The Manitoba Medical Association (MMA) has dangled a new physician-retention carrot in front of the province's doctors. The plan will see physicians earning a share for each year they practise in the province, and these can earn a substantial payoff after every 5 consecutive years in practice. Shares are weighted according to the number of years practised. The 5-year payouts would range from $10 500 for physicians who complete their first 5 years of consecutive practice to $21 000 for doctors who complete their 26th to 30th years. In the former case, MDs would earn a $2100 share each year, while those in the latter group would earn $4200. The shares can be cashed in only at the end of each 5-year milestone period and are revoked if the physician leaves before the milestone is reached. John Laplume, CEO at the MMA, told CMAJ feedback from members has been positive. The program will receive $5 million annually from Manitoba Health and will also earn accrued interest. The first 5-year milestone will be reached Mar. 31, 2007. — CMAJ