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AMA President's Letter

News: physician support program; nurse practitioners

The "voice of the AMA" – Published regularly throughout the year, the President's Letter informs you about Alberta Medical Association positions on key and complex issues in Alberta’s health care.

Read the November 22 President's Letter

  • Government, make engagement meaningful

    As part of a cross-ministry effort by the provincial government, Alberta Health has invited the Alberta Medical Association to complete a survey on behalf of members. It relates to “legislative changes to safeguard freedom of expression for regulated professionals.”

    Read the November 14 President's Letter

  • Facts matter. Your voice is needed even MORE!

    Right now, the AMA is engaged in more advocacy than at any other time in our history. In the category of fact checking, we coordinated yesterday with section experts to respond to comments made by the premier in a news conference. 

    Read the November 1 President's Letter

  • Second issue of Fact Checkup and more campaign materials

    Here is AMA Fact Checkup – Issue 2. In this issue, we check and correct government on statements they have made.

    Read the October 18 President's Letter

Comments on the most recent President's Letter are enabled and welcome. You may also contact the AMA President by email at [email protected].

Archive

Below you will find previous issues of The President's Letter. For older issues no longer on the website, contact us.

  • Special RF information session; COVID-19

    In this letter:

    • A special Representative Forum information session this week
    • Looking out for each other in the fourth wave 
  • News: Discussions with government; vaccination policy

    I am writing to let you know about two decisions reached at a special meeting of the Board of Directors held on August 19. 

    • The AMA will table a proposal with government
    • The AMA calls for mandatory vaccination for health care workers
  • Care Deficit: Broad thinking will be required

    I have previously shared with you some research from our albertapatients.ca online community regarding the impact that the COVID pandemic has had on their health and well being. These patients tell us that there have been detrimental effects on their physical and mental health as a result of avoiding care or having care delayed. This applies to a full spectrum of concerns, from diagnostic services to surgery and other specialist care.

  • Paper on government discussions and a member survey

    In this letter

    • Informed by your feedback, a paper for your review about the Board’s approach to government discussions
    • We launch a survey to look further into how members are faring
  • Board meeting update and upcoming member engagement

    The Board of Directors met July 22-23. I intended to provide you with an update on what was discussed at the end of last week. This was overtaken by the issue of Alberta’s changed public health restrictions, so I am providing the update today with the latest developments. 

  • Significant concerns: Changes to COVID-19 measures

    On July 28, Alberta Health announced significant changes in the public health measures for COVID-19. I have written to the Minister regarding my concerns, and I want to share these points with you.

  • Masking in community clinics

    I have heard from a number of members who are concerned with potential implications for their clinics arising from the lifting of mandatory continuous masking. The public health order was maintained for Alberta Health Services, Covenant Health and long-term care facilities, but not for other clinical settings.

  • Patient's access to lab results; the remaining 5% and your practice

    In this letter

    • What’s changing with patient access to sensitive lab results
    • What you may need to consider
    • How to learn more and get prepared - July 21 webinar
  • A joint announcement with government and continued member engagement

    In this letter:

    • An announcement arising from priority discussions between government and the AMA
    • Member engagement 
    • Advocacy
  • Supporting physicians impacted by changes to AHS-paid stipends

    In this letter:

    • An update on representation surrounding the end of stipends in Alberta Health Services
    • An introduction to the Stipend Action Committee
    • New clinical Alternative Relationship Plan information source for members