Physicians Recruitment
Lifestyle & Attractions
The Assiniboine Regional Health Authority Overview
The Region employs over 3,000 people and operates acute care facilities, transitional care units, long-term care facilities, and elderly persons housing units. The region provides public health, mental health, diagnostic, emergency medical, and home care services. There are over 60 physicians providing medical services in the area.
Language
The Region is a designated bilingual RHA (French and English), however English is the predominate language. There is a component of Arabic and Afrikaans speaking physicians and families in the Region as well and approximately 30 nurses from the Philippines have made the region their home in the spring of 2009.
Population
The ARHA is home to approximately 68,000 people. The majority of the citizens are English descendants. There is also a large Ukrainian population. Within the Region there are seven First Nation Communities; predominately found in the northern part of the Region; and twenty-eight Hutterrite Colonies disbursed throughout the Region. Twenty percent of our population are aged 65 years and older.
Industry
The main industry throughout the region is mixed agriculture. Secondary industry includes mixed manufacturing, service sector, tourism and transportation.
Housing
Generally housing and property prices are lower throughout the ARHA than in major service centres such as Winnipeg and Brandon. Average rental costs vary between $500-$800 per month. Many people living in the Assiniboine area own their own home, with prices ranging from $130,000 and up. In larger centres such as Neepwa, Minnedosa, Souris and Virden, upper-end homes may sell in the $150,000 and up.
Each of our local communities can assist in housing options until you and your family are ready and can find a permanent option that fits your lifestyle.
The ARHA covers an area of 32,134 square kilometers; expanding from the northwestern point of the Saskatchewan border near Russell, continuing south down the Saskatchewan border where it meets the USA border, and extends south-east to the Treherne area and north to the Neepawa area. The region includes Riding Mountain National Park.
Brandon, the major centre servicing the ARHA, is within 30-90 minutes of most communities in the Region. The towns at the eastern end of the Region are within 90 minutes of the City of Winnipeg. Russell, located at the northwestern point of the ARHA, is approximately 30 minutes from the city of Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
Both the Trans Canada and Yellowhead Highways are major transportation corridors within the Region.
Work Environment Overview
“It is awesome medicine. Just fantastic.”
This is a quote from one of our family physicians that immigrated to Canada over 15 years ago. It summarizes just what you will enjoy if you, too, decide to make rural Manitoba your home.
After speaking with multiple members of our medical staff about what it is that made them come and stay in Manitoba, one point was mentioned repeatedly – job satisfaction. They all described a career that was fulfilling and rewarding and incomparable to positions previously held. As a family physician in a rural community, you will not only treat the individual patient, but the entire family. You will gain insight into each patient’s life and family that you would not have in an urban setting, and will therefore appreciate the broader issues that may be affecting a patient. And the feeling is also reiterated – everybody knows and respects the family doctor in town.
The healthcare team that physicians are a part of is just that, a team. They are often described as a family themselves; always working together and supporting each other. The nursing staff is very well educated and well-trained, therefore making the job of the family physician easier. And vice versa. This makes for a happy work environment, which means happy employees.
In regards to the clinic side of a family physician’s practice, there are many benefits of working in a small town. Access to clinic space is not a concern; most often new physicians are welcomed into an already established medical clinic. Overhead costs are generally shared with colleagues and are very reasonable. Medical services throughout the region are provided with a very holistic, patient approach. Patients will range in age from newborn to geriatric, and will encompass all ranges of medical concerns. Once again, a team atmosphere will be found in the clinic as well.
An incredible benefit of working in a smaller site is that, as a family physician, you will have a lot of input into the clinic and hospital activities. It also creates room for flexibility. In addition, there is a very open relationship between the RHA administration and the medical staff. Communication is very important, and the medical staff is often part of decision-making processes. Not only is administration actively involved with physicians, but there are also many opportunities for physicians to take on administrative responsibilities.
Lastly and probably most importantly, with practicing medicine in a rural community comes an incredible advantage – a great work and home life balance. Rural family physicians get the rewarding feeling of providing care to a community, and still get to go home at the end of the day to their own families and enjoy the many hobbies one can have. The workload allows for extracurricular activities; whether that is sports, arts or furthering your studies – the options are endless!
Come enjoy the prairie splendor in beautiful South Western Manitoba.
The Assiniboine Region will take you on a beautiful journey of wide-open spaces and never ending horizons along Manitoba’s Assiniboine River.
Whether you enjoy the tranquility and natural environment of Riding Mountain National Park, the wonderful landscape found at the International Peace Garden, an oasis of rolling forested hills and small lakes, or sprawling acres of canola, flax and wheat fields, this Region has something that appeals to everyone. Wild life is a common site as you drive through our prairie landscape.
Living in Manitoba, you will experience the luxury of all four seasons. The scenery transitions from lush green in the spring and summer, to an array of vibrant colors in the fall, and absolutely serene and breathtaking views blanketed in fresh snow during the winter.
Our communities, from the smallest to the largest, boast low-crime, safe, inviting environments to raise your family in. Each community tends to be a family in itself; supporting one another whenever needed. A place where kids walk to school with their friends, driving to work takes 5 minutes and people say hello when out for a walk.
Although our towns are small in size, they’re full of opportunity. You’ll find plenty of resources a plenty along “Main Street” in any rural town. The Health Centre, pharmacy, school, grocery store and hardware store are just a few of the amenities in each of our towns; in addition to the one-of-a-kind shops that are hidden treasures in every rural community. And beyond the edge of town, within a short driving distance, are the cities of Brandon and Winnipeg. You can enjoy the amazing quality of life that small town culture offers, while still having access to the large cities when desired.
In rural Manitoba, you will experience clear skies and fresh air every day. Stars can be seen every night, and the northern lights during the winter months are a truly beautiful sight that can only be experienced outside the city.
Or, enjoy the true beauty of country life by living on an acreage outside of town. With wildlife often literally in your backyard, the sights and sounds will exceed all of your expectations.
Activities
There are endless opportunities for activities year-round in all of our communities. Whether you are into sports, music or the arts, there is something for everyone.
During the summer months, many residents take advantage of the warm weather and enjoy boating, fishing, swimming, biking, baseball and hiking to name just a few. Community swimming pools often offer swimming lessons for kids, and various aerobic classes for adults. Multiple fairs and events are held throughout the season as well.
Winter brings about hockey, curling, snowmobiling, ice fishing, skiing and hunting. The chilly weather doesn’t slow anybody down, and there is never a dull moment.
If the arts are where your interests fall, there is no shortage of opportunities either. Many of the communities have local art councils, as well as educational opportunities (i.e. music lessons, etc.) for all levels.
Schooling
The communities in the Assiniboine Region have public schools for grades Kindergarten through to Grade 12. With class sizes being approximately 20 students, kids are receiving an excellent education with plenty of personal attention. Most towns have daycare services as well for children that are not of school age yet.
With the larger centres of Brandon and Winnipeg being within such a close proximity to our communities, university and college facilities are easily accessible.
For additional information on Living in Manitoba – please visit this External Website
Southwest Manitoba Regional Immigration Committee
