Fifteen communities participate in U of M “Rural Week”
An enthusiastic bunch of first-year medical students from the University of Manitoba’s (U of M) Max Rady College of Medicine (Rady Faculty of Health Sciences) got a first-hand look at the sights and sounds of the vibrant rural communities within Prairie Mountain Health ({PMH) region. Students noted the lifestyle opportunities, attractions and experiences in rural areas and, through feedback, provided many positive reviews, including some from participants who were learning of life outside the Manitoba perimeter for the very first time.
Some 46 medical students participated in ‘Rural Week’ within the region from May 26 – May 30 and June 2 – 6. The medical students were assigned to visit 15 participating communities this year, including Brandon, Carberry, Dauphin, Deloraine, Glenboro, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, Neepawa, Roblin, Russell, Souris, Ste. Rose, Swan River and Virden.
Rural Week— coordinated annually by the Department of Family Medicine, Shared Health, Health Care Recruitment and Retention Office, and rural, regional health authorities enlist community stakeholders to assist with planning the lifestyle tours and events. Students also participate in various rural physician practices and tours of healthcare sites.
PMH Regional Lead of Medical Services and Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung added:
“This exposure is as much about rural lifestyle as it is about rural medicine. Rural Week is an exciting time, as it allows us as a region to highlight our communities, staff, and facilities to the medical students while also giving the students a chance to see how rewarding and fulfilling rural practice can be.”
For example, four students in Ste. Rose provided this overview, which noted the variety of care some family physicians offer in rural areas.
“There are four physicians in Ste. Rose who serve a broad community of patients from multiple other communities such as Rorketon, Ebb and Flow, Kinosota, etc.; many patients have to drive quite far from other places in the catchment area. Dr. Blais, a Metis physician who lives in Dauphin, also drives to Ste. Rose’s hospital to work there. She also does one or two days a week at the Health Center in Ebb and Flow. She is the only physician who works at the Ebb and Flow Health Center, an action that directly serves to bridge the health inequity of access to medical care.”
PMH thanks all physician preceptors, healthcare professionals, and community volunteers whose dedication makes Rural Week successful. This important Week would not have been possible without the commitment and enthusiasm of the communities, who generously share their time and spirit to showcase all they have to offer.
PMH Recruitment Coordinator Savannaha Robertson is ready to greet participants at the Training and Employment Fair held in Dauphin May 14.
Prairie Mountain Health Recruitment Coordinators Nicole Gulenchin and Savannaha Robertson were on hand at a career event in Dauphin May 14. The Training and Employment Fair was held at the Dauphin Neighbourhood Renewal Corporation (DNRC) Community Centre and was spearheaded by DNRHC and Assiniboine College. The PMH Booth highlighted available careers throughout the community and region and also provided information on the benefits of working in health care. This was a first-time event held to highlight Parkland opportunities and community connections. Networking with employment organizations and health partners and stakeholders in the area were also key benefits of the one-day local expo.
PMH attends career day at Ebb and Flow First Nation
PMH attends career day at Ebb and Flow First Nation
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) Addiction Services was on hand at the Ebb and Flow First Nation Career Day on April 30 and took the opportunity to display information on the many health care career opportunities within the health region and provide background on addiction services in general. The one-day event for high school and adult education students featured over 30 booths, and many presenters delivered inspiring messages and guidance to the students in attendance.
One of the many highlights included two young ladies who had the opportunity to share their science fair projects, which won awards at the University of Manitoba science fair. They will try to do the same at an upcoming national science fair. As a bonus, the lead singer from the Manitoba country music band Doc Walker even attended the event, where he gave an impactful speech, performed some songs and then welcomed attendees to get autographs/pictures and learn how to get into the music industry!
PMH Addictions Community Addictions Worker Sesley Sloboda was very pleased with the time spent at the career day.
“We had a great turnout at our booth, with many students interested in learning about our services and exploring a future career with Addiction Services. There was also some wonderful networking with other agencies that will enhance our collaborative efforts to support our clients best. I’m already looking forward to attending Ebb and Flow in the future!”
For more information on PMH careers or Addictions Services, visit the PMH website at prairiemountainhealth.ca
PMH making physician recruitment gains: 32 doctors recruited in last year
PMH making physician recruitment gains: 32 doctors recruited in last year
Through proactiveness, persistence and partnerships, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has made gains in filling physician vacancies over the last year. Dr. Adrian Fung, PMH Chief Medical Officer, says the vacancy picture is improving, with 32 doctors recruited to work within PMH communities since last April. He says this is a credit to the region’s recruitment team and continued collaboration with health-care partners and stakeholders.
PMH Chief Medical Officer Dr. Adrian Fung
“About a year ago, we were short about 87 doctors, which, at the time, made some headlines. Since then, we’ve worked hard to recruit and retain physicians here. In the last year, we’ve recruited 32 new physicians, which is about a 30 percent improvement in our physician shortage rate. We are making headway, but we’ll continue to push ahead as there is much more work to do,” Fung stated.
Since last April, PMH has successfully recruited 17 doctors within Brandon who are either specialists, hospitalists or both. The region has also recruited 15 family physicians to Brandon, Dauphin, Deloraine, Grandview, Hamiota, Killarney, Neepawa, Ste. Rose and Virden.
PMH hired an additional physician recruitment coordinator about a year ago and now has two full-time staff dedicated to recruitment and retention. They are supported by other medical services team administration staff. The team works closely with the provincial health care recruitment and retention office.
Dr. Fung acknowledges that the challenges in recruiting exist across the country and even globally. Like other health regions, PMH went through staff retention challenges during the peak and immediate aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. Doctors, like all health-care professionals, went through extreme stressors including burnout. At the moment, physician retention is impacted by those reaching retirement age.
“It’s not a secret, we have to work extremely hard to sell ourselves. What makes this a better place to live and work is what we have to offer collectively within communities, our lower costs of living, and our natural attractions. We will always be willing to explore new ideas, because we will always be in a position where we need health-care professionals.”
There’s been a lot of work on recruitment provincially, regionally, and locally. Community engagement continues to push success.
“We recently did a presentation to Brandon City Council through their Economic Development Board to partner on new physician recruitment support initiatives. We continue to have communities involved with our medical student workshops (Rural Week in May and Student Rural Interest Group in January). If communities have ideas, we want to listen,” he stated.
Dr. Fung says health care recruitment, including physician recruitment, is everybody’s business. The region often recruits a person for a health care position and, in some cases, needs to connect a person’s spouse to another job in a community. Additional family questions about schools, extra-curricular activities, and other support also exist.
“We’re very proud of our community partnerships. One of our strengths is showing off our lifestyle opportunities and what we offer within our diverse region. No matter where a physician is from, connecting them with communities is key. We will continue to build on these connections in the future. We’ll continue to emphasize that people should come and enjoy our good nature!”
What else is the region doing in physician recruitment?
The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit in Dauphin holds an annual ‘Farm Day’.
PMH has strong partnerships with the University of Manitoba and well-established Residency Programs(Brandon Satellite Campus and Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit, based in Dauphin), which have provided exceptional opportunities for physicians to train in rural settings and have further increased the number of physicians who remain to practice in rural and more remote communities. The Brandon program has been training physicians for rural opportunities for 12 years, and Dauphin’s site recently celebrated its 30th year of training in 2023.
In Neepawa, a two-year medical residency training program commenced in July 2024. The U of M Residency Program, based within the Beautiful Plains Medical Clinic, started with two Year 1 Residents, who will graduate in 2026.
A new two-year residency program commenced in Neepawa in 2024.
PMH participates in two annual medical student recruitment initiatives for first- and second-year U of M medical students. The Student Rural Interest Group workshop is held at the end of January and Rural Week takes place at the end of May. These student-led initiatives promote the career and lifestyle opportunities that rural healthcare centres and communities offer. We held two separate rural interest group weekends for the first time this year. In late January, RIG workshops were held in Brandon and Killarney. It featured 75 students, the most ever. In early February, we held a separate workshop in Swan River, in partnership with the local recruitment and retention committee in Swan River, which drew the interest of 19 students.
PMH continues to sponsor physicians through the provincial Medical Licensure Program for International Medical Graduates (MLPIMG). The ‘IMG Program’ assists foreign-trained doctors in obtaining their medical licenses to be able to practice as primary care (family) physicians in Manitoba. IMG physicians agree to practice in their respective communities for four years in return for regional sponsorship. The Program is supported by the University of Manitoba —Max Rady College of Medicine, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and Manitoba Health. In 2023/2024, these communities included Swan River, Russell, Virden, Hamiota, and Glenboro. All of the physicians commenced work in September/October 2023. In 2024-2025, eight physicians are going through the Program and will be placed in PMH communities later this fall. These include Swan River (3), Roblin (2), Virden, Neepawa and Souris.
Swan River hosted 19 medical students in February 2025
Continuing to recruit and retain Physician and Clinical Assistants (PAs) (CAs) in the region. Currently, we utilize these positions in the BRHC Hospitalist Program, PMH Surgical Program, BRHC Anesthesia Program, BRHC Renal Program, and Acute Care Medicine (rural) Program.
PMH continues to attend special recruitment events throughout the year, including the annual Provincial Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat. In the fall of 2025, the region will play host to the event in Brandon. The interactive job fair affords many recruiters, including Regional Health Authorities and physician clinics throughout the province, to showcase their respective areas to prospective doctors. PMH makes great connections and stays in touch with those interested in rural medicine.
PMH attends special recruitment events throughout the year. The region will host the provincial Family Medicine Residents’ Retreat this fall.
Grandview hosts medical residents for evening of learning
Grandview hosts medical residents for evening of learning
Eight family medicine residents who are currently with the Parkland Unit in Dauphin participated in a recent training and fun night in Grandview on February 4th. The group trekked from their base in Dauphin to Grandview and networked with Dr. Elliott, other health-care professionals and community representatives. The evening promoted the benefits of practicing in Grandview and showcased infrastructure and available lifestyle opportunities.
Following a warm welcome and hospital tour, the group had dinner and storytelling from a local family who has used local life-saving services. This touching and informative session stressed the importance of local and provincial resources and the teamwork required for success.
Volunteers taught the group about the sport of curling and how the town’s recreation is a local hub of connections and activities. Many who participated have never curled before and found the activity to be especially fun.
“On behalf of the residents, we wish to thank the community of Grandview for organizing this evening. It is invaluable for our education and gives us a better understanding of working in the area. Grandview is a beautiful town and we loved the opportunity to try curling and see the cute local snow sculptures!” Dr. Vlad Omelchenko noted.
The Parkland Family Medicine Residency Unit of the University of Manitoba began in 1991 and has graduated over 200 residents. Some 75 per cent of the program graduates have stayed in rural communities within Manitoba.
Do you need a job? Are you considering a new career path? Are you looking for fulfilling and rewarding work as part of a team?
No matter what type of career might interest you in health care, Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) likely has a position that fits the bill! There are hundreds of job postings across almost all healthcare sectors in PMH. The region posts all current job opportunities on its website and advertises extensively through its PMH social media framework and other external sources.
“We are always recruiting and continually reviewing our recruitment and retention strategies,” stated Treena Slate, PMH CEO. “We have many sites and facilities open 24/7, 365 days a year, so our needs are great. We are trying new things, getting the word out at events, networking and being seen. Plus, we’ve enhanced our workplace wellness initiatives to support our employees’ well-being. Staff are our most valuable and appreciative asset. In that, there is no debate!”
Human Resources Recruitment Supervisor Larissa Kominko says the healthcare workforce has many moving parts which contribute to numerous job vacancies
“Staff relocate to other areas, others retire, and some are on leave. For work-life balance, staff choose part-time positions over full-time opportunities. Positions also get filled internally, creating a domino effect and leaving another position open. So, our vacancy rates fluctuate at any time, and our job postings reflect that.”
Kominko says PMH offers the following as part of the PMH experience:
Competitive wages, paid vacation and income protection (sick time);
A comprehensive health benefits package, including a pension;
Employee wellness and well-being supports;
Incentive grants for identified occupations such as a $4,000 Conditional Grant for nurses to work in rural communities; a $4,000 grant for Health Care Aides to work in Personal Care Homes
Relocation Assistance;
Education support for employees seeking to enhance their learning or to advance their career;
Opportunities to learn and advance while working and living in great communities that provide exceptional lifestyle opportunities.
PMH undertakes several methods to promote healthcare careers. There are career presentations to various student groups and organizations, student practicums offered from multiple disciplines, and summer employment opportunities. There are also conditional grants offered in some areas for some hard to recruit to regional classifications.
“We often say recruitment is everyone’s responsibility because many times while recruiting to fill a healthcare position, a person’s spouse or significant other may also be looking for a job. And that might not be in health care. So, then you are partnering with communities, economic development departments, Chambers of Commerce and all those types of stakeholders to assist with mutually beneficial recruitment plans,” Kominko stated.
Many community foundations and local health care committees also offer bursaries for those entering healthcare fields. PMH sincerely thanks all local efforts to assist in workforce recruitment.
The region also participates in Take Our Kids to Work days and a Discover Health Careers (formerly Home for the Summer) Program for those already enrolled in a healthcare field. Volunteer opportunities at our sites can provide an introduction to the field for those who are curious about a career in healthcare.
A complete listing of current job postings and instructions on contacting PMH Human Resources is available by viewing the PMH website at www.pmh-mb.ca/careers.
In the meantime, you can do your part by helping spread the word about our job opportunities. If you have a family member going to school with plans to enter the healthcare workforce, please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a question about a job posting. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram.
Ariane Jadraque, a registered nurse destined for Swan River, arrived with her family at Winnipeg International Airport on Sept. 9. She is pictured with her family members who include husbandJenneson Jadraque, daughter Elisha and son Jansen.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) continued to welcome additional Filipino health-care workers to the region. Internationally-educated registered nurses Ariane Jadraque and Saul Almonicar arrived in Canada earlier this month. Jadaraque accompanied by her family, began working at Swan Valley Health Centre in Swan River on September 16. Almonicar, whose family will join him later, commenced duties at Dauphin Regional Health Centre on Sept. 23.
“We’re very pleased to welcome Ariane and her family, and Saul, and eventually his family, to Manitoba and our health care region!” stated Treena Slate, CEO of Prairie Mountain Health.”
“We sincerely thank members of our recruitment team for their ongoing work to ensure these new members of our care teams are welcomed and oriented to our health system and their communities.”
As part of the overall recruitment initiative, and effective October 1, PMH has recruited 10 registered nurses, one licensed practical nurses and 14 health care aides. They have been located in various communities which include Brandon, Dauphin, Hartney, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Russell, Swan River and Virden.
PMH Recruitment Manager Larissa Kominko welcomes Saul Almonicar, Internationally-educated registered nurse, to Dauphin. Saul began working at Dauphin Regional Health Centre Sept. 23.
PMH anticipates the arrival of two more internationally-educated registered nurses in early October. One will be located at Minnedosa Health Centre and the other will work at the Virden Health Centre.
Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) has warmly welcomed additional Filipino health-care workers recruited as part of Manitoba’s Philippines Recruitment Initiative. Since the first regional arrivals in November 2023, it marks a total of 14 internationally educated health care professionals that have been recruited to PMH as of early March 2024.
Neepawa recently said hello to two new recruits, both working at Country Meadows Personal Care Home (PCH). Meliza Diapano, a certified health care aide, arrived in Manitoba with her family in January 2024. Jennifer Diangco, who is an internationally educated nurse, arrived in late February.
In Hartney, health care aide Danil Hebrio began work at Hartney PCH and the Russell Personal Care Home welcomed health care aide Eugene Reyes. Both started in January.
Dauphin Personal Care Home has two new health care aides, Andrea Almodal and Jamaica Alabot. Andrea and her family arrived in Manitoba in late January, and Jamaica arrived in Dauphin in mid-February. In Swan River, Hazel Mae Pesigan arrived in mid-March and will be working at Swan Valley PCH as internationally-educated nurse.
Brandon welcomed Betty Jean Malagum in late February. She is a health care aide working at Fairview Home.
“We’re very pleased to welcome these new recruits to Canada, Manitoba and our health care region!” stated Brian Schoonbaert, CEO of Prairie Mountain Health. “We will continue to work with our dedicated staff and communities to ensure their transition, mentorship and orientation goes as smoothly as possible”.
Overall, there have been recruits to Brandon, Dauphin, Hartney, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Swan River, Virden and Russell. PMH continues to work with provincial partners on the initiative to recruit to more regional communities during April and May.
The Board of Directors of Prairie Mountain Health (PMH) is pleased to announce that Treena Slate has accepted the position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Slate will assume the role from Brian Schoonbaert, who will retire effective April 5, 2024.
The Board expressed sincere thanks and appreciation for Schoonbaert’s commitment, dedication and strong leadership as CEO of the health region. “Brian’s commitment to providing quality health care and supporting all PMH staff, physicians and volunteers has always been evident. All who have worked with him will miss Brian’s positive, welcoming, genuine approach.”
Lon Cullen, Board Chair, is pleased to welcome Slate to the role of Chief Executive Officer. “Treena is a familiar face for many in Prairie Mountain Health and the province. With over 30 years in healthcare and 15 years in a leadership role, Treena is bringing a wealth of experience and knowledge into the role of Chief Executive Officer.”
The PMH Board of Directors undertook an extensive search across Canada for a CEO to replace Schoonbaert. Included in the recruitment process, the Board of Directors asked PMH staff what they felt were important qualities for the Chief Executive Officer. “We appreciate that PMH staff took the time to provide their input into the selection criteria, and the Board was able to use this feedback in selecting candidates,” Cullen commented. “Those that know Treena recognize her compassion, openness, decisiveness and energy, which will be important qualities to lead Prairie Mountain Health in these challenging times.”
Slate is excited to be stepping into the CEO role. “I am following in some incredible footsteps – Brian will be truly missed by all who worked with him. Prairie Mountain Health has an incredible team of over 7,500 individuals providing quality health care to the residents of PMH – and I feel very fortunate to work alongside these dedicated staff.”
Slate has held many roles during her years in healthcare, including a staff nurse, educator, public health nurse, manager, director and most recently, Regional Lead – Acute Care Services and Chief Nursing Officer for Prairie Mountain Health.
Slate recently completed her Master of Health Administration through the Johnson Shoyoma School of Public Policy in 2023.
