Read Full eNews
Starting off the month with the 2024 Family Medicine Summit, March is a time for education, convergence, and constant engagement for us at the ACFP. There were several opportunities to connect and learn from each other by discussing matters that are most relevant to us in family practice.
I would like to thank everyone who joined us throughout the Summit weekend. Congratulations to the ACFP Scientific Planning Committee and staff for putting in considerable time and effort into making the 69th conference worthwhile for all attendees. I had a memorable time gaining valuable insights from the sessions and having met and mingled with many of you at the Summit.
Annual Meeting of Members (AMM) Recap
I would like to extend a huge thank you to all members who joined us in person and virtually for the 2024 AMM, which was held during the Summit on March 2nd. It was great to see the immense support and engagement from our members.
Reporting on the highlights of 2023, we underscored the College’s investment in advocacy and government relations, leadership, and education. It brought to the fore our engagement in the Supporting Comprehensive Primary Health Care Task Force including the Decreasing Administrative Burden survey, which helped inform the Task Force report submitted to the Minister in January 2024.
Agenda items such as the Auditor’s 2023 report and the change in membership fees were presented to and approved by the members. In the Governance aspect, the membership approved the recommended nominations for Dr. Melanie Hnatiuk as President-Elect, and Dr. David Pinzon as Director-at-Large for the 2024 Board. Congratulations and I look forward to working with you, Dr. Hnatiuk and Dr. Pinzon, as you take on your new roles on the Board!
Member Forum
ACFP members also came together to reflect on the recent developments in primary health care in Alberta and their impact on family medicine at the Summit. Together with panelists from stakeholder organizations, Dr. Tina Korownyk, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine, and Dr. Paul Parks, President of the Alberta Medical Association, we shared significant updates for members. The Member Forum provided a space for meaningful exchange with members identifying their priorities and sharing their perspectives on issues that concern our patients, their families, and communities.
If you were not able to attend the Member Forum, please take a moment to share perspectives and priority issues you would like the ACFP to focus on.
Opportunities to Serve and Honour Our Peers
Members can engage with the ACFP in various capacities. If you would like to get involved and support the College’s programs to members, we invite you to join one of the ACFP’s operational committees. And if you would like to get involved at the strategic level, please consider the Board opportunities. Your input counts and ensures that the work of the College effectively represents and serves you as our members. Visit our website for more information on the vacancies.
Finally, let us keep spreading the word on the value of family medicine at every turn. As the call for nominations for the 2024 ACFP Awards closes on April 1st, I encourage you to nominate a colleague, resident, student, or clinic that has demonstrated exceptional work in family medicine. Submit your nomination package to ACFPawards@acfp.ca on or before the said date. We look forward to receiving your nominations.
Sincerely,
Noel DaCunha, MBBS, CCFP
President
Alberta College of Family Physicians
