May 11, 2023

In this issue:

• Recognizing physicians in politics

• Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Focus on Parkinson's disease - Part 2

• Say thanks to a colleague using the JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program

• Your AMA Section: Three-question survey

• Apply for available positions on the AMA-AH ARP Working Group

• New MD Culture Shift Issue #21

• MD Financial Management

  • Your investment strategy, transformed

• Community Connections
  • Are you a female physician in Canada?

Recognizing physicians in politics

Advocacy is a fundamental professional responsibility and physicians practice it in varying ways. There is one category in which few engage but that is a particularly high level of personal commitment. We refer to physicians who run for public office at the federal, provincial or municipal level.

To recognize these contributions and commitment, for many years the AMA made cash donations to any physician candidate in any party. Changes to provincial and federal election financing laws preclude this now. We have shifted to recognizing these individuals with the profession in our AMA publications.

There are three physicians running in the current general election to be held May 29. They are (in alphabetical order):

• Dr. Luanne Metz, Calgary, Alberta New Democratic Party
• Dr. Lane Robson, Calgary, Green Party of Alberta
• Dr. Raj Sherman, Edmonton, United Conservative Party

We sincerely thank these physicians for their efforts in challenging and high-stakes times.

Please note that this list is complete to the best of our knowledge. If you are aware of a physician whom we have not acknowledged, please email shannon.rupnarain@albertadoctors.org.

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors:

Focus on Parkinson's disease - Part 2

Case
George (72) has a 10-year history of Parkinson’s disease with motor fluctuations including end of dose wearing off, for which he receives pramipexole and entacapone; and peak dose dyskinesias (involuntary movements), for which he receives amantadine. His non-motor symptoms include REM sleep disorder, constipation and overactive bladder. He presents with six months of visual hallucinations (seeing people and animals in his home), paranoid delusions about his wife, online gambling and cognitive decline. He has lost 20 pounds from excessive exercising which started eight months ago (current BMI of 21). His medical history includes hypertension, anxiety and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Issue
Analyzing George’s presentation in context of his medication regimen, disease and risk factors, what are suggested appropriate medication changes to improve his symptoms?

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.

Say thanks to a colleague using the

JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program

Have you ever had one of those days? Everything is happening at once and none of it is going the way you planned? Then someone says "Thank you" and suddenly the day is a little brighter.

The JPAC Shine On Gratitude Program gives physicians the opportunity to thank their colleagues for their acts of kindness, big and small. The process is as quick and easy as sending an email.

Please complete a three-question survey on your experience with your AMA section

The survey is being conducted on behalf of the Representative Forum Governance Oversight Group; it supports GOG's goal to increase the effectiveness of the AMA's governance structure and promote excellence among sections. All responses are anonymous and only aggregate data will be provided to section executives and shared with GOG.

The survey closes Friday, May 19 at 4 p.m.

Apply for available positions on the AMA-AH ARP Working Group

The AMA is seeking to appoint two ARP experienced physician representatives on the newly formed AMA-AH Alternative Relationship Plan (ARP) Working Group. The terms are anticipated to be June 2023 to June 2026. The AMA is committed to diversity and inclusion in its committee appointment process.

Our online application process makes it easy to apply! Visit the AMA committee recruitment web application to view the posting, committee description and apply. Member login required.

New MD Culture Shift Issue #21

In this issue of MD Culture Shift:

• World Family Doctor Day – May 19
• Alberta Rural Health Week – May 30 to June 3
• Diversity and Inclusion May webinars
• Before Operational Stress (BOS) – extended to June 2023!
• Critical Leadership Conversation Series
• CMA Fireside Chats on Indigenous Health Registration
• WellDoc Alberta Narrative Medicine Workshop Registration
• From the AHS Vlog: Understanding and Addressing Moral Stress
• And more!

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.

Your investment strategy, transformed.

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Community Connections

This month, the following is available for your consideration:

Are you a female physician in Canada? 
University of Toronto researchers are seeking the input of female physicians in Canada to describe the experience and impacts of menopause on the physician workforce. The goal of this study is to describe the lived experience of menopause in the medical community and promote age- and gender-equity in medicine. Take the survey.

This project has been reviewed and approved by the University of Toronto Research Ethics Board.

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.

Reminders

Whom do you honour?

Nominations are still being accepted for the AMA Achievement Awards.

Apply online for AMA committees. Terms beginning in October 2023. Deadline for applications is May 15.

Upcoming events

ACFP Thursday Evening Webinars

May 18 & June 15

Social media training for AMA members:
 

Social Media 101

September 20
5:30-6:30 p.m.

Social Media 201

October 11

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Media Relations 101

May 17, July 12 &
September 27

5:30-6:30 p.m.

Media Relations 201

June 14 & November 16

1-4 p.m.

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:

May:

National Women's Health Week (May 8-14)
National Nursing Week

(May 10-16)

World Family Doctor Day (May 19)

Recommend a special date.

Last issue's top stories

- Dr. Shelley Duggan is AMA's 2023-24 President-Elect

- Join the PFSP as an assessment physician

In the May 11
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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