October eNews: Advancing Our Advocacy and Celebrating Excellence in Family Practice

October 2023 | eNews

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

A Response to the MAPS Report

Dear ACFP Members:

Since the announcement of Alberta Health’s Modernizing Alberta’s Primary Health Care System (MAPS) initiative last September, the Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) has been an active advocate for its members. Our efforts draw upon our own MAPS submission (Executive Summary), which ensures that every Albertan has access to a family physician working with a primary health care team.

Last Wednesday, October 18th, the Minister of Health released the Strategic Advisory Panel Final Report and the Indigenous Primary Health Care Advisory Panel Final Report. Many of our recommendations from our MAPS submission are well aligned with what is presented in the reports. We believe that the reports present a well-grounded case for change. There are several core recommendations to refocus the primary health care system which include...

TOP STORIES

The ACFP Recognizes Excellence in Family Practice

Across the Province

The Alberta College of Family Physicians (ACFP) is pleased to announce Edmonton-based Dr. Christina Korownyk as Alberta’s Family Physician of the Year for 2023. This highly esteemed award honours outstanding family physicians who best exemplify what being a family doctor is all about: providing exceptional care to their patients.

The ACFP Honours MacEwan University Health Centre for Its Excellence in Patient-Centred Care

On October 17th, the ACFP presented the MacEwan University Health Centre (MUHC), an Edmonton teaching clinic, with its 2023 Patient’s Medical Home (PMH) Outstanding Family Practice Award.

FFYFP Blog - Spooky Situations in the Office

By Dr. Charissa Ho

It is spooky season! With that, let's talk about the scary situations we can encounter in our family medicine offices and how we can deal with them.

MEMBER OPPORTUNITIES AND EVENTS

Make a Difference, Volunteer With ACFP

The ACFP is still accepting nominations from members like you, who are passionate, committed, and inspired to work toward making family medicine the foundation of our health care system. For details, contact us at 780-488-2395 or email governance@acfp.ca.

Get Involved in Research

The ACFP’s Power of Your Practice is looking for your participation in family medicine research projects!

Visit our website through the link above, to submit a project or contribute to your colleagues' ongoing research!

Upcoming Webinars

5:30 p.m., Nov 23

PCN Pain Rounds

“A Patient-Centred Approach to Safe Opioid Prescribing”

7:00 p.m., Dec 7

ACFP Thursday Evening Webinar

“Combatting Physician Burnout with Financial Literacy”

Speaker: Dr. Vu Kiet Tran

Join Our Online Community and Get Connected

ACFP Networks provides a safe and secure online space, not only for ACFP members but also for primary care providers to build communities of practice. It's easy to get started. Simply sign up and start exploring new connections and opportunities.

This month's feature is Mentor Match - a unique, self-matching networking and professional development tool that helps members of ACFP Networks connect and share common experiences and expertise on a one-to-one basis.

Seeking +1 Specialty Physicians for U of A FMIG Student Event

5:30 p.m., Nov 28 | "Plus One and Career Options in Family Medicine Mix & Mingle"

The University of Alberta Family Medicine Interest Group is hosting a special event for medical students interested in family medicine. Volunteers from different +1 specialties are invited to participate in an intimate mixer with appetizers. Email shadowing@acfp.ca and we will connect you with these young family medicine enthusiasts!

WHAT'S NEW IN HEALTH CARE

Bookmark Alberta's Pathway Hub

Stay up to date with evidence-informed clinical, patient, and referral pathways through Alberta Health’s new portal: Alberta’s Pathway Hub. Access information and guidance on management, diagnosis, and referral of patients for a specific specialty.

Apply for SRPC's National Advanced Skills and Training Program

The Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) continues to look for rural physicians who are keen to have advanced skills training to better serve specific community needs. Successful applicants will receive up to $35,000 in addition to travel and accommodation. Visit the website or contact Kristen at kristenk@srpc.ca to apply.

How to Tackle COVID-19 Vaccine Brand Questions

Alberta Health encourages Albertans to get immunized against COVID‑19 with every dose they are eligible for, regardless of the vaccine manufacturer. For questions about COVID-19 vaccine brands, Alberta Health has provided the following key messages to guide community providers:

Alberta’s government now treats COVID-19 as endemic, so the province will be offering COVID-19 vaccines using similar practices as other provincially funded immunization programs. This means shifting away from brand recognition in public communication and through the online booking system.
COVID-19 vaccines can be used interchangeably.
All approved vaccines are continually monitored, and post-market surveillance of safety and effectiveness is conducted.

Alberta College of Family Physicians | www.acfp.ca