The Role of the College

The College's mandate is to protect the public as consumers of medical care and promote the safe and ethical delivery of quality medical care by physicians in Manitoba.   This broad mandate is achieved through pursuit of the following goals:

AUTONOMOUS SELF-REGULATION OF THE MEDICAL PROFESSION

Every member of the medical profession shares the responsibility of self-governance and ensuring that appropriate standards of clinical practice and ethical conduct are followed.   Membership in the College is mandatory for all physicians seeking to practice medicine in Manitoba.    The jurisdiction of the College extends to its members and associate members, including physicians and clinical assistants (including physicians in training). 

The College achieves this goal primarily through the performance of its three core functions: 

• Registration 
• Standards 
• Complaints and Investigation

Funding for these core functions comes almost entirely from fees paid by members.  The College is separate and distinct from professional associations of physicians such as the Manitoba Medical Association (MMA). 

SAFE AND ETHICAL MEDICAL CARE 

The College establishes registration and licensure requirements to ensure that all physicians and clinical assistants are competent to practice.   Standards of professional conduct and clinical practice are established through the creation of ethical rules and clinical standards, against which performance of members is measured and objectives of good patient care met.   The College has the authority to take action where a member practices in a manner that is ethically and/or clinically unacceptable. 

LEADERSHIP FOR QUALITY CARE

The College provides leadership for quality medical care  by diligently performing its core functions and through participating in many  related activities such as patient safety conferences and  quality assurance programs.   It promotes regional equality in standards of physician care.   As an active member of The Federation of Medical Regulatory Authorities of Canada  (FMRAC), the College plays an active role in issues relating to quality medical care nationwide. 

PUBLIC CONFIDENCE IN THE MEDICAL PROFESSION  

Responding appropriately to complaints from the public is  essential.   The College considers the doctor/patient relationship  to be the cornerstone of quality medical care.   When things go wrong and a patient seeks help, the College  strives to assist the patient, preserving that relationship where possible.   As part of its mandate to protect the public, the College has the authority to formally investigate complaints and discipline its members. 

PROVISION OF RESOURCES TO PHYSICIANS FOR ADVICE ON ETHICS, STANDARDS AND QUALITY ISSUES

The College communicates its formal position relating to the interpretation of The Medical Act, Regulations, Code and By-Laws through Statements with which all of its members must comply and Guidelines that reflect practices generally recommended.   Guidelines and Statements may also address other matters of importance to good medical practice.   The College also provides advice to members in its regularly published Newsletter.   Members who have specific questions or concerns are encouraged to contact the College directly.