WINNIPEG – Doctors Manitoba has selected Theresa Oswald (pictured) as its new chief executive officer starting in January 2018. Well known to the medical community around the country as the Province of Manitoba’s former Minister of Health, Oswald more recently served as the Executive Director of the Women’s Health Clinic in Winnipeg.

“Theresa is uniquely qualified to lead our organization. With her background, she has a rare and comprehensive understanding of the healthcare system and the important role that physicians play in it,” said Dr. Aaron Chiu, president of Doctors Manitoba.

“She is a widely respected leader and few can match her knowledge or her contacts in this field. Additionally, we feel she will confidently uphold our tradition as a non-partisan organization to advocate for the well-being of physicians and their patients.”

Oswald was the unanimous choice of the selection committee after an extensive national search. She was the longest consecutive serving Minister of Health (2006-2013) since medicare was introduced to Canada.

“The number one concern for physicians is the health of their patients. As CEO, my number one concern will be to support physicians in providing the best possible care for the people of Manitoba,” said Oswald. “Physicians have great wisdom to share with their patients, with the leaders of the healthcare system and with Manitobans. My role will be in part to help their voices be heard.”

Doctors Manitoba represents more than 3,000 physicians in the province. In addition to its role of negotiating compensation with government, Doctors Manitoba also provides a range of services to physicians from benefits and insurance to health and wellness programs aimed at supporting physicians when they are off the job.

“Our selection committee was impressed with Theresa’s skill, knowledge and professional approach. She has an extremely well-informed global view of the challenges facing physicians and the healthcare system,” said Chiu. “It is also appropriate for our organization to select a woman for this role. Most students entering medical school today are women, so it is fitting that we have a woman leading Doctors Manitoba.”

Oswald was the province’s first female Minister of Health and now becomes Doctors Manitoba’s first female CEO. She will take over from Robert Cram, who is retiring after 22 years with Doctors Manitoba, including 15 years as director of negotiations and the last seven years as CEO.

“I join the Board and our entire membership in thanking Bobby for his outstanding service to our organization,” said Chiu. “He has consistently provided strong leadership to the physicians of Manitoba and is leaving the organization in excellent condition.”

About Doctors Manitoba

Founded in 1908, Doctors Manitoba represents more than 3,000 physicians in the Province of Manitoba today. Its membership includes practicing and retired physicians, medical students and residents. Its goal is to promote a social, economic, and political climate in which physicians can provide Manitobans with the highest standard of healthcare, while achieving maximum professional satisfaction and fair economic reward. For more information, please visit doctorsmanitoba.ca.