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Program Highlights
The University of Manitoba campuses are located on original lands of Anishinaabeg, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota, and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. The Department of Family Medicine additionally participates in clinical programs in Inuit communities. We respect the Treaties and Agreements that were made on these territories, we acknowledge the harms and mistakes of the past, and we dedicate ourselves to move forward in partnership with Indigenous communities in a spirit of reconciliation and collaboration.
Mandatory Orientation Sessions
The mandatory full day Postgraduate Medical Education Orientation for all residents will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026
The mandatory full day Family Medicine Residency Orientation will be held on Monday, June 29, 2026
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Prior to the commencement of training, matched applicants must provide proof of ACLS certification that is current as of July 1, 2026. The ACLS Provider course must be certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the American Heart Association. ACLS training that is not certified by one of these two organizations and/or is completed entirely through an online course will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining ACLS certification. We provide a re-certification course in your second year of residency prior to graduation.
Family Medicine Professional Choices (FMProC)
The Family Medicine Professional Choices (FMProC) testing is mandatory for all applicants. It is a situational judgement test designed to evaluate your professional reasoning, communication skills and aptitude for responding effectively to diverse clinical situations. It primarily consists of two types of questions: ranking and rating scenarios.
FMProC registration for the first round of CaRMS 2026 will be open on September 10, 2025. More details: https://fmproc.com/
Situational judgement tests are designed to assess applicant’s judgement regarding situations encountered in the workplace or during training. Applicants are presented with a set of hypothetical based scenarios and asked to make judgements about possible responses. Applicants responses are evaluated against a pre-determined scoring key to provide a picture of their situational judgement in that particular context.
The development and modification of the scenarios in FMProC involved input from several leaders with different perspectives, roles and experiences. This included family physicians, educators, family medicine residents and medical students, Indigenous health, rural and remote family medicine, 2SLGBTQ+, anti-racism, international medical graduates and more. This specifically included groups under-represented in medicine to ensure, as much as possible, that no group is disadvantaged by the test format or content.
Vacation Allowance
Vacation in PGY1 can be taken in the following ways:
Two weeks in each of two blocks in conjunction with an approved elective or Family Medicine Block Time in the remaining two weeks of the same blocks
Vacation in 1 week blocks can be taken during Family Medicine Block Time
One 4 week vacation block
*Vacation is not allowed in Block 1 in PGY1.
Though the program tries to accommodate residents’ specific vacation period requests, constraints of scheduling often requires flexibility and not all requests will be approved.
Interview Dates
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Wednesday, January 21, 2026
Thursday, January 22, 2026
Program will notify all applicants through CaRMS Online and will send email invitations directly to applicants selected for an interview. Applicants who are invited for interview will participate in one structured interview, regardless of the number of sites to which you have applied. The structured interview may have questions specific to the sites to which you have applied. The interview is conducted as a 3-person panel interview and typically consists of 1 physician, 1 interprofessional faculty member, and 1 resident. Candidates will be invited to attend one of the three interview days. The interview itself lasts 30 to 40 minutes.
Program Goals
The University of Manitoba is committed to the social justice principles of equity, access and participation and to promoting opportunities for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous, Black, racially marginalized Peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities) and women.
A broad knowledge base and clinical skill sets enable family physicians to work in diverse settings such as patients’ homes, outpatient clinics, emergency departments, labour and delivery suites, hospital wards, and nursing homes. Family medicine often serves as the main entry point to the health care system and the hub that provides continuity of care throughout the life cycle. As such, family medicine is the central medical discipline. The importance of primary care in quality of health and the value Canadian society places on family physicians in the delivery of this care are well known.
The goal of our residency program is to train family physicians who are able to provide comprehensive, high quality, continuous care in urban, rural, or remote settings.
Selection Process Goals
An inclusive, open and diverse community is essential to excellence and fosters voices that have been ignored or discouraged. To address the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences commitment to equity, access and participation, and in recognition of the underrepresentation of members of historically and currently excluded groups, our program has taken the following proactive measures as part of our selection process:
Implicit bias training for all selection committee members, diverse representation of selection committee members, inclusion of interview questions targeted to assess applicant commitment to EDIA, offering necessary accommodations during the interview process, second pass/review of applicants below interview and rank order list cut off to review for possible bias in scoring, orientation to all assessors to scoring rubrics, file review completed by dedicated, trained group.
We strive for diverse perspectives and cultural safety throughout the hiring process (resident selection committees, short-list of applicants, interviews). We ask all applicants to include an EDIA statement in their personal letter with evidence demonstrating their own commitment to EDIA in their work and training thus far.
Transportation
As you will need to move frequently about the city and province between training sites, you will need to secure a means of transportation. You may find it easiest to maintain a personal vehicle.
Additional Points to Consider:
· Cost of living is one of the most affordable in Canada.
· Full access to University of Manitoba library and its electronic resources, including UpToDate.
· Competitive resident salaries with a solid resident contract including a well-supported maternity/paternity leave policy. http://www.parim.org
· Membership and registration fees are covered for University of Manitoba, College of Family Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba, Canadian Medical Protective Association, and the initial membership in the College of Family Physicians of Canada for PGY1 year.
· Annual two day resident retreat held in a community outside of Winnipeg.
· All mandatory course fees are reimbursed upon successful completion. Examples of mandatory courses include: NRP, ALARM, ATLS, BLS and ACLS recertification. Mandatory courses vary between programs.
· Travel costs and accommodation are provided for mandatory offsite rotations.
Portage la Prairie and area is a progressive community with an area population of approximately 20,000 inhabitants. It is the fourth largest city in southern Manitoba. It is located a one-hour drive from Winnipeg.
Portage la Prairie offers a variety of recreational activities all year round for all ages.
Stride Place features two NHL-size indoor arenas, an indoor walking track, 4,000 square foot fitness centre, Manitoba’s largest wave pool, on-site concession services, meeting and special event facilities.
Southport Recreation Centre includes a gymnasium, weight/cardio rooms, indoor track, rock climbing wall & 5 pin bowling. Southport is also home to a 9-hole golf course.
There are several softball diamonds throughout Portage, a soccer field, & a 400-meter track.
Island Park is home to Splash Island (our outdoor water park), a playground area, band shell, arboretum, deer & waterfowl sanctuary, tennis courts, pickle ball court, disc golf, picnic sites, an 18-hole golf course and canoe & kayak rentals.
Crescent Lake has a beautiful community walking path with many historical signs that give reference to sites of the past & current heritage properties along the lake.
Beautiful Delta Beach is located 15 minutes north of Portage and offers a free public beach area as well as campground facilities.
Curling, hockey & skating are some of the winter activities to enjoy both indoors as well as outdoors on a community-maintained area on the lake complete with changing shelters and a bonfire area.
The Fort la Reine Museum is made up of 25 buildings and it covers 300 years of prairie history. It was the winner of two Central Manitoba Tourism Awards in 2020, the “Event of the Year “and the “Aspiring Youth” awards.
Prairie Fusion Arts & Entertainment is the artistic hub for Portage & the surrounding community. They provide an inclusive environment where all people can experience, learn, create & celebrate the arts.
Websites of Interest:
https://www.city-plap.com/
http://www.strideplace.ca/
http://www.travelmanitoba.com/
https://islandontheprairies.ca/
Major Strengths of the Rural Portage la Prairie Stream
– Experienced teachers with low preceptor to trainee ratios and the opportunity to work with medical students in a clinical teaching unit model of hospital practice.
– Large clinical volumes with excellent variety of patients.
– Frequent opportunities to perfect your procedural skills through clinical encounters and procedural labs.
– Ultrasound trained emergency doctors.
– Exposure to First Nations health through clinics both in Portage and in First Nations communities.
– Longitudinal experiences in Obstetrics, Emergency medicine, Anesthesia, Psychiatry & Surgery.
-Opportunity to take part in the newly established hospitalist model
– Residents have their own patients that they follow throughout their 2 years in Portage.
– Opportunity to attend the Rapid Access to Addictions Medicine (RAAM) Clinic.
– Monthly academic days in small group learning environments, rural Continuing Medical Education (CME), and an active resident-led journal club. We have a formal simulation medicine curriculum integrated into our academic days.
The Portage Clinic also offers patient services such as a prenatal nurse, immunization nurse, chronic disease nurse, STBBI nurse, wound care nurse, kinesiology, psychologist, clinical pharmacist and a child and adolescent shared care mental health team member. We have visiting specialists as well including a dermatologist, and ophthalmologist. Two of our family physicians have +1 training, one in women’s health and the other in palliative care.
Our building offers office space to the Southern RHA, the Portage Hearing Center, and a psychiatrist. We offer UVB light therapy services as well as a seven day a week Walk-In Clinic.
Portage Clinic physicians offer their services to both Cartier Health Centre and the MacGregor Health Centre, all working through an accessible and shared EMR system.
We have contracts for services within the Portage & District General Hospital for the ER, OR, ICU, obstetrics, dialysis, chemotherapy, psychiatry and anesthesia departments. We also provide services to personal care homes, Dakota Wicozani Health Centre, Sandy Bay Health Centre, AFM, RAAM clinic and the Teen Clinic (located at the local high school).
We have a well-equipped procedure room in the clinic which allows the doctors as well as the residents the opportunity to perform minor surgeries.
Portage is currently building a new hospital with anticipated completion in 2026. The residency training program was included in the planning process for the building, and the new hospital will have amenities which recognize the program.
Overview of Department
https://umanitoba.ca/medicine/department-family-medicine
The University of Manitoba is committed to the social justice principles of equity, access & participation and to promoting opportunities for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous, Black, racially marginalized Peoples, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities) and women.
For more than 40 years, the University of Manitoba’s Department of Family Medicine has been positively influencing the health of individuals, families and communities across Manitoba. Through clinical work, teaching and innovative research, family medicine is making a difference.
We offer residents the chance to learn with interprofessional faculty, such as dietitians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners and other health care professionals. This collaborative learning model teaches our students and residents the basic principles of health care professions, when to use them in their care of patients and how to make appropriate referrals.
This program, accredited by the College of Family Physicians of Canada, promotes whole-person medicine through a combination of patient-centred care and structured seminars. During clerkship, learners are distributed in over 20 communities throughout Manitoba.
Family Medicine is a wide-ranging discipline, with the chance to impact a diverse spectrum of patients in various communities. Manitoba is one of the most diverse provinces in the country, providing an excellent opportunity to work with patients from a variety of backgrounds.
Training Passionate Family Physicians
After completing a four-year undergraduate degree in Medicine, students who enter the two-year Family Medicine residency choose a learning stream tailored to their practice interests.
Here is a video with a general overview of our Family Medicine Program at the University of Manitoba.
Streams:
Urban
Northern Remote
Northern Thompson
Bilingual
Rural – Boundary Trails
Rural – Brandon
Rural – Interlake Eastern
Rural – Neepawa
Rural – Parkland
Rural – Portage la Prairie
Rural – Steinbach
Integrated Clinician Scholar (3 year program)
Each stream provides a broad and balanced experience that prepares well-rounded family physicians who can practice with confidence in a variety of settings.
Enhanced Training
In addition to the postgraduate program, Family Medicine also offers enhanced skills training which allows Family Medicine doctors to continually shape and reshape their careers. Enhanced training is available in the following areas:
Addictions
FM Anesthesia
Cancer Care
Care of the Elderly
Emergency Medicine
Obstetrical Surgical Skills
Palliative Care
Sports & Exercise Medicine
This training requires an additional 6–12 months of study. Residents finishing their second year and practicing family physicians may apply.
Inspiring Young Minds – Our Faculty
The Department of Family Medicine has over 500 faculty members who excel at sharing knowledge, building competencies, and maximizing learning opportunities for students.
Our faculty are integral participants in all stages of medical education. Some have major Undergraduate teaching roles, providing comprehensive Family Medicine and generalist content as well as their unique perspectives on health care.
Integrative Medicine in Residency Program Option
The Integrative Medicine in Residency (IMR) program is a two-year program of study exploring the integration of Complementary and Alternative therapies with conventional family practice in an evidence-based manner. This program is being offered in conjunction with the University of Arizona Center for Integrative Medicine, and is a 200-hour, interactive web-based curriculum that is completed longitudinally alongside the Family Medicine residency program. This program option is available to residents in all streams. Visit the Integrative Medicine in Residency Program page for full details.
Innovative Research
The Department of Family Medicine provides exciting opportunities to perform research with practical outcomes on the health of Canadians. The department promotes and supports the development of research skills and provides workshops to all Family Medicine residents.
Scholarly Curriculum*
Scholarly activities in our program include:
– participation in Journal Clubs
– presentations at patient case rounds and regular guideline appraisals
– didactic teaching
– formal Quality Improvement curriculum
– Critical Appraisal assignments
– PEARLS exercises as offered through the College of Family Physicians of Canada
– Academic Days throughout the year
– additional core curriculum as mandated by PGME for all postgraduate program residents
* subject to change
Courses Offered for Residents in Family Medicine*
Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS)
Prior to the commencement of training, matched applicants must provide proof of ACLS certification that is current as of July 1, 2026. The ACLS Provider course must be certified by the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the American Heart Association. ACLS training that is not certified by one of these two organizations and/or is completed entirely through an online course will not be accepted. Applicants are responsible for all costs associated with obtaining ACLS certification. We provide a re-certification course in your second year of residency prior to graduation.
Advances in Labour and Risk Management (ALARM)
We mandate ALARM training during the residency and provide reimbursement upon successful completion.
Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
We mandate ATLS training during the residency and provide reimbursement upon successful completion for all non-urban residents.
Neonatal Resuscitation Program (NRP)
We mandate NRP during residency and provide reimbursement upon successful completion.
Ultrasound Curriculum
Ultrasound curriculum is mandatory and provided for all residents.
We Will Take Good Care of the People
Indigenous Cultural Safety Training
*subject to change
This residency program is for 2 years.
Program length of training does not exceed the Royal College or College of Family Physicians of Canada standard.
Family Medicine training for Portage la Prairie residents is done in the context of the rural community. Residents will care for their patients both at Portage Clinic and Portage District General Hospital. Portage Clinic is the home unit where residents will do both first- and second-year Family Medicine Block Time (FMBT). They will care for admitted patients at Portage District General Hospital. Residents will have an identifiable patient population that they will manage in the clinic and hospital setting
Portage Clinic is a fee-for-service private clinic which provides full-service family practice to residents of the city of Portage la Prairie and its surrounding region (regional population approximately 45,000).
For FMBT, you will be paired with a primary preceptor. The team at Portage Clinic consists of 35 family practice physicians, 3 general surgeons, 2 ENT surgeons & 6 Emergency Room doctors.
Family physicians in this clinic have specialty training in areas such as:
– Obstetrics
– Emergency Medicine
– Women’s Health
– Anesthesia
– Chemotherapy
– Otolaryngology
– Aesthetics
– Palliative Care
– Visiting specialists who provide services in ophthalmology and dermatology
Portage District General Hospital:
– 88 acute care beds
– 3 general surgeons
– 2 otolaryngologists
– 1 psychiatrist
We have recently implemented the hospitalist model at the Portage hospital.
Family medicine experiences include outpatient clinics, caring for your patients admitted to the hospital, and home visits. Protected time is provided for horizontal experiences in the areas of obstetrics, emergency medicine, palliative care, pediatrics, and surgery.
An integrated approach to behavioral medicine is utilized during FMBT. Some key areas include mental health concerns, helping patients develop coping skills, knowledge of community resources and communication skills. Virtual psychiatric sessions provide some of the didactic portions of this experience.
Portage Clinic has an on-site psychiatrist from Eden Mental Health Centre. The residents have the opportunity to work with this psychiatrist to provide consultative services to patients from Portage and the area within both the clinic setting as well as the hospital setting.
Residents will also have the opportunity to attend the RAAM clinic, satellite clinics in Elie & MacGregor and First Nations communities’ exposure, which includes weekly visits to Dakota Wicozani Health Centre, immunization clinics, child wellness clinics and the opportunity to accompany My Health Team nurses to First Nations communities.
Portage is a Community CancerCare Manitoba site with three family physicians working in the area of cancer care. Residents will be given the opportunity to experience the delivery of cancer care in the outpatient delivery of chemo medications by spending time with the cancer care doctors.
There are opportunities to spend time with a community dietician, which provides experiences in the management of nutritional education & care involving concerns that are common to family practice such as diabetes, cardiovascular illnesses and weight management
In addition, there are opportunities for enhancement of health promotion skills through education in community groups.
Residents can also work with a preceptor with advanced training in the field of wound care.
We have the My Health Team working within the clinic that provide the services of a prenatal nurse, immunization nurse, chronic disease education nurse, STBBI nurse, wound care nurse, kinesiologist, pharmacist, and a child & adolescent shared care mental health team member.
Portage is currently building a new hospital with anticipated completion in 2026. The residency training program was included in the planning process for the building, and the new hospital will have amenities which recognize the program.
OFF-SERVICE ROTATIONS
PEDIATRICS
Pediatric rotations are completed in the Children’s Hospital of Winnipeg.
ICU / CCU
This rotation is based in a Winnipeg community hospital with a focus on both coronary care and intensive care medicine. There are a wide range of clinical experiences including consultation within the hospital and in the Emergency Department. Residents will spend time with GP anesthesia learning the skills of airway management, IV sedation and rapid sequence intubation. There will be ample opportunity through the very active ICU to have teaching in advanced intravenous line access
PALLIATIVE MEDICINE
Winnipeg has one of the longest-standing traditions in Canada in providing hospital and community palliative care to its citizens. The Palliative Care rotation has been evaluated by residents as one of the most rewarding and unique to their Family Medicine training. Skills taught by palliative care family physician specialists enable residents to gain skills essential to providing symptom-based care to both patients struggling with chronic illness and during end-of-life care.
NOTRE DAME
One block is completed at Notre Dame hospital & clinic as well as in surrounding communities.
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Two blocks of Internal Medicine are completed at St. Boniface Hospital
OBSTETRICS
Two blocks of Obstetrics are completed at St. Boniface Hospital
