Search
Close this search box.
I want to

President’s Message – December 2023

Read Full eNews

Dear ACFP Members:

The holiday season ushers in the best time for reflection, gratitude, and celebration. At the Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP), it is the perfect time to think about the year that has gone by and to thank all of you, who work tirelessly throughout the year, to care for the health and well-being of all Albertans. Your efforts did not go unnoticed, and we celebrate your persistent passion for and dedication to Family Medicine. We raise a toast as well to all the good things, big or small, that the College has accomplished this year all because of your strong support, collaboration, and advocacy. 

Wrapping Up December: A few projects worth noting 

The College saw the completion of a few priority projects before the end of the year. For the most part, we finished collecting the responses for the survey on Assessing Administrative Burden in Primary Care, which will be used to advise and inform recommendations on the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care Systems (MAPS) initiative. We will provide more updates in the coming year.  

After several months of building the program structure and ironing out the details, the ACFP Summit Scientific Planning Committee has also formally launched the registration for the 2024 Family Medicine Summit, which will offer a full, relevant, practice-changing CPD program for all of us family physicians across Alberta. Meanwhile, this week, the College also revealed an updated ACFP website, which will be utilized as an efficient communication tool to engage with members. Such exciting developments that we can look forward to in 2024. 

I would also like to take a moment to acknowledge the ongoing work of our volunteer committee members from the prolific blog- and tips-authoring First Five Years in Family Practice Committee to the webinar work of the Virtual Education Committee, and all our governance and operational committees that have been hard at work this year. We appreciate the time and dedication you afford the ACFP and its members and programs. Finally, I want to thank the ACFP staff for their tireless work.

Holiday Wishes From ACFP 

This festive season, we hope that you have enjoyed fun and safe celebrations in your respective workplaces. To each of you, we wish you a joyous, restful, and meaningful holiday season that you deserve – a chance to pause, slow down, and spend quality time with your family and friends. While we know that some of us may continue to work over the season to take care of our patients, it is our hope that you find joy with your meaningful work, be well-supported by your team and have some time to take care of yourself. 

Thank you and happy holidays! 

Sincerely, 

Noel DaCunha, MBBS, CCFP 
President 
Alberta College of Family Physicians

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

My name is Smitha Yaltho and I feel privileged to work as a family physician. Why? I believe that being a family physician has been the best job any physician can hope to have. I have personally grown in my own abilities and skill-sets with diverse opportunities in ambulatory practice, acute care and work in Facility Living.  Working in primary care has been exciting and has also afforded me tremendous opportunities for growth while still remaining stimulating in its complexity.  I believe that Family physicians are trusted partners in patient care –  every step of the way. 

Why are you volunteering to serve on this committee?
I currently have an interest in Physician Leadership and  trauma informed care.  I have served as a director with the Board of Directors with the Edmonton North PCN, Edmonton’s largest PCN. Thereafter, I have worked as the Director of Medical Services with CapitalCare (also based in Edmonton) for almost 6 years. It is my express wish that my contribution on the ACFP board of directors will highlight the excellence of family medicine that exists right here and now within the Alberta health care system. 

What about the ACFP’s work do you find most valuable?
Ability to highlight and further support the excellence of primary care right here in Alberta.