Southern Health-Santé Sud was pleased to welcome University of Manitoba family medicine residents and their families to Morden and Winkler from September 18–20 for the 2026 Family Medicine Resident Retreat.

The annual retreat rotates among different health regions in Manitoba, providing residents with an opportunity to experience the diverse communities and practice environments available throughout the province. This year Southern Health-Santé Sud had the opportunity to host, welcoming 142 residents and their family members for three days of professional learning, networking, cultural learning and community experiences.

The retreat provided an opportunity to showcase what Southern Manitoba has to offer—not only as a place to practice medicine, but as a place to live, raise a family and become part of a community.

Professional programming throughout the weekend included presentations from Doctors Manitoba, a physician job fair, panel discussions and presentations from local physicians. Residents were able to connect directly with physicians and health-care organizations and hear first-hand about the opportunities, experiences and rewards of practicing medicine in rural Manitoba.

Residents also participated in traditional medicine learning with Elder David Daniels, an Anishinaabe knowledge keeper, providing an important opportunity for cultural learning and connection.

Experiencing life in Southern Manitoba

Beyond the professional program, residents and their families were encouraged to get out into the community and experience some of the recreational and lifestyle opportunities available in the region.

Participants could choose from a wide range of activities such as golfing, Pilates, pottery, spin classes, bowling and several self-directed options including pumpkin picking. These activities provided an informal way for residents and their families to connect with local physicians and community members while getting a taste of life in Southern Manitoba.

Events such as the Family Medicine Resident Retreat are an important opportunity to introduce future physicians to the region early in their careers, build connections with local health-care teams and communities, and highlight the professional and personal opportunities that come with rural practice.

For residents considering where they may eventually establish their careers, the weekend offered a chance to see Southern Manitoba as more than a place to work—it is a place where physicians and their families can put down roots, build relationships and become part of a community.

A community effort

Hosting an event of this size would not have been possible without the support of many people and organizations throughout the region.

Southern Health-Santé Sud extends a sincere thank you to the many community sponsors, organizations, businesses, physicians, health-care teams and partners who generously contributed their time, resources and support to make the weekend possible.

Recruiting and welcoming future family physicians to Southern Manitoba is truly a community effort.