Physician Advocacy

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Advocacy is an important component of the doctor-patient relationship and physicians should individually and collectively advocate with their patients. Advocacy involves the responsible use of expertise and influence to advance patients health care interest.

There is a desire and need within Alberta to develop an environment wherein physicians are educated and appropriately engaged in the process of advocating for their patients. The resources on this page are designed to assist physicians who are considering advocacy work and were developed as a result of the 2012 HQCA report on physician intimidation that found physicians did not feel they had the right skills or resources to act as effective advisors.

A joint approach

Following the findings of the HQCA report the AMA, AHS and CPSA are spearheading a provincial tri-lateral initiative, working in consultation with the faculties of medicine and the medical officers of health, to address physician advocacy. Each partner and the physician have specific roles, responsibilities and expectations, which you can read in the documents linked below.

Read the AMA, AHS and CPSA joint statement regarding joint advocacy resources.

Resources

The routes and methods to effective advocacy are not always clear, nor should advocacy be entered into lightly. The following resources can help physicians be better advocates, as well as understand the roles and responsibilities of the players involved.

Questions to ask yourself

What Should Physicians Expect when Advocating?

Advocacy Pathway

Stuck along the way? Want to map out a path to effective advocacy? This decision tree can help you determine where you are and what you need to do.

Advocacy Policy Statement

Learn more about the goals and principles of the Physician Advocacy Policy.

Roles and Responsibilities

Clear roles and responsibilities support and promote effective advocacy. The Roles and Responsibilities document details the roles and responsibilities of:

  • the Alberta Medical Association 
  • Alberta Health Services 
  • The College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta 
  • Zone Medical Staff Associations 
  • The Faculties of Medicine

Advocacy Mentors List

Alberta Medical Association Mission: Advocate for and support Alberta physicians. Strengthen their leadership in the provision of sustainable quality care.