Alberta Medical Association

A tentative agreement with government has been reached

February 26, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As you know, discussions with government have been ongoing continuously since the Fall. I am pleased to tell you that we have reached a tentative agreement package arising from the negotiations.

Are you interested in the integration of cancer clinical care pathways in primary care?

February 23, 2021

The Enhancing Alberta Primary Care Research Networks (EnACt) research team, led by Dr. Lee Green, is conducting a qualitative research study seeking to understand how family physicians think about and approach the use of Clinical Pathways for Cancer Diagnosis in their practice.

PFSP value, staying well and the importance of advocacy

February 19, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Much like our colleagues on the frontlines everywhere, feelings of distress are common amongst physicians.

AMA holiday office hours

February 12, 2021

Please note the AMA phone lines will be closed for Family Day, Monday, February 15. Regular business hours will resume Tuesday, February 16. All physical AMA locations continue to be closed.

Voting now open for 2022-23 CMA President-Elect from Alberta

February 12, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In 2022 an Alberta physician will become president of the Canadian Medical Association.

Whistleblowers, seniors care: the AMA weighs in

February 10, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In a year that in many ways has been so unusual, we sometimes forget that “the usual” continues, too.

Leveraging all we've got in the COVID fight

February 7, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Efficiently vaccinating Albertans against COVID-19 will be a monumental task that will only be accomplished with careful planning and intersectoral collaboration.

CMA President-Elect Candidates Forum

February 2, 2021

On January 28, the Edmonton Women in Health Networking hosted an "All Candidates Forum" of the five Alberta physicians vying for the position of CMA president in 2022–23. Watch the recording.

Vaccine: A forced pause, a chance for clarity

January 28, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The development of COVID-19 vaccines has brought together some of the brightest minds around the globe and made history by getting vaccines approved and to market within a year.

AHS and March 31: Access for patients, fairness for physicians

January 25, 2021

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As I'm sure most of you are aware, AHS has indicated that stipends for contracted services will end.

Are you hosting a CMA President-elect event?

January 22, 2021

Let’s keep the momentum going! Five Alberta physicians are vying for the position of CMA president in 2022–23 and candidate bios and statements of intent have been posted to the CMA website. 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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.