Our Stories

Dr. Ayomikun Soyombo

Emergency Medicine Physician

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"The province has an excellent pathway in place to support newcomers and help them settle into their jobs.

Beyond the professional opportunities, there is something special about the people here. I would encourage colleagues to choose Friendly Manitoba. The province has demonstrated a genuine commitment to ensuring that newcomers succeed here."

My Recruitment Experience

With Dr. Ayomikun Soyombo

My interest in Manitoba dates back to 2010, when, as a final-year medical student at the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, I was accepted for an undergraduate medical elective in Winnipeg. The three-week placement, in collaboration with the University of Manitoba, would have seen me rotate through Internal Medicine departments.

I was ecstatic. It would have been my first flight outside of Nigeria. I packed my bags, booked my flights and even bought a cozy jacket to keep me warm in Manitoba’s winter temperatures. Sadly, my visa application was declined and, heartbroken, I had to change my plans.

Fast forward to 2026. After completing my specialty training in Emergency Medicine in the United Kingdom and working as an Emergency Medicine Consultant, I started casually surfing the internet for potential opportunities in Canada when I found an advertisement for opportunities in Manitoba and submitted my CV.

A few days later, I received an email from Dr. Phillip Endleman. During our initial meeting, he did a fantastic job of explaining the Emergency Medicine landscape in Manitoba; and convinced me that this could be the right opportunity for me.

Not long afterwards, I had the opportunity to meet Manitoba’s Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office (HCRRO) in Birmingham during their UK recruitment tour. The team was led by the Health Minister, Hon. Uzoma Asagwara, which demonstrated a level of commitment from the province that really stood out to me.

At the time, I had potential job offers from three other provinces, but Manitoba stood out. They demonstrated how important physician recruitment was to the province, and their dedication came across as second to none.

After the Birmingham meeting, I accepted my offer of employment and was invited for a site visit to see the hospitals where I would be working in Winnipeg. Sixteen years after the heartbreak of being unable to obtain a visa as a medical student, I finally got on a plane and landed in Winnipeg.

The reception was extraordinary, thanks to Dr. Phillip Endleman, Denry Eulalia-Gomez, Dr. Harold Peters, Dr. Astrid Guenther, Dr. Jeremy Plett, Dr. Tyler Laycock, Dr. Chris Cymbalisty and the entire WRHA Emergency program and the HCRRO team.

During my visit, I was blown away by the welcome I received from the teams at Victoria Hospital, Seven Oaks General Hospital, Concordia Hospital, and Grace Hospital. The planning was top-notch, with no slip-ups, and I saw people going above and beyond at every stage to make me feel welcome. That experience solidified my decision to join the Manitoba family.

Attending the Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians (CAEP) conference, which was hosted in Winnipeg during my visit, was another highlight. It gave me the opportunity to meet members of the wider Canadian Emergency Medicine community and better understand the practice of emergency medicine in Canada.

After everything Manitoba had done to welcome me during the recruitment process, I thought I knew what to expect when I arrived. I was wrong.

My arrival in Manitoba had multiple flight delays. I landed late at night and walked into what appeared to be an empty airport. I certainly did not expect anyone to be waiting for me.

As I walked towards through the international arrival doors and across Manitoba’s “Hug Rug”, I saw the Honourable Health Minister and the team standing there with smiles on their faces.

I was speechless.

The Honourable Uzoma Asagwara, Dr. Phillip Endleman, Jodi Kortje and Sara Locke greeted me at the airport, helped with my luggage and presented me with a thoughtful welcome hamper, complete with delicious muffins and a handwritten note to my family and me.

The entire experience surpassed my wildest imagination. I was also overwhelmed by the messages I received from people across the WRHA family welcoming me to Manitoba and the memorable moment of meeting Premier Wab Kinew days after arriving.

I have been overwhelmed with love everywhere since arriving, and I am incredibly grateful.

One interaction captured the spirit of Manitoba for me. While completing my Social Insurance Number application, the woman helping me noticed that I was a doctor. Her face lit up with genuine affection, and she said, “We’ve been waiting for you. Welcome.” That was shocking and incredibly touching. This was a stranger who instantly embraced me as part of the community. It was a small moment, but for me, it was a powerful reminder of the very special nature of Manitobans.

Looking back at my recruitment journey, I can only conclude that the HCCRO team is a well-oiled machine efficiently doing the job to get the right people on board. They have demonstrated a level of commitment that is rare and their efficiency is exemplary. I was also well supported right from the very start of my licensing journey with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba (CPSM) and through the immigration process with the assistance from an excellent immigration lawyer who ensured my work permit application process went smoothly. 

Now that I am here, I am very happy and at peace with my decision. It is time to get to work and play my part in delivering compassionate, excellent care to Manitobans. I cannot wait to start looking after the special people of this province at Seven Oaks General Hospital and Grace Hospital.

For internationally trained physicians considering Manitoba, I would say that the province has an excellent pathway in place to support newcomers and help them settle into their jobs. Beyond the professional opportunities, there is something special about the people here. I would encourage colleagues to choose Friendly Manitoba. The province has demonstrated a genuine commitment to ensuring that newcomers succeed here.

As I begin this next chapter, my family and I are excited about what tomorrow holds.

I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise as an Emergency Medicine Consultant from the UK to Manitoba and contributing to the delivery of the best possible emergency care to the people of Winnipeg and Manitobans across the Province.

Discover what your future in Friendly Manitoba could look like.

If you’re an internationally trained physician exploring opportunities in Manitoba, connect with a dedicated physician recruiter to learn more about available opportunities, licensing, and support through the recruitment process.

Our Stories

Edy Fils-Aimé

Mental Health Clinician

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“We weren’t looking for the biggest city or the fastest pace. We wanted somewhere people still feel human.

In Manitoba, I feel my ability to speak French is part of my strength. I feel like I have my identity back. I can be completely myself."

From Rebuilding to belonging

With Edy Fils-Aimé

For social worker Edy Fils-Aimé, meaningful work has always been about connection.

“People are not broken,” he stated. “Often they’re simply disconnected — from themselves, their families, or their sense of purpose. Helping people reconnect has always been my mission.”

With personal experience rebuilding his own life and career, Edy has a strong understanding of just how essential that feeling of connection and belonging is to our well-being. Today, as a full-time designated bilingual mental health clinician with Manitoba Mental Health & Addictions Connect, he says he has finally found that for himself.

“For my family and I here in Manitoba, we’ve now found that connection. It feels like coming home.”

Originally from Haiti, Edy spent nearly two decades working in international development, supporting grassroots organizations and helping community members have a voice in shaping their futures.

In 2019, growing instability in Haiti forced his family to leave the life they had built behind. They moved to the United States, where Edy faced the challenge of starting over. Determined to continue meaningful work supporting people in times of vulnerability, he returned to school and completed a second master’s degree, this time in social work.

Through it all, his philosophy has remained clear.

“Many people receive treatment and resources,” he stated. “But what they truly need is someone to walk alongside them, not to fix them, but to help them reconnect.”

In recent years, Edy and his wife began to feel uncertain about their long-term future in the United States and stability became more unclear as policies shifted.

Searching for safety, balance, and a strong sense of community, Edy and his wife discovered Manitoba.

“We weren’t looking for the biggest city or the fastest pace. We wanted somewhere people still feel human,” shared Edy. “A place where you can build a career, that wasn’t based in a business transaction but in relationships.”

When Edy began applying for social work positions in Manitoba, he discovered something he hadn’t expected, genuine support. He received a call from Dominique, a bilingual recruiter with the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office, who helped him navigate credential recognition and finding a position that aligned with his skills. At the same time, the HCRRO also helped his family understand and move forward with confidence through the immigration process.

“It didn’t feel like a transaction,” he explained. “It felt like we were building a relationship. That people were walking the journey with us. It felt very Canadian.”

That sense of partnership helped his family take the leap. Edy became the first candidate supported through Manitoba’s Francophone Express Pathway, designed to help bilingual and French-speaking skilled workers build their future in the province.

Since arriving, Edy says the most profound change has been internal. Working in a role where his bilingualism is valued has restored his confidence and sense of identity.

“In Manitoba, I feel my ability to speak French is part of my strength. I feel like I have my identity back,” he smiled. “I can be completely myself.”

For his wife, who paused her nursing education to support their move, the impact has been just as meaningful.

“She tells me there’s no price for this peace,” he shared. “She feels safe. That is something you cannot measure.”

While their transition is still new, the family is building routines, friendships, and a sense of home. For Edy, the move has brought back something he had been missing.

“For the last six years I was working hard, but I had lost that feeling of true purpose. Since arriving in Manitoba, that feeling is coming back.”

Edy’s advice to others considering a similar move is, “Prepare yourself. Do your research. Take the first step, you might surprise yourself.”

“Canada is our last station. The system here is friendly and works for us. Manitoba is competitive and affordable but also welcoming and values humanity. More people need to know that.”

Take the First Step

If you are a health professional looking for meaningful work in a supportive community, Manitoba could be the home you’ve been looking for.

Our Stories

Diana Hechanova

Internationally Educated Nurse

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“It’s really great. I did not expect everything to line up into place. I love my unit now.  My manager was very kind to give me an opportunity.

I know the journey is not easy but… If I can do it, you can do it too.”

Meant to be

With Diana, Internationally Educated Nurse

Looking back now, Diana Hechanova views each unexpected detour of her journey back to nursing not as setbacks, but as redirects that lead her to where she was meant to be.

Originally from the Philippines, Diana came to Manitoba in 2016 with her husband, hoping to build a better future for their growing family. What started as a leap of faith has since grown into something even bigger. Today, not only has Diana built a life here, but her family, parents, and siblings have made Manitoba home too.

Like many internationally educated nurses (IENs), Diana understood the potential financial barriers and uncertainty about how to get back into practice.

“I did not start the pathway to licensure immediately. There are many steps and I knew it could be challenging,” she said.

To support herself and her family, Diana took on a series of jobs outside of patient care for many years, but nursing never stopped calling her back.

The right time presented itself when she learned about Manitoba’s International Educated Nurse Program.

The Manitoba Internationally Educated Nurses (IEN) Program supports nurses who were educated outside of Canada and are living in Manitoba. The program provides personalized guidance and access to supports that help participants understand nursing licensure requirements, plan next steps, and move through the process.

“That’s when my nursing journey restarted. At first, I was not convinced because everything is very expensive,” said Diana. “But I was connected with a nurse employment navigator, Sonya from the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office who helped me every step of the way and offered guidance on eligibility requirements to access financial supports.”

“All of these pieces coming together felt like a sign. I thought, ‘Okay, this is what the Lord wants me to do’. I had a lot of answers saying yes, you are on the right track.”

Diana committed fully, enrolling in the one-year bridging program, completing her coursework and practicum, working toward her way back to nursing.

As she neared completion, Diana received additional support from Sonya and the HCRRO team including practical tools like resume optimization, interview preparation, along with navigating employment opportunities and the regulated need for her to complete 250 supervised practice hours. For her, those supports helped give her the confidence she needed.

As she began to apply for nursing positions across Winnipeg, ready to begin her next chapter, the one place she hesitated to apply to was Health Sciences Centre Winnipeg (HSC).

“I avoided HSC because it sounded intimidating,” she said. “You hear stories that it’s busy and intense.”

But Diana decided to go for and when she applied, HSC called her back within three days.

Today, Diana works on a sub-acute adult medicine unit at HSC and says it has turned out to be the perfect fit.

“It’s really great. I did not expect everything to line up into place. I love my unit now.  My manager was very kind to give me an opportunity,” Diana shared.

What Diana found was kindness and support, from her manager, her colleagues, and the team around her helping her grow and succeed. As she nears the completion of her final supervised practice hours, Diana is excited to receive her full nursing license and plans to stay on her unit.

“When things didn’t work out the way I wanted, it was because I was meant to be somewhere else.”

Now, Diana is helping others find their way too. She hopes to mentor other internationally educated nurses as they navigate their own journeys. She’s been encouraging her friends to take the same leap she made. One of them is even joining her unit, making it feel even more like home.

Diana’s message to other IENs facing the same doubts she once had is simple:

“I know the journey is not easy but… If I can do it, you can do it too.”

Ready to start your own nursing journey in Manitoba?

Learn more about the support available for internationally educated nurses and take the next step towards returning to practice.

Connect with a Recruiter to learn more!

Our Stories

Kathleen Deduke

Northern Nurse and Best Practice Educator

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“I remember being asked, ‘If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go? And I said, ‘I would go home, back to Northern Manitoba.’ And I really meant it.

You really have no idea until you come here and experience it. People come here because it feels like home. It’s simple living. You find your friends and community here, and that’s what pulls you in.”

Coming Home to the North

With Kathleen Deduke, Northern Nurse and Best Practice Educator

For Kathleen Deduke, nursing has been more than a career. It’s been a path back home. Raised in northern Manitoba, the North has always represented to her a deep connection to community and meaningful relationships.

That plan became even clearer during a conversation with another travel nurse. “I remember being asked, ‘If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you go?’” Kathleen recalled. “And I said, ‘I would go home, back to Northern Manitoba.’ And I really meant it.”

Born in Thompson and raised in Snow Lake, Kathleen grew up surrounded by northern communities, lakes and the close-knit connections that come with small-town life. While her career has taken her across Manitoba and even to an emergency department on Vancouver Island, in her heart she knew she could build a life she truly loved in the North.

After working in Brandon and spending time travel nursing in British Columbia, Kathleen returned to the Northern Health Region on a travel contract in Thompson and The Pas. From the moment she arrived, she knew she was where she belonged.

“As soon as I got back, I felt like, ‘I miss it here. I want to live here. I want to work here.’”

Today, Kathleen calls The Pas home, where she works in emergency department, the operating room and now serves as a Best Practice Educator supporting multiple departments.

Kathleen’s love for nursing began long before she entered a classroom. As a child, she regularly visited a family member in the hospital who went through a life-changing accident. One core memory has stayed with her and shaped her.

“I remember this nurse coming into the room. They knew her by name. They loved this nurse. She seemed to really make an impact on them,” she said. “I remember thinking, ‘That job is really cool.’ I’ve wanted to be a nurse ever since that moment.”

Kathleen began her healthcare career as a health-care aide before becoming a phlebotomist with Canadian Blood Services. Those experiences helped build the foundation for her nursing career and led her to earn her nursing degree through University College of the North in The Pas.

While the pristine scenery and lakes are beautiful, Kathleen says it’s the people and sense of community that make Northern Manitoba special.

“It’s not just the outdoors. It’s the community,” she added. “You make friends at work, but you also have a community outside of work. There’s so much to do. It’s small enough that you get to know people. It really is a community.”

Since returning, Kathleen has been able to build a life she loves in The Pas. Thanks to the affordability of living in Northern Manitoba, she purchased her own home, joined a local baseball team and built lasting friendships within the community.

Professionally, she believes Northern Manitoba offers opportunities that are difficult to find elsewhere.

“In the north, you aren’t limited to specialized units. We feel like one big department where you can be exposed to everything from emergency, pediatrics, all the way to palliative care. Anything that comes through the door, you get to learn from.”

The broad scope of practice in the North means nurses develop confidence quickly and gain experience across a wide range of patient care.

“You’re getting high acuity cases like larger centres, but with fewer resources, so you learn to rely on your team,” Kathleen shared. “You adapt. You figure it out. And it makes great nurses.”

Kathleen describes the North as welcoming, authentic, and full of people who work hard and enjoy life.

“I love that it’s a little rugged,” she added. “It’s a bunch of hardworking people who like to work hard but play harder.”

While some people see the North as remote, Kathleen sees something different. For her, the combination of meaningful work, endless opportunities to learn and a strong sense of belonging is exactly why she came back, and why she stayed.

“You really have no idea until you come here and experience it,” said Kathleen. “People come here because it feels like home. It’s simple living. You find your friends and community here, and that’s what pulls you in.”

If you’re ready for professional growth, community connection and a lifestyle change,

this could be your next big move.

Our Stories

Alexa Harvey

Pharmacy Student

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“Coming back to Manitoba has been really special. It’s an opportunity to serve the same communities I grew up in.

Being able to use French in patient interactions can be really reassuring and helps make sensitive conversations more comfortable and safer for patients.”

Dominique, HCRRO Professional Recruiter (left) and Alexa Harvey, Pharmacy Student (right)

Rooted in community, delivered en français.

with pharmacy student Alexa Harvey

Alexa Harvey’s introduction to pharmacy was simple, working as a cashier in her hometown’s small community pharmacy in St-Pierre-Jolys, Manitoba. It was there, in her close-knit, bilingual community, that her interest in health care began to take shape.

“I knew I loved science and helping people,” Alexa smiled. “Pharmacy felt like the perfect balance for me, combining clinical knowledge with meaningful, patient-centred care.”

Alexa’s journey has always been grounded in her Francophone identity. She completed her K–12 education in French in St-Pierre-Jolys before continuing her studies at Université de Saint-Boniface in Winnipeg. When it came time to pursue pharmacy, she was drawn to the French-language PharmD program at the University of Ottawa where she has continued to learn in her first language while experiencing life in a new province.

Now in her second year, Alexa has returned to southern Manitoba for a hospital placement in the emergency department at Bethesda Hospital in Steinbach, bringing her full circle back to the region where her interest was first sparked.

“Coming back here has been really special,” she shared. “It’s an opportunity to serve the same communities I grew up in. Being able to use French in patient interactions can be really reassuring and helps make sensitive conversations more comfortable and safer for patients.”

Alexa’s current rural placement at Bethesda Hospital has opened her eyes to the diversity and intensity of care outside of urban centres. Compared to more specialized environments, rural health care exposes practitioners to a wide variety of patient needs.

“In a rural setting, you really see a bit of everything,” she said. “It’s such a valuable learning experience because you’re not limited to one type of case, you’re constantly learning and growing as a health care professional.”

Working in a hospital, particularly in the emergency department, has also brought a new level of excitement and purpose to her training.

“It’s fast-paced in a completely different way than community pharmacy,” she explained. “You’re part of the care team, making recommendations in real time and collaborating directly with physicians, nurses, and other professionals. Everyone is working toward the best possible outcome for the patient.”

Alexa adds that the collaborative nature of hospital work is one of its biggest advantages. “You’re not just dispensing medication; you’re actively involved in patient care decisions. Being able to communicate face-to-face with the health care team makes a huge difference.”

“I’m a very hands-on learner. Being on the unit, hearing discussions, seeing how decisions are made, that’s where everything clicks for me.”

Even when she’s not directly involved in a case, Alexa values simply being present as a student, absorbing knowledge, asking questions, and building confidence.

“Every day, I’m learning something new. It’s exciting to think about the kind of pharmacist I’m becoming.”

As Alexa continues her pharmacy education, she’s especially interested in opportunities that allow her to serve Francophone communities, where she knows she can make a meaningful impact.

“I would love to continue working in places where I can use my French,” she said. “There’s something really rewarding about that.”

Ready to make an impact in both official languages?

Across Manitoba, bilingual health care professionals play a vital role in creating safe, accessible, and culturally meaningful care, especially in rural communities. Deliver care that truly connects and be part of a workforce that makes a difference every day.  

Connect with Manitoba’s Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office’s bilingual recruiter to explore bilingual healthcare opportunities in Manitoba.  

Our Stories

Shama Paul

Clinical Assistant

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“For us, Canada represented opportunity, security, and the chance to build something meaningful.”

"This time, I had no plan — just an unshakable feeling that this was the right move. And it turned out to be the best move of my life,”

A Bold Move

with Shama Paul

When Shama Paul arrived in Canada in 2020, she carried more than just her luggage. She brought with her a background as a family physician, having cared for patients across urban, suburban, and rural communities, along with the profound responsibility of serving as a COVID-19 frontline doctor in her home country.

“What I didn’t carry?” she reflected. “Was a clear roadmap for what came next.”

For Shama, relocating to Canada had been part of her story long before she arrived.

“Canada has been a dream of mine since Grade 4,” she shared. “I can still remember telling people that one day I would live there, and over many years, that dream quietly stayed with me. My parents worked tirelessly and eventually secured immigration status, hoping for a safer and more stable future for our family.”

“For us, Canada represented opportunity, security, and the chance to build something meaningful.”

Shama grew up in Abu Dhabi, studied medicine in Malaysia, and completed her medical training while practicing as a physician in Bangladesh. Like many internationally trained physicians, she found herself navigating the uncertainty of what this next chapter in Canada would look like.

She arrived first in Toronto, Ontario, and worked in a variety of roles while getting settled. Still, she was determined to remain connected to healthcare and find a way to use her medical training.

“Deep down, I knew I wasn’t done with clinical care,” she said. “At the time, I had no idea how to begin my licensing journey. It felt overwhelming and uncertain.”

A conversation with a friend who had relocated to Manitoba introduced her to the Clinical Assistant (CA) role, an opportunity she had never previously heard of. Curious and hopeful, she began exploring opportunities.

“Silence. Rejection. More silence,” Shama recalled. Then everything changed.

After completing her medical licensing exams in September 2024, Shama made a bold decision.

“That September, just hours after completing a long 6.5-hour exam, I packed up overnight and was on the road to Winnipeg by morning, leaving behind my family, my comfort zone, and the familiar rhythm of life in Ontario.”

“Ironically, I’ve always been a meticulous planner,” she added. “But this time, I had no plan. Just an unshakable feeling that this was the right move.”

“And it turned out to be the best move of my life,” she shared.

Once she arrived in Winnipeg, Shama was more determined than ever. She walked into clinics near where she was staying to personally drop off her resume, while continuing to apply online.

Her persistence paid off. Today, Shama practices in Family Medicine Inpatient and Urgent Care at Victoria General Hospital, where she has been working for more than a year.

“Every single day, I feel grateful — to God, to my family, and to the incredible colleagues who support and inspire me,” she said. “Medicine, once again, feels like home.”

“There’s something deeply fulfilling about practicing with empathy, contributing meaningfully to patient care, and supporting supervising physicians in solving everything from small clinical puzzles to complex medical challenges.”

She paused, then added, “That sense of purpose? It’s priceless.”

Outside of work, Manitoba itself has also surprised her.

“The natural beauty here is breathtaking. The calmness gives you room to breathe, reflect, and grow,” she shared. “Over the past few months, I’ve explored much of Manitoba, and I’m enjoying the quiet strength and welcoming spirit the province offers.”

Shama has found a renewed sense of purpose in her work, acknowledging the road was not linear or easy, but ultimately worth it. Reflecting on her journey, she shares one piece of advice:

“You only regret the chances you don’t take. Sometimes, the best decisions are the ones you make without a perfect plan — guided by faith, resilience, and the courage to leap.”

With certainty, she added, “When you truly belong in medicine, it finds a way to bring you back home.”

Curious About Your Own Path?

If you are an internationally trained physician exploring opportunities in Manitoba, the Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office is here to support you as you explore pathways to practice in Manitoba. Connect with a dedicated recruitment specialist to learn more about Clinical Assistant roles, licensing pathways, and opportunities across the province.

Your next chapter in medicine could begin with a single conversation. Connect with a recruiter today!

Our Stories

Chauntal deRocquigny

Pharmacist

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"In the hospital, you are part of a team—you’re collaborating directly with doctors, nurses, and other specialists, monitoring complex treatments, and applying in-depth clinical knowledge every day.

You can see the impact of your work immediately on patient care, and that’s incredibly fulfilling."

Chauntal and her colleagues, Jackie (left) and Jessica (right)

More than Medication

with Chauntal deRocquigny

When the bell rings in the play area at CancerCare Manitoba, applause fills its Pediatric Clinic, marking a significant end-of-treatment milestone for the patients and families of the clinic. For pharmacist Chauntal de Rocquigny, it’s one of the most meaningful moments of her work.

 “For newly diagnosed families, hearing that bell gives hope,” Chauntal shared. “It provides an inspiring moment of celebration that they are working towards. I remember a mom telling me she heard the bell ring when they first started treatment. She thought they would never reach that day. And then suddenly, they were the ones ringing it.”

For the past 15 years, Chauntal has helped children and their families navigate complex chemotherapy regimens, side effects and the emotional toll of a cancer diagnosis. Chauntal’s role extends far beyond dispensing medications. She builds individualized treatment calendars, monitors safety and use, collaborates closely with oncologists and nurses, and meets regularly with families.

The meaningful relationships that Chauntel builds with her patients and their families is a key part of what drives her passion for her role, and her reason for choosing a position embedded in the health system.

“I love working with kids and their families. I’m honoured to be part of their children’s care. I usually work closely with them for about three years, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see the kids grow stronger once they are in remission and become healthy. It means so much to me to be able to witness their changes over the years, knowing I’ve made a positive contribution to their care.”

As a Francophone Manitoban, Chauntal increasingly uses her French-language skills to support families, particularly newcomers whose primary language is French. She helps families navigate Manitoba’s Pharmacare program and explains complex treatment information in their language.

“When families realize I can explain everything in their language, their faces light up,” shared Chauntal. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to combine both parts of who I am, my profession and my Francophone identity, into what I do.”

While Pediatric oncology can be emotionally challenging, Chauntal describes her work as profoundly fulfilling.

“The kids are incredibly resilient,” she said. “Even when their blood counts are low, and they should be really tired, they’re bouncing around, playing. They just want to be kids.”

Across Manitoba hospitals, pharmacists apply their specialized expertise to directly influence care decisions, and build strong relationships within multidisciplinary teams. With opportunities to work with diverse populations and complex cases, each day is challenging, educational, and deeply meaningful.

Reflecting on her own journey from community to hospital pharmacy, Chauntal shared, “Community pharmacy was a great place to start. You get to know your patients, help them with medications, and build those relationships. But in the hospital, you are part of a team—you’re collaborating directly with doctors, nurses, and other specialists, monitoring complex treatments, and applying in-depth clinical knowledge every day. You can see the impact of your work immediately on patient care, and that’s incredibly fulfilling.”

For students considering a career in hospital pharmacy, Chauntal, who also teaches at the University of Manitoba Faculty of Pharmacy, offers this advice: “Be open to new challenges and opportunities that may come your way. Don’t be afraid to take a chance. There’s a lot of on-the-job learning and training, you learn as you go.”

Chauntal added, “When I first began at CancerCare Manitoba, I wasn’t sure I was ready to work pediatric oncology – and now I can’t imagine doing anything else! I go home every day knowing I’ve made a positive contribution to someone’s care.”

Over time, Chauntal’s work has shaped how she approaches life beyond the clinic.

“The work I do has really taught me to appreciate the little everyday moments—like walking your dog or seeing your kids healthy. Those are the things that truly matter.”

For Chauntal, pharmacy is more than medications and dosing schedules. It is about connection, reassurance and walking alongside families, from the uncertainty of diagnosis to the joy of hearing that bell ring.

Thinking About a Career in Pharmacy?

Across Manitoba, pharmacists play a vital role in supporting patients at every stage of life and in every care setting. They are educators, advocates and trusted partners in healthcare. If you’re inspired by the impact pharmacists make and are interested in exploring a career in pharmacy in Manitoba, connect with a recruiter to learn more about the opportunities available to you

Our Stories

Sean ten Kate

Orthoptist

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"The team at the children's eye clinic here is very close-knit. They really helped me feel at home quickly. I plan to stay. This feels like the right place.

Just go for it. It's been great for me. Even the winters - you get use to them!"

Seeing a Future in Manitoba

with Sean ten Kate

Some of the best adventures aren’t planned, they are discovered. For Sean ten Kate, becoming an orthoptist — a profession few people have heard of — and building a life in Manitoba wasn’t an adventure he had on his life’s bingo card. Instead, it was a leap of faith that carried him halfway across the world and led him to a career, and a sense of home, he never expected.

Originally from the Netherlands, Sean trained as an orthoptist, a highly specialized role within ophthalmology focused on eye alignment, eye movement disorders, and the development of children’s vision. During his studies, he completed an international internship in Saskatoon, an experience that sparked his interest in building a future in Canada.

“I was in Saskatoon for three and a half months — in winter,” Sean laughed. “It wasn’t necessarily the climate, but the people that made me realize Canada could feel like home.”

Sean found orthoptics by chance, and over time, he discovered just how personal the work was.

“As I child I needed surgery to correct an eye misalignment I had. Realizing that connection to my own experience and this work is when it really clicked,” Sean said. “Now I get to help kids and adults with the same conditions I had and go over the treatment options as a health care provider and from my own personal experiences.”

Today, Sean works primarily in pediatric ophthalmology at Health Sciences Centre and rotationally at the Misericordia Health Centre in Winnipeg, where no two days are the same.

“There’s always something to figure out,” he explained. “Every patient is a bit of a puzzle — and that’s what keeps it interesting.”

In 2022, Sean completed his Canadian certification exams, both written and oral, remotely from the Netherlands. As soon as he passed, he began applying for roles across Canada.

“Within days of starting my search, I was contacted by Manitoba’s Health Care Retention and Recruitment Office (HCRRO),” he said. “From interviews to immigration, I always knew what the next step was.”

Later that year, as luck would have it, Sean had the opportunity to meet the HCRRO team in person when Shelby, Provincial Manager at HCRRO, was in the Netherlands for an international emigration event. That face-to-face connection helped turn Manitoba from an idea to a real, attainable next step.
With support from HCRRO and his new employer, Sean navigated immigration and relocation, arriving in Manitoba in 2023.

“The team at the children’s eye clinic here is very close-knit,” Sean said. “That made all the difference. I don’t think I could have found this kind of teamwork anywhere else. It is like having a little family away from home.”

Many of Sean’s direct colleagues in the children’s Eye Clinic also come from different parts of Canada and the world, creating a warm and immediate sense of belonging and inclusion from day one.

“They really helped me feel at home quickly,” he said. “I plan to stay. This feels like the right place.”

Now calling Manitoba home, Sean has extended his work permit in early 2025 and recently applied for permanent residency. For other internationally trained health professionals considering Manitoba, Sean’s advice is simple:

“Just go for it. It’s been great for me.” Sean smiled and paused. “Even the winters — you get used to them!”

Thinking About a Career in Manitoba?

If you’re a health professional trained outside of Canada and considering building your career in Manitoba, the Healthcare Retention and Recruitment Office (HCRRO) is here to support you.

Connect with an HCRRO recruiter to learn more about career opportunities, licensing pathways, and relocation support — to start your own Manitoba success story.

Our Stories

Adenike Adefila

Psychiatric Nurse

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“Moving to Manitoba and being part of the health system is like joining a community.

You meet people from so many backgrounds who all care about the work they do. If you’re passionate about taking care of people and want to make a difference, become a nurse here.”

It was always Canada

Nurse Adenike’s Journey Home to Manitoba

Growing up in Nigeria, Adenike Adefila never imagined nursing as part of her future. That changed during her final year of high school, when her mother became ill. Adenike spent nearly a month at her bedside in the hospital; a time that would shape the course of her life.

“It was the first time I really saw what nurses do,” said Adenike. “One nurse in particular stood out—she was passionate, kind, and supportive. She became a mentor to me.”

That experience changed everything. What began as a difficult family moment soon became a source of purpose. Adenike decided to pursue nursing and, over time, discovered a passion for psychiatric nursing and mental health care.

After completing her education to become a nurse in Nigeria, Adenike continued her professional journey in the United Kingdom (UK), where she became licensed and worked as a registered mental health nurse.

“Everyone who knows me – knows that I’ve always wanted to live in Canada. The UK experience was a stepping stone for me,” explained Adenike.

Adenike has found her place at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre as a float psychiatric nurse thriving on the variety and opportunities to keep learning as she works in multiple departments including acute, forensic, and specialized units.

“I’m adventurous and enjoy moving between different areas, meeting new people, and learning new skills.”

Adenike added, “It’s those moments when I get to help someone at their lowest and see them improve—that’s the fulfilling part. It’s not just about making a living; it’s about impacting lives.”

For Adenike, the path from Nigeria to the UK to Manitoba was never about distance — it was about finding home. She’s found exactly that, a place where her skills are valued, her family is supported, and her calling as a nurse continues to grow.

“Moving to Manitoba and being part of the health system is like joining a community,” she said. “You meet people from so many backgrounds who all care about the work they do. If you’re passionate about taking care of people and want to make a difference, become a nurse here.”

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Across the province, nurses bring skill, compassion and commitment to every patient, every shift. Their work strengthens communities and ensures Manitobans receive high-quality, patient-centered care when they need it most. To learn more about building a meaningful nursing career in Manitoba visit our nursing careers page and connect with our recruitment team.

Our Stories

“If you want to practice medicine with purpose—if you want to make a meaningful difference for people who need care the most—Manitoba is a place where you can do that.”

Dr. Jesse Krikorian

Family Physician

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Choosing Purpose in Manitoba, Canada

With Dr. Jesse Krikorian

When Dr. Jesse Krikorian arrived in Winnipeg this summer, it was more than a career move, it was a decision to step into the kind of medicine he felt called to practice.

“This is a purpose-driven career for me. I wanted to provide as much benefit as I can to the people who need it most,” Dr. Krikorian shared.

As a family physician with a fellowship in community medicine and a focus in trans health, Dr. Krikorian came to Manitoba intentionally, to serve patients in a system where compassion is supported by access.

“I cannot express how much of a relief it is not to worry about what it costs my patients to come and see me,” expressed Dr. Krikorian. “I feel like I’m practicing somewhere with a conscience.”

Medicine was not Dr. Krikorian’s first career. Originally trained as an engineer, he had long imagined returning to school. It was his own experiences as a patient—and the inequities he witnessed—that ultimately changed his direction.

“I realized that if I went to medical school, I would have a lot more access to make that change,” explained Dr. Krikorian. “So, I went back to school to see what would happen—and here I am.”

The combination of advocacy, lived experience, and compassion now anchors Dr. Krikorian’s approach to care.

“I was a patient before I was a doctor. I never want to lose that. I know how stressful it can be to walk into a doctor’s office, especially if you’ve had bad experiences. When I can make someone feel comfortable and heard—that’s the most gratifying part of this work.”

When Dr. Krikorian began exploring opportunities in Canada, it was Winnipeg—and specifically, Klinic Community Health, a team-based, trauma-informed community support—that stood out.

“I really wanted to be somewhere doing community medicine and a significant amount of trans health. Klinic gives me that opportunity, and I wasn’t finding as good of a fit anywhere else.”

Starting fresh in a new place is never simple, but Dr. Krikorian shared how this transition has been smoother here than in past relocations. Since arriving, Dr. Krikorian has found Winnipeg welcoming adding – “and yes, the Friendly Manitoba reputation holds up,” he laughed.

At Klinic, Dr. Krikorian is able to practice a different way of being a doctor—one centered on time, conversation, and relationship building. With longer appointments, a salaried structure, and integrated supports such as social workers, counseling, and crisis services, he can provide care without rushing.

“My patients are often medically and socially complex. It’s important that I have the time to sit with them, understand what’s happening in their lives, and build trust.”

In Dr. Krikorian’s exam room hangs artwork—some pieces he has collected, others he’s painted himself. It’s a reminder that people bring their whole selves to the work they do, and that the most meaningful careers are the ones aligned with both head and heart.

For physicians considering Manitoba, Dr. Krikorian’s message is simple:

“If you want to practice medicine with purpose—if you want to make a meaningful difference for people who need care the most—Manitoba is a place where you can do that.”

Art in Dr. Krikorian’s exam room

Explore opportunities in Manitoba and connect with our recruitment team at healthcareersmanitoba.ca.