NDP doubling doctor training spaces at BU

The Manitoba government is doubling the size of its medical training program at Brandon University by adding 10 new seats to train doctors.

At the same time, the NDP is pledging $3.3 million to renovate an aging science building on campus and a library at Brandon Regional Health Centre.

Premier Wab Kinew made the announcements during a news conference at BU’s Brodie Science Centre Wednesday morning, accompanied by Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara and several other members of the NDP cabinet.

“So, when these additional seats come online,” Kinew said, “that will mean that there’s 20 future doctors training here in Brandon.

“People from rural Manitoba are the most likely to stay and practise in rural Manitoba long term, and so these investments in Brandon and in the region are the best way that we will be able — over the long term — to invest in rural health care.”

The investments will create a new generation of science programs, Kinew added, “so that we can ensure that a kid growing up in Boissevain, a kid growing up in Sioux Valley, a kid growing up here in Brandon proper, has a pathway to become a physician.”

The doctor training program is conducted through a partnership between BU and the University of Manitoba’s Max Rady College of Medicine’s satellite program, which has been running since 2013.

Along with the added training positions, the province is funding renovations to the 55-year-old Brodie Science Centre to improve science lab infrastructure, as well as the hospital’s medical library.

The Sun asked Kinew when funds would be allocated and renovations were expected to begin. He said the 10 new seats will be available for the 2026 fall intake. Also next year, $2 million will fund scope and design work on the science building, with shovels in the ground for major renovations in the 2027-28 fiscal year.

More classroom space is needed, said Dr. Joanne Maier, associate dean for U of M’s satellite program in Brandon, adding the program is a well-kept secret.

“We have a lot of learners coming through Brandon and it’s been a dream of mine to expand medical training here, and so happy that it’s happened,” Maier said during the news conference.

“We currently have 10 medical students in Med 3 and Med 4 (third and fourth year of medical school), and we want to expand that,” she said.

“Most of our graduates are staying in Manitoba and outside of Winnipeg, and they’re really all over the province, but mostly in and close around Brandon.”

One of the most effective ways to recruit, train and keep more doctors in rural Manitoba is to make sure that students have the best possible experience and are offered innovated working spaces, Asagwara said during the news conference.

“These upgrades are going to help inspire the next generation of health-care professionals by showing young folks in the Westman that a career in medicine is both possible and within reach, right here in their own community,” Asagwara said.

“We want for folks to know as early as possible. We’re talking about middle school and high school when you’re having those conversations about what you dream to be one day, that you’ll know you already have state-of-the-art spaces right here in your own community that you can pursue.”

Manitoba has one of the worst doctor shortages in the country, according to Doctors Manitoba. The organization advocates for physicians in the province, including helping its members reduce burnout and administrative burdens.

Physicians who take on residents also take on the role of mentor and teacher.

While the organization said it is supportive of expanding medical training in rural Manitoba, a spokesperson told the Sun that it was unaware of Wednesday’s announcement.

“It’s important to learn the details of the government’s plans, as the capacity of existing physicians is very limited to take on more medical learners without more support,” the spokesperson said.

“We have yet to see a timeline and a plan on how local physicians will be consulted and supported to help with the training.”

The Sun asked Asagwara if any incentives have been worked out for physicians who take on and train medical students through goodwill.

“What I’ve heard from most doctors is they’re really eager, they’re really keen to provide that mentorship. They want to be that support for medical residents, but they also want to make sure that those medical residents have the infrastructure and the spaces and the opportunities that are going to meet their needs now and to really foster innovation,” Asagwara said.

“So, the investments that we’ve announced today in terms of what we’re going to be doing here at Brandon University, the renovations at the hospital, all of this work is creating an environment that is going to really appeal to new learners and also appeal to the folks who are going to be supporting them in their journey.”

» mmcdougall@brandonsun.com

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