Alberta Medical Association

November-December 2019 Alberta Doctors' Digest now online

November 15, 2019

Highlights in this issue: Efficient referrals for better patient care; Shine A Light: Dr. Mzikayise Tshatshela; 50 years after Medicare began in Alberta; Physicians, the law and MAID ...And a lot more!

Meet your new RF delegates and vote

November 15, 2019

Three delegates were elected by acclamation November 8, with the close of nominations for zonal/regional delegates to the AMA Representative Forum. Elections are now underway for zonal/regional delegates in the Edmonton and Calgary Zones. If you are a member of one of these zones and haven’t yet voted, you may access your ballot package now.

On conscience rights legislation

November 13, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On November 7, a United Conservative Party MLA tabled a private members bill: Bill 207, Conscience Rights (Health Care Providers) Protection Act. I wanted you to know that I have written to Minister of Health Tyler Shandro to express the opinion that this legislation is unnecessary and inappropriate. You can review my letter here.

Apply today for the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/AMA Medical Student Bursary

November 12, 2019

We are now accepting online applications for the 2019-20 TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/AMA Medical Student Bursary! Please submit your online application by December 31, as applications received after this date will not be accepted.

Important updates to Alberta Netcare Portal for Connect Care launch

November 8, 2019

Over the weekend Alberta Netcare Portal implemented a release to support the November 3 launch of Connect Care. Please ensure to share this communication with your colleagues as they may be impacted by this release.

Blood pressure management and dementia prevention: Is lower better?

November 7, 2019

Elaine is a 78-year-old woman with hypertension and is on multiple medications. She is concerned about memory changes and has read that well-controlled blood pressure will protect her from dementia.

Wave 1 of Connect Care has launched. How is it affecting community and AHS physicians?

November 6, 2019

This past Sunday, November 3, the Wave 1 implementation of Connect Care launched. Continue reading to find out how this is affecting community physicians and AHS physicians.

On-call deserves our support

November 5, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Our rural physician colleagues have recently been in the media with concerns related to reductions in on-call payments by Alberta Health Services. Our rural members, who are already stressed by a heavy burden of service, know that reducing on-call support will make it even more difficult to recruit and retain physicians to rural areas.

New Legislation – AMA Agreement and Physician Supply

October 30, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government has tabled legislation: Bill 21 Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability Act. This omnibus bill amends a number of statutes. Having received it late Monday afternoon, we have been exploring its implications. There are important provisions relating to the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act.

Introducing: the Section of Family Medicine

October 23, 2019

The Section of General Practice officially became the Section of Family Medicine at its Annual General Meeting on September 26. The new name more accurately describes the work being done by family physicians every day. The term "family medicine" recognizes the specialized care offered by family physicians and communicates the important role they play in the lives of their patients and in the health care system as a whole.

Request for proposal: PROactive Alliance Project Manager

October 22, 2019

PROactive: Partners in Professionalism (or "the PROactive Alliance") is seeking proposals from qualified project management consultants to design and implement a series of demonstration projects in Alberta's health care workplace with the goal of improving culture and promoting high-functioning team-based care. The PROactive Alliance is comprised of partners from the Alberta Medical Association, Health Quality Council of Alberta, Alberta Health Services, College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta and the Faculties of Medicine at the University of Alberta and University of Calgary.

Connect Care Launch: Must-read information

October 16, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On November 3, Alberta Health Services will launch the first wave of Connect Care in the Edmonton Zone. Supported by a fully integrated clinical information system, Connect Care will consolidate the patient’s story, including goals, problems, plans, investigations, treatments and all prior AHS health records. Connect Care is the AHS record of care.

Coordinator, ACTT (Temporary – 5 months)

October 11, 2019

The Alberta Medical Association is currently recruiting for the temporary position of Coordinator with our Accelerating Change Transformation Team (ACTT). This is a temporary position until March 31, 2020, and will be located out of our Edmonton office.

Physician On-Call What's Happening; What's Next

October 9, 2019

PRESIDENT's LETTER: Many of you will have received an Alberta Health Services bulletin last week: Physician On-Call Program Changes Effective October 1, 2019, that highlighted changes in the number of on-call categories from five to three, and a reduction of stipends paid for those services.

In your service: a new president’s thoughts

October 7, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: It is a great honor to represent our profession as AMA president. I have been a physician for 43 years. I have practiced my dual specialty in Calgary at the Foothills Medical Centre and in EFW Radiology’s community clinics for 34 years. I now come before you simply as a physician devoted to our profession.

Is regular email a secure messaging tool?

October 1, 2019

A recent breach has brought the risks of emailing (e.g. Gmail, Hotmail, Shaw, etc) personal health information to the forefront. What appears to be a secure and convenient tool has many potential risks that can result in the exposure of personal health information and along with that, liability issues for physicians.

AMA salutes its remarkable honorees

September 30, 2019

The Alberta Medical Association is proud to salute these extraordinary Albertans as they are honored with the most prestigious awards bestowed by the AMA and the Canadian Medical Association.

Saying goodbye and wishing you well!

September 28, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As my tenure as President comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on a challenging and rewarding year. Looking back, I am proud of what the Alberta Medical Association tackled this year.

Value for Patients, Fairness for Physicians

September 25, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This week we will hold the 114th Annual General Meeting of the Alberta Medical Association, in conjunction with our Fall Representative Forum. We will have many discussions at both events about the challenges and opportunities facing physicians in caring for our patients.

Influenza Immunization Program newsletter

September 17, 2019

Alberta Health anticipates that influenza vaccine will begin to be distributed across the province starting the week of October 7, 2019. Physician clinics and other health care providers (e.g., community pharmacies and public health nurses) can offer the influenza vaccine to patients as soon as they receive it.

Sunshine list legislation gets four-year review

September 16, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The all-party Standing Committee on Resource Stewardship is conducting a review of the Public Sector Compensation Transparency Act, better known to physicians as the sunshine list legislation. The bill became law in 2015 and provided for regular legislative reviews. The committee has invited public submissions to inform its 2019 review and the AMA was asked to comment.

AMA & CMA Membership renewal: Offering members a choice

September 11, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: AMA/CMA renewal notices will be sent out later this week. AMA and CMA dues remain unchanged from last year and we want to remind members that, starting this year, membership in the CMA will be optional for Alberta physicians. Through our renewed partnership, the AMA and CMA are working together to advance our shared priorities and to advocate for physicians at the national and provincial levels, and that is why we want to encourage all AMA members to continue to support the CMA when they renew this year.

Substance use disorder: New educational video from PFSP

September 10, 2019

What is substance use disorder (SUD) and how can the AMA's PFSP help Alberta physicians? The Physician and Family Support Program and partners have created a video to educate physicians about SUD: what it is, how to identify it and where to seek help.

CPSA seeking Assistant Registrar of Registration and Hearings Director

September 6, 2019

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta is looking for a physician leader to become part of its executive team as the Assistant Registrar of Registration and Hearings Director.

Initial thoughts on Blue Ribbon Panel report

September 4, 2019

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Yesterday you will have heard about the release of the Report and Recommendations of the Blue Ribbon Panel on Alberta’s Finances. The report details government’s concerns over the growth and level of health expenditures, i.e., the issue of affordability. It conveys many of the same messages contained in the government’s election platform, although the focus there was more on value for patients and included creating a medical home for each Albertan, as well as issues related to seniors’ care, mental health and addiction.