Decisions about our health system move quickly, and physicians must be part of the conversations that shape what comes next. Now more than ever, we encourage physician members across specialties to join an AMA committee. Applications close May 29.
Read the May 22 President’s Letter
Over the past several months, many of you have raised important questions about what expanded dual practice could mean for patients, physicians and the future of our publicly funded health care system — especially since Bill 11 (Health Statutes Amendment Act, 2025 (No. 2)) was introduced.
An update on self-referred private pay diagnostic imaging and screening laboratory services and to encourage members to attend an upcoming information session on youth proxy access through MyHealth Records.
Dr. Brian Wirzba provides updates on three important areas of work underway at the AMA.
Reminder to complete the current AMA Pulse Survey regarding Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) and the proposed Bill 18, the Last Resort Termination of Life Act.
Below you will find previous issues of The President's Letter. For older issues no longer on the website, contact us.
Earlier today, the Minister of Health released Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS): Strategic Advisory Panel Final Report. Many of you were involved in extensive consultations that formed the basis of this report, and we have been waiting anxiously for its release as family medicine and primary care have continued to erode in Alberta.
Last week I met with Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange to discuss the ongoing crisis in family medicine and the proposal the Alberta Medical Association has submitted to address it.
As I begin my AMA presidency, I have been thinking a lot about where things stand and the year ahead of us.
This is my last President’s Letter. Tuesday evening, at the AMA’s 118th Annual General Meeting, I delivered my valedictory address with thoughts at the end of my term.
The Fall Representative Forum marked a major milestone in terms of the AMA’s Income Equity Initiative. Delegates expressed strong support for IEI and use of the Income Equity Measure to guide AMA decision making.
The Representative Forum meeting last weekend included a candid session with Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange. The minister addressed the RF and then took questions from the delegates.
Progress continues toward implementing the agreement. Top-ups to the one-time recognition payments that were issued in December of 2022 will be made this week.
I wrote to you May 31 regarding the fact that our laboratory medicine colleagues have been without a contract for five years despite our continued efforts to advance one. Alberta Health Services agreed last May to the AMA’s proposal for arbitration and this is now scheduled to take place in November.
The Board meets next week in final preparations for the September 22-23 Representative Forum. The RF’s guidance will be more important than ever at this time and in this environment.
The 2023-24 annual membership renewal statements will be sent to all members next week. After five years of frozen AMA membership dues, the Board has decided to increase dues for some membership categories. This will help the AMA to continue providing support to members in these increasingly challenging times.