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President’s Message: March 2023

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It is an honour and privilege to serve as the new President of the Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP). I would like to thank our outgoing president Dr. Sudha Koppula for all of her hard work over the past number of years, which she has performed with impressive grace and diplomacy. I am happy that she will continue to work with us in her new role as Past President. Her perspective and experience in this role will be much appreciated. 

I am a rural physician in the town of Westlock in North Central Alberta, where I have been practicing comprehensive family medicine for over thirty years and teaching medical learners from both of our universities. 

Annual Meeting of Members 

The Annual Meeting of Members took place at this month’s Family Medicine Summit (Summit). At this meeting, I was officially recognized as ACFP’s new President, and other members of the Board and Operational Committees were officially approved. Stay tuned in for more information about getting involved with volunteering for the ACFP. As members, we also looked back and shared our thoughts on the ACFP’s activities over the past year. Read more about these accomplishments, lessons learned, and reflections in the ACFP’s 2022 Year in Review

Family Medicine Summit and Advocacy 

Early this month from March 3-5, Summit returned to Banff and for the first time, was executed as a hybrid event. It was well attended and a resounding success. I particularly enjoyed being able to meet in person again. This year, in addition to attendance of practitioners across the province, the Summit was also visited by MLA David Shephard and Minister of Health, Jason Copping. Their presence at the ACFP’s event shows that the ACFP is well positioned to advocate for family medicine and its role as the foundation for primary care

MAPS Rural and Remote Consultation

You are likely aware of the Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative that was launched by the government last September. In order to learn more and get engaged, consider registering for the upcoming virtual discussion on rural and remote primary health care on Thursday, March 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM MT regarding the MAPS initiative. All stakeholders with an interest in rural and remote primary health care are welcome to attend.  
 
The ACFP has been active in this process, to ensure that the family physician remains the anchor of comprehensive team-based care. We have been actively engaged with government officials and our primary care partners. The ACFP will be hosting a webinar on April 27 about Alberta’s Political Landscape. We hope you are able to attend. Until then, we also have an Advocacy Toolkit for ACFP members available on the ACFP Networks Platform. We encourage you to take advantage of the network and contribute to a growing, connected community. 

Acknowledgments

I would like you all, Alberta’s Family Physicians, to feel assured that we are here to work for you and to represent you. We are very proud of you all for working so selflessly and diligently in such challenging circumstances, particularly in recent times. You have continued, in the face of adversity, to treat your patients, teach, and adapt your practices. We know that many of you are exhausted, though continue to be dedicated, resilient, and strong family physicians. You are exactly what Albertans need!  

Final Thoughts 

We have a great team on our ACFP Board, as well as dedicated ACFP staff led by our Executive Director, Terri Potter. Together, and with our primary care partners, we are here to listen to you. Please reach out to us with your thoughts, comments, and concerns.  

I shall look forward to engaging with you. 

Sincerely,

Noel DaCunha MBBS, CCFP
President
Alberta College of Family Physicians

2 Responses

  1. I am excited for your presidency, Noel. Best wishes for a great start. I know that ACFP is at the right tables.

  2. Noel, you have been a great mentor for me and so many other learners over the years. I’m so glad you are at the helm of the ACFP at such an important time in primary care.

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