Dear Members,
Through a January 2025 AMA member survey, we learned that 43% of pediatricians in Alberta are thinking of retiring, leaving Alberta or reducing their clinical work by at least 25%. These numbers are staggering and symptomatic of numerous pressures threatening pediatric care in Alberta.
I held a news conference today with Section of Pediatrics President, Dr. Sam Wong to uncover those pressures and discuss antidotes that can help stabilize pediatric care in our province.
Throughout the news conference, we specifically emphasized the high patient volumes that are leading to pediatrician burnout, long wait times for subspecialist care and shortages of pediatricians and support staff. These issues – and others – are explored in more depth in the Pediatrics Issue Paper and we will continue to unpack them throughout our advocacy work in the coming weeks and months.
While we have yet to hear from government on the AMA’s Acute Care Stabilization Proposal (member login required), we will not stop advocating for a better health system with everything we’ve got. The AMA is committed to raising the voices of our members, and we’re going to stay vocal.
Thanks for walking with us as we continue to spotlight the critical issues within our health care system and share solutions from our colleagues.
Sincerely,
Shelley Duggan, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association