University of Manitoba - Department of Family Medicine

Join the Department of Family Medicine for Grand Rounds on Tuesday, June 16, 2026, for a discussion on:

"Gestational Diabetes: How Physician Assistants Are Improving Treatment" with speaker Nikki Semaniuk, Physician Assistant.

The Department of Family Medicine’s Grand Rounds bring together medical learners, health professionals, faculty, and partners to explore important and emerging topics in primary care.

This online session will highlight how physician assistants are supporting improved care and treatment for patients with gestational diabetes, while contributing to collaborative, team-based approaches in primary care.

All interested medical learners and medical professionals are welcome to attend.

Please complete the registration form to receive the Zoom link: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=C92AT4wzTE6KFJBEaWL3uLviM_rIJAVPuQjed7f9s_5UNVhVNFQyTzNWSjdYMkRUWjBIVk42MzIwSS4u

The Department of Family Medicine is proud to celebrate Lac du Bonnet Medical Group as the recipient of the 2026 Inspire DFM Teaching Site of the Year Award. Led by Dr. Michel Bruneau, Dr. Cody Clovechok, Dr. Selena Papetti, Nurse Practitioner Lisa Kroeker, Ms. Christine Bruneau, Ms. Tricia Solnes and Ms. Crystal Bellin, the remarkable rural team of Dr. Michel Bruneau, Dr. Cody Clovechok, Dr. Selena Papetti, Nurse Practitioner Lisa Kroeker, Ms. Christine Bruneau, Ms. Tricia Solnes and Ms. Crystal Bellin has created one of Manitoba’s most inspiring environments for medical learners. They provide exceptional full-scope care to their community.

The Lac du Bonnet Medical Group has instructed more than 70 UGME learners since 2016. They have taught the next generation of family physicians with strong mentorship, innovative learner support, and compassionate patient care.

“This clinic exemplifies excellence in medical education, mentorship, clinical service, and community engagement, fostering a supportive and enriching environment for learners,” said nominator Dr. Jennifer Setlack.

“What sets this site apart is its unwavering dedication to both patients and learners,” said co-nominator Dr. Lexie Peper.

Lac du Bonnet Medical Group’s work reflects the Department of Family's efforts to support early exposure, mentorship, and training opportunities in rural communities, which includes the Rural Health Careers & Early Exposure Bursary Fund.

Donations to the Department of Family Medicine initiatives help expand rural training opportunities, early-exposure programs, and learner support. This support strengthens the pipeline of future healthcare providers for Manitoba’s rural and northern communities. It also helps facilitate their successful entry into practice while improving long-term physician retention within the communities that need them most. By investing in training and recruitment, we can help more physicians choose rural practice and improve access to quality primary care where it is needed most.

Congratulations to the entire Lac du Bonnet Medical Group team and thank you for your extraordinary leadership in rural medicine, mentorship and patient care.

Join us for the 2026 Inspire DFM Awards on Friday, May 22, at 3:00 p.m. at the Lac du Bonnet Community Centre.

Celebrate this year’s honorees, including Lac du Bonnet Medical Group, our 2026 DFM Teaching Site of the Year, and the outstanding faculty, residents and staff helping shape the future of primary care in Manitoba.

The reception will feature food and refreshments from local caterers, followed by the awards presentation.

Please RSVP your attendance before the end of the day on May 13, 2026, at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/2X2aZBxrAa

The Department of Family Medicine is proud to celebrate Lac du Bonnet Medical Group as the recipient of the 2026 Inspire DFM Teaching Site of the Year Award.

Lac du Bonnet Medical Group is recognized as a teaching site where learners feel welcomed, supported and inspired to grow. They have a strong culture of mentorship, a commitment to accessible, high-quality patient care, and a collaborative, team-based approach to practice and teaching. The team has created an outstanding learning environment for medical students and residents.

They are dedicated to teaching excellence that not only supports the development of future family physicians but also strengthens community care.

Congratulations to the entire Lac du Bonnet Medical Group team and thank you for your leadership in education and patient care.

Join us on May 22 at 3:00 p.m. in Lac du Bonnet as we celebrate the 2026 Inspire DFM Award winners and recognize excellence in primary care across Manitoba. Please RSVP your attendance before the end of the day on May 13, 2026, at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/2X2aZBxrAa

On April 24, the Master of Physician Assistant Studies program celebrated 15 years of growing physician assistant education in Manitoba with a gala at The Gates on Roblin.

MPAS alumni, partners, faculty members, learners, supporters and friends all came together in celebration. Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, live music from the 'Grace Hrabi Trio,' appetizers, conversation and a photobooth.

At dinner, guests heard reflections from program leaders and special guests on where MPAS began, where it is today and where it is headed. Speakers highlighted the program’s growth and the dedication of its learners and graduates. The program highlights the important role physician assistants have in supporting team-based care, improving access to services, and strengthening Manitoba’s health-care system.

The celebration also recognized students, alumni, preceptors, faculty members, administrative staff, clinical partners, institutional leaders, and government supporters who have all helped build and sustain the program.

Fifteen years after graduating its first students, MPAS remains an important part of Manitoba’s health-care future. Thank you to the students, graduates, preceptors, faculty, staff, partners, clinicians, leaders and supporters who have helped shape this program and profession.

Congratulations to MPAS on this wonderful milestone.

On National Physicians’ Day, the Department of Family Medicine celebrates those who serve in medicine.

Through patient care, teaching, mentorship, leadership and advocacy, family physicians play a vital role in the health and well-being of communities across Manitoba. We extend our sincere appreciation to the physicians within our department and across the province for their dedication, compassion and commitment to care.

Thank you for everything that you do.

The Department of Family Medicine is proud to celebrate Dr. Nermin Gergis as the recipient of the 2026 Inspire DFM Leadership Excellence Award.

Dr. Gergis is recognized for a career of service, integrity and steady leadership. Her unwavering commitment to patients, learners and communities across Manitoba has made a lasting impact on family medicine with her work in rural and Indigenous communities. She guides with her continuing professional development and dedication to mentoring the next generation of physicians.

Her contributions reflect the very best of the Department of Family Medicine by strengthening care in underserved regions, supporting lifelong learning, and inspiring colleagues through her example.

Congratulations, Dr. Gergis, and thank you for your leadership, compassion and service.

Join us on May 22 at 3:00 p.m. in Lac du Bonnet as we celebrate the 2026 Inspire DFM Award winners and recognize excellence in primary care across Manitoba. Please RSVP your attendance before the end of the day on May 13, 2026, at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/2X2aZBxrAa

The Department of Family Medicine is proud to celebrate Ms. Christina Hrankowski as the recipient of the 2026 Staff Excellence Award.

Christina is recognized for her exceptional dedication, professionalism, and commitment to supporting the department's work.

Since joining DFM in 2018, Christina has provided outstanding support across multiple areas of the department by consistently delivering high-quality work with reliability and care. She supports day-to-day operations and steps forward to assist with special initiatives, events, and retreats. Christina is known as a proactive and dependable team member who goes above and beyond.

A true team player, Christina builds strong, positive relationships with colleagues and is always willing to lend a hand. Her supportive approach and commitment to excellence make her an invaluable part of the department.

Congratulations to Christina. Thank you for everything you do to support the Department of Family Medicine.

Join us on May 22 at 3:00 p.m. in Lac du Bonnet as we celebrate the 2026 Inspire DFM Award winners and recognize excellence in primary care across Manitoba. Please RSVP your attendance before the end of the day on May 13, 2026, at the following link: https://forms.office.com/r/2X2aZBxrAa

On Administrative Professionals Day, we wish to sincerely thank all of our administrative staff for the important work you do every day in support of the Department of Family Medicine.

Your contributions are felt throughout the department. You help keep offices, programs, and people connected and moving forward. Your professionalism and dedication continue to support our faculty, staff, residents, learners, and leadership. The department’s success depends, in many ways, on your care and commitment. As such, the work you do is important and deeply appreciated.

Thank you again for everything you do for the Department of Family Medicine.

Management Team
Department of Family Medicine
Max Rady College of Medicine

The Department of Family Medicine is proud to celebrate Dr. Tobi Morakinyo as the recipient of the 2026 Inspire DFM Resident Leadership Excellence
Award.

Dr. Morakinyo is recognized for her outstanding leadership as a resident and her commitment to creating opportunities for others. She has been a strong advocate for enhanced ultrasound training for Northern Remote residents. Dr. Morakinyo is also helping shape a stronger future for family medicine through her leadership within the Northern Remote team, impactful community work supporting the National Stem Cell Registry, and Black medical student mentorship.

Her leadership reflects the Department of Family Medicine values of collaboration, equity and a commitment to improving care for communities across Manitoba.

Congratulations, Dr. Morakinyo, and thank you for your leadership and dedication.