August 11, 2022

In this issue

• Notice of elections and changes to AMA Bylaws

• Join more than 1,100 learners in taking AMA's online privacy training!

• Apply today: Healthy Working Environments Advisory Committee

• Note: Changes to serum IgE allergy testing for food and environmental inhalants

• News from the Alberta College of Family Physicians:

  • Building AAWEARness through Advocacy and Education

  • First Five Years of Family Practice blog: Tip on Wellness

• The inside scoop on being a CPSA councillor

• WCB-Alberta's prescribed opioids policy is now open for consultation

• Three strategies for physicians facing reduced cash flow

• Reminders: 

  • Register! AMA Health Benefits Trust Fund - information webinar

  • Family Medicine Enhanced Skills residency programs

• Survey Corner: 

  • Needs assessment for multi-disciplinary virtual men's health clinic

Notice of elections and changes to

AMA Bylaws

The 117th AMA Annual General Meeting will be held via Zoom at 7 p.m., Monday, October 3. As required under the AMA Bylaws, members received 60 days' notice of:

• Proposed bylaw changes to be considered.
• Elections to take place at the AGM (Speaker, Deputy Speaker, Nominating Committee and AMA reps to the CMA General Council for 2023).

Join more than 1,100 learners in taking AMA's online privacy training!

All Alberta community medical physicians, clinic staff and PCNs are invited to enrol in privacy training at no cost. Developed by privacy experts and Alberta Health, this training covers topics such as accessing health information, preventing breaches, cybersecurity, privacy impact assessments and much more.
 

These courses are CME accredited by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada and The College of Family Physicians of Canada.

Apply today! Healthy Working Environments Advisory Committee

The deadline to apply is September 2.
 

The purpose of the Healthy Working Environments Advisory Committee (HWEAC) is to provide informed advice and guidance to the AMA Board of Directors in developing inclusive policies and innovative practices that support safe, caring, inclusive and healthy working environments for physicians.
 

Are you interested in participating in the HWEAC? There are open positions on the committee, including one Chair position and three member positions. Visit the AMA committee recruitment web application (login required) to view the posting and apply.

Upcoming changes to serum IgE allergy testing in North Sector

In Fall 2022, the serum Food Allergen Screen and associated Food Allergen Reflex Panels will no longer be available in North Sector (including Edmonton and North Zone). In addition, the Inhalant Panels that reflex from positive Inhalant Screens will be discontinued. 

News from the

Alberta College of Family Physicians

Building AAWEARness through advocacy and education

The ACFP’s Collaborative Mentorship Network interviewed Marie Ferraro of Alberta Alliance Who Educate and Advocate Responsibly (AAWEAR) about their immersive harm reduction educational program for third year medical students from the University of Calgary, Cummings School of Medicine. 

First Five Years of Family Practice blog: Tip on Wellness
 

In this blog, Dr. Sierra Tamminen shares what she has been doing to work on wellness. Take a look at the great tips and tricks that she has compiled. 

The inside scoop on being a

CPSA councillor

Are you ready to share your diverse experience with College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta and the profession? Gain governance and leadership skills and support CPSA’s legislative mandate to protect the public. Councillor Dr. Jaelene Mannerfeldt shared her insights and experience on what it's like to be a CPSA councillor and the opportunities that come along with it.

WCB-Alberta's prescribed opioids policy is now open for consultation

WCB is seeking stakeholder feedback on proposed changes to their opioid policy.
 

WCB is reviewing their prescribed opioid analgesics (narcotics) Policy 04-06, Part II, Application 4, to ensure safe and effective treatment for injured workers. The proposed updates reflect the most current medical evidence, advice and knowledge; considers the benefits and risks of opioids; and provides clear criteria for coverage.
 

Review the draft policy and provide your expert feedback. Consultation is open until September 26.

Three strategies for physicians facing reduced cash flow

Sponsored advertisement
 

Are you burned out and thinking about cutting back your hours, halting your practice for a while or retiring early? If you’re considering reducing your hours, halting your practice for a while or retiring earlier than planned, it’s important to take a fresh look at your financial planning. Here are three financial planning strategies to help prepare for a reduced level of income.

Reminders

AMA Health Benefits Trust Fund information Webinar

Whether you have been a participant in AMA HBTF for many years, or are just considering enrolling in the plan now, you are welcome to join us for an information webinar on Wednesday, August 17 at 6:30 p.m.

Can’t attend? Reach out to our team to learn about accessing a recording of the session.

Family Medicine Enhanced Skills residency programs are accepting applicatons

For program information, vist the University of  Alberta  Department of Family Medicine and the University of Calgary Family Medicine Enhanced Skills residency programs websites. 

Survey Corner

Health care partners and other organizations often seek physician feedback through surveys. This month, the following is available for your consideration:

Needs assessment for multi-disciplinary virtual men's health clinic

Researchers with the University of British Columbia are interested to learn information about the needs and preferences of primary care doctors for male sexual medicine clinical services. Please consider completing this survey which should take under five minutes to complete.

Editor's note: "Survey Corner" presents survey requests received and reviewed by the AMA, that may be of interest to our members. We will publish new opportunities as we receive them.

Your colleagues make a difference

For our Shine A Light initiative, we profiled Calgary otolaryngology-head and neck surgeon
Dr. Shamir Chandarana.

Recognition Roundup
 

Below are special dates deserving recognition:
 

August 9: International Day of the World's Indigenous Peoples
 

August 31: International Overdose Awareness Day
 

Do you have something you'd like to add? Send us an email.

Last issue's top stories
 

- When it's time to retire
 

- FAST zone program launch dates
 

- Are you a physician with health administration experience?

In the August 11
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- Space available
- For sale
- Services

More from the AMA

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