November 16, 2023

In this issue:

• Your issues, media coverage, AMA in the news

• Vote now: 2023 RF delegate zonal/regional elections

• Are you contemplating retirement or are already fully retired?

• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Emerging acute or decompensated heart failure?

• Changes to lipid reporting and the LDL-C equation in Alberta

• Want to advise the health minister on health information management?

• Reminder: Community providers take action to receive results without delay

• New: MD Culture Shift November 2023 issue

• MD Financial Management

  • Preparing for the family meeting: How to talk to your children about your estate plan

• Community Connections
  • Research study: Medical education needs of myalgic encephalomyelitis
  • Disability and accessibility in First Nations health centre survey
  • Research study: COPD care
  • Talent Research Roundtable: Health technology in Alberta

Your issues, media coverage, AMA in the news

It’s been a tumultuous month in health care. AMA President Dr. Paul Parks has been touring the province to learn from local doctors about local issues. He has also been advocating intensely in media for government action to stabilize community family medicine, address access block in acute care and ensure that physicians are consulted before changes are made to Alberta Health Services as announced the week of November 6.

Vote now: 2023 RF delegate zonal/regional elections

Elections are underway for Calgary, Region 4 and Edmonton zonal/regional delegates. Electronic voting opened November 14 to respective zonal members. Voting will close at 4 p.m., Wednesday, December 13 at which time the ballots will be counted.

If you are a member of one of these zones and haven’t yet voted, please vote now (member login required).

Are you contemplating retirement or are already fully retired?

The AMA is pleased to host Dr. Phillippe Erhard to facilitate the Your Life in Retirement Workshop. Dr. Erhard has offered this well-received workshop to Doctors Manitoba members three times.

Retirement is an important stage for physicians. This workshop will cover how to develop a meaningful and rewarding life after medicine, as an essential part of retirement.

Event Date and time: December 8, 8:30 am – 12:30 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Cost: Free

Registration: Please email Staci Silverman, Coordinator, Professional Affairs to register. The deadline for registration is December 4.  Please note registration is capped at 15 participants to allow for an interactive format.

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors:

Emerging acute or decompensated heart failure?

Case
Kanwar is 72 and five years ago he suffered a myocardial infarction and received a stent. His medical history includes atrial fibrillation and hypertension. Recently Kanwar reported experiencing shortness of breath, especially during activities like walking at the mall. Fatigue sets in quickly, necessitating longer rest periods. He's also been less inclined to exercise or engage in social activities.

Objectives
This is Part 1 of a two-part series. The objectives of Part 1 are to:

• Evaluate the likelihood of emerging acute or decompensated heart failure, particularly in seniors.
• Shed light on the atypical presentation of heart failure.

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.

Changes to lipid reporting and the LDL-C equation in Alberta

On November 5, 2023, clinical laboratories across the province made changes to lipid result reporting and LDL-C calculation. They align with recent Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists (CSCC) recommendations, which include new flagging limits, laboratory comments and LDL-C equation.

1. New flagging limits for LDL-C, non-HDL-C and apolipoprotein B based on primary prevention lipid screening thresholds.
2. Updated laboratory comments refer to alternative thresholds, state limitations of LDL-C with elevated triglycerides and include a link to an online cholesterol management tool, ‘Let's Talk Cholesterol’.
3. National Institute of Health (NIH) LDL-C equation more accurately estimates LDL-C when triglycerides are elevated, or LDL-C is low.  

Want to advise the health minister on health information management?

Are you interested in health information policy and governance, and credibility within the profession? CPSA and AMA are recruiting a practising physician to represent the profession on the Provincial Health Information Data Governance Committee (HIDGC).

HIDGC advises the Minister of Health and is responsible for providing strategic input and policy advice in matters that pertain to health information management.

Interested physicians may submit a cover letter and an abridged curriculum vitae (government template) indicating their relevant qualifications, experiences and achievements to Sarah Zieminek, Administrative Assistant, Professional Affairs, AMA by November 30.

Reminder: Community providers take action to receive results without delay

All lab and diagnostic imaging sites and services in Alberta Health Services are now using Connect Care. Make sure all pertinent information is included on all lab, microbiology, pathology and imaging requisitions to ensure you receive your results without delay. Check out this infographic checklist to find out what is needed.

Questions? Please contact ccproviderbridge@ahs.ca.

New: MD Culture Shift November 2023 issue

In this issue of MD Culture Shift:

• Bullying Awareness Week – November 14 to 18
• Transgender Day of Remembrance – November 20 
• International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women – November 25
• TILT, TACT & TIPS now available on MLL – multiple dates
• Critical Leadership Conversations – November 23 to February 8, 2024
• Addiction & Mental Health Knowledge Bites Lunch & Learn Series – November 22
• CMA Wellness Connection webinars:
  • Are you and Medicine on the Rocks? November 23
  • Cozy Winter Happiness: Embracing the hygge lifestyle – November 30

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.

Preparing for the family meeting: How to talk to your children about your estate plan

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Sharing your estate plan with your children can reduce the risk of conflict, strain or misunderstandings and help you leave a positive and lasting legacy. Here are some points to cover when you decide you and your loved ones are ready for the family meeting.

Community Connections

This month, the following is available for your consideration:

Research study: Medical education needs of myalgic encephalomyelitis
Health care providers (practicing/trainee) are invited to participate in a survey about Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME). Please complete a 10-minute online survey to assess Canadian medical education needs for ME, regardless of your clinical experience with ME patients. ME, formerly known as chronic fatigue syndrome (or ME/CFS), is a chronic, complex, multi-system disease that affects more than half a million Canadians. ME is rapidly becoming an even more severe public health concern because a significant subset of people living with Long COVID (post-acute sequelae SARS-CoV-2 infection) will meet the diagnostic criteria for ME. Study approved by the Research Ethics Board at University of Sherbrooke (#2023-5027). Questions? Please contact research@mefm.bc.ca

Disability and Accessibility in First Nations Health Centre Survey
Health care providers working with First Nations are invited to complete a survey aiming to get a pulse on the realities of accessibility and disability services and data management for First Nations Persons with Disabilities (FNPWD). The Assembly of First Nations has a mandate to develop distinct First Nations accessibility legislation and to support FNPWD and build First Nations regional capacity (Resolution 10/2018). A First Nations distinctions-based approach will help to address the unique cultural needs and experiences of FNPWD, and support diverse accessibility needs in First Nations.

Research study: COPD care
Seeking General Practitioners, Respirologists and Emergency Physicians to take part in the survey on provision of COPD care in Alberta. Researchers want to explore the current practices and physicians’ perceptions regarding clinical services provided by community pharmacists. The survey is expected to take 10 minutes and as an incentive, researchers are offering all participants who complete the survey a chance to win a $100 Amazon card (with estimated success of winning 1 in 10). Questions? Please contact: makhinov@ualberta.ca.

Talent Research Roundtable: Health Technology in Alberta
Health technology, including diagnostic tools, virtual care, and EHRs, create new in-demand roles and skills within Alberta’s health care ecosystem. As part of a year-long study in partnership with the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade, the Information and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) is hosting a virtual roundtable on November 30 at 10 a.m. In this focus-group-style session, health care practitioners and other subject matter experts are invited to discuss how technology has changed your roles, and what opportunities you see to continue using health technology to improve quality of care. Register using the Eventbrite or email f.rice@ictc-ctic.ca.

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...

AMA membership renewal. Renew online

Fall 2023 RF Reports and Resolutions are now available online (member login required).

Upcoming events

Rocky Mountain Internal Medicine Conference

Nov 16 & 17

Changing your Self-Criticism to Self-Compassion

Nov 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:

November:

- Fall Prevention Month

- Movember

- National Child Day

- National Physician Assistant Day - Nov 27

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

- Help Alberta get immunized: Alberta's fall vaccine program has launched

- 2023 Tarrant Scholarship: Congratulations Hailea Purcell and Tina Nash!

In the November 16
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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