The time for patience is over
Today the president of the AMA, Dr Parks, released a letter to the general AMA membership (link may require login).
The UFPA Guidance Committee has penned a similar letter in response. This letter is a call to action; for the AMA, its executive, and for all family physicians…indeed ALL PHYSICIANS. Enough is enough; now is the time to act!
Please read our letter, and if you agree and wish to have your name included, fill out the form below. We will update this letter leading up to the start and conclusion of the RF happening this weekend. Please use your real name, as shown on the college registry, and your college number. The other information is optional. If you leave further information, we believe it means you want to be included in further UFPA actions. Regardless, your contact information will be used with the utmost confidentiality and discretion.
September 17, 2024
Dr. Paul Parks
President, Alberta Medical Association
President@albertadoctors.org
Dear Dr. Parks,
Re: AMA President’s Letter: The time for patience is over
Thank you for your continued, tireless advocacy during these increasingly challenging times. While we appreciate the ongoing efforts to engage with the government, it has become clear that the current approach of cooperation and patience is no longer sufficient. The United Family Physicians of Alberta (UFPA) has long been concerned about the Physician Comprehensive Care Model (PCCM), and not being fully privy to the details—despite repeated requests —we know enough to conclude that, particularly for our rural physicians, the PCCM will fall far short of addressing the real and pressing needs on the ground.
Moreover, we cannot overlook the deeply disappointing manner in which the Alberta Medical Association (AMA) has responded to the previous motion on job action. It was met with a level of dismissiveness that does not reflect the gravity of our situation. Our working conditions are deteriorating, putting both physicians and patients at risk. It is time to say, collectively and unequivocally, that enough is enough.
We at UFPA have met with the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) specifically regarding job action, and contrary to popular belief, we have found that such action can be taken without breaching standards of practice. The unchecked power of the government has led to an absolute disregard for the well-being of both physicians and the patients we are entrusted to care for. We believe that a firm public stance, including discussions of job action, will compel the government to face the reality of the crisis and understand the urgency required to act—before a full-blown public embarrassment ensues.
While we recognize and admire the dedication you have shown as AMA President, we urge you to reconsider the course of action and bring the issue of job action to the Representative Forum meeting. This is a pivotal moment that demands strong, decisive leadership. Thank you for your efforts, and we hope to see a shift toward meaningful action.
Sincerely,
Dr. Nabil Elkabir
Dr. Mareli Powell
Dr. John Julyan-Gudgeon
Dr. Tracy Graham
Dr. Janine Karpakis
Dr. Michelle Hart
Dr. Talita de Jager
Dr. Hilary Kornder
Dr. Scott Beach
Dr. Laura Huber
Dr. Rachel Delacretaz
Dr. Mitra Arjang
Dr. Janet Tse
Dr. Natalie Ward
Dr. Magali Benard
Dr. Kunal Banerji
Dr. Jerrett Stephenson
Dr. Jessica van der Sloot
Dr. Aasim Nawaz Malik
Dr. Trevor Cook
This letter was prepared by the UFPA Guidance Committee, on behalf of the United Family Physicians of Alberta Membership
Here is a copy of this response letter, in PDF format, to distribute as you require. Hopefully many of our colleagues throughout the province will wish to lend their names to the message. This QR code brings you back to this page.
Final note:
The Alberta Medical Association Fall Representative Forum is quickly approaching at the Calgary Hyatt Regency (700 Centre Street SE) on September 20-21.
