May 15, 2025

In this issue: 

• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Minimally Invasive Palliative Procedures
• Voting open for the President-Elect (2025-26)
• Are you eligible? Apply for the ADIUM Student Elective Travel Grant
• Resource for patient vaccine questions
• Celebrate World Family Doctor Day on May 19
• Primary Care Alberta updates
  • Measles resources
  • Lab bulletin: Serology ordering for schistosoma spp and strongyloides stercoralis
  • Lab bulletin reminder: Changes to urine cytology ordering
• MD Financial
  • Estate planning as a blended family
• Community Connections

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors:

Minimally Invasive Palliative Procedures

Case   
Your patient is an 84-year-old man with history of metastatic lung cancer to bone. He presents with severe mid-thoracic back pain from a 50% compression fracture at T9 due to a lytic metastasis. He has been unable to get out of bed because of pain, and has been taking morphine 30 mg q12, plus 10 mg prior to turning, with inadequate relief. You are concerned about pressure sores, thrombosis and pneumonia.
   
Issue   
How do we manage pain in cancer patients with pain refractory to opioids? Minimally Invasive Palliative Procedures (MIPPs) offer a way and can enhance the quality of life for these patients when standard treatments fall short.
   
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. 

Voting is open for the President-Elect (2025-26)

Voting is now open for the election of AMA President-Elect (2025-26). The deadline to submit your ballot is Thursday, May 29 at 4 p.m. and ballots are tallied in the presence of scrutineers. Visit the election webpage for more information and to vote (member login required).

Are you eligible? Apply for the ADIUM Student Elective Travel Grant

The ADIUM Student Elective Travel Grant is now accepting applications. 

These grants, sponsored by AMA's ADIUM Insurance Services, help medical students defray the high cost of attending medical school in Alberta. 

AMA medical student members who travelled to complete an approved medical elective between June 1, 2024 and May 31, 2025 are eligible to apply. Students may submit an application on our website for each eligible elective but may win only one grant. Twenty grants of $500 each will be awarded and winners will be chosen by random selection. 

The application deadline is May 31, 2025.

Resource for patient vaccine questions

The EZMSA has released a resource to support physicians in answering common vaccine-related questions from patients. Patient Vaccine Questions and Responses includes information on a range of vaccines, including COVID-19, MMR, influenza and more.

Celebrate World Family Doctor Day on May 19

The AMA is proud to join the Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) in supporting the global recognition of family doctors on May 19. 

Family physicians care for patients and nurture their relationships with them through every stage of their lives. Their central role in the lives of Albertans is the foundation of an integrated health care system that is accessible, comprehensive, continuity-based and patient-centred. 

First declared by WONCA (World Organization of Family Doctors) in 2010, World Family Doctor Day (WFDD) has become a day to acknowledge the central role and contribution of family doctors in the delivery of personal, comprehensive, and continuing health care for all patients.

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• Measles resources
• Lab bulletin: Serology ordering for schistosoma spp and strongyloides stercoralis
• Lab bulletin reminder: Changes to urine cytology ordering

What tariffs, trade tensions and market volatility mean for investors

Sponsored article

Estate planning for blended families involves unique challenges, such as managing conflicting family values and responsibilities. Ensure a smooth transition of assets by addressing the needs of all family members. This article provides strategies to create a comprehensive estate plan that reflects everyone's wishes and helps maintain family harmony.

Community Connections

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.

Upcoming events

Canadian Conference on Physician Leadership

May 23-24 

Psychodynamic work with immigrants and first-generation patients: Challenges and possibilities

May 30

2025 IPAC Canada National Conference

June 1-4

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

May:

National Nursing Week

May 12 - 18 

Alberta Rural Health Week

May 25 - 30 

World No Tobacco Day

May 31

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

Update: Referral information available for patients through My Personal Records 

Primary Care Alberta Updates

In the May 15
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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