Dr. Jaco Hoffman

Highlighting Alberta physicians whose work is helping transform the health care system.

Dr. Jaco Hoffman

AMA Medical Director, Acute Care
Olds

In his role as Medical Director, Acute Care at the AMA, Dr. Hoffman acts as the main liaison between the AMA and Acute Care Alberta, ensuring physician representatives are appropriately engaged on matters of medical policy and system performance, including health system and policy reforms and acute care workforce planning and optimization.

Where did you attend university?

I studied medicine at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa, where my foundation in medicine and my approach to patient care were shaped.

Where did you do your residency?

I began my training in South Africa with a family medicine internship and community service. After moving to Canada, I completed Obstetrical Surgical Skills training in Edmonton, followed by my anesthesia residency at the University of Calgary. Training across both Edmonton and Calgary university hospitals gave me a broad perspective on different models of care delivery.

Why is working as the AMA Medical director for acute care important to you?

This role matters to me because it centres on supporting physicians and ensuring patients receive high quality care regardless of location. My experience across varied practice settings, along with prior leadership roles, has reinforced the complexity of the system and the importance of staying connected to frontline realities. I see this role as an opportunity to help bridge that gap.

What is one thing colleagues might be surprised to learn about you?

I recently started an MBA, primarily to challenge myself and to better understand the health system I work within.