Contrary to recent online speculation suggesting a downturn, the Portage Clinic is preparing for significant growth, announcing the addition of seven new physicians between July and September 2025.
This surge in staffing directly addresses community needs and counters concerns raised after a social media post highlighted a physician's recent departure. That post was made in a local Facebook group, stemming from a memo about a doctor leaving, which led some to speculate about multiple practitioners departing the clinic in a short time.
Executive Director Brenda Martinussen clarifies the actual staffing picture, emphasizing stability and forward momentum. She notes that over a 20-month period from April 2024 to November 2025, only three physicians have moved on from the Portage Clinic for various personal reasons.
Robust recruitment pipeline fulfilling goals
During that same 20-month timeframe, the clinic is set to welcome a total of 12 physicians in various capacities, including the seven joining this summer. Martinussen highlights the clinic's highly successful residency program as a key driver of this growth.
"We have an incredible residency program that we operate in conjunction with the University of Manitoba. This program is highly sought after by residents across the province because we have phenomenal physician preceptors, and we have a great staff supporting them through this last two years of training. The residency program is a great pipeline for new doctors. They get to experience what a practice would be like in Portage. They see what a great community it is. They see what a great organization it is and they want to stay."
Martinussen detailed the imminent arrivals: "In July, we'll have four new physicians joining, one in August, and then another two at the beginning of September."
Beyond these seven family physicians, the clinic is also welcoming another surgeon this fall, adding to one who joined last December. Furthermore, two "itinerate associates" have recently joined to support the Same Day Clinic and Emergency Room, freeing up other physicians for family practice.
Meeting fluctuating community needs
Martinussen acknowledged that achieving the ideal state where every resident has a primary care provider requires ongoing effort, especially as community needs can fluctuate significantly. Factors like the recent influx of evacuees from Manitoba wildfires, measles outbreaks in the region, and seasonal illnesses like cold and flu place varying demands on the healthcare system. The clinic's recruitment push is directly aimed at increasing capacity to meet these needs.
"Our goal at the Portage Clinic is not to have anyone on Doctor Finder," Martinussen clarifies, "Our goal is to recruit enough physicians so that everybody who wants a family physician has a family physician. This is something that drives our team every day in making sure that we are providing quality healthcare to the community."
Martinussen estimates that, assuming full-time focus on family practice and stability—something that she admits is rare in healthcare—the clinic might need approximately 3-4 more physicians to meet current demand for primary care providers in their catchment area of over 30,000 people. For now, however, she adds that they're very happy with the growth they're experiencing.
She strongly encourages residents seeking a family doctor to register with Doctor Finder Manitoba (toll-free: 1-866-690-8260 or online: www.manitoba.ca/familyDoctorFinder), as new physician rosters are filled from this registry.
She also noted that patients of any physician leaving the practice will receive a letter directly from their physician, outlining next steps and options for care.
Martinussen also asks that patients do not call the clinic asking to be added to a physician’s practice. Under direction from the province, Doctor Finder provides physicians with new patients to add to their roster. Doctor Finder continually updates their registry and prioritizes based on health needs. Individuals will likely be contacted starting mid-summer.
Supporting physicians, serving the community
Despite the natural ebb and flow of healthcare staffing, Martinussen expressed confidence in the clinic's direction and its deep roots in the community, noting many physicians stay for decades.
She reiterates the clinic's dual commitment to patients and staff, saying, "We want to support all our physicians in meeting their needs and in supporting their decisions. We recognize that everybody is at different places in their life and we'll support them in whatever way we can. And at the same time, we work to support the Portage and area community to make sure that we have high-quality healthcare here for people."
The arrival of seven new doctors this summer marks a substantial step towards enhancing healthcare access and stability for Portage la Prairie and the surrounding region.