Dear Members,
I am pleased to share an important update regarding Alberta Health Services (AHS) stipends. Thanks to strong advocacy from the Alberta Medical Association and the efforts of our physician leaders, Alberta Health has confirmed that existing stipends will remain in place while the Minister reviews recommendations from the AMA-AHS Stipend Review Working Group. See the March 21, 2025 AH Bulletin for details.
Over the past several months, the AMA has worked diligently behind the scenes to ensure that no changes to stipends would be made before the formal review process concludes. Our physician leaders have been directly engaged in discussions with Alberta Health and AHS, highlighting the vital role stipends play in supporting specialized services, leadership roles and physician stability. This pause on stipend changes will provide some certainty for over a thousand physicians who are remunerated for the care they provide through these payments.
Stipend review process
- The Stipend Review Working Group consists of equal representation from the AMA and AHS and is facilitated by an independent chair. Alberta Health is not a formal member.
- The group is tasked with reviewing the purpose, amount and structure of current stipends, including whether they should be continued, adjusted or discontinued.
- The final recommendations are due to the Management Committee by March 31, 2025, and will be binding on both parties. The Minister will then take the necessary steps to implement the recommendations.
- If any stipends are reduced or discontinued, the AMA Agreement requires reasonable notice and a transition period for affected physicians.
Our collective efforts have ensured that physicians will have stability and predictability while the review process runs its course. The AMA will remain fully engaged throughout this process, advocating for a fair, evidence-based review that protects physician interests and supports quality patient care.
Sincerely,
Shelley Duggan, MD, FRCPC
President, Alberta Medical Association