January 9, 2020
Medical cannabis and the older adult: What is the evidence for its use and is it safe?
 
Case
Mary Brown is an 82-year-old female who comes in for routine monitoring of her heart failure and diabetes. She reports she has been having pain in her feet that interferes with her ability to sleep at night. Her granddaughter has suggested that cannabis would be an ideal treatment and she is asking for your opinion.
 
Background
Medical cannabis was first legalized in Canada in 2001 with several subsequent updates to the regulations for use. Greater interest has been seen in use of the drug since recreational cannabis was legalized in October 2018. Despite many claims for the medical benefits of cannabis, relatively little is known about the true benefit of the drug.
 
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Optimized Prescribing with Seniors

Thank you, AMA members!

We wish to express our sincere gratitude to all AMA members, and to our committee members, section executives and RF delegates, for your contributions to the AMA in 2019.
 
This year, in lieu of the annual holiday reception with the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta, the AMA made a $2,500 donation to Food Banks of Alberta. In addition, the AMA and our staff made the following charitable donations:
  • AMA annual donation to United Way in lieu of Christmas cards - $1,500
     
  • Fall 2019 AMA United Way Campaign – AMA staff donations – $16,780
     
  • 2019 AMA Staff Christmas Auction – $5,038 (contributions to Edmonton Christmas Bureau and Salvation Army Calgary)
Thank you again for all that you do. Our organization is strong in part from your efforts and we are grateful for your leadership and commitment to the profession.

Election results: Meet your new zonal/regional RF delegates
 
On December 16 we tallied ballots for the election of zonal/regional delegates to the AMA’s Representative Forum. Delegates were elected to the Calgary Zone and Edmonton Zone.

New Breast Cancer Screening Letter for Alberta Women 75+
The Alberta Breast Cancer Screening Program (ABCSP), within Alberta Health Services, is communicating with physicians about a letter that will be sent to some women when they turn 75.
The ABCSP follows the Toward Optimized Practice clinical practice guideline, recommending breast cancer screening for average risk women aged 50 to 74. Alberta women in this age range may receive reminder or mobile announcement letters from the ABCSP when they’re overdue for their next mammogram. However, these letters stop once a woman turns 75. Client feedback showed that many women were unaware of the next steps if they wished to continue with screening.
 
What do you need to know?

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How are Canadian physicians preparing for retirement?
MD Financial Management provides financial products and services, the MD Family of Funds and investment counselling services through the MD Group of Companies. For a detailed list of these companies, visit md.ca. MD Financial Management is a proud sponsor of the AMA Youth Run Club.

Ms Brenda Reynolds, 2019 recipient
AMA Medal of Honor

 
Seeking nominations to recognize outstanding achievements

Nominations deadline: April 30
 
The AMA is calling for Achievement Award nominations for individuals who have contributed to the improvement of the quality of health care in Alberta.
 
The awards will be presented at the President’s Dinner at the AMA's Fall 2020 Representative Forum/Annual General Meeting in Calgary.
 
View details and nominate a colleague

Updated AHS naloxone policies

Alberta Health Services has replaced existing Naloxone Distribution Directives with new policies, which will provide direction on naloxone administration for suspected poisonings in AHS settings. The policies took effect December 2, and address the administration of naloxone and the distribution of Community Based Naloxone Kits.
 
For more information, please: 

MD Scope Classifieds
 
In the January 9, 2020 MD Scope Classifieds you'll find listings for:
  
- Locums wanted
- Physicians wanted
- Space available
- For sale
- Conference
- Sublease available
- Services
 
View MD Scope Classifieds


 

 

 

 

 


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The opinions expressed in AMA publications are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions or positions of the Alberta Medical Association, its Board of Directors or members.
 
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