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.
As Dr. Christine Molnar wrote to you in September, the AMA participated in the consultation initiated by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta regarding three standards of practice: Job Action; Closing or Leaving a Medical Practice; and Relocating a Medical Practice.
Before October winds down, I wanted to write about our inaugural virtual annual general meeting, held on October 5. It was a chance to think of the year just passed and lay out our plans for the year ahead. You will be hearing much more about these plans in upcoming letters.
You may have seen media coverage in the last 24 hours relating to the latest quarterly physician supply statistics from the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta that show a net increase in the third quarter. The CPSA noted that net increases this year have been smaller than over the last five years and recognized that we will not know the actual numbers until the end of the year.
On Monday of this week, during our Association’s 115th Annual General Meeting, I was honored to officially assume my position as AMA president for the 2020-21 year. Before touching on anything else, I would like to recognize the amazing work and dedication of our Immediate Past President, Dr. Christine Molnar.
This President’s Letter marks the end of my term as AMA president. It has been a challenging year, full of change, much of which was difficult for the profession. In our more than 115-year history, the AMA has never faced so many fundamental challenges in so many areas at one time.
We stand for and will continue to seek fairness and stability for our profession. We will survive! Never forget your power, and our united power, even in this continued climate of uncertainty and instability.
As members are aware, government is proceeding with a Physician Payment Disclosure (Sunshine List). Physician payments are due to be disclosed by November 9, 2020 and the application process for exemption is open until October 7, 2020.
At a meeting late this morning, we were advised by Alberta Health that they would be proceeding, effective today, to terminate the ARP Physician Support Services program and office.
Many of you will already have noticed that the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta has opened a consultation on their proposed standards for: job action; closing or leaving a medical practice; and relocating a medical practice.
We know that many members have been anxious to learn more about the exemption process for the Physician Payment Disclosure (Sunshine List). Physician payments are due to be disclosed by November 9, 2020. We have just received notice that the application process for exemption is now open.