September 11, 2025

In this issue: 

• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Melatonin in older adults 
• Help shape the future of continuing care
• AMA committee opening: Online applications now being accepted!
• Primary Care Alberta updates
  • Enhancements to summative documents delivery in Connect Care
  • Perianal disease clinical pathway
  • Respiratory Virus Dashboard adds RSV severe outcomes view
  • Lab Bulletins:
    • Cystic fibrosis and CFTR testing updated
• MD Financial
  • RESP withdrawal rules and strategies
• Community Connections
  • Have 15 minutes? Take a research survey on practices related to ADHD

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors:

Melatonin in older adults

Sleep disturbances are common in older adults, often linked to age-related declines in melatonin secretion and circadian rhythm disruption. While sedative-hypnotics like benzodiazepines are frequently prescribed, they carry risks in this patient population.

In collaboration with the Canadian Geriatrics Society, this Optimized Prescribing with Seniors article explores the role of melatonin as a safer alternative. The case of Mrs. J, a 75-year-old woman with insomnia and cognitive decline, illustrates how melatonin can support deprescribing strategies and improve sleep without the risks associated with traditional sedatives.

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors is a joint communication of the Alberta Medical Association and the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta. Articles are written by physicians for physicians prescribing in the care of older patients.

Help shape the future of continuing care

Physicians across Alberta are seeing the cracks in our continuing care system—long waitlists, limited options and growing gaps in access. Join the AMA as we work to change that through the Safety Net, a new vision for continuing care.

AMA committee opening: Online applications now being accepted!

The AMA is currently recruiting to fill a vacancy on the Committee on Financial Accounting (COFA). The term will be from January 1, 2026 to September 30, 2028. 

The AMA is committed to diversity and inclusion
 in its committee appointment process.

Our online application process makes it easy to apply! 

To view the posting, committee description and apply,
visit the AMA committee recruitment webpage (login required). 

The deadline to apply is October 20.

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• Enhancements to summative documents delivery in Connect Care
• Perianal disease clinical pathway
• Respiratory Virus Dashboard adds RSV severe outcomes view
• Lab Bulletins:
  • Cystic fibrosis and CFTR testing updated

RESP withdrawal rules and strategies

Sponsored article

RESPs are a smart way to fund education, but withdrawals require careful planning. This article explains the key rules and strategies to help you optimize grants, reduce taxes and support learning goals — whether for children, grandchildren or other beneficiaries. A practical guide for physicians navigating education-related financial decisions.

Community Connections

Practices, training and attitudes towards ADHD: Take the survey
This study is recruiting medical practitioners to fill out a short(15-minute) study about their experience/training with ADHD, their comfort with assessing/treating ADHD and their typical referral procedures. 

Respondents can choose to be entered in a draw for either a $250 donation to a charity of their choosing or a one-year CADDRA membership.

Take the survey in English 

Take the survey in French

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

Apply for CMA leadership opportunities

Upcoming events

WCB-Alberta's 2025 Meredith Lecture

September 17

MD Financial webinar: Retire with confidence: How Medicus can help secure your financial future

September 17
Media Relations 201

September 18

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

September:

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
September 30

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

Primary Care Updates - August 28 

The value of advice when inheriting a house

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

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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