News archives
September 2021
Open letter to the unvaccinated from the AMA Section of General Psychiatry
September 29, 2021
Can We Talk? About this “Pandemic of the Unvaccinated”? I am very familiar with being dismissed. Let’s start the conversation there. I’m the youngest of five kids. I did an arts degree at University – worse yet, it was in philosophy. I’m ok with having a conversation where you’re 90% sure that at the end, you’re going to dismiss me. Let’s start there, unvaccinated person, but just know that I am not here to dismiss you. I know what that’s like.
Open letter to Albertans from AMA Section of Emergency Medicine
September 29, 2021
On behalf of the approximately 450 emergency physicians across the province, we feel compelled to add our voice to the increasing calls and pleas for an immediate firebreak to reduce the spread of COVID-19 across our province.
Open Letter to Albertans from the AMA’s Sections of Family and Rural Medicine
September 29, 2021
As your family physicians, we believe it is time to have a conversation about how dangerous our current health care environment has become. Alberta’s health care system has reached its breaking point and Albertans are at significant risk, not only of being impacted by COVID, but also from the increasing lack of available health care resources. Without immediate action, it is only a matter of time until someone you know, and love will be affected directly or indirectly by COVID.
Media Release: Alberta must act now: AMA calls for COVID-19 “fire-breaker” measures
September 27, 2021
The Alberta Medical Association is calling on Premier Kenney and Health Minister Copping to institute timely, effective public health measures – commonly referred to as a "fire-breaker" – to aggressively control COVID-19 cases in order to protect our health care system and keep Albertans safe. Coming out of their Representative Forum meeting this past weekend, Alberta’s physicians are formally calling on the government to put significant and immediate measures in place to help stop the spread of COVID-19 that has become so rampant in the province.
National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 23, 2021
On September 30, our offices will be closed as we commemorate National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. In honor of survivors, their families and communities, we hope you join us in reflecting on the history and legacy of residential schools in Canada, and what you can do to achieve mutually respectful relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples.
Drop the Pre Op: reducing unnecessary preoperative chest X-rays
September 23, 2021
Choosing Wisely Canada suggests that routine preoperative x-rays should not be performed on patients undergoing low-risk surgical procedures because the risks outweigh the benefits. In support of AHS’ commitment to providing the most appropriate care for Albertans, Diagnostic Imaging and the Surgery Strategic Clinical Network have a goal to reduce the number of chest x-rays performed as part of routine surgical practices.
Knee MRI for osteoarthritis? Read this before ordering
September 9, 2021
AHS Diagnostic Imaging is working with physicians to increase the appropriateness of referrals for the investigation of knee osteoarthritis. The collaborative efforts will ensure that MRI exams on the wait list are necessary and beneficial. Beginning October 4, in the Edmonton Zone, Diagnostic Imaging will be declining MRI knee requests for patients 55 years of age and older, that do not align with Choosing Wisely recommendations. Implementation in South and Central Zones and North Zone to follow later.
Contribute to the Tarrant Scholarship
September 9, 2021
Over the years, the Section of Rural Medicine has partnered with AMA and the Canadian Medical Foundation to enable members to contribute, on a charitable basis, to the Tarrant Scholarship program. The program accounts for approximately 30% of the Section of Rural Medicine’s budget, but would not be sustainable without the help of donations from our medical colleagues. If you are interested in supporting the continuation of this important scholarship, donations can be made by completing the 'Donations' section of the AMA online membership renewal.
