October 30, 2025

In this issue: 

• WCB-AMA Agreement - Voting closes next week!
• Learn about ARTA retirement benefits
• Interested in the history of medicine in AB? We have a grant/scholarship for that!
• PCA updates
  • Avian flu identified in birds in Calgary area
  • HPV primary screening launching for ages 50 to 69
  • Edmonton Zone: New patient letters in screening mammography reports
  • Ganglion Cyst (Hand & Wrist) Patient Pathway now live
  • Newborn hearing screening results now in Netcare
  • Adult Orthopedic Referral Pathway updated
  • Lab bulletins:
    • New chemistry analyzers (Fort McMurray area only)
    • Reminder: Please use updated respiratory virus test req’s
    • Cervical cancer screening change
• MD Financial
  • Don't miss out - enrol in the Medicus Pension Plan
• Community Connections
  • Seeking physician participation: Interview on health promotion strategies for perinatal wildfire exposure

WCB-AMA Agreement -

Voting closes next week!

Electronic voting is now open for the tentative WCB-AMA Physician Services Compensation Agreement (January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2029). AMA President, Dr. Brian Wirzba sent a President’s Letter to members on October 14 with all the details.

This proposed agreement — if ratified — will be retroactive to January 1, 2025, covering key areas like including fees, reporting, recoveries and communication. The AMA Board fully supports the agreement, which reflects strong collaboration between both negotiating teams and acknowledges the unique nature of WCB-related work.
 

Before you vote

Check out the ratification package on the AMA website (member login required), including:

• Tentative agreement documents
• President’s letter
• Highlights and fee comparisons
• FAQs

If you missed the virtual town hall on October 15, view the recording on the AMA website.

Who can vote?
All AMA members are eligible to vote, except:

• Members included in the AOS agreement
• Retired members
• Non-residents of Alberta
• Students

If you haven’t voted yet, we encourage you to do so now! 

Deadline to vote: Thursday, November 6 at 4 p.m.

Questions? Reach out to Didi Wimmer-Frank, Director, Contract Negotiations

ARTA retirement benefits

Considering Retirement?

 
AMA members who are retiring have the option to enrol in the Alberta Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) Retiree Benefits Plan, available to those aged 55 and older. 

Upcoming informational webinars will provide an overview of the plan, including eligibility, health, dental and travel coverage options and enrolment details. This session is intended to help members make informed decisions as they transition into retirement. 

Register here to attend a presentation on November 13th at 2:00 PM. 

Register here to attend a presentation on December 10th at 11:00 AM. 

Interested in the history of medicine in Alberta? We have a grant/scholarship for that!

Interested in the history of medicine?

The Margaret Hutton History of Medicine and Health Care Student Research Scholarship offers funding to support original research in Alberta. Two research scholarships are awarded annually—each offering $2,000 CAD. Full details on eligibility, criteria and how to apply are available on the AMA website.

The Alberta Medical Foundation Charitable Fund Project Grant offers up to $10,000 CAD for projects that explore Alberta’s medical history. 

Open to eligible students and researchers, these awards encourage projects that explore the rich medical past of the province. Full details and the application form are available on the AMA website.

Applications are accepted throughout the year until May 15.

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• Avian flu identified in birds in Calgary area
• HPV primary screening launching for ages 50 to 69
• Edmonton Zone: New patient letters in screening mammography reports
• Ganglion Cyst (Hand & Wrist) Patient Pathway now live
• Newborn hearing screening results now in Netcare
• Adult Orthopedic Referral Pathway updated
• Lab bulletins:
  • New chemistry analyzers (Fort McMurray area only)
  • Reminder: Please use updated respiratory virus test req’s
  • Cervical cancer screening change

Don't miss out - enrol in the

Medicus Pension Plan today

Sponsored article

Your retirement shouldn’t be uncertain — it should be secure.

This physician-exclusive pension plan is the only one of its kind in Canada, with a strong funded status of 152%. It provides secure, predictable retirement income for life. 

This year, based on physician feedback, we’ve added even more protection for you and your loved ones: 

• Enhanced base pension entitlement with a 15-year payment guarantee period (up from 10 years) 

• 10-year payment guarantee period added to the 100% spousal coverage option 

Community Connections

Seeking physician participation: Interview on health promotion strategies for perinatal wildfire exposure.

Are you 18 years and older and have worked or currently work in perinatal health in Canada? 

Health care providers are being recruited to participate in a 30-minute interview. The primary goal is to document health care professionals’ perspectives on perinatal wildfire health knowledge and experiences and to assess their ability to provide guidance on wildfire-related perinatal health risks during consultations with perinatal patients.

Learn more and register for interview here.

The ethical aspects of this project have been reviewed and approved by the uOttawa REB (file # H-02-25-11204).

Promoting a local charitable health-related event?

Recruiting physicians and medical learners for a medical study?

Seeking AMA member participation in a survey?

The AMA receives many requests to promote local events, research participation opportunities and surveys to our members. We consider all requests based on specific criteria and general relevance/appropriateness.

*Please note that, unless explicitly stated, the AMA is not associated with or responsible for items listed in Community Connections.

In case you missed it

Nominate Zonal/Regional RF Delegates by Nov 3

Upcoming events

2025 Urgent Care Conference

November 15

View all upcoming events on the AMA website

Have an event you'd like to promote?

Review our criteria and submit your event

Recognition Roundup

Indigenous Disability Awareness Month

November

Remembrance Day

November 11

Recommend a special date

Last issue's top stories

2025 AMA Award Recipients

AMA welcomes Dr. Jennifer Bestard

Primary Care Alberta updates

In the October 30
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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