The onset of September brings the usual, predictable events of the change in season and the beginning of the academic year. Accompanying them is often the resumption of regular work activities and situations that require our attention, particularly for Alberta’s family physicians.
Tentative Agreement
Requiring our attention soon is the tentative agreement currently being presented to physicians by the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) and the Government of Alberta. To be best informed as family physicians, we have the opportunity to log into our AMA portals and review the proposal. AMA-hosted, member-only town halls are available to you upon registration:
- September 15, 7 p.m. – Register for this session
- September 19, 7 p.m. – Register for this session
Once informed on the potential agreement, you are encouraged to vote until the deadline of September 28, 2022 at 4:00 PM MT. ACFP encourages family physicians across our province to learn about this proposal and have our voices heard by engaging in the voting process.
Your Dedication and Persistence
While the pandemic and related events have stretched the health care system (including our community practices) greatly, Alberta’s family physicians have risen to the challenge. Collectively, we have led COVID wards; provided immunizations in clinics and mass vaccination settings; and represented family medicine at COVID tables. Specifically, we have had the opportunity to comment on therapeutics, testing, and public health measures. In addition to that, we are being presented with a care deficit and managing changes such as the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI). Needless to say, each of us are doing all we can to continue to deliver high-quality comprehensive care for our patients. We, at ACFP, continue to appreciate and recognize your ongoing efforts in patient care.
Thoughts for the Fall
As we all continue our work as family physicians while fall approaches, here are some reminders and thoughts to consider this season:
- Keep talking to patients about the importance of all vaccines, COVID and routine childhood immunizations. Be sure to promote the value of preventative health measures that we can offer as family physicians.
- Consider participating in TARRANT’s Viral Watch program to provide valuable information on respiratory viruses in our communities, influenza and COVID in particular.
- Contribute to ACFP activities and initiatives by volunteering on the ACFP’s Board and Governance Committees. We are eager to work with you in these venues.
Taking Action
ACFP recognizes the unprecedented stresses on family medicine as does the CFPC. We are collaborating with each other to address the crises that face our field and patients across Alberta and Canada. Within our own province, we are finalizing a new strategic plan that will explore new avenues of advocacy while maintaining our commitment to provide you with valuable and impactful professional development opportunities.
We do see your tireless hard work, and we thank you for your ongoing support so that we can best represent you. Please be in touch with us, as usual, on these topics or anything else that is on our mind. ACFP wants you to be heard.
Sincerely,
Sudha Koppula BSc, MD, MClSc, CCFP, FCFP
President
Alberta College of Family Physicians
