The University of Manitoba’s new program for International Medical graduates practicing Family Medicine has produced 19 new physicians. The program, one year in length, was designed to assist the the rural population that were undeserved in Manitoba with family physicians. The Manitoba graduates have to commit to a four year term, and the hopes are that most will continue to enjoy rural medicine.

The unique program is being looked at in other provinces as a possible model to follow. Across Canada, the need is great for family practice physicians, especially in rural areas. This sort of creative program to prepare physicians for family medicine who are trained abroad in other countries is something that needs to be looked at more closely, otherwise there will continue to be a shortage of physicians who are trained to treat the large number of residents currently unable to see a physician in a reasonable sort of time. “