Who is SRM?
The AMA’s Section of Rural Medicine is the voice of rural physicians and Rural Generalists across Alberta. We work to educate and inform elected officials, partners and the public about the importance of rural medicine and to advocate for the financial respect rural and remote physicians deserve. We help Albertans understand what rural generalists do for patients and the economic impact rural health has on our communities and the future of our province.
Whether you’re a student or a practicing physician, if you’re not already a member of the SRM, consider joining us and shaping the future of rural health.
If you’re a medical learner
Rural medicine is both a profession and a calling.
As a physician working in rural and remote communities, you will play an integral role in the health of the people who live there, while enjoying a wider scope of practice than offered in urban settings. Rural medicine provides the opportunity, and the autonomy, to work in community practices, delivery rooms, emergency departments, operating rooms, continuing care facilities, and provide essential palliative mental health, women’s health, geriatrics and addiction care. You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, shape the future of rural health, and change, and often save, the lives of people who are your patients, your neighbours and your friends.
SRM is here to help you explore what rural medicine offers and the difference you can make. Many members of the SRM Executive are involved in supporting rural medical education and strengthening rural learning opportunities.
Learn more about:
- Governance changes that are helping SRM advocate to strengthen rural medicine. We’ve created pillar liaison roles that align with Alberta’s four ministries of health, and have invited representatives from both the Northern Alberta Medical School (NAMP) and the Southern Alberta Medical School (SAMP) to be part of SRM’s work.
- The SRM Tarrant Scholarship and how it can support your rural medical education.
- The Government of Alberta’s Rural Health Action Plan.
- Rural health care in Canada, by the numbers, and why rural medicine so important.
- Becoming an AMA member.
Read back issues of Rural Rounds, our monthly member newsletter, and learn about some of the work SRM has been doing to support rural and remote health.
If you’re a rural physician and haven’t yet joined the Section of Rural Medicine, now is the right time. We need your insight and your experience to help guide our work as we continue to advocate for rural and remote medicine. As an active voting member of SRM, you are invited to attend the AGM, have opportunities to serve on the executive and receive access to secure information.
AMA membership is required to join the SRM and offers valuable benefits, including the Physician and Family Support Program (PFSP), targeted compensation programs such as the Rural, Remote, Northern Program (RRNP), and insurance solutions, among many others. The AMA is also actively working on Negotiations 2026, and as a member, you will receive regular negotiations updates as information becomes available.
