Awards
The Wellness Institute has received numerous awards and recognition for its work in Winnipeg and beyond.
- 2023 – Medical Fitness Association (MFA) Pioneer Award for advancing medical fitness
- 2023 – MFA Program Innovation Award for the Cardio-Metabolic Risk Reduction Program
- 2019 – recognized as Canada’s Most Health-Promoting Hospital, CCHL, Healthcare Management Forum 1-5
- 2016 – recognized as Canada’s Upstream Hospital Leader in Healthcare Quarterly, Vol 18 No. 4
- 2016 – Nu Step Silver Pinnacle award for WI’s comprehensive approach to supporting older adults to take charge of their health and wellness and providing tools to remain independent so they can continue to make meaningful contributions to their community
- 2012 – MFA Program Innovation Award for the COPD Self-Management Program: an innovative program between a hospital and medical fitness facility to support patients at discharge with education and supervised exercise
- 2011 – Accreditation Canada’s Leading Practice Award for exercise programs for kidney patients as part of their treatment
- 2011 – Excellence in Program Innovation for Older Adults – International Council for Active Aging
- 2005 – MFAs Distinguished Achievement Award for Top Medical Fitness Facility
- 1997 – Facility of Merit Award (outstanding facility) – Athletic Business
- 1997 – Accessible Design Award, City of Winnipeg
- WHO – recognized as a Health Promoting Hospital
Research and Publications
2024
Publications
Impact of the medical fitness model on long term health outcomes in older adults
Ranveer Brar1,2*, Alan Katz1,3,4, Thomas Ferguson2,5, Reid Whitlock2, Michelle Di Nella2, Clara Bohm1,2,5, Claudio Rigatto1,2,5, Paul Komenda1,2,5, Sue Boreskie6, Carrie Solmundson7, Leanne Kosowan4 and Navdeep Tangri1,2,5
The association between medical fitness facility attendance and incident mental disorders
Jonathan Tebbi1 · Ranveer Brar3,4 · Alan Katz2,4,5 · Michelle Di Nella3 · Clara Bohm3,4,6 · Claudio Rigatto3,4,6 · Navdeep Tangri3,4,6 · Sue Boreskie7 · Carrie Solmundson3 · Leanne Kosowan5 · Darlene Lamont7,8 · Paul V. J. Komenda3,4,6 · David Collister3,9 · James M. Bolton1,2
Brar, R, Whitlock, R, Katz, A, Di Nella, M, Komenda, P, Bohm, C, Rigatto, C, Tangri, N, Solmundson, C, Collister, D.
Journal of the Journal American Heart Association 2024 March 13(7):1-8
2021
Publication
Association of Membership at a Medical Fitness Facility with Adverse Health Outcomes
Ranveer, B, Katz, A, Ferguson, T, Whitlock, R, Di Nella, M, Bohm, C, Rigatto, C, Tangri, N, Boreskie, S, Nishi, C, Solmundson, J, Marshall, J, Kosowan, L, Lamont, D, Komenda, P.
American Journal of Preventive Medicine Association 2021 November 61(5): 215-224
2019
Publication
Sustainability drivers of Canada’s most health-promoting hospital
Graham JR, Naylor P-J.
Healthcare Management Forum 2019 April 32 (3): 158-162
2016
Publications
COPD Integrated Care Pathway Project: Evaluation of Patient Outcomes and System Efficiencies
Norrie, O, Dziadekwich, R, Fernandez, R, Metge C.
Journal of Population Therapeutics and Clinical Pharmacology 2016 September 23 (3):169-182
Upstream Hospital Leader: Taking Action to Improve Population Health
Graham, G, Meili, R.
Healthcare Quarterly 2016 18 (4): 25-29.
2010
Publication
Bailis, D, Chipperfield, J, Segall, A.
Journal of Healthy Psychology 2010 April 15(3): 326-338
2000
Publication
Wellness Institute Services Evaluation Research (WISER)
Segall, A.
Max Bell Foundation 2000
Evidence-Based Wellness at Seven Oaks
The Wellness Institute, located on the Seven Oaks General Hospital Campus, is more than a fitness center—it is a hub for clinical innovation. A cornerstone of our success is the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre (CDIC), which is an integral part of our campus.
Through this partnership, we ensure that every program we offer is built on best practices and rigorous evidence. By linking facility data with health outcomes, we turn research into real-world results for our members.
New Partnership Explores the Power of Pea Protein for Healthy Aging
A new Canadian collaboration is exploring how pea protein—a sustainable, plant-based ingredient—can support the health and nutrition of older adults. At the start of July, Protein Industries Canada announced a pilot project with Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC) and the...
Participants Needed: Help Us Shape the Future of Healthy Aging (PACMan Pilot Study)
At the Wellness Institute, we are committed to providing programs and services that meet our members’ health needs, grounded in the most recent scientific evidence. To help us continue this mission, the Chronic Disease Innovation Centre is launching a new pilot study,...
Evaluation of an Online Weight Loss & Cardiometabolic Program: A Mixed Methods Study
Evaluation of an Online Weight Loss & Cardiometabolic Program: A Mixed Methods Study This study was done at Seven Oaks General Hospital. It checked how well the Wellness Institute's 16-week online program worked. The program was designed to help people lose...
The Association between Medical Fitness Facility Attendance and Incident Mental Disorders: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 15,407 Members
The Association between Medical Fitness Facility Attendance and Incident Mental Disorders: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 15,407 Members, Canadian Journal of Public Health, 2024 Exciting Research News: Wellness Institute Members Reap Powerful Health Benefits!...
Impact of the medical fitness model on long term health outcomes in older adults
Impact of the Medical Fitness Model on Long-Term Health Outcomes in Older Adults: A Retrospective Cohort Study of 3,029 Members, BMC Geriatrics, 2024 A comprehensive new study involving over 90,000 participants has highlighted the profound long-term health...


