Orientation, Mentorship, and Peer Support of International Medical Graduates Practicing in Manitoba is a Shared Responsibility, Report Finds
WINNIPEG, MB – November 3, 2026 – The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) released the Strengthening Integration into Practice Report today. The report recommends ways CPSM, the healthcare system, practice settings, colleagues, and communities can better welcome and support International Medical Graduates (IMGs) as they begin practicing in the province.
IMGs make up 37% of Manitoba’s physician workforce and are essential for addressing major gaps in care, including shortages in remote, rural, and Northern communities.
Yet many face barriers to registration and licensure, entering a new practice, and staying in Manitoba long term. They are expected to adapt to a new healthcare system, professional and regulatory expectations for documentation, prescribing, referrals, communication, reporting, and cultural safety.
The report’s recommendations were informed by the lived experiences of physicians practising in Manitoba, including data from focus groups held in 2024 with IMGs and a profession-wide survey conducted in late 2025.
Highlights from the Survey
Discrimination and harassment emerged as a serious concern.
- The report cites that 64% of IMGs reported some form of discrimination or harassment in the workplace, from both patients and their families/supports, and from other physicians.
- Of IMGs who experienced discrimination or harassment, 88.7% did not report the experience to someone in authority. Fear of negative consequences was the most identified reason for not reporting.
New physicians to Manitoba need practical support to succeed.
- Just over half of IMGs (52%) reported that formal onboarding was available when they entered practice.
- Peer support was rated as particularly important; 19% of IMGs identified a lack of peer support as a significant challenge.
- When formal onboarding was offered to them, 93% of IMGs said they accepted it. Among those offered mentorship, 91% used that support.
“Helping doctors transition successfully into practice benefits patients, the health system and the profession,” said Dr. Nader Shenouda, a family and emergency medicine physician, CPSM past president and Chair of the IMG Working Group established by CPSM to address concerns raised by IMGs about their experiences entering and integrating into medical practice in Manitoba. He speaks from firsthand knowledge.
“After listening to the issues raised by my colleagues, and as an IMG myself, we had to ensure those with limited or no experience in the local practice environment have access to appropriate orientation, mentorship, and resources.”
Small Actions Make a Big Difference
Jeremy de Jong, Director of Registration with CPSM, says small actions can make a meaningful difference for someone entering a new practice environment. “New registrants have a responsibility to learn, ask questions and seek feedback. Their more established colleagues, leaders and practice teams play an equally important role in providing orientation, guidance, and support,” he stated.
CPSM is doing its part to better integrate physicians into their practice settings. A two-day mandatory orientation curriculum for newly registered physicians with less than one year of practice in Canada began earlier this year and a Standard of Practice for Entering Practice in Manitoba came into effect on November 1.
About The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM)
CPSM is the medical regulatory body that oversees the practice of medicine in Manitoba. CPSM’s role is to protect the public and promote the safe and ethical delivery of quality medical care by physicians in Manitoba.
Media Contact:
Wendy Elias-Gagnon
Director of Communications
The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba
communications@cpsm.mb.ca
204-774-4344