How does the system work?

February 10, 2023

Dr. Fredrykka Rinaldi, AMA President

Dear Members:
 
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.

Today we release the first infographic on the theme of the value of family medicine. The infographic provides a one-day snapshot of the most common physician services provided daily in Alberta. It shows that family medicine delivers the majority. Below the infographic data, we point out that in spite of the many services they provide, family medicine represents only about 8% of health care spending in Alberta.

It’s more complex to develop common programming across the varied Acute and Hospital Care stream. A working group of physicians from different specialties will meet next week to help identify some priorities.

We expect to deliver a range of information assets in the months ahead. I hope you will post them in your clinic or on your social media feeds.
 
You are always welcome to share your thoughts with me. You can email me via president@albertadoctors.org. You can also comment on this letter on the AMA website.
 
Regards,

fred Rinaldi, MD, CCFP, FCFP, LLB, MBA, MPA(HSA), BCom
President, Alberta Medical Association
 
"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You can not withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'"

2 comments

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  • #1

    Ian MacDonald

    Physician

    4:46 PM on February 10, 2023

    The infographic makes an excellent illustration of the importance of primary care.

  • #2

    Clay Hammett

    Physician

    6:02 PM on February 10, 2023

    I think you almost have it, except for the division is between doctors, who run businesses and offices, and doctors to work for hospitals, academics, or under other contracts. The latter often direct the work of the former who have seen disproportionate pay cuts over decades.

Alberta Medical Association Mission: Advocate for and support Alberta physicians. Strengthen their leadership in the provision of sustainable quality care.