If you care for Indigenous patients, we invite you to join the AMA’s new Section of Indigenous Health. This inclusive section is open to all physicians, regardless of background, and aims to support culturally safe care and advocacy.

Note: This is not an economic section; allocation matters will be managed by the Section of Family Medicine.

For more information, please reach out to Section.Services@albertadoctors.org

Join your AMA section — and sub-specialty section too!

Beginning October 1, AMA membership for the 2025-26 year will open for renewal. This is also a great time to support your specialty (and sub-specialty, if applicable) by joining your section.

AMA sections play a vital role in representing physicians across Alberta by:

Advocating for your specialty.
Shaping AMA direction through the Representative Forum.
Influencing Physician Services Budget allocations.
Funding section meetings, clinical care projects and leadership initiatives.

Section membership helps advance your practice area and influence decisions that affect your specialty. You can join one section as an active (voting) member, and unlimited additional sub-specialty sections as associate (non-voting) member.

Don’t forget to join your section(s) during membership renewal

Complete Step 5 of the AMA membership renewal form to activate your section membership.

If your membership is automatically renewed through the Pre-Authorized Payment (PAP) process, we still recommend reviewing your section selections. Changes can be made until December 31. After that, your voting section is locked, though associate sections can be added anytime.

Not sure if your specialty is represented?

The AMA has 43 sections, from addiction medicine to vascular surgery and almost everything in between. You can view the full list on the AMA website.

Need more info?

Contact our Membership and Benefits team:

Email: membershipgeneral@albertadoctors.org | Phone: 780-482-2626 | Toll-free: 1-800-272-9680

Dr. Shelley Duggan's valedoctory President's Letter

Dr. Shelley Duggan shares a few thoughts about her year as AMA president in her valedictory President's Letter.

CMA leadership opportunities – apply today!

The Canadian Medical Association (CMA) is looking for members from various provinces and territories and medical learners who are interested in applying for the following leadership vacancies:

CMA Board of Directors (five positions: NB, NS, SK, YT and medical student)
Awards Committee (one position: from a region other than Calgary (AB), Toronto (ON), or Vancouver (BC))
Committee on Ethics (three positions: QC, medical resident and medical student)
Governance Committee (two positions: from any province or territory)
Nominations Committee (10 positions: NB, NL, NS, NT, NU, ON, PE, SK, YT and medical student)
Annual General Meeting Vice-Chair (one position: any province or territory)

Learn more about these leadership opportunities and how to apply.

The CMA is also looking for CMA members to apply for two external organizations’ upcoming vacancies (click on the links below to learn more):

Committee on Accreditation of Canadian Medical Schools (CACMS) (two positions)
Canadian Medical Hall of Fall (CMHF) Board of Directors (one position)

The deadline for eligible members to apply for all of these positions is December 29.

Digital Health Innovations Series with Jo Salter

AI and new technologies are changing the landscape of health care, creating a new way of working, leading and caring. Whether you’re tech-wary or tech-savvy, a seasoned leader or just stepping into the innovation arena, you’ll leave this session energized, empowered and better equipped to make informed decisions about the future of care.

Join the first session of AMA-ACTT's Digital Health Innovation Series, featuring guest speaker Jo Salter, Global Advisory Director of Generative AI at PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Date: October 3
Time: 12 – 1 p.m.
Registration & information: Digital Health Innovation with Jo Salter

NEW Report My Story text line for members

Report My Story is a simple, secure text line designed for AMA members to report real experiences from daily practice. Your lived experiences help the AMA advocate for resources, policies and improvements necessary to strengthen care for all.

How to use Report My Story

If you witness a gap in patient care or see the system falling short of what patients need, text 587-401-9591. No app download required — just save the number for quick access.

Learn more.

Thank a colleague through JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program

The JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program offers physicians a simple and meaningful way to recognize colleagues for their acts of kindness - both big and small.

Just complete the submission form, and we'll ensure your note of appreciation reaches the intended recipient.

Section of Addiction Medicine

Section Update

Thank you to members
Thank you to all the members who attended our last meeting on Tuesday, September 16. The discussion was extremely valuable. The minutes from the meeting have been circulated and can be found on our secure web page (member login required).

Networking Dinner
Section members are invited to a networking dinner to be held in Edmonton on November 29, 2025. Details and RSVP information to follow via email.

Renew your AMA membership
Please renew your section membership and encourage your colleagues to join the Section of Addiction Medicine as well. Questions about membership or how to join the section can be sent to section.services@albertadoctors.org.

Save the date – Section of Addiction Medicine Annual General Meeting
The Section of Addiction Medicine will be holding its AGM via Zoom on Monday November 24 at 7 p.m. Please hold the date in your calendar. Information on how to register will be sent shortly.

To reach the Section of Addiction Medicine President, Dr. Katherine Dong, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Anesthesia

Save the date – Section of Anesthesia AGM
Date: October 20
Time: 6 p.m.
Venue: Virtually via Zoom

The agenda package including registration information was sent to section members on September 23.

To reach the Section of Anesthesia President, Dr. Nina Hardcastle, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Chronic Pain

Section update from Dr. Omar Rahaman, President

I hope you all had a wonderful summer and are enjoying the start of a beautiful fall season.

I would like to extend my congratulations to the Canadian Global Care Society (CGS) on the successful completion of its 8th Annual Chronic Pain Run, held on September 7. This inspiring event raises funds for a number of important causes, including the Canadian Red Cross, breast cancer research, local food banks and global initiatives that support individuals living with chronic pain.

I’m also looking forward to seeing many of you at the Pain Society of Alberta’s 19th Annual Conference, taking place October 16–18 in Calgary. As Alberta’s leading pain conference, it promises to be an excellent opportunity for learning, collaboration and connection. The AMA Section of Chronic Pain will be hosting a booth at the event — please stop by and say hello!

To reach the Section of Chronic Pain President, Dr. Omar Rahaman, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Dermatology

Save the date – Section of Dermatology AGM

Date: October 4

Venue: Evario Event Centre, 950 Parsons Road, SW, Edmonton

Notice of the AGM and agenda were sent to section members on September 19.

To reach the Section of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery President, Dr. Andrei Metelitsa, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Diagnostic Imaging

The Alberta Society of Radiologists’ Annual Scientific Conference, RAD TO THE BONE, will take place November 7 - 9 p.m., at the Fairmont Banff Springs.

This event offers an excellent opportunity for radiologists to engage in professional development, hear from expert speakers and connect with colleagues from across the province.

Registration is now open; be sure to reserve your place at the conference and secure tickets for the Saturday evening Gala & Awards Ceremony.

Learn more and register.

To reach the Section of Diagnostic Imaging President, Dr. Rahim Samji, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Family Medicine

Outstanding Service Award 2025
Each year, the SFM bestows the Outstanding Service Award to a member who has made tremendous contributions to the representation of family physicians in the province of Alberta.

This year, the recipients were:

Dr. Rachel Talavlikar
Dr. Paul Parks

Learn more about our recipients on the AMA SFM web page.

SFM Executive Election Results

Congratulations to the successful candidates:

Dr. Tyler Hunter for Secretary-Treasurer for a three-year term.
Dr. Peter Laratta for Executive Member-at-Large for a three-year term.

To learn more, visit the AMA SFM web page.

To reach the Section of Family Medicine President, Dr. Sarah Bates, please email FamilyMedicine@albertadoctors.org.

Section of General Psychiatry

Section update
Call for presentations for the 2026 Alberta Psychiatric Association (APA) Scientific Conference

The Conference Planning Committee is now accepting submissions. Presentation formats include 45- and 60-minute workshops. Full submission details, including abstract requirements and disclosure forms, are available on the APA website.

Save the Date - Section of General Psychiatry AGM
Date: March 20-22, 2026 
Venue: Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Registration is now open for the 2026 APA Scientific Conference and AGM, taking place March 20–22, 2026, at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise. Visit the APA website to register.

We look forward to welcoming you to Lake Louise in March!

To reach the Section of General Psychiatry President, Dr. Karen Duncalf, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of General Surgery

Section update – Market Rate Review
The arbitrator’s decision from the 2024–25 Market Rate Review (MRR) is now available to AMA members. The arbitrator's decision does have an impact on our section. Please see prior emails from our Treasurer Dr. Lipson for details. You can also view the report (member login required). Please remember that this report is strictly confidential to AMA membership and is not being released publicly.

Save the date – Alberta Association of General Surgeons Review in the Rockies

Registration is open for our annual Alberta Association of General Surgeons Review in the Rockies, November 15-16, 2025, at the Fairmont Banff Springs in Banff.

The agenda will feature our usual educational talks and debates, an economics portion including the market rate review, billing tips and discussion in addition to other challenges to our section

We strongly encourage you to register and, in particular, book your room early. Our block of discounted rooms sold out quickly last year, and we expect the same to happen again.

To reach the Section of General Surgery President, Dr. Lloyd Mack, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Intensive Care

Save the date - Section of Intensive Care AGM

Date: January 23, 2026

Time: TBD

Venue: Post Hotel, Lake Louise

We look forward to welcoming you to the AGM for the Section of Intensive Care, which will be held the evening of Friday, January 23, 2026. 

This will occur during the annual Mark Huele Alberta Society of Intensive Care Physicians Meeting, which will run from January  22-25, 2026, at the beautiful Post Hotel in Lake Louise. 

Further details will be forthcoming, and we look forward to your attendance.

To reach the Section of Intensive Care President, Dr. Adam Hall, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Neurology

Save the date - Section of Neurology AGM
Date: November 9

Time: TBD

Venue: Banff Springs Hotel

Invitation and registration details were sent to section members August 12.

To reach the Section of Neurology President, Dr. Lisa Rosenegger, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology

An interactive Breech Delivery two-day conference will be held in Calgary on November 15 and 16.

The early bird special pricing expires on October 15.

For further information, please see the poster.

To reach the Section of Obstetrics and Gynecology President, Dr. Cameron Sklar, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Pediatrics

Billing tip – billing codes for professional communication with Allied Health

03.05JJ - Billable every five minutes for communication with allied health professionals, educational or other community agencies regarding children with complex needs – including school difficulties, learning disorders, behavioural problems, psychiatric disorders, developmental disorders, major chronic diseases, pre-transplant donor/recipient assessments, multiple handicap disorders, or concerns related to child abuse or neglect. Communication can occur electronically or in person.

Physicians can bill a maximum of 12 per week

03.05Y - Billable every 30 minutes for a formal review of a patient with physician/allied health professionals

03.0JA - Can be billed after 15 minutes for a formal review of a patient with physician/allied health professionals

Save the date – Section of Pediatrics AGM
Date: November 6
Time: 6-9 p.m.
Venue: Zoom

Registration details were sent to section members on September 9.

We look forward to seeing you at our upcoming AGM. The meeting will include section updates as well as updates on negotiations, AMSHP, cARP and a tentative session on pain.

The agenda package will be communicated to section members no later than 14 days prior to the meeting.

To reach the Section of Pediatrics President, Dr. Sam Wong, please email AMA Section Services.

Section of Rural Medicine

Save the date – Section of Rural Medicine AGM
Date: October 9
Time: 6-8 p.m.

Venue: Virtual

To learn more and register, visit the AMA SRM website.

Rural Rounds
Stay up to date on important issues and work related to the Section of Rural Medicine. Check out the SRM Rural Rounds.

Please contact RuralMedicine@albertadoctors.org with any questions.

The opinions expressed in AMA publications are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Alberta Medical Association, its Board of Directors or members.

The Alberta Medical Association does not assume responsibility or liability for damages arising from any error or omission or from the use of any information or advice contained in these materials. Advertisements included in our publications are not necessarily endorsed by the Alberta Medical Association.

The Association reserves the right to edit any submissions that are accepted to appear in any of our publications or platforms. Please consult our editorial guidelines for tips on submissions or advertising.

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