Message from the Dean
As this year comes to a close, we have much to celebrate! Firstly, I am delighted to share with you that the Max Rady College of Medicine Undergraduate Medical Education (UGME) program is fully compliant with all accreditation standards and elements! We received this excellent news recently from the Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS). This is a rare achievement for any medical school and recognizes the highest quality of medical education and administration that we have developed here at the University of Manitoba.
We can all be proud of this exceptional result! My sincerest thanks to all deans, department heads, faculty, staff, learners and our health system partners for their support. Our next accreditation survey visit will take place in the 2026/27 academic year and, in the new year, UGME leadership and stakeholders will begin self-assessments to evaluate our learning environment, learner experience and our MD program as a whole.
As many of you are already aware, with the support of the Manitoba Government, the medical school has embarked on the largest expansion in our history – growing to 125 medical students this year - and 140 next year.
In parallel, our post-graduate residency programs are expanding by 50 positions per year till 2026, with a clear focus on family medicine as we play our part to ensure every Manitoban has access to exemplary health care.
Shortly, we will break ground on the construction of a new multi-purpose building on Bannatyne campus, supported with $40 million in funding by the provincial government, to house classrooms, simulation labs and a theatre for the increased number of medical students on campus.
And we are dedicated to further expanding our distributed medical education program in rural and northern communities in partnership with the Province.
On a final high note, I want thank everyone who joined us for the Max Rady College of Medicine’s 140th Anniversary gala Nov. 18 at RBC Convention Centre. What an amazing night it was bringing together 400 University of Manitoba alumni, faculty, staff, learners, partners and friends to celebrate our medical school’s past, present and future!
From emcee Tito Daodu [B.Sc.(Med.)/13, MD/13] and keynote speaker Dr. Evelyn Forget to accomplished MD/PhD student Allison Balasko and benefactor Ernest Rady, it was inspiring from start to finish.
Our speakers reminded us of what we can achieve to advance diversity, equity and social accountability, improve patient care, contribute to our health system and spark innovative research.
All funds raised and donations in honour of the Max Rady College of Medicine’s 140th anniversary will support vital bursaries for MD and graduate students so we can recruit and retain top learners who represent the diversity of the population we serve and ensure that our doors remain open to the best and brightest.
I encourage you to view the historical timeline and video vignettes developed in honour of this momentous celebration.
Happy holidays and all the best in 2024!