October 17, 2024

In this issue:

• Call for Nominations Open – Zonal/Regional RF Delegates
• How might changes to the CPSA’s physician health monitoring affect you?
• Breast Cancer Screening in Alberta: Read the current guidelines
• AHS Updates:
  • Active health advisories
  • Fall 2024 immunization program
  • 2024 RSV immunization program
  • Vaccine distribution update
• MD Financial
  • Private wealth management: Frequently asked questions
• Community Connections

Call for nominations open - Zonal/Regional RF Delegates

The Call for Nominations for election of zonal/regional delegates to the AMA Representative Forum is now underway.

See the AMA website for details about the election and nomination process for anyone wishing to run for election to RF (member login required), including Call for Nominations, nomination form and ZMSA nominees in each region/zone.

The deadline for responding to the Call for Nominations is 9 a.m., Thursday, October 31.

Each Zone Medical Staff Association has been asked to put forward a slate of candidates for election as the RF delegates for their zone (Calgary, Edmonton) or the regions within their zone (South – Region 2, Central – Region 4, and North – Regions 7 and 9).

How might changes to the CPSA’s physician health monitoring affect you?

The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) has recently transitioned health assessments, fitness-to-practise assessments, and health and biological monitoring functions to CPSA approved external service providers. The program previously known as the Physician Health Monitoring Program at the CPSA is now the Health & Practice Conditions Monitoring (HPCM) program, and is administered under the Continuing Competence department of the CPSA.

The AMA encourages members to be familiar with the CPSA’s standards of practice, including the duty to report health conditions that may impact your practice. Do you have questions about the changes at the CPSA? Do you want support or advice about your duty under the Standards of Practice? Do you have questions about the new processes as they relate to independent assessments and/or monitoring?

Breast Cancer Screening in Alberta: Read the current guidelines

Alberta updated the Clinical Practice Guidelines for breast cancer screening in October 2022. What has changed since then? 

1. Albertan women of average risk, aged 45-74, can now self-refer for breast mammography screening. Women aged 40-44 and 75+ may be referred for screening following a discussion with their primary care provider that incorporates personal risk, informed decision making and patient preference. Previously self-referral was only allowed for ages 50-74. 
2. Higher-than-average risk women (15-20% lifetime risk) may now screen annually and access additional imaging with referral. Relevant risk factors include having extremely dense breasts (category D), a family or personal history of breast cancer, or certain benign breast conditions that are known to increase risk.  
3. Recommendations have been added for transgender, gender diverse, and non-binary individuals. Individuals assigned female at birth who have not undergone mastectomy and those assigned male at birth who have been on feminizing hormone therapy for five or more total years, are recommended to screen for breast cancer. 

For the current guidelines, fact sheets and other information about breast cancer screening in Alberta, go to www.screeningforlife.ca. The Alberta CPGs are intended to provide a consistent approach to breast cancer screening across Alberta to help diagnose cancer early and save lives.

AHS Updates

The following AHS updates have been provided for your information:

• Active health advisories
• Fall 2024 immunization program
• 2024 RSV immunization program
• Vaccine distribution update
• Connect Care access not required for referrals to AHS

Private Wealth Management: Frequently Asked Questions

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As a person’s wealth increases, their finances become more complex. Private wealth management can be well-suited to physicians, whose career path and remuneration structure means their financial concerns and the best strategies — such as incorporation — to address them will be different from those of most professionals. Is private wealth management the best solution for you and your family? Learn more with MD Financial Management’s FAQ. 

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...

Submit a one-step nomination for the CMA Awards 

One day left: You can have your say on the design of the new Regional Networks.

Complete the survey.

Upcoming events

Alberta Society of Radiologists 2024 Annual Scientific Conference

October 18-20

Navigating the inner storms of uncertainty

November 28

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:

October:

Breast Cancer Awareness Month 

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

AHS Updates 

Renew your membership

In the October 17
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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