Board digging into your issues

February 2, 2023

Dr. Fredrykka Rinaldi, AMA PresidentDear Members:
 
There are always many things going on in the AMA and I like to keep you informed about our current priorities even if the next steps or outcomes are still unknown. The Board of Directors is meeting today and Friday in Calgary to be briefed and provide direction on many issues for the profession. Some of the major topics will be:

  • Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) and the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI): What’s been done, what will be done and how the AMA can respond most effectively.
  • Alberta Health Services Connect Care and understanding the impact on patient care.
  • The AMA’s approach and profile as a voice in the upcoming provincial election.

We will also be planning for the spring Representative Forum on March 10-11 in Calgary. There will be more to come on all these topics.
 
You are always welcome to share your thoughts with me. You can email me via president@albertadoctors.org. You can also comment on this letter on the AMA website.
 
Regards,

fred Rinaldi, MD, CCFP, FCFP, LLB, MBA, MPA(HSA), BCom
President, Alberta Medical Association
 
"Fate whispers to the warrior, 'You can not withstand the storm.' The warrior whispers back, 'I am the storm.'"

4 comments

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  • #1

    Dr Farook Oosman

    Physician

    1:55 PM on February 02, 2023

    Pan Canada licensure for Primary care is being discussed by CMA.
    This is a great idea to help physicians to move to areas where there is a shortage

  • #2

    Marc Shaw

    Physician

    3:06 PM on February 02, 2023

    Many (most?) clinicians' schedules are set months in advance so it is disappointing to hear of an RF being "planned" to occur a scant 5 weeks away such that many clinicinas and RF Delegates will be unable to attend.

  • #3

    Daniel Garros

    Physician

    12:38 AM on February 03, 2023

    I have read your last letter that touched on ConnectCare. AHS has made a huge investment for hospital care with EPIC, the software for this multilayer database and electronic charting system. However, despite being available for any registered physician in Alberta, very few colleagues use the system outside the hospital walls.
    Any family doc or pediatrician could follow up their patients with access to their ConnectCare chart, give advise to the hospital team, communicate his/her concerns and get a good idea about patient progress and outcome.
    Why we are not seeing this, after such incredible investment and effort? If we are focusing on "patient's first", that is a great opportunity to enhance care!
    (DG, Pediatric Intensive Care physician)

  • #4

    AMA Staff

    Other health care professional

    8:28 AM on February 03, 2023

    In response to Marc Shaw [comment #2]

    Hi Dr. Shaw,

    Thanks for your concern. RF delegates are advised of the meeting dates of Fall and Spring RF meetings one to two years in advance. We occasionally hold a Special RF meeting on short notice when there is a new agreement or something with urgent timelines, but the regular meetings are planned well in advance.

Alberta Medical Association Mission: Advocate for and support Alberta physicians. Strengthen their leadership in the provision of sustainable quality care.