March 17, 2023

In this issue:

• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Orthostatic hypotension

• Diagnostic imaging reports available online for patients through My Personal Records

• eReferral improvements implemented February 23

• AHS newborn screening program has a new name

• AMA Section of Pediatrics grants: Improving care through research and innovation

• Call for applications: History of medicine scholarship and project grant
• New rate increases for auto insurance paused until December 31
• New MD Culture Shift Issue #19

• MD Financial Management

  • Tax changes for 2023

• Community Connections
  • Do you want to share your thoughts and co-design tools for cancer diagnosis?
  • Navigating children's best interests in child psychiatric inpatient settings during the height of the COVID pandemic
  • Free counselling services to families with immigrant and refugee experience, and their children

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Orthostatic hypotension

Case

Mr. Howell is 81 and presenting with a six-month history of light-headedness on standing up. His past medical history includes hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, osteoporosis, diverticular disease and venous insufficiency.

Issue

Orthostatic hypotension (OH) and concomitant hypertension are common in elderly patients particularly the frail. Treatment of one may compound the other and it is a delicate balance. OH is a common medical condition in older adults that is associated with higher risk of falls, coronary heart disease, stroke and death. 
 

Diagnostic imaging reports available online for patients through My Personal Records

On March 20, 2023, Albertans will be able to view diagnostic imaging reports in MyHealth Records, the single access point for Albertans’ personal health information. These reports will be viewable through the My Personal Records application. This change is being made to provide Albertans with more access to their health information, and as an additional safety net for patient care within the system. These reports will be viewable with no imposed delay. 

eReferral improvements implemented February 23

On February 23, several eReferral updates occurred that affect referring, receiving and triage users. While most changes are minor, you may notice them when using eReferral. 

AHS newborn screening program has a new name

The Alberta Health Services Newborn Metabolic Screening (NMS) Program is now known as the Alberta Newborn Screening Program (ANSP). The delivery of high quality blood spot screening services in Alberta is not impacted by this change.

 
Blood spot screening practices and protocols will continue in the same fashion. Resources and webpages have been re-branded to reflect the new name, but all resources or blood spot cards that have the old NMS Program name can still be used.

The coordination team and provincial program are still in place, just under a new name.

Contact the program at our new email address: newbornscreening@ahs.ca or visit www.ahs.ca/newbornscreening.

AMA Section of Pediatrics grants - Improving care through research and innovation

The AMA Section of Pediatrics grants approximately $30,000 annually to practicing pediatricians that are both AMA and Section of Pediatrics members.

Call for applications: history of medicine scholarship and project grant

Applications for both are due May 15
 
The Margaret Hutton History of Medicine and Health Care Student Research Scholarship is seeking Alberta applicants in undergraduate medical education as well as graduate students in the history of medicine and health care. Two research scholarships of $2,000 will be given.
 
To learn more about the scholarship and apply, please visit our website or contact Ali Taliani.
 
The Alberta Medical Foundation Charitable Fund Project Grants program exists to promote interest in Alberta’s medical history by providing a research grant of up to $10,000 to qualified scholars for original projects in the history of medicine and health care in Alberta.
 
To learn more about the grant and apply, please visit our website or contact Ali Taliani.

New rate increases for auto insurance paused until December 31

Effective January 26, 2023, the Alberta Government announced a pause on new rate increases for Private Passenger Vehicles (PPV, or auto insurance) until the end of 2023. During this time, Insurers, such as TD Insurance, are required to provide PPV customers the option to pay their premiums through payment plans. 

New MD Culture Shift Issue #19

In this issue of MD Culture Shift:

• International Women’s Day – March 8
• Canadian Women Physician’s Day – March 11
• International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination – March 21
• Transgender Day of Visibility – March 31

Upcoming events

• Critical Leadership Conversation
• Actioning Anti-Racism in Clinical Care
• Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership
• And more!

MD Culture Shift is an AHS publication created by physicians for physicians through the Physician Diversity, Wellness and Leadership Development portfolio. It shares news of the constructive efforts happening in Alberta that support physician diversity, wellness and leadership. Visit ahs.ca/mdwellness to learn more and read previous issues.

Tax Changes for 2023

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With tax season bearing down on us, it's a good time to review the major personal income tax changes for 2023 — especially since many of them could help you save money. Here's a rundown of the adjusted tax figures, as well as some new tax claims and rules taking effect this year.

Community Connections

This month, the following is available for your consideration:

Do you want to share your thoughts and co-design tools for cancer diagnosis? 
The Physician Learning Program and the Cancer Strategic Clinical Network invite primary care providers in specific rural communities (Boyle, Mayerthorpe, Taber or Pincher Creek) or those who serve newcomers (new to Canada in the last five years, low- to middle-income status and low educational/English proficiency) to participate in a study to help understand physician thinking and decision-making processes during the cancer diagnostic period. The study will also help to co-design tools and resources to support the cancer diagnostic process in primary care.
Learn more or email Tanya Barber for more information and to get involved.
 
Navigating children’s best interests in child psychiatric inpatient settings during the height of the COVID pandemic
McGill University researchers are conducting a qualitative study. Psychiatrists and residents involved in the treatment and care process of children in Canadian inpatient psychiatric units during the peak of the pandemic (March 2020-June 2022) are invited to complete a brief confidential survey regarding how hospital COVID-19 infectious control regulations were experienced by hospital staff and patients. Learn more and take the survey.

Free counselling services to families with immigrant and refugee experience and their children
With support from Alberta Childrens Services, the Multicultural Health Brokers Cooperative is offering free counselling services to families with immigrant and refugee experience and their children (under age 18), provided by registered psychologists, social workers and Canadian certified counselors. Learn more about the services and how to refer your patients.

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.

Reminders

Membership renewal

If you have not yet renewed your AMA membership, you may do so on the AMA website.

AMA Achievement Awards

Nominate a colleague for 2023 AMA Achievement Awards

Upcoming events

ACFP Thursday Evening Webinars

March 30, April 27, May 18 and June 15

Virtual Community Physician Education Program
April 22

Social media training for AMA members:
 

Social Media 101

September 20
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Social Media 201

April 5

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Media Relations 101

May 17

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Media Relations 201

April 12

1-4 p.m.
 

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:

March:

- Colorectal Cancer Awareness month

- National Poison Prevention Week (Mar 19-25)

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

- CPSA: Continuing Competence and Restricted Activities standards of practice take effect this spring

- Updated post polypectomy surveillance recommendations released in Alberta

In the March 17
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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