Physicians are key to the functioning, evolution and optimization of a sustainable publicly-funded healthcare system and I believe that our voice is strongest when it comes from a unified collective like the AMA that strongly advocates for it's members ability to provide the care Albertans deserve.
An active AMA member
"I have worked within the AMA for over 20 years. I joined the AMA as a young (three years into my career), angry physician who wanted the AMA to fix everything immediately. Through my work with my section, and the representative forum, I learned the importance of this advocacy but also learned the importance of hearing other voices, and the fact that the AMA needs to work for all members. After Section work (fees rep, president, RF rep), I moved to positions advocating for all physicians and subsequently worked on multiple AMA committees related to physician compensation. I continue to strongly support (as I did in the early days) a compensation system that is equitable, fair and transparent across the profession regardless of payment type, specialty or practice location. We have made progress, but there is more work to do."
A distinguished career
Dr. Wirzba is a proud grad of the University of Alberta Class of 1994, after first obtaining his BSC in Biochemistry (Honours). In addition to AMA work for over 20 years, he has been an examiner for the RCPS(C) along with being an ongoing member of the GIM Specialty committee, been an executive of the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine, participated in multiple CPSA committees, University medicine training positions and locally has held site leader, principle teaching physician and more recently zone clinical lead for GIM roles. His most cherished position is as a founding member and ongoing curriculum director and external examiner for a GIM Residency training program in Cameroon which I have participated in since 2008. Over that time we have transitioned the program from fully expatriate faculty to fully run by program trained Cameroonians in 16 years.
Favorite AMA memory?
"Over my two decades in the AMA I have been humbled by the many (too many to mention here) leaders who came to the RF as "first time speakers" and developed into hospital, zone, provincial, national and international leaders. The legacy of the AMA leadership stream is intimidating but so very inspiring."
On a personal note
I find serenity and joy equally if I am hiking/skiing/biking/relaxing in the great outdoors (especially off grid), building something from scratch, digging in the dirt, listening to amazing music, experiencing art or standing in a stream trying to outsmart a trout.