Information for Physicians
The Canadian Health Care System
The Canada Health Act establishes criteria and conditions related to insured health care services and extended health care services. The Canada Health Act ensures that all eligible residents of Canada have reasonable access to medically necessary insured services on a prepaid basis through the health care system in Canada, which is known as “Medicare”.
The role of the federal government is to set and administer national principles or standards and assist in financing provincial health care services by providing funding to the provinces and territories. The provincial and territorial governments have responsibility over most aspects of health care, including the management and delivery of health services and ensuring that the principles of Canada Health Act are met. They plan, finance, and evaluate the provision of hospital care, physician and allied health care services, some aspects of prescription care, and public health.
Licensing of physicians is regulated by provincial or territorial licensing authorities. In Manitoba, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) reviews a physician’s medical credentials and determines if that physician is eligible for medical licensure and medical practice in Manitoba. If you would like more information about medical licensure (conditional registration) in Manitoba, visit the CPSM website at www.cpsm.mb.ca.
The role of primary care physicians (family physicians/general practitioners) in Canada is very important, as they are generally the patient’s initial contact with the health care system. When necessary, primary care physicians refer patients to specialists. They may also refer patients to some allied health care providers. Physicians may be paid on a fee-for-service basis, in which they are paid for the services provided, or they may be employed in contract or salaried positions.
Regional Health Authorities
Manitoba is divided into 11 health authorities (RHAs), seven of which have been designated as bilingual. The seven bilingual RHAs are: Assiniboine, Central, Interlake, North Eastman, Parkland, South and Winnipeg. The RHAs have the responsibility of providing for the delivery and administration of health services in their specified geographical areas. They ensure that all residents in their region have fair and equitable access to necessary health services.
While bilingual primary care physicians practice medicine in all areas of Manitoba, foreign-trained primary care physicians who are eligible for medical licensure in Manitoba are granted conditional registration enabling them to practice medicine in all RHAs except Winnipeg.
Specialist physicians practise medicine in certain larger centres in Manitoba, with the majority located in Winnipeg. Patients requiring an appointment with a specialist are referred by their primary care physicians to the most appropriate specialist physician.
Benefits of Rural Practice
There are many benefits to practising medicine in a rural setting. Professionally, you will experience the challenges associated with a varied medical practice, as well as a sense of autonomy. The familiarity of rural practice will provide you with an opportunity to develop positive working relationships with colleagues, patients, and the community. As a rural physician, you will discover a sense of value, and you will know that you can make a difference.
The rural lifestyle will provide you and your family with a feeling of safety and belonging. With an abundance of recreational opportunities outside your door, you can spend your leisure time participating in a variety of activities. Getting involved with the local residents and participating in events will help you adjust to your new home. Lifestyle found in rural Manitoba will create a sense of community and a feeling of contentment for you and your family.