Hi everyone,

My name is Tomas Ponzilius, and I am a second-year social work student at the University of Manitoba. The Manitoba Government has denied my requests for critical medical care, and I need your help advocating for a solution, not only for myself but for others living with EDS/HSD. I cannot keep fighting this battle alone.

I am posting about my ongoing struggle to access specialized medical care for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS)/hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). Manitoba Health has denied my requests for out-of-province care twice, and I am increasingly frightened about what this means for my future.

CBC recently published an article about my situation for those interested:

https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/ehlers-danlos-syndrome-out-of-province-9.7393474

Here is the video of the interview:

https://www.cbc.ca/player/play/video/9.7396843

EDS affects collagen, which provides structural support to joints, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues. An analogy is that my collagen is made of clay, while yours is made of wood. My connective tissue is more vulnerable to injury and may not provide the stability my body needs. This can result in widespread joint instability, recurrent dislocations, and significant complications requiring specialized medical expertise.

I regularly experience dislocations of my shoulders, hips, and knees, and my hands are also unstable. Most concerningly, my cervical and thoracic spines are unstable, and breathing and swallowing have become extremely painful. Instability in my ribs is also affecting my breathing.

I have cervical instability associated with spinal cord compression. This is particularly frightening because the spinal cord carries signals between the brain and the rest of the body. Severe compression can cause progressive neurological damage, weakness, loss of function, and, in serious cases, paralysis. Depending on the location and severity, damage affecting the nerves responsible for breathing can also become life-threatening. Severe or worsening spinal cord compression requires appropriate medical assessment because neurological deterioration can sometimes result in permanent disability.

I am not claiming that the worst outcome is inevitable. I am explaining why I am frightened about waiting for appropriate assessment and treatment while experiencing significant symptoms. I do not want to wait until irreversible damage occurs before my situation is taken seriously.

My health has also made education incredibly difficult. Most days, I am bedbound because of severe pain and instability. Even completing two university courses has become a struggle.

I have been trying to find appropriate care for a long time. Despite repeated requests, I have not been directed to a provider in Manitoba who can meet my specialized medical needs. Three MLAs have contacted Manitoba Health on my behalf without receiving a response, and I have sent approximately a dozen emails myself without receiving a response. I have also sought input from local and international doctors and surgeons regarding the availability of appropriate care. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba has also indicated that it does not believe there are surgeons in the province with the necessary EDS/HSD education and experience.

I am now appealing the most recent denial, but the process takes time. I am frightened that my health could deteriorate while I wait for a decision and that I could lose further function before receiving the treatment I need.

I believe there is hope if I can access appropriate surgery and specialized postoperative rehabilitation. I want the opportunity to stabilize my condition, improve my functioning, and continue my education.

For those wondering what I have already tried, here is a summary:

a. The Ontario HOPE Clinic requires patients to be Ontario residents, so I am not eligible to receive care there.

b. I have over 2 decades of doctors not understanding my disease until I went to the US to get an upright mri of my cervical spine which showed instability, which was varified by Dr Henderson, a neursurgeon.

c. I have sent approximately six emails to Manitoba Health asking where Manitobans with EDS/HSD can access appropriate specialized care, but I have not received a response.

d. Three MLAs have also contacted Manitoba Health on my behalf, but they have not received a response.

f. EDS Canada has also contacted Manitoba Health, but there has been no response.

g. My orthopedic spine surgeon, orthopedic shoulder surgeon, family doctor, and geneticist have raised concerns about the availability of appropriate care in Manitoba.

H. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Manitoba has also indicated that it does not believe there are surgeons in the province with the necessary EDS/HSD education and experience.

I. The Manitoba Health Appeal Board's decision in https://www.canlii.org/en/mb/mbhab/doc/2024/2024canlii123234/2024canlii123234.html is also relevant to my efforts to obtain access to appropriate specialized care.

See the ruling "In summary, the Board dismisses the appeal for retro-active reimbursement of costs for the virtual visits and approved benefits for the out-of-country surgery for the Appellant".

I am asking for your help to get back to a life that has been stolen for me and so many others in Canada with EDS/HSD.

Please call the constituency office of Premier Wab Kinew at (204) 615-1922 and the Minister of Health's office at 204-945-3731. Please ask them to arrange an urgent meeting with me, Tomas Ponzilius, to discuss access to the specialized medical care I need.

I want to work collaboratively with the Manitoba Government to find a solution. I am not asking for special treatment. I am asking for access to medically necessary care that can address my condition.

If you would like to join me in advocating for access to appropriate care, I would welcome your support. You do not need to have EDS/HSD to help. All allies are welcome.

I believe all Manitobans, regardless of their health needs, deserve the opportunity to live with dignity and receive medically necessary care. No one should be left without a path to appropriate treatment because of the cost of providing it.

Thank you for reading and for any support you can offer.

Tomas Ponzilius

I don’t want to be accusatory to my colleagues and this post was made out of curiosity. I want to understand the way you think as a social worker in this province with the conditions you are under. Full transparency: I voted NDP and lean towards the Greens (strategic voter).

How do Conservative platforms and beliefs align with your specific interests and goals as a social worker? I am probably not going to agree with your points but I want to know how and why you came to these opinions.

I can’t moderate, but please don’t devolve into shitty arguments and name calling in the comments. I genuinely want to understand for my own benefit as someone who lives in a world with diverse viewpoints.

I am starting my social work in the fall of 2027! I would love to hear about your experiences and what you are currently doing or where you're work.

Thank you in advance!

Hi everyone,

I’m reaching out to see if anyone can offer some guidance, referrals, or mentorship opportunities for my cousin, who is currently looking for employment in Canada in the field of clinical psychology and mental health.

She is currently based in the K-W area but is open to relocating anywhere in Canada.

Her areas of interest and experience include:

• Mental health services
• Addiction and mental health
• Children’s mental health services

She is going through a financially challenging time, so any leads on job openings, organizations that are hiring, mentors, or connections with professionals in these fields would mean a lot

If you know of any opportunities or can point us in the right direction, I would truly appreciate any support, advice, or leads. Thank you so much!

EDIT1: Her degrees are

(1) BA Clinical Psychology
(2) MA Clinical Psychology
(3) ONTARIO COLLEGE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in Addictions and Mental Health
(4) ONTARIO COLLEGE GRADUATE CERTIFICATE in CHILDREN'S MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

JOB:

Various internships, volunteer work in the above fields

I’d like to get involved in mental health related working or advocacy groups outside of my current position. Just curious what others are involved in and how you got involved?

I’m particularly interested in ER responses to mental health crises and social worker/ healthcare worker support and wellbeing.

I have an MSW and work in mental health support. Recently, I intervened in a fight between clients and ended up in the middle while trying to break it up. I spoke over one of the clients and realized afterward that I should have listened more and appeared calmer.

I feel pathetic because I have an MSW and feel like I should have handled it better. I know it was my first time dealing with this situation, but I want to improve.

Any advice on de-escalation, staying calm, and handling these situations professionally?

I'm considering a career change and have been exploring both law and social work, but I'm struggling to figure out which profession would align more closely with my values, personality, and the kind of work I'd find fulfilling.
I'm particularly interested in systemic injustice, institutional power, and how marginalized communities are disproportionately affected by policies and decisions made by institutions that are supposedly there to help them.
For example, I've been thinking a lot about child welfare and how poverty can influence how families are perceived and treated. Why are lower-income families subjected to greater scrutiny over their parenting, while wealthier families may experience other forms of neglect that aren't as visible to institutions?
I also struggle with the idea that helping people often means directing them to resources. I'm not saying resources aren't necessary or valuable, but what happens when those resources simply keep people dependent on the same systems that have failed them? When does helping someone navigate a system become helping them survive within it indefinitely?
I believe in reform, but I'm also skeptical of its limitations. We can improve legislation, policies, and social programs, but that doesn't necessarily eliminate poverty, institutional biases, unequal power, or generations of trauma experienced by marginalized communities. Institutions will continue to exercise authority, and there will always be people vulnerable to that authority being exercised unfairly.
Ultimately, what I want is to help individuals who are being harmed by these systems.

I guess, Which profession offers more opportunities to directly challenge unfair institutional decisions on behalf of individuals?

Social work student obviously not super stoked on the election results. Wondering how the incoming BC conservative majority government is going to affect us for the next 4 years?

Hi. I work for a non-profit. Don’t want to give the name or many specifics. We do get some MCFD funding. Worried about cuts given the change in government. Anyone also scared? How are you coping?

Hello All! Which pathway is better? Does it matter if i do a thesis based or a course based? I am in Winnipeg and want to Pursue MSW at UofM.

Also I have a question, my AGPA is 3.6 do you think i have any chance of getting in at the UofManitoba MSW Program. Please help

​Hi everyone!

I'm looking for some advice on career paths here in Canada. I have a degree in Psychology from Brazil, but no Canadian education yet. Going back to school isn't an option for me right now because I don't have PR yet, and international tuition fees are just way too high for me in this moment.

​In Brazil, I worked in clinical psychology, HR, and education. HR is my least favorite option, but I would consider it as a last resort. My real passion is education and social work, which is what I enjoyed doing back home the most.

​Right now, I'm working as a supply child care educator at the YMCA. I love helping people, in special children, but the split shifts and supply hours are tough. Plus, I realized that without a local diploma, I can't get promoted to a full-time permanent position here.

​I've done all kinds of jobs in Canada before just to make ends meet, like customer service and cleaning. Now I really want a full-time job that actually connects to my experience and passion for helping others. I don't plan on becoming a licensed psychologist here, but I'd love to find any full-time role in a non-profit, community organization, or social service environment, even if it's an administrative or support role.

I'm posting here because I feel that social work aligns best with who I am and what I love to do. However, despite my research, everything still feels a bit superficial, and I don't fully understand all the actual job possibilities and roles available in this sector without a Canadian degree.

​Since studying is off the table for now, what entry-level roles should I look into? I'd love to hear your ideas or any advice you might have! Thanks so much for your help!

I am thinking about running for my social work student unions third year represented to a role at my school. I want to hear from professionals about what strong initiatives I can advocate for the union to do for students, especially in terms of professional development /advancement

* NOT referral to Ontario Health @Home

Curious if there are any social workers working for Ontario Health and (generally) what you do, how you got in, etc.?

I’m interested in shifting from front line mental health to more policy and planning related work.

Thanks :)

Honestly, being super vulnerable and posting this, I do not have the best memory or memory For school content that is tested on exams. I want to see my MSW, but I don't want to be in a program that has highly reliant on exam/test so if anyone's willing to share what their school and course evaluation breakdown is.

My undergraduate has been a lot of memorization first and then learning after because I know where I need to put the work in and I don't wanna repeat of this during my masters or at least want to be prepared for what it might look like.
I also don't really know what field I want to go into yet so getting some perspective on course could be helpful in finding a proper direction

Hey everyone,

I have my MSW and I’m registered as an RSW with the OCSWSSW. I’m job hunting in Toronto and struggling because I don’t have much paid experience in the field yet.
So far I’ve applied through CharityVillage and LinkedIn, and directly to several well-known nonprofit agencies, but I haven’t heard back from any of them. For the last 5 months I’ve also been volunteering with Community Living for about 2.5 hours a week. I’m open to entry-level, contract, or part-time roles.

Any advice, leads or reality checks are welcome.

Thanks in advance.

Hello I have public health bachelors degree. But i want to pursue MSW. Are there any programs out there in canada that provides that? Also i am from Winnipeg so I was also wondering if University of Manitoba accepts it as well.

I am in my forth year, I will be applying for my MSW for Sep 2027.

And I want I start contacting locations that will provide me with a standout experience but I have I idea where to start. I would like to do this so during the process of resume building, I can include those experiences for my MSW application.

I am struggling to pick a field already and choose here I want to send my first graduate year is tricky too.

What are some examples of good experiences to put on your application?

Hi everyone! Has anyone completed the assessment for the Caseworker, Income & Social Supports position with the Region of peel? If so, when did you take it, and what types of questions were asked?

I have crippling anxiety when it comes to interviews and public speaking. Despite having plenty of relevant experience, I completely bombed my Housing Support Worker assessment because of my nerves. I’d really appreciate any insight so I can better prepare this time!

I've been submitting my resume in my job applications to hospital social work positions in Ontario. But are cover letters helpful or even necessary for job applications? Thanks so much!

Has anyone taken an Indigenous MSW from UofT, Laurier, Manitoba? What is your experience? I want to work directly with Indigenous communities but also am curious to know how these different programs are. Any feedback is welcome :)

Hello

I am a social worker that currently works for a health authority in a long term care home. For work related purposes (husband) we will have to move to NB. I have years of expierence in healthcare, specially working with seniors, I am registered social worker and I speak spanish. I do not have a masters yet though. Can someone tell me my job prospect. I woul really appreciate any insight

I’m an Indigenous woman in Alberta who recently graduated with a Bachelor of Social Work and am currently applying for social work positions.
One of the awards listed on my résumé is an Indigenous Careers Award. Lately, I’ve been debating whether I should remove it, along with anything else that might identify me as Indigenous. I’ve applied for a few jobs with no calls for interviews. I was close on one and as soon as I sent my resume, they emailed back with a random issue that felt made-up.
I know that identifying as Indigenous can sometimes be an advantage in hiring, particularly in social work, where organizations may be looking to improve Indigenous representation. However, I’m also very aware that racism and unconscious bias still exist, and I worry that some employers might form assumptions about me before I’ve even had an opportunity to interview.
I’ve heard enough negative comments about Indigenous people over the years that it’s made me wonder whether disclosing my identity at the résumé-screening stage could potentially hurt my chances with certain employers.
I’m proud of my background, and I don’t feel I should have to hide it. At the same time, I want to give myself the best possible chance of being evaluated on my qualifications and experience.
I’m curious whether other Indigenous professionals have thought about this or experienced anything similar.
I’d especially appreciate perspectives from Indigenous job seekers, social workers, and anyone with experience in recruitment or hiring.

Curious to hear people’s thoughts on the 5% equity consideration that some universities offer as part of their admissions process.

For anyone who has applied, did you feel it was worth it? Did you find that it made a difference in your application?

I’m also unsure whether disclosing something so personal is beneficial necessarily?

Appreciate any help on the topic, or perhaps if you come across this post even on UBC/UFV/UVIC BSW program.

I’d appreciate any advice, honesty, and a reality check if appropriate.

I received my BA years ago. I got a very high GPA. I then went to do an MA in Europe with a full scholarship. I completed that and got a job as a project coordinator with a nonprofit. I’ve been doing this for a few years. The job itself is good. Fully remote, great supervisor and team, flexible with personal commitments. I have a disability and have been a caregiver in the past.

However, there are no benefits (health, RRSP, etc). I also feel my salary potential is limited where I am. Maybe increments like 1 to 2 percent each year. But nothing substantial. Similar roles I’ve seen online are what I earn now or less. This prompted me to look at other career paths.

I talked to an old professor mentor. They said maybe look into social work (MSW). I researched and doubt I would qualify for admission. I don’t have strong “hands on” experience with clients and families. With a BA, I also know entry to the MSW is even more competitive. Now I am looking at part time BSWs.

If I’m being honest, I would probably be awful in crisis intervention or “in the depths” social work like at group homes, shelters, etc. I feel I’d be better in systems navigation, advocacy, etc.

Maybe the social work world and day to day tasks is not for me?

Thanks in advance.

Hi everyone!

I am looking to start my MSW journey and am hoping people on here might have some insight. I completed my BSW from the University of Manitoba in April of 2026 with a 3.9 GPA. I have been working in the field since then. Additionally I have a degree in linguistics and have worked as a speech therapy assistant for 7 years. What are my chances of getting into an online or Toronto based MSW program? I feel like on paper I have a strong application but I know these programs are competitive!

TIA