Manitoba Recruits 13 U.S.-Trained Physicians, Strengthening Access to Family Doctors in 2026

Manitoba has confirmed the recruitment of 13 U.S.-trained physicians as of January 2026, marking another significant step in the province’s effort to improve access to primary and specialist care. The announcement was made by Premier Wab Kinew alongside Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Uzoma Asagwara.

This latest intake builds on a historic expansion of Manitoba’s health-care workforce, with 285 doctors added to the provincial system in 2025. The newly recruited physicians will practise in communities across Manitoba, supporting both urban and regional health services.

Strong Results from Recruitment and Digital Access

The U.S.-trained doctors are being integrated alongside Manitoba’s new medinav.ca online booking system, which allows patients to book same-day or next-day appointments with family doctors. Together, these measures helped facilitate nearly 50,000 patient visits in 2025.

According to data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), Manitoba now reports the highest rate in Canada for same-day or next-day access to a health-care provider, outperforming every other province.

Premier Kinew highlighted that the combination of physician recruitment, after-hours clinics, and digital booking tools is transforming patient access across the province.

Why U.S.-Trained Physicians Are Choosing Manitoba

Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara noted that physicians from the United States are increasingly drawn to Manitoba’s publicly funded health-care system, where they can focus on patient care without the administrative burden associated with private insurance models.

Each recruited physician strengthens care teams, reduces wait times, and improves reliability of services—particularly in underserved communities.

One of the newly recruited doctors, Dr. Jesse Krikorian, a U.S.-trained family physician now practising at Klinic Community Health in Winnipeg, cited professional autonomy, patient-first care, and quality of life as key reasons for choosing Manitoba.

International Recruitment Strategy Continues

Physician recruitment is led by Manitoba’s Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office, which supports internationally trained doctors through licensing, immigration pathways, and community placement.

Through these coordinated efforts, 58 physicians have been hired and placed across Manitoba, including internationally trained professionals working in both primary and specialty care.

Why This Matters

Manitoba’s continued success in recruiting internationally trained physicians highlights a broader strategy focused on workforce stability, patient access, and long-term health-system sustainability.

With strong physician growth, modern booking infrastructure, and a focus on community-based care, Manitoba is positioning itself as a leading destination for internationally trained doctors and as one of Canada’s strongest provinces for timely access to medical care in 2026.