Doctor to open clinic in western Manitoba First Nation, finish his training via provincial program

A southwestern Manitoba First Nation is welcoming a foreign-trained doctor to its new clinic, who brings with him much-needed health-care access to the community of 89 people, the chief says.

Gambler First Nation Chief David LeDoux says they've been on the hunt for a doctor for about six years. The First Nation tapped into surrounding communities and the province to help find a physician for the community about 340 kilometres northwest of Winnipeg. 

They've signed a five-year contract with Igor Schinkarew, who will complete his physician training on-reserve.

He's opening a new clinic on Gambler in about two weeks, and will spend the first year as a clinical assistant as he finalizes the last steps of becoming a practising physician in Canada.

LeDoux says members have always had to travel to other communities to get health care. Having Schinkarew work in Gambler will give residents easier access to health care because they'll have a family physician they can feel comfortable with and easily visit.

It's already hard getting a family physician near Gambler, LeDoux said. That's why they needed to set up a clinic on-reserve to ensure people have proper access to health care.

Schinkarew says he's excited to bring his skill to the rural community.

"Some of the Gambler [members] can't really drive. They can't commute to a clinic on a daily basis," Schinkarew said. "I'll be available for them. I'll be there. That's the main thing."

Schinkarew says one of his biggest concerns is tackling diabetes. He's already planning strategies to help people, but he wants to be on the ground talking to Gambler First Nation members to hear their stories.

"I'll try to keep an open mind and listen. ... what health habits they have," Schinkarew said. "I'll try to make little changes step by step."

Coun. Kellie LeDoux says partnerships between neighbouring municipalities, provincial and federal government and Indigenous Services Canada helped Gambler establish a clinic in the community.

Kellie, who has Type 1 diabetes, says she's excited to finally have a family doctor. 

"Diabetes is running, running rampant through the First Nations," she said. "Not being able to have access to a doctor, my own family doctor … is really, I guess worrisome," she said.

Kellie says knowing a physician will be in the community gives her peace of mind knowing she'll get the heath care she needs close to home.

Rural life

Schinkarew was born and studied to become a doctor in Brazil.

He spent about seven years practising as a family and emergency room doctor in rural areas of his country. He says the experience is similar to working in rural Manitoba — there's just a bigger flow of patients.

Schinkarew and his wife Morgana Maioch first moved to Roblin in 2019. His wife grew up in a small town and wanted to find a similar environment in Canada. When they moved she began working at a cattle farm in Inglis, while he studied to become a licensed doctor in Canada.

Schinkarew finished his last exams in 2023 and has been waiting for a placement in rural western Manitoba, while he finalized his proper accreditation and licensing requirements. He says he was waiting for the right rural fit for his family because he wanted to stay in a small town. 

He eventually met with the West Central Manitoba Immigration Initiative — a three-year pilot that includes Gambler and seven other rural municipalities to address labour market needs. The initiative was created in November 2024 and serves as a support program for people applying for permanent residence through the Manitoba provincial nominee program to help meet labour demands in western Manitoba.

The initiative helped him become a permanent Canadian resident and connected him with Gambler First Nation about a year ago.

When the clinic opens in March, for the first year Schinkarew will be working with a fully licensed doctor in Russell for around two hours a week. When Schinkarew is working in Gambler, he'll check in with his supervisor over the phone or email.

After the first year, he'll have to do a year of residency and enter the international medical graduate program through Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg.

After that, he'll be practising as a fully licensed doctor.

A new modular building will soon become the clinic with private exam rooms and offices. It will be staffed by a nurse, Schinkarew and health staff.

Right now, the clinic will only be for Gambler residents, Kellie says, but there is potential it will open up to surrounding communities based on how busy Schinkarew is.

"We would like to establish him in our First Nation.… We'll just keep moving forward that way and if we can help with that resource we will," Kellie said.