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.
There is a new Alberta Health Bulletin regarding 2022-23 retroactive payments for physicians in clinical alternative relationship plans, Academic Medicine Health Services Program, sessional clinical alternative relationship plans and Blended Capitation Model. Each category has a payment schedule that is explained in the bulletin.
Government has announced short-term recommendations from the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative and funding for primary care in the provincial budget. We see generally good news, if somewhat short on details, to ensure we support sustainable family practice and move primary care in the right direction.
The MAPS initiative, an Alberta Health initiative involving numerous professions and organizations, is progressing. I thank the expert physician leaders who have worked for months to develop AMA proposals to improve the primary care system.
The Joint Physician Advocacy Committee advises the Alberta Medical Association about our public advocacy. They have suggested that the AMA should tell the public more about how the system works, what’s happening and how physicians contribute. There are two streams: (i) Family Medicine and (ii) Acute and Hospital Care.
Yesterday the federal government announced a proposed new health funding framework with the provinces and territories, prioritizing primary care, health workforce wellness, health human resources and innovation toward sustainability.
There are always many things going on in the AMA and I like to keep you informed about our current priorities even if the next steps or outcomes are still unknown. The Board of Directors is meeting today and Friday in Calgary to be briefed and provide direction on many issues for the profession.
The Modernizing Alberta's Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative has been set up to recommend short- and long-term actions to strengthen primary health care in Alberta.
Today I am releasing our latest tracking data on the care deficit and the impact on patient care disrupted by the pandemic. This survey took place in November 2022 and we have been tracking the care deficit since summer 2021. You can read the albertapatients.ca full report, but here are the highlights compared to March 2022.
Knowing how highly regarded she is by physicians, I wanted to let you know that our Immediate Past President Dr. Vesta Michelle Warren, is being recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.
The first of two fee-for-service retroactive payments for the 2022-23 fiscal year will be deposited January 13, 2023. Alberta Health has released a bulletin with details on this retroactive payment, including timing.