If they aren't listening, we'll shout

Dear Members,

Having just assumed the role of president at the Fall Representative Forum on Saturday, September 21, this is my first President’s Letter. I am honoured to take on this role. I will have your back and fight with everything I’ve got.

I use the word “fight” advisedly, if regretfully. We will not walk away from commitments for collaboration or requirements under the agreement when it comes to working with government. We know that criticizing government is less than conducive to having a smooth relationship with them, but the RF concluded that government has chosen not to act on the advice of physicians or to execute informed reform.

Therefore, we have no choice. If we are not being heard, then it’s time to shout. As I told the media at a news conference yesterday morning: 

We are deeply, sincerely afraid that the health care system in Alberta is ready to collapse past the point of repair anytime soon. And … because we must advocate for our patients … our patience has come to an end.

Thanks to members who participated in a recent benchmark survey. We shared some results at the news conference yesterday. They are distressing. Only 42% of physicians say they are planning to remain in their current practices. 58% are thinking of leaving by 2029. 65% of those have already taken steps to begin the process. I am sorry it has come to this, but members need to do what they need to do. Soon we will launch a tool through which members can register their practice changes so that we can report on what is happening, in real-time, as it happens. 

I begin my term at a rather challenging time, but as the RF soundly demonstrated, there is strength in acting together, in determination and with a relentless focus on what patients need. Thank you for what you do every day. Thank you for what you will do in the year ahead. Albertans are counting on us. What does that mean? We will:

• Increase our efforts to let Albertans know what is happening in the health care system.
• Counter misinformation with facts and evidence.
• Empower Albertans to raise their concerns with elected officials. 
• Gather data, report and monitor -- both from physicians and patients at the point of care.
• Explore methods of Active Advocacy in which members can engage. We will need your help.

This inaugural letter is also signed by Immediate Past President Dr. Paul Parks, to signal that you will have both of us speaking on your behalf this year. To ensure we can grab every opportunity to advocate for patients and members, Paul will share the load and continue to raise our collective voice in the media. 

Sincerely,

Shelley Duggan, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association

Paul Parks
Immediate Past President, Alberta Medical Association