Better pay, more options in new Alberta family doctor compensation model [Video]

A year after committing to updating how Alberta’s family doctors are paid, the government has unveiled the new primary care physician compensation model that it hopes will not only help the province’s existing, overworked physicians — but also attract new ones.

The new model, which the government said makes Alberta’s family doctors the “strongest-paid and most patient-focused in the country,” is structured to encourage physicians to grow the number of patients they care for and encourage full-time practice.

It’s also aimed at making family practices more attractive to new medical school graduates.

“We expect the model will be a game-changer in attracting family physicians from other provinces and countries,” said Health Minister Adriana LaGrange.

The model comes after doctors have been leaving Alberta for years amid financial challenges, a strained relationship with the government, and delays on an updated pay deal.

Alberta Medical Association president Dr. Shelley Duggan said the new model will positively impact the health-care system for years …