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.
Since our agreement with government was ratified, we have been making progress on various pieces of implementation.
Today the government announced that the Board of Directors of Alberta Health Services has been replaced by an administrator. We thank the AHS board for their service.
As school settles in and respiratory viruses surge, the AMA has been advocating on social media platforms to encourage Albertans to take preventive precautions, including masking in crowded venues and vaccination for COVID and seasonal influenza.
View important details about one-time payment, Medical Liability Reimbursement and Continuing Medical Education.
This letter is for those who prefer very brief updates. Read on for information on items that members have inquired about.
The Board of Directors met Thursday and Friday, September 27-28. This was our first meeting since the new agreement was ratified and an opportunity for assessing where we are and why as we move into implementation.
As we adjust to the welcome realities of a post-negotiation environment and having an agreement with government, I want to assure you that our advocacy work will continue. Our health care system is still under immense pressure. As physicians, we have a responsibility to help Albertans understand what is happening and what is at stake. Our Care Deficit Assessment Series (CDAS) has explored some of those system-wide issues, including the crisis in emergency departments, children’s mental health and care of the elderly.
As I begin my term as president, I would like to thank the membership of the AMA for your vote of confidence. This is an honour that I certainly wouldn’t have expected myself. Hopefully, I will prove worthy.
At Monday’s Annual General Meeting, I began my term as AMA president. It is a privilege to face this year with you as we begin a new agreement with government in the midst of an ongoing health care storm. There are many priorities, but I believe there are three key things that will be essential, and I will write to you again in the next few days to comment further on these.
When I became president of the AMA in September 2021, I was told that the year would go by fast, yet I am still astonished at how quickly it has gone. Serving as AMA president has been altogether the most challenging, humbling experience of my life.