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Dr. Patrick J. (P.J.) White
December 2, 2010
Dear Member:
Dr. Raj Sherman
Since my Presidents Letterlast Friday, nearly five dozen Alberta
Medical Association (AMA)members have contacted me (mostly by
email) regarding my actions involving MLADr. Raj Sherman
(Edmonton-Meadowlark).
Several expressed an understanding of the situation and that I
in no way wished to causeDr. Sherman any harm. Even here, however,
there were several suggestions as to how I couldhave handled
matters differently. I must also acknowledge the emails from
members veryangry with respect to how this has affected Dr. Sherman
and the AMA.
I will be replying to all emails. All members responses will be
on the agenda of theDecember 9-10 meeting of the Board of
Directors. The board will discuss and explore processesor policies
to guide the AMA in the future.
I also wish to inform members that yesterday I telephoned Dr.
Sherman, and we talked for closeto 15 minutes.
I was unequivocal in expressing my deep regret for the way
events had transpired and forplaying a part in a situation that
resulted in negative consequences for him.
Furthermore, I was emphatic in supporting Dr. Shermans advocacy
for a health care systemthat puts Patients First. The AMA has done
so and will continue to do so. This was also a majortheme in all
the feedback I received from members.
Alberta Health Act
TheAlberta Health Act which deals mainly with principles,
although it does call for a healthcare ombudsman and the
development of a patients charter has been passed, but will
notbecome law until proclaimed by an order-in-council as a result
of a decision of the AlbertaGovernment.
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The Presidents LetterDecember 2, 2010Page 2
The AMA was generally supportive of the legislation, but had
concerns as did Dr. Sherman of its provisions that enable the
government to use regulations as a means for changing thehealth
care system.
The AMA also intends to be involved in the development of a
patients charter, which is anelement of the Canadian Medical
Associations (CMAs) strategy for health care transformation.On
December 14, CMA President, Dr. Jeff Turnbull, and CMA Secretary
General and CEO,Paul-mile Cloutier, will be here to explore how the
CMA and the AMA agendas can bealigned.
Health care plans
Two days ago Health and Wellness Minister Gene Zwozdesky,
accompanied by Dr. ChrisEagle, acting CEO of Alberta Health
Services (AHS), unveiled the governments not AHS
Becoming the Best: Albertas 5-Year Health Action Plan
. Dr. Eagles comments to engage physiciansand other front-line
staff are most encouraging.
Read Becoming the Best: Albertas 5-Year Health Action Plan at
http://www.health.alberta.ca/.
However, the other political parties have also been developing
their plans for health care inAlberta. Their policies can be viewed
at:
Liberals: http://www.albertaliberal.com/policy.php?policy=13
New Democrats:
http://www.albertandp.ca/whereWeStand_healthcare.cfm
Wildrose Alliance:
http://www.wildrosealliance.ca/uncategorized/health-care/
Yours truly,
Patrick J. (P.J.) White, MB, BCh, MRCPsychPresident
http://www.health.alberta.ca/http://www.albertaliberal.com/policy.php?policy=13http://www.albertandp.ca/whereWeStand_healthcare.cfmhttp://www.wildrosealliance.ca/uncategorized/health-care/http://www.wildrosealliance.ca/uncategorized/health-care/http://www.albertandp.ca/whereWeStand_healthcare.cfmhttp://www.albertaliberal.com/policy.php?policy=13http://www.health.alberta.ca/
