March 26, 2026

In this issue: 

• 2026-27 President-Elect call for nominations now open
• Help spread the word of the State of Health Care initiative
• Send us your photos: You are the face of the AMA
• Translated colonoscopy resources for patients now available
• Alberta Netcare Newsletter: March 2026
• Apply for AMA committee openings
• Primary Care Alberta updates
  • Update: Bicillin L-A (Benzathine Penicillin G) Shortage - Interim Alberta infectious syphilis guidance
  • Ongoing measles awareness needed, cases on the rise in 2026 
  • Lab bulletins: 
    • Update to management of immunocompromised patients for HPV primary testing
    • New ophthalmic pathology requisition
    • Reporting changes to tests involving aldosterone and renin
• MD Financial 
  • Planning your final arrangements
• Community Connections

2026-27 President-Elect call for

nominations now open

The call for nominations period for the 2026-27 President-Elect is open.
 
Nominations are due by 9 a.m., Tuesday, April 21.
 
If additional candidates come forward, an election will be held. If no further candidates come forward, the nominee of the AMA Nominating Committee will be acclaimed.
 
The 2026-27 President-Elect term begins September 26 at the adjournment of the AMA’s Fall Representative Forum in Calgary, when the current President-Elect Dr. Heidi Fell becomes President.
 
Under the AMA Bylaws, the AMA’s Nominating Committee is tasked with identifying one nominee for the position of President-Elect, but other candidates may also come forward during this time.

Help spread the word of the

State of Health Care initiative

What were your patients’ experiences with the health care system in 2025?
 

The AMA has begun surveying Albertans about their 2025 health care experiences as part of our ongoing State of Health Care (SOHC) initiative. Physicians can help spread the word by printing and displaying the survey poster in their clinics or offices.
 
The survey will inform the AMA’s second Report Card on the State of Health Care, scheduled for release in June 2026. The inaugural report card, released last year, combined public survey data with insights from the AMA’s Patients First community to provide a snapshot of how Alberta’s health system is performing from the patient perspective.
 
The 2025 survey asks Albertans to share their recent experiences accessing and navigating care across the health system. Patient input is used to help identify trends, pressures and areas where improvements are needed, and allows AMA to track changes over time.
 
Patients can report:

• their own health care experience, or
• the experience of a family member or friend they were supporting

The survey takes only a few minutes to complete and participants are asked to complete one survey per incident. The survey is open until May 8, 2026.
 
The poster includes a QR code linking directly to the survey at PatientsFirst.ca and is designed for easy display in waiting rooms or exam areas. By posting the survey in your office, you can help ensure patients are aware of the opportunity to share their experiences and contribute to a province-wide picture of health care in Alberta.

Send us your photos:

You are the face of the AMA

Help us shape the images of health care in Alberta. We are currently refreshing our photo library and inviting members to contribute authentic, Alberta-based photos that showcase physicians and their practices in the communities where they serve.
 
Why real photos? People connect more deeply with genuine images; your photos will help showcase real faces and true stories at the heart of Alberta’s health care system. Your images will be featured in our publications, presentations, digital media and promotional materials – highlighting the dedication and compassion of our physician community.
 
If you have photos that capture the spirit of care, collaboration and community in Alberta, we’d love to see them. AMA will ensure photo credits are given wherever possible.
 
Send your photos to webmaster@albertadoctors.org or reach out if you have any questions.
 
Thank you for helping us showcase what the real faces of Alberta’s health care system look like.

Translated colonoscopy resources

for patients now available

Translated versions of the colonoscopy videos series and “4-litre bowel prep handout” are now available in Arabic, Dari, Spanish, Punjabi, Somali, Tigrinya, Cantonese and Mandarin. These resources provide standardized information to ensure equitable access and support for all Albertans before their colonoscopy procedure.  
 
Colonoscopy patient education video series 
This series provides a detailed explanation and visuals of colonoscopy, its preparation process and what to expect during and after the procedure. It also includes information about the fecal immunochemical test.  

• Videos are available at myhealth.alberta.ca/colonoscopy and ahs.ca/colonoscopy. 
• To order patient posters and handouts with a QR code, visit screeningforlife.ca. 

Bowel prep: 5-day guide using a 4-litre bowel prep 
This handout is designed to support patients in preparing for a colonoscopy, offering a detailed 5-day plan and incorporating clear diet instructions and language.   

• To order hard copies or download PDFs of the translated instructions, visit screeningforlife.ca. 

If you have any questions or feedback about these resources, email the Alberta Colorectal Cancer Screening Program at acrcsp@primarycarealberta.ca.  

Alberta Netcare Newsletter:

March 2026

Find in this edition:

• Spotlight on the new eHealth Services Portal
• Guidance for Netcare Authorized Approvers when selecting user roles
• Information about Netcare access for out-of-province providers
• Understanding the difference between the Community Encounter Digest (CED) and the Patient Summary
• Tips for navigating Alberta Netcare based on user roles

Apply for AMA committee openings

The AMA is currently recruiting to fill upcoming fall vacancies on the committees listed below. The terms will be October 2026 to September 2029. 
 
The AMA’s Nominating Committee will consider all applications at its June meeting. Its recommendations will be submitted to the Board of Directors for approval in July and you will be contacted shortly thereafter. The AMA is committed to diversity and inclusion in its committee appointment process. 

• AMA Compensation Committee 
• Fees Advisory Committee 
• Health Issues Council 

Our online application process makes it easy to apply! View the postings, committee descriptions and apply for a position on the AMA committee recruitment webpage (login required).
 
The deadline to apply is May 18, 2026. 

Primary Care Alberta updates

The following PCA updates have been provided for your information: 

• Update: Bicillin L-A (Benzathine Penicillin G) Shortage - Interim Alberta infectious syphilis guidance
• Ongoing measles awareness needed, cases on the rise in 2026
• Lab bulletins: 
  • Update to management of immunocompromised patients for HPV primary testing
  • New ophthalmic pathology requisition
  • Reporting changes to tests involving aldosterone and renin

Planning your final arrangements

Sponsored article

Making end-of-life arrangements early can ease stress for your loved ones. From costs to key decisions, here’s what physicians should consider when planning ahead. 

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.

In case you missed it

Claim your CME dollars by March 31
 

Apply for the TDIMM/AMA Scholarship by March 31

Nominate a colleague for an AMA Achievement Awards

Upcoming events

GI for GPs
April 11
 
4th Annual Hematology Update
April 11
 
Medicus and mocktails: crafting your retirement lifestyle
April 13
 
15th Family Physicians and Cancer Care Alberta: Strengthening Linkages Workshop
April 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

March

World Bipolar Day
March 30
 

April 

Stress Awareness Month
 
World Autism Awareness Day
April 2
 
World Health Day
April 7

Recommend a special date

Last issue's top stories

Optimized Prescribing with Seniors: Delusional disorder in older adults
 
Primary Care Alberta Updates

In the March 26
MD Scope Classifieds
you'll find listings for:
 

- Physicians wanted

- Locums wanted

- For sale or lease
- Services

More AMA publications

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