Alberta Medical Association

Understanding the Federal and Provincial Governments’ Role in Health Care

January 15, 2021

The EZMSA is hosting a winter/spring speaker series with four different presentations on the topic government and health care. Events are free of charge for ZMSA members. On January 28, hear from Mr. Matt Jeneroux, Member of Parliament, who served as the federal Shadow Minister of Health from January to September 2020. The deadline to register for the January 28 presentation is January 26 at 11 p.m.

Are you hosting a CMA President-elect event?

January 14, 2021

Let’s keep the momentum going! Five Alberta physicians are vying for the position of CMA president in 2022–23 and candidate videos, bios and statements of intent will be posted to the CMA website soon. Are you/your group planning to host a candidate event (i.e., candidate forum or town hall)? If your event is inclusive of all five candidates, we will help you promote it through the AMA’s social media channels!

More lab results coming online for patients

January 13, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As of February 5, more lab results will be accessible to Albertans through the My Health Records (MHR) portal.

January-February 2021 Alberta Doctors' Digest now online

January 13, 2021

Highlights in this issue: Consider rural family medicine residency; Health Law Update: Cambie Surgeries Corporation vs. British Columbia (Attorney General); Student Spotlight: Pauwlina Cyca; AMA Youth Run Club pivots: Virtual Fun, Walk and Roll; Physician Wellness GOATs: Drs. Carmen Gittens and Serena Siow; Shine A Light: Drs. Bernhardt, Hemrick, Mackey and Sligl; and more!

More lab results available online for patients through My Personal Records

January 11, 2021

In 2021, Albertans will be able to view more lab test results in My Health Records (MHR), the single access point for Albertans’ personal health information. These lab results will be viewable through the My Personal Records (MPR) application. This change is being made to provide Albertans with more access to their health information, and as an additional safety net for patient care within the system.

COVID – We must stay the course

January 7, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Last week we welcomed in 2021. While the new year often sparks feelings of hope, I met the new year with a sigh of relief that 2020 was over. There is, of course, the optimism provided by the vaccine, but it is tempered by the prospect of a long year ahead that will involve many challenges related to the ongoing pandemic. The end of the year was difficult for many of us, isolated from family, trying to carry on traditions in new ways and, for many, dealing with the financial burden the pandemic has brought to bear.

Zonal/Regional RF delegates - election results

December 30, 2020

Ballots for the election of zonal/regional delegates to the AMA Representative Forum were tallied on December 21, 2020. Elections took place in Regions 1, 2, 4 and the Calgary and Edmonton Zones. Who are the new zonal/regional delegates? Member login required to view.

Z-codes, AMA updates you need

December 23, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As this letter was completed, we were advised that Alberta Health has decided to postpone the implementation of new rates for Z codes, initially scheduled for January 1.

Virtual session on AHS stipends and CPSA Standards of Practice

December 22, 2020

Yesterday evening (December 21) we hosted a virtual session on Alberta Health Services virtual stipends. Member login required to view recording.

Government review cARP & academic medicine plus AMA info session on stipends

December 22, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As discussions continue with government towards a negotiated agreement, new payment models are emerging and are being offered to physicians.

Evidence of the COVID-19 care deficit

December 17, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As we settle into a new phase of restrictions to check the spread COVID-19, I wanted to write to you about the impact of the pandemic on patient care and the health care system.

Data today to plan for tomorrow

December 17, 2020

Up-to-date member information is more important than ever. We have created a new feature of the AMA member dashboard where you can update information on any practice changes that you may be undertaking. If you have experienced a change in your practice, please go to the new ‘My Practice Information’ area on the member dashboard to update your practice information.

My letter to Albertans and a new tool to better understand members

December 11, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Some of you may have seen the letter I wrote to Albertans urging them to do their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Update from Well Doc Alberta

December 9, 2020

Well Doc Alberta is working with interested groups of physicians across the province to develop and train formal physician-to-physician peer support teams.

Alberta Health is recruiting physicians for Expert Committee on Drug Evaluation and Therapeutics

December 9, 2020

Applications are due January 10. Alberta Health is seeking physicians and Albertans with expertise in pharmacy, health research and epidemiology-related fields to serve on the Expert Committee on Drug Evaluation and Therapeutics. The committee is an advisory agency that provides advice to the Minister of Health regarding the Alberta Drug Benefit List. It is a unique opportunity to make potentially lifesaving updates to the Alberta Drug Benefit List and improve Albertan’s access to modern medicine.

COVID vigilance, vaccination survey and update on government discussions

December 7, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I wrote to you on November 26 about the explosive rates of COVID-19 in Alberta and the new measures that have been taken to slow the virus down.

A Physician's Story of Addiction, Depression, Hope and Recovery with Dr. Adam Hill

November 27, 2020

View a recording of the webinar, "A Physician's Story of Addiction, Depression, Hope and Recovery with Dr. Adam Hill." Member login required. On October 2, 2020, the AMA's Physician and Family Support program and partners hosted a physician wellness webinar to hear one physician’s story of addiction, depression, hope and recovery. Dr. Adam Hill shared his personal journey and reflections on factors that cause distress in the medical workforce, including the obstacles and barriers preventing mental health treatment and the effect of stigma and stereotyping of mental health and addiction. Through his personal account he helps to reduce the stigma of physician addiction and instill hope about recovery.

COVID-19: Hard choices

November 26, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Since I wrote to you earlier this week, additional public health measures have been announced to slow the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been a lot of debate on the probable effectiveness of these plans and what needs to happen next. There is no question that tight lock downs are effective in reducing spread; we experienced it in the spring and results from other jurisdictions speak for themselves.

Worth noting: Physician health, member engagement

November 24, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: We have all been watching the seemingly unabated rise in COVID-19 cases with increasing concern.

Nominate an Alberta physician for CMA President-Elect

November 19, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Every year, the Canadian Medical Association holds nominations and elections processes for the position of CMA president-elect and this year the president-elect will be chosen from Alberta.

Are you interested in improving symptom management for cirrhosis care in Alberta?

November 17, 2020

Enhancing Alberta Primary Care Research Networks (EnACt) is conducting a qualitative research study seeking to understand the decision process when primary care physicians manage the symptoms of patients living with cirrhosis. To gather this information EnACt is seeking to interview primary care physicians. Interview findings will contribute to an understanding of the integration of roles and principles in cirrhosis symptom management across the trajectory of the illness. To ensure balanced geographical representation, EnACT is specifically seeking to interview physicians from Edmonton and Northern Alberta.

Influenza Immunization Program Update

November 16, 2020

Alberta’s Influenza Immunization Program provides publicly funded influenza vaccine for all individuals 6 months and older who live, work or attend school in Alberta. The Influenza immunization Program for 2020-2021 is underway. As of November 7, 2020: 1,142,006 doses of influenza vaccine have been administered in Alberta.

Representation and Support in Alternative Payment Arrangements

November 13, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: We have heard from many physicians since our October 2 President’s Letter about government’s decision to terminate grant funding for the AMA’s Alternative Relationship Plan Physician Support Services (ARP PSS) program.

Nominate an Alberta physician for CMA President

November 10, 2020

Alberta Canadian Medical Association members are invited to present a CMA president-elect nominee from Alberta for confirmation at the CMA AGM/General Council meeting in August 2021. If Alberta’s choice is ratified, the nominee will become CMA president in 2022. Nominations are due right away (November 26), so don't delay!

Sunshine List due this week: How to prepare

November 3, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: About 1,300 physicians registered for an AMA webinar last Friday entitled: Living with the Sunshine List.

Media Relations and Social Media Training

November 3, 2020

Wondering how to create strategic and engaging social media content for advocacy efforts, amplifying positive messages, mitigating criticism and more? Need some news media tips and tricks, dos and don'ts or perhaps practice with mock interviews? The AMA is offering members training in social media and media relations (beginner and intermediate) with several sessions to choose from. Learn more and register today!

AMA response to CPSA consultation on job action standard

October 29, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As Dr. Christine Molnar wrote to you in September, the AMA participated in the consultation initiated by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta regarding three standards of practice: Job Action; Closing or Leaving a Medical Practice; and Relocating a Medical Practice. The College has amended these in response to a June letter from the Minister in which he called on the CPSA to take steps that would “require physicians to mitigate the impact of withdrawal of services.”

Honors for those who serve

October 22, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Before October winds down, I wanted to write about our inaugural virtual annual general meeting of October 5.

Alberta Precision Labs Memorandum Addressing Delays in Lab Services

October 14, 2020

COVID-19 has dramatically influenced all aspects of health care delivery and has changed the way in which Alberta Precision Laboratories (APL) delivers care. APL, Alberta Health Services and DynaLife are aware of concerns about wait times for lab tests as a result of COVID-19.

Medical Advisory Services Role

October 13, 2020

Are you a physician looking to support your association, your colleagues and improve Alberta health care delivery? The Alberta Medical Association is seeking expressions of interest for the position of AMA Medical Advisory Services.

Understanding physician supply numbers

October 9, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: You may have seen media coverage in the last 24 hours relating to the latest quarterly physician supply statistics from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta that show a net increase in the third quarter. The CPSA noted that net increases this year have been smaller than over the last five years and recognized that we will not know the actual numbers until the end of the year

Apply today: SZMSA Zone Advisory Forum

October 9, 2020

AMA representatives are needed to sit on the South Zone Medical Staff Association - Zone Advisory Forum. The deadline to apply is October 30. The South ZMSA is the regional mechanism for support for practitioners with medical staff appointments in the south zone.

Carrying the torch: Inaugural thoughts from the new AMA president

October 7, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On Monday of this week, during our Association’s 115th Annual General Meeting, I was honoured to officially assume my position as AMA president for the 2020-21 year.

Final thoughts on a tumultuous year

October 6, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This President’s Letter marks the end of my term as AMA president.

Uncertainty and Instability: Join the AGM to learn our plans

October 2, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: We stand for and will continue to seek fairness and stability for our profession. We will survive! Never forget your power, and our united power, even in this continued climate of uncertainty and instability. This was a key theme of the September 25 and 26 virtual Fall Representative Forum.

CPSA consultation on job action standard is open

September 18, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Many of you will already have noticed that the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta has opened a consultation on their proposed standards for: job action; closing or leaving a medical practice; and relocating a medical practice. These proposals come in response to a June letter from the Minister, calling on the CPSA to take steps “to require physicians to mitigate the impact of withdrawal of services.”

Exemption for Sunshine List

September 17, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: We know that many members have been anxious to learn more about the exemption process for the Physician Payment Disclosure (Sunshine List). Physician payments are due to be disclosed by November 9, 2020. We have just received notice that the application process for exemption is now open.

Update on correspondence with government

September 16, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Recently, members may have observed a few media reports regarding the status of negotiations between the AMA and provincial government. These media stories refer to what I wrote to you about in my August 21 President’s Letter: a request from the Minister to respond to a formal process of exchanging draft agreements. Our intention was to respond in writing, and we have done so.

Release of Sunshine List regulations

September 11, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On September 9, government released regulations on physician payment disclosure. The regulations are brief and lay out a 60-day disclosure date, meaning the information can be released as of Sunday, November 8, or anytime before. Transparency is important, as is accountability. Greater transparency for the public through the Sunshine List, in our view (August 10 President’s Letter), does not require the release of individual names. However, we understand from discussions with government that there is a decision to proceed with the release of our names with our gross billing data.

You are invited!

September 4, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: You are invited to the 115th Annual General Meeting of the AMA to be held on Monday, October 5 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. In this milestone year, with COVID-19 safety top of mind, we depart from tradition. This AGM will be held virtually and is therefore accessible to so many more members.

Factoring in Frailty

September 3, 2020

Anne is 82 years’ old. She visits her physician to discuss her health concerns of low energy, confusion, and feeling shaky and dizzy. Her husband manages the housework and finances while home care provides her with bath assist and medication management. Anne has Type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia and urinary incontinence. Her medications include metformin, gliclazide, sitagliptin, hydrochlorothiazide, ramipril, rosuvastatin, lansoprazole and mirabegron. How do we address Anne’s complex health issues, balancing her frailty and targets of therapy?

Mythbusters: Mythbusting the Government of Alberta’s Position on Doctors' Pay

August 28, 2020

This report from the Alberta Medical Association corrects common myths and misperceptions regarding physician pay. It reflects the physicians’ perspective and the impact on their practices. How much are doctors paid in Alberta? Are doctors asking for more money? Are doctors leaving Alberta? Is the government negotiating with doctors? Why did the government tear up its contract with doctors?

Thank you, CMA

August 27, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This is a big shout out and THANK YOU to the Canadian Medical Association from Alberta Physicians.

Opinion article published in Postmedia papers

August 25, 2020

It’s hard to imagine a government anywhere waging a propaganda war against physicians during a pandemic, but that’s exactly what’s happening now in Alberta. It’s reckless, demoralizing for physicians and worse still, bad for patients. This letter highlights the message we are hearing from many physicians within the province of Alberta.

Correspondence with government

August 21, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This President’s Letter is in follow up to my President’s Letters of July 29 and July 30, which reported the results of our referendum on physician confidence in the Minister and my outreach to the Premier.

Understanding and processing our grief when a colleague dies

August 18, 2020

Dr. Jane Loehr, Calgary Family Physician and PFSP Assessment Physician, and Fleur Yumol, unify consulting managing director and MSc., MSW, RSW, discuss the personal impact of the tragic loss of a colleague and how your own personal grief might manifest.

PTMAs send their condolences to Alberta physicians

August 14, 2020

Medical associations across Canada have been expressing their condolences in the wake of Monday's fatal attack on Red Deer family physician, Dr. Walter Reynolds. We'd like to share some of these messages with you.

CMA Foundation Board of Directors seeking Early Career Physician Director

August 12, 2020

The CMA Foundation is seeking an early career physician in their first 5–10 years of practice, with a passion for philanthropy and social impact, to serve on its Board of Directors. Applications are due August 21.

Mourning a loss together

August 12, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: It has been a dark week since the incomprehensible news of the fatal attack on our colleague, Dr. Walter Reynolds in Red Deer on Monday. The Alberta Medical Association has been in contact with local physician leaders to ensure that all members of our physician community can access assistance through the Physician and Family Support Program as we try to come to terms with such a horrific event. Let me begin with this message to every member: If you need support, asking for help is a sign of strength.

Physician payments: Telling the public what’s involved

August 10, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Minister of Health has stated that he will proceed to release a “Sunshine List” for physician payments. A law to allow this was passed in 2015, but never acted upon.

What Alberta doctors bill is not what they earn

August 10, 2020

MEDIA RELEASE: Alberta’s physicians don’t have any issues with a public conversation about what they earn for what they do. They do have questions about the motives behind Health Minister Tyler Shandro’s plan to release a “Sunshine List” for physician compensation. The Alberta Medical Association, which represents the province’s doctors, says it appears the Minister intends, at least in the first phase, to release physician names along with their annual billings to the health care system for the services they provide to patients (raw or gross billing data). Gross billing amounts are an extreme misrepresentation of what physicians actually earn.

AMA President statement regarding horrific attack on Red Deer physician

August 10, 2020

Today we are saddened to post this note in response to news reports today that a Red Deer physician was attacked and killed in his clinic. AMA President Dr. Christine Molnar stated: I have just learned of this horrific attack on a Red Deer physician. I can’t express my great sorrow for his family, his colleagues and the Red Deer community. The AMA will be reaching out to local medical staff to learn how we can best provide support at this time.

Changes to AMA Bylaws and Notice of Elections

August 6, 2020

Members are advised of proposed changes to the AMA Bylaws and elections taking place at 7 p.m., Monday, October 5, at the 115th AMA Annual General Meeting. The meeting will be held virtually; details will be provided with the AGM report circulated prior to the meeting.

Possible changes to Health Professions Act: Self-regulation concerns

August 6, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: We have received a consultation document from government regarding proposed changes to the Health Professions Act. In our assessment, some of the options presented in the discussion paper suggest a wholly new, government-led approach to licensing and complaints registration. I am sending you our initial review as some of the possible amendments are a serious threat to self-regulation of physicians if implemented.

Reaching out to the Premier

July 30, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today I have written to Premier Jason Kenney asking for his involvement in our current impasse with the Minister of Health. This action follows our Confidence Vote Referendum and the overwhelming vote of non-confidence that I announced yesterday.

WCB outage this weekend

July 30, 2020

WCB online services, including electronic injury reporting, will not be available from 5 p.m. on Friday, July 31 to 6 a.m., Tuesday, August 4.

Alberta doctors overwhelmingly vote non-confidence in Minister Of Health

July 29, 2020

MEDIA RELEASE: 98% (97.83%) of Alberta’s physicians have lost confidence in Health Minister Tyler Shandro’s ability to manage the province’s health care system, according to a referendum conducted by the Alberta Medical Association.

An unprecedented and overwhelming vote

July 29, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The results of our referendum vote are in. There were 8,934 votes from physicians, residents and medical students across Alberta, which represents a voter turn-out of 67%. As for the results: 98% indicated they do NOT have confidence in the Minister. Over the past week, the confidence referendum was conducted with the same rigor as a contract ratification vote.

Bill 30

July 27, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Last week, Bill 30, The Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2020 completed second reading in the legislature. There is no doubt that this government-sponsored bill will be passed before the session ends for summer break, likely this week.

News on programs and other matters

July 24, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On Wednesday, July 22, we received an update on government’s decision-making regarding the future of the programs under the AMA grant agreement. As you are aware, since the spring and end of negotiations, the grant agreement has been unsigned, leaving all involved in limbo. Given the importance of these programs to physicians and the health care system, we have ceaselessly pushed for clarity on their future and underscored the value of retaining them within the AMA. We have now been advised of the following...

Members: Do you have confidence in the Minister?

July 21, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today, for the first time, I am offering my President’s Letter in both video and written formats. Our relationship with the provincial government has reached an all-time low and in an emergency meeting of the Representative Forum last weekend, by an overwhelming majority, RF took the step of requesting a Confidence Vote Referendum on the Minister of Health. Over the next week, we are asking Alberta physicians to let their voices be heard on this vital matter. This is your choice and your voice. We want every single doctor across this province to have an opportunity to vote, as this grassroots direction will guide our next steps and send a strong message to government.

We are under attack

July 20, 2020

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On Saturday, a special virtual meeting of the Representative Forum was held to discuss our current situation with government. I want to thank delegates who made themselves available and provided wise counsel for the Board at this very difficult time.