January 15, 2026

In this issue: 

• Government Affairs Advisory Committee: Enhancing AMA advocacy
• Zonal/regional RF delegate election results
• Section of Rural Medicine Tarrant Scholarship
• Transitions in Care Talk: System Navigation in Indigenous Communities
• New Year - new PPIP activity opportunities!
• Using Social Media as a Physician: Training opportunities from the AMA
• AMA Medical Director opportunities 
• Primary Care Alberta updates
  • Tobacco & Nicotine Dependence pathway coming soon
  • Influenza update: Slowing the spread
  • Important Connect Care update: Selecting location for results delivery
  • New pathways from Provincial Pathways Unit
  • Lab bulletin:
    • Lipoprotein (a) testing issue
    • New colposcopy pathology requisition
    • Process change for contacting primary care provider about sickle cell disease
    • (Grand Prairie area): Cessation of rapid syphilis and HIV antibody testing at Grande Prairie Hospital lab
    • (Calgary Zone): New contact information for fine needle aspirate requisition
• MD Financial
  • How does a TFSA help me pay less tax?

Government Affairs Advisory Committee:

Enhancing AMA advocacy

The Alberta Medical Association (AMA) has launched the Government Affairs Advisory Committee (GAAC) to strengthen strategic advocacy on behalf of physicians and their patients. The committee provides a confidential, nonpartisan forum to identify emerging political and public policy issues and offer timely advice to the AMA Board of Directors. 
 

The GAAC supports key advocacy functions, including environmental scanning, developing political messaging, guiding the MD+MLA Program and helping recruit physician contacts. Members also foster relationships across all parties by participating in informal discussions and attending political events on the AMA’s behalf. The committee chair or designate will also attend the Representative Forum as a guest. 
 

The GAAC includes a chair, up to six appointed members, and the president elect, supported by the Advocacy & Engagement team and external advisors. 
 

Members must be AMA member physicians with demonstrated political engagement. Balanced party representation ensures broad political insight. 
 

Applications close Friday, January 23, 2026 

Zonal/regional RF delegate election results

Election results are in!
 

Ballots for the Edmonton and Calgary zone RF delegate positions were tallied on December 10 in the presence of scrutineers. 

Section of Rural Medicine Tarrant Scholarship 

The Tarrant Scholarship Selection Committee extends its congratulations to the 2025 recipients!
 

Applications for the 2026 Dr. Michael Tarrant Scholarship open at the end of January.

Transitions in Care Talk:

System Navigation in Indigenous Communities

Join us on January 27 from noon to 1 p.m., for the seventh webinar in the Home to Hospital to Home Transitions in Care Talk series hosted by AMA-ACTT and presented by Primary Care Alberta.
 

This session explores how navigation supports can foster safe and supportive care transitions for Indigenous individuals, families and communities.
 

Why attend?

• Gain insights from lived experiences and practical examples
• Understand challenges such as transportation and access while learning collaborative strategies on how to address them

Co-hosted by Julie Robison and Dr. Julia Carter from Primary Care Alberta, speakers include:

• Lucy Laboucan, Manager, Indigenous Health, BScN RN
• Additional speaker TBD

This session is open to primary care and specialty physicians and clinic teams at no cost.
 

Before attending, physicians are encouraged to check out previous videos in the series.

New Year - new PPIP activity opportunities!

Why wait? AMA-ACTT webinars can help you meet your College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) requirements.
 

New sessions from January to March are now available! Visit the website and choose from several topics and dates including drop-in sessions. Sign up to receive notifications when new session dates are posted.

Using Social Media as a Physician:

Training opportunities from the AMA

Have you considered using social media to share your physician voice? While this may seem intimidating, Dr. Shazma Mithani is a leader in sharing her physician perspective online and can guide you through the process.
 

The AMA offers two virtual social media training sessions with Dr. Mithani. Social Media 101 is available asynchronously through the AMA’s Learning Management System. For physicians with a basic understanding of social media platforms and at least one account, Social Media 201 is a live virtual session 

covering best practices and additional factors to consider when posting on various social media platforms.
 

Ready to enhance your social media skills? Contact jasmine.kwade@albertadoctors.org with preferred availability (lunchtime or after 5 p.m.)

AMA Medical Director opportunities

The AMA is recruiting experienced Alberta physicians for two impactful Medical Director roles in Continuing Care and Mental Health & Addictions. These 0.3 FTE contract positions focus on strengthening care across the province through system integration, clinical leadership and collaboration with key partners in Alberta’s evolving health system.

If you’re a physician leader with strong clinical expertise, a passion for improving patient care and the ability to drive meaningful change, we encourage you to apply. These roles offer a unique opportunity to influence policy, support multidisciplinary teams and help shape the future of care in Alberta. 

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• Tobacco & Nicotine Dependence pathway coming soon
• Influenza update: Slowing the spread
• Important Connect Care update: Selecting location for results delivery
• New pathways from Provincial Pathways Unit
• Lab bulletin:
  • Lipoprotein (a) testing issue
  • New colposcopy pathology requisition
  • Process change for contacting primary care provider about sickle cell disease
  • (Grand Prairie area): Cessation of rapid syphilis and HIV antibody testing at Grande Prairie Hospital lab
  • (Calgary Zone): New contact information for fine needle aspirate requisition

How does a TFSA help me pay less tax?

Sponsored article

A TFSA isn’t just for saving — it’s a powerful tax tool. Discover how physicians can use TFSAs to grow wealth tax-free and achieve financial flexibility. 

Community Connections

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

Billing Tip: 2025/2026 holiday claim processing and payment schedule

Upcoming events

AI in Medicine: Legal Responsibility & Ethics

January 15
 

CII/CPAR Connect

January 20
 

Breast Practices: Navigating Guidelines in Primary Care

January 26

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

January 

Alzheimer's Awareness Month

Recommend a special date

Last issue's top stories

Primary Care Alberta updates
 

2025 year-end tax planning considerations

In the January 15
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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