September 11, 2026

In this issue: 

• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Reducing risk – primary prevention
• AMA membership renewal is now open
• Apply for the MSI Foundation Board of Trustees
• Considering retirement? Learn about the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan
• Primary Care Alberta clinical updates
• MD Financial
  • Estate planning for blended families
• Community Connections
  • Help strengthen cancer screening in Alberta
  • Share your thoughts on the PCPCM

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors:

Reducing risk – primary prevention

Case  

Mrs. A is physically active and has no personal or family history of osteoporosis or fragility fracture. Despite those factors, her FRAX assessment places her at high risk of hip fracture. 
 

Issue  

How should physicians assess fracture risk in older adults without a previous osteoporosis diagnosis, and when should pharmacologic therapy be discussed? 

Fractures are a leading cause of disability and mortality in older adults, making early identification and prevention an important part of care. 
 

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 for older patients.  

AMA membership renewal is now open

The AMA's 2026-27 membership year begins October 1, and membership renewal is now open.
 
Across Alberta, physicians are navigating significant change and increasing patient demand. In this environment, a strong, trusted and united physician voice remains essential.
 
A strong membership gives physicians the collective influence needed for the decisions ahead.

Apply for the MSI Foundation Board of Trustees

The AMA is seeking expressions of interest to serve as an appointed member on the Medical Services Incorporated (MSI) Foundation Board of Trustees. This is an opportunity to contribute your experience and perspective to an Alberta-based health research funding organization that supports research into health services, allied health services, population health and matters that promote health in the interest of Albertans.
 

Our online application process makes it easy to apply.

The deadline is September 30.

Contact info@msifoundation.ca for more information.

Considering retirement?

Learn about the ARTA Retiree Benefits Plan

AMA members who are retiring have the option to enroll in the Alberta Retired Teachers Association (ARTA) Retiree Benefits Plan, available to those aged 55 and older. 
 

Upcoming informational webinars will provide an overview of the plan, including eligibility, health, dental and travel coverage options, and enrollment details.
 

The session on October 7 at 10 a.m. is intended to help members make informed decisions as they transition into retirement. 

Primary Care Alberta clinical updates

The following updates from Primary Care Alberta have been provided for your information: 

• Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder awareness month
• New pathways on autism and tobacco/nicotine dependence
• New patient pathway on iron deficiency anemia
• Be an immunization advocate
• September is Newborn Screening Awareness Month
• Lab bulletin:
  • Temporary discontinuation of Neopterin and Tetrahydrobiopterin CSF testing
  • Implementation of a correction factor for neonatal bilirubin, total results (<30 days old)

Estate planning for blended families

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Community Connections

Help strengthen cancer screening in Alberta
 

Health care professionals’ perspectives are essential to strengthening and improving existing cancer screening programs in Alberta. Insights gathered through this project will help inform strategies to enhance screening processes, improve participation rates and reinforce the importance of early detection and positive screening outcomes for Albertans. 
 
Share your perspectives on the barriers and facilitators 
of cancer screening and help identify potential  
strategies to enhance screening uptake for Albertans. 
 

Interested? Contact reilly.parkinson@primarycarealberta.ca 

Share your thoughts on the PCPCM
 

Alberta’s Primary Care Physician Compensation Model (PCPCM) is one of the most significant physician compensation changes in decades. Researchers at the University of Calgary School of Public Policy are conducting a short, anonymous survey to better understand family physicians’ views on the model and help inform future policy development and improvements.
 

Family physicians who have enrolled, are considering enrolment or have decided not to enrol are encouraged to participate. The survey takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete, is open until November 1 and participants may opt in for a chance to win one of two $500 gift cards.

Begin the survey

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

Join the Self-Referral Preventative Health Testing Task Force

Meet Dr. Shelley Howk, ACTT Physician Lead

Upcoming events

Royal Alex Hospital Medicine Update
September 19-20
 

Artificial Intelligence Tools Checkup

September 22

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

World Suicide Prevention Day
September 10
 

Terry Fox Run
September 20

Recommend a special date

Last issue's top stories

New Tracked Prescription Program (TPP Alberta) pad prescribing exemptions

Primary Care Alberta clinical updates - August 27

In the September 10
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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