. Across the Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) region, HERO Clubs are creating meaningful opportunities for individuals on their mental health recovery journey to build confidence, develop relationships, and contribute to their communities.
Helping Everyone Reach Out (HERO) Clubs were established in the former Parkland region shortly after 1994, following the downsizing and eventual closure of the Brandon Mental Health Centre. Since then, the clubs have provided welcoming, supportive, and safe environments where members can take part in recreation, education, employment, and social activities—building skills and a sense of belonging along the way.
Dauphin was the first of four HERO Club locations in the region, followed by Swan River, Roblin, and Russell. The Dauphin club celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2024, while Swan River marked its milestone in 2025.
PMH is pleased to feature the first of a two-part series highlighting the Dauphin and Swan River HERO Clubs. Clubs in Roblin and Russell will be featured next month.
Dauphin HERO Club Overview
The Dauphin HERO Club Hot Dog Cart is back for another season. The Cart will be set up in the Home Hardware Parking Lot every Friday for the summer (weather permitting) from 11 am until 1:00 pm.
The Dauphin HERO Club has had an exciting and impactful year, marked by growth, strong community connections, and meaningful opportunities for its members. One of the most rewarding outcomes has been seeing members gain confidence, build friendships, and actively contribute to their community.
“Some of the most memorable highlights have been our volunteer partnerships,” says Leanne Ursel, PMH Proctor North Supervisor, Mental Health.
Members have volunteered with the Humane Society and Food for Thought, helping support animal care and school meal programs. These experiences create a sense of purpose and pride while demonstrating the positive impact members have in the community.
Members also participated in recreational and wellness activities such as crafting, swimming, and bowling, supporting creativity, physical health, and social connection.
Approximately 6–10 participants regularly attend programming. Fundraising efforts like the hot dog cart help support activities, transportation, and events.
“The impact of the HERO Club extends far beyond its membership,” adds Ursel. The club continues to reduce isolation and build a more inclusive community.
Swan River HERO Club Overview
The Swan River HERO Club has also had a strong year, with 5–6 regular participants and new members joining recently.
Dorleen Sagert, PMH Community Mental Health Worker says programs like Friday Bake and Take allow members to prepare meals together and take food home at a low cost.
“The members continue to enjoy the Bake and Take program, where they are able to help cook a hot meal, eat one helping and take one helping home for a ready-made weekend meal all for the low cost of $5 each,” Sagert says.
Club members and staff playing bingo at the Swan River HERO Club.
“This is thanks to a grant the Club received through the Healthy Together Now initiative. The members also enjoyed several activities including Taste Testing of various new and unique fruits and vegetables, attending the Community Clean Up event in the spring, going to the Ukrainian Dance Festival and participating in the Bell Let’s Talk Day,” added Sagert.
Members also participated in community events, educational courses, and work programs such as yard maintenance and snow removal, building skills and earning income. Garden projects are also underway, and members look forward to harvesting later this season.
Sagert says there are insightful educational programs featured throughout the year.
“CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association) hosts educational courses at the HERO Club like “All about Anger”, “Conquering Negative Thought Patterns”, “Insights into Schizophrenia” and “Mental Health Experiences for Older Adults”, Sagert adds. “HERO Club members enjoy seeing the instructor teach the courses to them in their building as he used to work with many of the members on a part-time basis at the HERO Club.
Across the region, HERO Clubs continue to make a meaningful difference—supporting recovery, strengthening connections, and helping people thrive in their communities.
PMH and community health partners tour doctor recruit around Carberry
PMH and community health partners tour doctor recruit around Carberry
Dr. Almanama’s children with Callie Sudak and Dr. Almanama, husband, and son with PMH Health Service Managers Missy Lounsbury and Amber Seitz
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) and community representatives spent a productive day on June 17 touring an international doctor recruit around Carberry. PMH Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Tamara Kemp-Boulet says Dr. Hanan Almanama is an internationally educated physician who has upgraded her training through one of the provincial International Medical Graduate (IMG) program streams. Dr. Almanama who was trained in Palestine, completed the three-month PRA-MB FP (Practice Ready Assessment for Manitoba Family Practitioners) program and is set to begin practicing in Carberry later this Fall.
The one-day tour with community representatives featured visits to the hospital and personal care home, medical clinic, schools, daycares, recreation facilities and potential accommodation places.
PRA-MB FP physicians work in rural and underserviced areas of Manitoba through return of service agreements with sponsoring RHAs while working to obtain medical licensure as family physicians.
PMH works closely with Manitoba’s Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office (HCRRO) as part of a coordinated, province-wide approach to strengthen workforce pipelines and support recruitment across rural and regional communities. HCCRO and PMH continue collaborative efforts which include international recruitment, supporting doctors through licensing, immigration, and community placement.
Dr. Almanama with Mayor Ray Muirhead and Dr. Kyle Conrad
Dr. Almanama and her family with Carberry Economic Development Officer Callie Sudak and Fire Dept. Captain Mike Sudak
Foundations contribute to bariatric care at Dauphin Regional Health Centre
Foundations contribute to bariatric care at Dauphin Regional Health Centre
Jeanette Logan, Prairie Mountain Health Manager of Health Services – Regional Therapy Services, with one of Dauphin Regional Health Centre’s new bariatric chairs. An RBC Foundation gift enabled the purchase of a chair and transfer training for staff. The Dauphin Hospital Foundation contributed towards the purchase of a second chair.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continues with plans to support the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) as a bariatric care site. And thanks to the assistance of the RBC Foundation and Dauphin Hospital Foundation, two special bariatric wheelchairs were recently purchased for the facility. The RBC Foundation contributed $10,0000 which was used to buy one of the wheelchairs and some remaining funds went towards staff education and training for bariatric lift and care resources.
A bariatric wheelchair is a specialized, heavy-duty mobility device with reinforced frames and wider seating to safely accommodate individuals with higher body weights.
“We are extremely pleased with RBC Foundation’s contribution to our bariatric care initiative as we continue to focus on patient-centered care at Dauphin Regional Health Centre,” said Jeanette Logan, Prairie Mountain Health Manager of Health Services – Regional Therapy Services. “By enhancing our health centre to be conducive for care for people of all sizes, a full scope of specialized equipment will allow for improved patient flow and support for bariatric patients that have mobility difficulties.”
The RBC Foundation donation was part of a national commitment during National Nursing Week in May that saw more than $30 million donated in single-year and multi-year donations to 93 Canadian hospitals, including Dauphin Regional Health Centre. The funds are part of RBC’s national commitment to strengthening healthcare by supporting workforce training, inclusive patient care and sustainable, accessible hospital spaces.
Over the summer of 2026, Jeanette Logan is working with two students who hope to become an Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist on developing safe work procedures on use of bariatric slings and safe client handling procedures.
“We are also very fortunate to continue to be supported by the Dauphin Hospital Foundation who purchased the second wheelchair for us. The Dauphin Hospital Foundation has stepped forward on many initiatives and equipment purchases that have continued to benefit programs and services within our health centre, for which remain grateful,” Logan added.
PMH continues to move forward on the bariatric care site initiative, which will include renovating and retrofitting patient areas at DRHC. Some of the work completed to date includes the installation of ceiling track lifts/accessible door widths in renovated patient rooms on medicine, a bariatric accessible room in the Emergency Department, and bariatric parallel bars in the therapy gym. This is part of an ongoing process to provide for an accessible environment for all.
DRHC celebrates 125-year anniversary
DRHC celebrates 125-year anniversary
A large crowd celebrated the 125th Anniversary
A large crowd gathered at the Dauphin Regional Health Centre (DRHC) on May 29 to recognize and celebrate the 125th anniversary of Dauphin’s hospital. Attendees were greeted with a large display of pictures and articles of milestone events from the hospital’s storied history and were treated to refreshments and cake.
As part of the formal presentations, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Communications Coordinator Blaine Kraushaar provided greetings and congratulations on behalf of PMH leadership. He re-iterated the health centre’s significant role in the community and acknowledged the provision of excellent care provided by both current and past healthcare professionals and staff members and noted the contributions of volunteers, including the Dauphin Hospital Foundation and former Health Care Auxiliary.
A storied history greeted attendees at the event
“Since we celebrated the 100-year anniversary in 2001, many important achievements have occurred. We opened a dedicated Palliative Care Unit in 2004, constructed a Community Heath Building attached to the hospital in 2008, added an MRI unit in 2018, and expanded the Emergency Department in 2019. In 2023-2024, the hospital moved and enhanced its cancer care unit onto the main floor, opened an endoscopy suite, and renovated a space on the third floor for the Therapies Program. This had led to improved and enhance care for residents of PMH and the Parkland area,” he stated.
Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn brought greetings on behalf of the province.
Other dignitaries included Dauphin MLA/Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn who provided greetings on behalf of the Manitoba Government, Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak, RM of Dauphin Councilor Ken Plustwa, Parkland Family Medicine Unit Director Dr. Scott Kish, and Greg Thompson of the Dauphin Hospital Foundation.
Minister Kostyshyn also presented PMH with a framed certificate of a statement he made in the Manitoba Legislature that recognized the milestone and quality of care provided over the past 125 years.
DRHC officials offered special thanks to Dauphin McDonalds restaurant for donating and serving lemonade and ice coffee during the festivities. Thanks also went to Tim Hortons for providing coffee and the Dauphin Co-op for donating the decorated cake.
Speakers and dignitaries (l-r) Greg Thopmson, Dauphin Hospital Foundation, Ken Plustwa, RM of Dauphin, Blaine Kraushaar, PMH Communications, Dauphin MLA Ron Kostyshyn, Dr. Scott Kish, Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit and Dauphin Mayor David Bosiak.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Day! The purpose of this day is to promote a better understanding of elder abuse and neglect and what we can do to prevent it in the future. There are many different types of elder abuse, ranging from physical, emotional, spiritual and financial, to name a few.
What can YOU do to make a difference on this day?
Start a conversation with friends and family about elder abuse and any of the above-listed resources.
Visit a senior- they can be your neighbour, someone in assisted living or personal care home!
Engage in meaningful conversations on social media regarding the impact of Elder Abuse on you or a loved one.
Wear purple in solidarity.
If you or someone you know may be experiencing any form of elder abuse, there are many supports available in Manitoba to help:
Seniors’ Abuse Support Line
Call the Seniors Abuse Support Line and speak to a trained and caring counsellor. To learn more about seniors abuse and about staying safe, remember that help is just a phone call away. You can call the Seniors Abuse Support Line even when you are not sure that what you are experiencing is abuse. All calls are free & confidential.
Toll-free: 1-888-896-7183
A & O: Support Services for Older Adults
Confidential consultation, assessment and counselling services are provided to seniors who are victims of abuse.
This Office is responsible for receiving and investigating reports of alleged abuse or neglect while receiving care in personal care homes, hospitals or any other designated health facility. If a person’s life or well-being is in immediate danger, take steps to ensure the person’s safety first, then call the PPCP’s confidential, toll-free line.
National HIV Testing Day in Canada and across North America is officially observed annually on June 27. This day promotes routine testing, early diagnosis, and access to treatment and preventative medications such as pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) . It is also an opportunity to raise awareness and reduce stigma associated with HIV and people living with HIV.
Last month, the province of Manitoba declared an HIV public health emergency due to a steady rise in new cases. In response, health officials are emphasizing the importance of testing, increasing awareness, and connecting individuals to care and support services.
As HIV rates continue to rise, it is important to remember that there are many ways we can help prevent the spread of HIV. All people who are sexually active or who use intravenous drugs are encouraged to get routinely tested. Sexually Transmitted and Blood Borne Infections(STBBI)/HIV testing should be offered to all pregnant people during their first prenatal visit and again during the third trimester.
HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), when taken as prescribed, is highly effective in preventing HIV infection. Providing low-barrier access to harm reduction supplies, including safer injection and safer sex supplies, is another important strategy to help reduce the spread of HIV.
Remember, HIV can affect anyone, and the only way to know your status for sure is through testing.
In Prairie Mountain Health, several HIV/STBBI testing events will be taking place throughout the month of June, including events recognizing National HIV Testing Day on June 27.
Brandon – Wednesday, June 24 from 12:00 to 3:00 pm at Princess Park
Brandon | Pride in the Park – Saturday, June 13 from 4:30 to 8:00 pm at the Discovery Centre
Brandon | The Sexual Wellness Lodge – First Friday of every month; next event June 5, 12:00 to 4:00 pm at In a Good Way, 303 9th Street
Dauphin – Wednesday, June 24 from 1:00 to 3:00 pm, MHRN will be offering HIV self-testing kits at CN Park
Swan River – Tuesday, June 23 from 10:00 am – 3:00 pm. STBBI testing event in partnership with MHRN Swan River chapter. Hosted at the baseball diamonds so outdoor games can be played.
These events provide opportunities for individuals to access testing, learn more about HIV prevention, and connect with local supports and resources. If you are unable to attend any of the events listed, but would like to be tested for HIV, please visit your local primary health care clinic, community health clinic, public health office or family doctor.
Healthcare professionals tour Swan River Valley
Healthcare professionals tour Swan River Valley
The families gathered for a picture in front of the famous Swan in Swan River. Pictured from left are Hakeem Fagbenro, Clinical Assistant, Agnes (Dr. Osadolor’s mom), Dr. Olamidehinde Fagbenro, PMH Physician Recruitment and Retention Coordinator Tamara Kemp-Boulet, and Dr. Osayimwense Osadolor. In front are Dr. Osadolor’s children.
The Swan Valley was the central focus of a recent community and site visit for a pair of physicians and their families in Swan River May 21-22. Two physicians that are being sponsored by Prairie Mountain Health through a provincial training program will be practicing in Swan River upon successful completion of their three-month assessment initiative. Dr. Olamidehinde Fagbenro and Dr. Dr. Osayimwense Osadolor are expected to begin seeing patients later this fall.
An added bonus is that Dr. Fagbenro husband Hakeem is going to be working as a Clinical Assistant in Swan River as soon as early July.
Both physicians are going through the PRA-MB FP program, commonly referred to as the ‘practice ready assessment program,’ which offers an accelerated pathway to licensure to qualified candidates following a three‑month practice evaluation process.
PMH has one more physician completing the program that is destined to practice Carberry. A community/site visit is being planned for June 17.
June is Pride Month
June is Pride Month
Jordan Sophasath, Public Health Nurse and Michelle Preece, Public Health Nurse with Uzoma Asagwara, Minister of Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care at Brandon Pride in 2025
June is Pride Month, and PMH celebrates everyone in our 2SLGBTQIA+ community! Here are some events within Manitoba, Happy Pride!
If you are hosting a 2SLGBTQIA+ pride event in your community, please share those details by emailing [email protected], and we would be happy to share that information on our website and on our social media channels.
Support Services
Visit our Gender Affirming Care Clinic page for information on services available to you within Prairie Mountain Health.
Read stories from members of 2SLGBTQQIA+ and allies within Manitoba’s health care community.
National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21
National Indigenous Peoples Day | June 21
June 21, 2026 is the 30th anniversary of National Indigenous Peoples Day. It’s a time to recognize and celebrate the traditions, cultures and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
With the arrival of June 21 comes the summer solstice, the longest day of the year.
Annually, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples’ Day (NIPD).
Indigenous people acknowledge the teachings of the four seasons by their representation on the medicine wheel. Summer is a time of growth and warmth. NIPD provides the experience to grow in awareness and understanding and build relationships as people come together to celebrate the culture of Indigenous people.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) acknowledges the history, heritage, traditions and experiences of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples within our health region.
Prairie Mountain Health provides health services on the original lands of Treaty 1, 2 & 4, territories of the Dakota, Ojibway and Cree people and the Red River Métis. We acknowledge the traditional territories and treaties that confirm recognition and respect for the Indigenous populations – past and present.
PMH encourages all who deliver health services on the original lands of First Nations people and on the homeland of Métis citizens to recognize the ongoing obligation to provide culturally safe health care. As an organization, we will continue to embrace the distinct cultural knowledge, practices and traditions of Indigenous Peoples and continue efforts to strengthen relationships with the Indigenous communities and peoples who we serve.
Watch social media for announcements and information on this year’s coming events in our region.
For NIPD events near your area, contact your local First Nation or Métis community.
If you are holding events in the PMH region, please share information by emailing the details to [email protected]
