Year-end message from the President

Dear Colleagues,

Reflecting on the past year, I take great pride in the significant achievements of the CPSM. Having served as Council President over the past 18 months, I have had the pleasure of advancing several strategic priorities.

Last December, I outlined our initiative to establish an International Medical Graduate (IMG) working group aimed at addressing the unique challenges that IMGs encounter as they integrate and begin their practice in Manitoba. As an IMG myself and having actively listened to the voices of my fellow IMG colleagues, this initiative holds particular importance. We began this objective by conducting focus groups that provided valuable insights into the obstacles faced by IMGs at the onset of their practice. Following these discussions, we assembled a dedicated working group, which is currently in the process of developing a survey designed to better understand how CPSM can effectively support IMGs as they adapt to Manitoba’s healthcare system. The survey will be distributed to both IMGs and professionals who collaborate with them, enabling us to gather comprehensive feedback that will inform the development of an orientation program and future standard of practice. I look forward to your participation in this survey, as your insights are invaluable to our mission.

One of our significant achievements this year was the successful completion of the multi-year Prescribing Practices Review. The working group undertook a meticulous revision of the Standard of Practice – Prescribing Requirements and enhanced the Practice Direction for the Electronic Transmission of Prescriptions, all aimed at promoting contemporary best practices and ensuring patient safety. In conjunction with these updates, CPSM’s Prescribing Practices Program developed a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and Manitoba Prescribing Practices Program (M3P) recommended templates to support registrants in refining their prescribing where necessary. An additional step will include the incorporation of codeine to the M3P list. You will have the opportunity to share your thoughts on the matter following our December Council meeting.

The privilege of self-regulation empowers us to uphold the highest standards within the medical profession. CPSM remains dedicated to this responsibility, ensuring that only changes are made with thorough consultation from both the public and our registrants.    

This past fall, we held a public consultation for the draft Standard of Practice for Eliminating Anti-Indigenous Racism. We extend thanks to all who contributed feedback during this process. Your insights are invaluable as we strive to continuously improve our practices and policies.

As part of our sincere apology to Anishinaabeg, Anishininewuk, Dakota Oyate, Denesuline, and Nehethowuk People and the Inuit in 2023, we pledged to accompany our words with meaningful actions that will guide the medical profession in Manitoba to recognize, confront, and condemn acts of racism against Indigenous people. Furthermore, we committed to adhering to the wisdom and guidance of Indigenous physicians, scholars, Elders, and knowledge keepers. We are devoted to honouring the invaluable contributions of all members of the Indigenous Advisory Circle and extend our gratitude to Dr. Lisa Monkman, Chair of the advisory circle, for her unwavering dedication and exemplary leadership in this essential work. 

Throughout 17 years of practicing in rural Manitoba as an IMG, I have come to deeply appreciate the privilege I hold as the settler on these lands. I wholeheartedly welcome the implementation of this Standard, recognizing the need for change. I acknowledge the harm our behaviours can inflict and the entrenched systems that perpetuate the status quo. While the path towards transformation may not be comfortable or easy, it is essential that we uphold the values that guide our profession: compassion, honesty, humility, integrity, and prudence – as articulated in our Code of Ethics and Professionalism.  

The Standard is more than a set of “must-dos;” it encourages registrants to acknowledge that anti-Indigenous racism exists and has caused trauma, suffering, and poor health outcomes for too long. It also encourages registrants to recognize the behaviours that lead to anti-Indigenous racism and harm and empowers them to address racism when they witness it. The Restorative Practices Program (RPP) will support those willing to engage in this work of self-reflection and self-regulation. I look forward to sharing more information about the program in the new year.

This year has been a transformative one for the CPSM. The Registrar and CEO transition was the most significant change and was efficiently completed. I want to acknowledge Dr. Mihalchuk for her vision and leadership in her first six months as Registrar and CEO. The Registrar and two Assistant Registrars have seamlessly integrated into a team that is fostering an innovative and collaborative regulatory environment. The Council is confident as they lead CPSM into the future.

Looking ahead, some future endeavours Council hopes to undertake include diversifying the skill set of Council members to aid in efficient regulation of the medical profession.

Dr. Charles Penner will take over as president in June when my term ends. I will move on to the past president position, supporting Council in a different capacity. Until then, I will continue to put my efforts into delivering on our strategic goals and driving positive regulatory impact.

I am proud of our 2024 accomplishments and eagerly look forward to much more ahead in 2025.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season.

Nader Shenouda MD MPH CCFP FCFP

President