Killarney Hospital Welcomes Two International Doctors to Alleviate Staffing Shortage

The Killarney Hospital in Manitoba has successfully recruited two internationally trained physicians, Shamsudeen and Olamide Usman, to help address a staffing shortage that has affected healthcare delivery in the region. This recruitment marks a significant step forward for the hospital, which serves as a crucial healthcare hub for the surrounding communities.

Mayor of Killarney-Turtle Mountain, Janice Smith, announced the arrival of the Usmans, a husband-and-wife team, who were recruited through the University of Manitoba’s medical licensure program designed for international medical graduates. Smith expressed enthusiasm about their decision, stating, “They are very anxious to get their careers going and we are just thrilled that they are going to be part of our community.”

The Usman couple recently visited Killarney, located approximately 240 kilometres southwest of Winnipeg, to familiarize themselves with the area. During their visit, they explored local amenities, including schools, real estate options, and the Tri-Lake Health Centre, where they will practice. The facility is equipped with a 24/7 emergency unit, personal care wing, palliative care services, a medical lab, as well as X-ray and ultrasound facilities.

Their addition is particularly vital as Killarney Hospital aims to operate with a full complement of five physicians. The Usmans are expected to commence their practice in either late August or September 2026. Smith highlighted that they chose Killarney after considering over a dozen other communities in the Prairie Mountain Health region, adding, “They actually chose us. We were pretty pumped about that.”

Manitoba is currently grappling with a notable shortage of doctors, especially in rural areas. According to Doctors Manitoba, the province ranks second-last in Canada for the number of physicians per capita. A report released in October indicated that while recruitment efforts have improved, challenges such as retirements, burnout, and migration out of the province could threaten the progress made.

“We’re seeing better recruitment, but when it comes to retaining doctors, our statistics are among the worst in the country,” said Dr. Nichelle Desilets, president of Doctors Manitoba and a family physician in Neepawa. She emphasized the need for the health system to focus on retention as a key resolution for 2026.

Killarney has had some success in attracting medical professionals through partnerships with recruiting firms, particularly Waterford Global. Last year, the community welcomed Dr. Jim Heptinstall and Dr. Dominic Hennessy, both from England. They joined Dr. Mark Bemment, who was also recruited from the UK in 2016. Smith remarked, “You never stop recruiting. It is so difficult to recruit and to get doctors to come because you’re dealing with people’s lives and situations change.”

The arrival of the Usman couple is viewed as a positive development for Killarney and the broader region, which continues to seek solutions to its healthcare challenges.