November 30, 2023

In this issue:

• Vote now: 2023 RF delegate zonal/regional elections

• Lung cancer screening available to eligible Albertans

• New online clinical decision support tool for patients in Alberta

• New pediatric functional GI education website

• Apply for the TD Insurance AMA Medical Student Bursary

• MD Financial Management

  • Supporting your financial well being with Scotia Households

• Community Connections
  • U of C CME&PD 2023-2024 needs assessment
  • Participate in a study on pregnancy care referral

Vote now: 2023 RF delegate zonal/regional elections

The zonal/regional RF delegate election has been restarted. This was necessary because of errors in the list of voters, as noted in our email of November 24. The new vote is now open. The following zones will hold an election:

• Calgary Zone - Region 3
• Central Zone - Region 4
• Edmonton Zone - Region 6

If you voted previously (between November 14 and 24) you will need to cast your ballot again as all previous votes have been discarded. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience.

Voting will close at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, and ballots will be counted in the presence of scrutineers.

If you are a member of one of the above zones, please vote now (member login required).

Lung cancer screening available to eligible Albertans

Albertans aged 50-74 who currently smoke cigarettes or have quit after smoking for many years can now self-refer for possible lung cancer screening through the Alberta Lung Cancer Screening Program at 1-866-727-3926. Albertans can also be referred to the program by a primary care provider.

The AHS program is offering lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (CT) scans to approximately 3,000 eligible Albertans up to March 2024.

Screening with low-dose CT scans can detect lung cancer earlier, before someone has symptoms, and when treatment is more likely to be effective.

New online clinical decision support tool for patients in Alberta

‘Let's Talk Cholesterol’ is a new resource developed by patient partners and family physicians. It is a collaboration between the University of Calgary and Physician Learning Program.

Dyslipidemia affects one in three Canadians, but from associated focus groups, patients don’t always understand dyslipidemia or how to choose the best treatment option for them. ‘Let's Talk Cholesterol’ is a comprehensive decision support tool, co-created with input from patient partners, family physicians and specialists. It features patient-centered resources and a physician guide, written by family physicians, to facilitate evidence-based cholesterol management.

Starting in November 2023, a link to the ‘Let’s Talk Cholesterol’ website is included on lipid lab results in Alberta. By visiting the site and reading through the material, patients can learn about dyslipidemia, statin indicated conditions and treatment options.

Check out ‘Let’s Talk Cholesterol’ and share with your patients and teams.

New pediatric functional GI education website

Do you see patients with functional gastrointestinal conditions including pain, nausea, vomiting or constipation, and want to learn more?

The pediatric gastroenterologists at the Stollery Children's Hospital have developed free, virtual, on-demand CME-eligible modules in an educational website.

To access training modules, simply register for a free account. After completing one or more modules at your own pace, you can request your certificate of completion by emailing pedsGISTAR@gmail.com.

The website includes a section with patient resources, educational websites and handouts.

If you have any questions regarding this website, please contact Dr. Biqi Chen at biqi.chen@ahs.ca.

Apply for the TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/AMA Medical Student Bursary

Online applications are now being accepted for the 2023-24 TD Insurance Meloche Monnex/AMA Medical Student Bursary.

The bursary program helps to reduce financial pressure from escalating medical school tuition fees and is made possible through a significant contribution by TD Insurance Meloche Monnex as well as donations from generous physician members. Funds are apportioned to each Alberta medical school based on the number of students enrolled.

Applications will be accepted until December 31.

For information about eligibility and who to contact, visit the AMA website.

Supporting your financial well being with Scotia Households

Sponsored advertisement

Scotia Households is an exclusive program that supports physicians and their families. As a valued Scotiabank physician customer, when you open an Ultimate Package as a benefit of the Scotiabank Healthcare+ Physician Banking Program, you'll pay no monthly account fee and can invite your family to your Scotia Household so they too can enjoy savings on their banking. This offer ends March 31, 2024.

Conditions apply.

Community Connections

This month, the following is available for your consideration:

U of C CME&PD 2023-2024 Needs Assessment
The Cumming School of Medicine Office of Continuing Medical Education & Professional Development invites all health care professionals to help shape the future of CME and CPD. Your insights into learning preferences, clinical and non-clinical topics of interest and quality improvement practices will be invaluable in tailoring effective and impactful initiatives that meet the evolving needs of medical professionals. The survey will be available between November 23 and December 15. Participants will have a chance to win an iPad. Share your thoughts.

Participate in a Study on Pregnancy Care Referral
First-year family medicine residents and physicians in Edmonton are invited to participate in a study on pregnancy care referral. Researchers hope to understand the resources and providers that are most accessible to physicians and how the best care for a patient and patient preferences intersect when it comes to a referral decision. You can sign up using this form or email ahadley@ualberta.ca to learn more.

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...

AMA membership renewal. Renew online

Upcoming events

Your Life in Retirement Workshop

December 8

Media Relations 201

December 13

MD Financial - 2023 Market Update webinar

December 11

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

Below are special dates deserving recognition:

December:

- World AIDS Day

  December 1

- Human Rights Day
  December 10

- Anti-Bullying Day

  December 17

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

- Changes to lipid reporting and the LDL-C equation in Alberta

- Optimized Prescribing with Seniors

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

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More from the AMA

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