Your voice will matter; physician leader openings; executive news

November 30, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Earlier this month, the Minister of Health announced a plan for what is being referred to as the Health System Refocus. I provided some information on this development in an earlier President’s Letter, and I have been actively engaged with government, AMA members and the media discussing some of the pros – and a lot of the potential cons – of this approach.

Stabilization on the table, three things you need to do

November 29, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In the time frame of Budget 2024, Minister LaGrange has committed to stabilization and restoration of family medicine and rural generalist care. The AMA has put the first stake in the ground with a proposal for immediate financial stabilization of primary care. The Strike Team has identified three priorities for stabilization

What is Primary Care?

November 23, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Yesterday we cut through the fog created by government about who provides primary care in Alberta. Our colleagues across the health care spectrum deserve respect and support. So do family physicians, who cannot be replaced by nurse practitioners. Integrated teams have been demonstrated to be the best model for primary care — evidence supports the model. It is misleading to suggest otherwise.

Moving fast to save family and rural generalist medicine practices

November 21, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In February the government will introduce its budget for the 2024-25 fiscal year, and we are working to ensure that commitments made to support family medicine and rural generalists form part of the priorities that are included in that plan.

We are advocating relentlessly

November 17, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Local Doctors, Local Issues tour has allowed me to engage with hundreds of physicians across the province and I continue to be impressed by your passion and insight. Wednesday night nearly 400 members joined our virtual town hall.

Government’s announcement today about health system reform

November 8, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: You are likely already aware the government has now unveiled plans to “disaggregate” health care services in our province. This restructuring will ultimately see the establishment of four separate crown corporations responsible for various aspects of health care.

We are your voice

November 3, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Yesterday afternoon, mid-way through my provincial Local Doctors, Local Issues tour, I held a news conference to broadcast what members have told me about changes needed in our health care system.

Advocating for all members

October 30, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: On October 16, I launched the province-wide Local Doctors, Local Issues tour to re-connect with members and raise awareness changes needed in the health care system.

A promise made by MOU, a virtual care announcement

October 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange that was referenced in last week’s release of the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS): Strategic Advisory Panel Final Report.

MAPS final report released, AMA and Alberta government to strike an MOU

October 18, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Call to action

October 12, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

The year ahead: Repairing and rebuilding

October 6, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: As I begin my AMA presidency, I have been thinking a lot about where things stand and the year ahead of us.

Thank you for the privilege of serving you

October 5, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

RF supports next steps for Income Equity Initiative

September 28, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Minister's announcements

September 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Top-up for one-time payment coming

September 18, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Lab physicians: Fair treatment and due process

September 14, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

We have a lot to talk about

September 8, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

2023-24 dues

August 31, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Lab physicians hope for stability in latest changes to lab services

August 21, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Last week, Minister LaGrange announced that Alberta Health Services has signed a memorandum of understanding with the ownership of Dynalife, which will see the private provider (Dynalife) transfer all of its staff, operations and physical locations in the province to the government-owned Alberta Precision Labs by the end of 2023.

Family medicine crisis

August 17, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: This is another brief update on activity. There has been daily contact with government and AMA senior staff. There have been meetings between primary care physician leaders (Section of Family Medicine, Section of Rural Medicine, Primary Care Networks Physician Leads Executive) and the minister. All our representatives are aligned and clear on our commitment to membership and the need for urgent action to address the sustainability crisis in family medicine.

Second retroactive payment

August 16, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Alberta Health has released a bulletin regarding fee-for-service retroactive payments under the agreement.

Stay informed about income equity

August 11, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: You will have received an Income Equity Initiative Update from our AMA Compensation Committee Co-Chairs yesterday. I am writing to encourage members to review this update including the linked videos.

Brief update on government discussions.

August 4, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I promised to keep you apprised about discussions with government. There have been numerous government meetings in recent weeks including with the Board of Directors, primary care physician leaders and senior staff. We have communicated at every opportunity that there is a deepening crisis in primary care and that action is needed now to stabilize community family medicine clinics. The minister has listened to our concerns.

Introducing our new Executive Director

August 1, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: After more than 30 years of service to the Alberta Medical Association, our Executive Director Mike Gormley is retiring October 1. There will be more to say about his departure, but I am writing today to let you know that the Board of Directors has conducted an exhaustive search and appointed his successor.

ARPs - Joint working group underway

July 25, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: An AMA-Alberta Health Alternative Relationship Plan Working Group will begin meeting in September, as provided for under our agreement. This is essential work to remove many barriers that have existed in developing and implementing ARPs.

Stabilizing practices, talking with government

July 19, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Community practices across the province are imploding and must be stabilized. We have been meeting with Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange and her team. The crisis in family medicine is the first priority at every table and it appears we are being heard.

Urgent discussions with government

July 11, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Board and I have provided briefing materials and have had numerous interactions with Minister of Health Adriana LaGrange in recent days. AMA senior staff are also in contact with their counterparts at Alberta Health and Alberta Health Services.

Supporting Indigenous leaders, physician trust, safety and engagement

June 30, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: There have been multiple media reports regarding the resignation of Dr. Esther Tailfeathers from the AHS Indigenous Wellness Core. The AMA immediately commented on this with the essential voice of our Indigenous Health Committee. I also made a statement to commend a group of AHS physicians who courageously penned an open letter to media.

SCA surveys members about Connect Care

June 28, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Connect Care is one of the topics about which members contact me frequently. The Specialty Care Alliance recently conducted a survey to assess the impact on members.

Contact with the new government

June 13, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: With the election behind us and the new government in place, there are many things to get done. Minister Adriana LaGrange and I had a brief conversation this morning. I appreciated receiving her call.

Lab physicians: Essential services deserving attention

May 31, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: All specialties in our profession deserve due process for contractual discussions, with access to dispute resolution when required. I am writing you today to let you know that there’s one community in particular that is still waiting to see due process: laboratory medicine.

Election over; no time to waste

May 30, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The United Conservative Party has won the provincial election and will form the government until 2027. I have written today to Premier Smith to congratulate her on the outcome of the vote.

Parties respond to AMA questions

May 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The final component of our election information program is hearing from the two major parties in response to the questions we posed in our seven-topic Handle With Care series. You can find their answers here.

Watch party leaders at AMA's health care town hall

May 23, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Last night the AMA hosted a virtual patient town hall about health care with Ms. Danielle Smith and Ms. Rachel Notley. The video is now available for viewing. More than 2,200 patients joined the virtual event on a long weekend Monday evening.

Hard times, anger, but we will remain united!

May 19, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Every day, angry and frustrated members write to me about their financial challenges. I understand. I have the same issues. But we are the AMA. We don’t approach challenges as an organized labor group would. Negotiating fair and competitive compensation is a most important Key Result Area, but we seek to do this in a way that benefits patient care. We are more than dollars and cents in a contract. We seek value for patients and fairness for physicians.

Election issue 7: Primary Care

May 11, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today we release the final issue of our election information program Handle With Care. The primary care profile addresses: the state of family medicine; the need to sustainably support clinics and family physicians that are in crisis; and the value of providing every Albertan with a medical home.

Election issue 6: Drug Poisoning Crisis

May 5, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Recent years have caused at-risk individuals in cities and towns to become homeless or lose access to support for substance use disorders or mental illness. While they have struggled to get the help they need, increasingly toxic street drugs have taken a horrible toll. We lost 1,498 vulnerable Albertans in 2022 to unintentional drug poisoning. In 2019 that number was 626.

Celebrating National Physicians’ Day; initial thoughts on MAPS statement

May 1, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today is National Physicians’ Day. A day to celebrate the contributions of the extraordinary people who choose to serve in the medical profession. Also, Ministter of Health Jason Copping has released a statement on the final reports from the Modernizing Alberta's Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative. While we have yet to see the full report, we do have some preliminary comments to share with members.

Election issue 5: Indigenous health

April 28, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The most recent issue in our Handle with Care election information program explores Indigenous health. By almost every measure, First Nations, Inuit and Métis Peoples in Alberta experience poorer health outcomes as a result of ongoing health inequities and barriers to care. This is evident in higher rates of chronic illness, mental health challenges and addiction. It’s unacceptable that this reality persists in 2023.

Family medicine spots still unfilled in Alberta

April 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Canadian Resident Matching Service (CaRMS) reported an unprecedented number of unfilled family medicine spaces in Alberta in their round one match this year. Unfortunately, the second round of matching has filled only 20 of the 42 vacancies.

Funds offered through CII/CPAR Acceleration Grant now available

April 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Community Information Integration and Central Patient Attachment Registry (CII/CPAR) enables physicians and their teams to share patient information to Alberta Netcare directly from their electronic medical record (EMR).

Election issue 4: Rural health care

April 21, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The latest issue in our Handle with Care election information program is Rural Health Care. Pick almost any topic in health care and you will find the environment is more complicated or resources more scarce in rural settings. It’s the nature of rural medicine but it’s more difficult than ever right now.

JPAC Gratitude Program

April 20, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Joint Physician Advocacy Committee seeks to understand member issues in practice and advises the AMA on our advocacy activities. JPAC has found that while there are many things that physicians need as professionals, we also have needs as individuals.

Election issue 3: Pediatric mental health still poor

April 11, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The third issue of the AMA’s election information campaign is Pediatric Mental Health. This care deficit issue deserves a lot of attention.

AHS payments need consistency and structure

April 6, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The AMA Agreement package includes an AMA-Alberta Health Services Memorandum of Understanding with an Engagement Framework for physician compensation in AHS facilities. The AMA has been advocating for this approach, including: consistent, transparent principles; structure that guides policy according to system objectives; clear roles and responsibilities; physician engagement; and dispute resolution.

Year one allocation complete; new SOMB posted

April 3, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Alberta Health sent a bulletin today letting physicians know that the year one allocation has been completed and a new Schedule of Medical Benefits has been issued. These changes are already reflected in the AMA’s Fee Navigator® and we’ve put together background information, including a short video, about the allocation process.

Election issue 2: Health Human Resources

March 31, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Last week we launched our pre-election information program to help keep health care front and center during the election. There are seven main issues that are important to physicians and their patients. Today we release the second issue: Health Human Resources. We conclude with three key questions for candidates and political parties to answer.

Members react re CaRMS

March 30, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I’ve received many emails from members regarding the first round CaRMS results.

CaRMS numbers alarming

March 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The first round CaRMS numbers from last week are alarming. We have 42 unmatched family medicine residency positions in Alberta. In BC there are two; in Saskatchewan, none.

2022 Medical Liability Reimbursement top-up payments

March 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I am writing to share with you information about the 2022 Medical Liability Reimbursement top-up payments that will be issued shortly by Alberta Health.

Election program launches today

March 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today we launch a public information program to help ensure that health care remains front and center for Albertans in the coming provincial election. We hope it will help them to consider their own expectations from the system. We will be communicating via website and social media and to members via President’s Letters.

2022-23 CME Program now open

March 23, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The 2022-23 Continuing Medical Education Program provides a benefit of $2,200 per physician and is administered by the AMA. This program reimburses CME expenses incurred between April 1, 2022, and March 31, 2023.

MAPS virtual session

March 17, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government is moving forward with the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative. The AMA is fortunate to have strong representation from physician leaders in the work that is being done. Further announcements are expected soon.

Post-RF update

March 15, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The Representative Forum held a productive two-day meeting March 10 and 11 in Calgary. Read more about the major topics discussed.

Anti-Indigenous bias

March 6, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Following media reports on a study that identified explicit anti-Indigenous bias among some Alberta physicians, I have released a statement.

The crisis is not over

March 3, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Members have commented about a recent media event with the Premier, Minister of Health and Alberta Health Services Official Administrator. At this public relations event the OA outlined progress on his mandated tasks relating to reduced surgical wait times, emergency room wait times and emergency medical services response times.

Budget response

March 1, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Yesterday’s budget includes new funds for a health care system under stress, but it is difficult to determine how much.

Health care in the provincial budget and election

February 27, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The two major parties have both released statements about primary health care. Polling suggests that health care will dominate the general election (May 29 or earlier) and the provincial budget (Tuesday, February 28).

ARP retro payments

February 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

MAPS announcement first reaction

February 21, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government has announced short-term proposals from the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative and funding for primary care in the provincial budget.

Board thoughts about MAPS

February 20, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

How does the system work?

February 10, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Federal funding announcement

February 8, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Board digging into your issues

February 2, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

MAPS Innovation Forum update

January 24, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Tracking the care deficit

January 13, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Recognizing our Past President

January 6, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Please join me in congratulating Dr. Warren on being recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal.

First retroactive fee-for-service payments coming January 13

January 5, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The first of two fee-for-service retroactive payments for the 2022-23 fiscal year will be deposited January 13, 2023.

Independent pharmacist clinics weaken comprehensive care

January 3, 2023

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I have heard from many of you with concerns about the increasing number of independent pharmacist clinics in the province. This is an important issue.

Thank you and well done

December 23, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In these last days of 2022, the Board of Directors has one message for the membership of the Alberta Medical Association: You are all heroes.

Section 40.2 is struck down

December 20, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Government tabled legislation December 5 to repeal Section 40.2 of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act. This regulation enabled termination of the AMA agreement. Government committed to eliminating that provision as part of its commitments under the AMA agreement.

Special thanks to the Canadian Medical Association

December 19, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I want to share with you a letter of thanks that was sent to the Canadian Medical Association on behalf of all members of the AMA last week.

BCP rate goes up tomorrow

December 15, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The agreement provides for an increase of the Business Costs Program rate from $2.95 to $3.59. This change goes into effect tomorrow, December 16. Current BCP program assessment rules remain the same.

One-time payment coming - Three things to know and do

December 14, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: The one-time payment will be issued by end of December. Most physicians will be eligible for the full payment. To receive your payment, you must renew your membership if you haven't already done so.

Alert! Apply by January 27 for 2021-22 CME expenses

December 6, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Currently there are two separate Continuing Medical Education (CME) benefit programs to consider. Physicians have until January 27, 2023 to submit their claim for the $2,100 benefit for expenses incurred between April 1, 2021 and March 31, 2022.

Repealing 40.2

December 5, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Today government has tabled legislation to repeal Section 40.2 of the Alberta Health Care Insurance Act. This regulation enabled termination of the AMA agreement and its repeal was a commitment by government under the new agreement.

Effective December 1, daily cap on services is removed

December 1, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: In case you missed it, Alberta Health sent a bulletin earlier announcing that effective December 1 (today), the daily cap on the number of services a physician can fully bill for will be officially lifted.

Program details you need to read

November 24, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: I wrote to you briefly on November 2 and more details are now available. I have noted below things that you need to know or do at this time. For those who want to read more, links are provided for each item.

Daily cap temporarily removed, lump sum payment details

November 21, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: Since our agreement with government was ratified, we have been making progress on various pieces of implementation. Today, in a joint news conference with the minister, we announced that there will no longer be a daily cap on the number of services a physician can fully bill for.

Administrator replaces AHS Board

November 17, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.

Advocacy for continued precautions in virus season

November 15, 2022

PRESIDENT'S LETTER: 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.