Alberta’s health system is under extraordinary pressure. Physicians are feeling that pressure across the system, but the fundamental question for Albertans remains simple: can patients get the care they need, when they need it?
Primary care – The foundation we cannot afford to weaken
The AMA's second annual State of Health Care report shows Albertans are confident in the quality and skill of their physicians and health care teams, but have less confidence in the system's ability to provide timely access to care when and where it's needed.
Today, government announced a $172.3 million investment in physician compensation as part of the final year of the current Master Agreement (2022-26).
Last week, you should have received a link to complete the latest AMA Member Tracking Survey. I encourage you to take a few minutes to share your experience. Your feedback gives us timely insight into the realities you are facing in practice and helps ensure our advocacy, priorities and member support reflect what physicians are experiencing right now.
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.
Below you will find previous issues of The President's Letter. For older issues no longer on the website, contact us.
Last weekend was the 30th anniversary of AMA's Representative Forum, and it was a strong reminder of why the AMA has endured for over 120 years. The AMA unites physicians so we can remain a stabilizing force for our profession, patients and communities.
Your AMA Board is giving careful and focused attention to Year 4 retroactive allocation – an important and complex decision that affects physicians across the province.
The Alberta government released the 2026 Provincial budget yesterday afternoon. I attended at the Legislature, giving media interviews.
The AMA’s Section of Laboratory Physicians (ASLP) has launched a new, month-long public awareness initiative: the We See You campaign.
On January 27, 2026, the AMA provided a final proposal to the Minister to resolve stipend and ARP issues.
A sustainable health system depends on high-value care shaped by the people who understand it best: physicians.
“The longer you wait to do something you should do now, the greater the chance is that you will never actually do it.” — Law of Diminishing Intent, John C. Maxwell.
While long-standing bed and workforce shortages will take time to resolve, work must start now. We need changes that smooth the patient journey from illness to recovery by ensuring patients are in the right bed, cared for by the right provider and supported by the right resources.
Physician leaders have been sounding the alarm about the chaos in our emergency departments and the resulting risks to patient care.
The AMA has a long legacy of leading through times of change and challenge. As we proceed, I want to hear your vision for this system.