International doctors practicing in Manitoba face widespread workplace discrimination and harassment, with 64 per cent of internationally trained physicians reporting negative experiences from patients, their families, and fellow clinicians, according to a report published by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba and reported by the Winnipeg Free Press.
In Plain English: The Clinical Takeaway
- Systemic Workplace Barriers: Most international medical graduates who reported discrimination or harassment cited attitudes based on race, ethnicity, religion, or place of origin, severely impacting integration into regional healthcare teams.
- Foreign Credential Recognition Gaps: Many internationally trained physicians report that their clinical experience and qualifications are systematically undervalued compared to domestic graduates.
Workplace Harassment and Credential Devaluation for Manitoba Doctors
The report, titled “Strengthening Integration into Practice,” highlights that a majority of surveyed international medical graduates reported discrimination or harassment, most of which they said was tied to race, ethnicity, religion, or place of origin. Respondents also overwhelmingly noted that local medical institutions fail to recognize their prior clinical training and procedural skills on equal footing with domestic colleagues. Dr. Nader Shenouda, who relocated to Manitoba from Egypt in 2007, recounted dealing with comments about his accent and queries regarding whether a Canadian medical graduate was available in the clinic.
Internationally trained physicians make up a substantial pillar of the provincial healthcare workforce, accounting for 37 per cent of all practicing physicians in Manitoba. Registration data shows that between 2025 and 2026, 216 new international medical graduates were registered, representing 61 per cent of all new physician registrations over the past year. The province is recruiting more international doctors to address the current shortage. A 2023 survey conducted by a Shared Health working group revealed that 56 per cent of Indigenous, Black, and racialized healthcare professionals experienced workplace racism within a single year.
| Metric | Statistical Data | Source / Context |
|---|---|---|
| International Doctor Harassment Rate | 64 per cent | College of Physicians and Surgeons report (“Strengthening Integration into Practice”) |
| New International Registrations (2025-2026) | 216 physicians (61% of total) | Manitoba registration figures, 2025–2026 |
| Racialized Healthcare Worker Racism Rate | 56 per cent | 2023 Shared Health working group survey |
| Physicians Considering Departure or Retirement | 658 doctors within three years | Doctors Manitoba report |
Mandatory Orientation and Policy Interventions by the College
In direct response to survey data and feedback from foreign-trained clinicians, the College of Physicians and Surgeons established a dedicated working group to draft new standards of practice and an orientation program. Jeremy de Jong, registration director for the College, explained that support gaps in the registration process could have contributed to some harassment and discrimination. The mandatory two-day orientation session covers professional standards, documentation, patient-centered care, cultural safety, and workplace culture. According to reporting from the Winnipeg Free Press, the College has hosted two orientation cohorts since January and expects to train over 50 physicians following its third session.
Beyond cultural onboarding, the working group aims to address unwritten social rules, peer support deficits, and difficulties integrating into local medical communities. De Jong noted that provincial regulators are exploring whether to mandate similar orientation training for all incoming physicians, including domestic graduates. Despite these institutional efforts, broader retention challenges persist. A 2025 survey indicated that 17 per cent of respondents are considering leaving Manitoba within five years due to under-resourced clinical settings, interpersonal conflicts, and leadership dissatisfaction. Concurrently, a recent report from Doctors Manitoba revealed that 658 physicians are weighing retirement or departure over the next three years, with 158 doctors having exited during the previous fiscal year.
Contraindications & When to Consult a Doctor
Healthcare professionals facing discrimination or harassment in the workplace can experience issues involving patients, their families, and other physicians as reported by the College of Physicians and Surgeons.
References
- College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba. “Strengthening Integration into Practice” Report.
- Shared Health working group. 2023 survey of healthcare professionals.
- Doctors Manitoba. Report on physician departures and retention, released last week.
