In this issue:

• Message from the Chair
• AMHSP Tip: Billing Accountability and Threshold Guidelines
• What You Need to Know
• ACB: Pluralism as an Antidote to Polarization
• DoM Research
• DoM News
• Happenings in DoM
• Invitation to Participate
• Helpful Support and Tips: editorial tip, Share the Cheer, payroll updates
• FoMD News
• U of A News
• AHS News

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

AMHSP Individual Service Agreement (ISA) TIP

Billing Accountability and Threshold Guidelines

Billing is one of the key performance indicators used for AMHSP accountability. A member’s expected billing target for the fiscal year is determined by the Division Director. However, meeting the billing threshold, which is 85% of the expected annual billing, is the minimum required. Members on approved leave have their billing targets prorated.

If a member’s yearly billing is below the threshold, the Division Director is approached to investigate potential explanations for the variance, and if needed, the Associate Chair of Finance will meet with the individual to gather more information. 

Should the yearly billing still be below threshold without a satisfactory explanation, the AMHSP Management Committee may send a warning letter to the individual with recommendations, such as remediation for better billing practices (e.g., choosing correct codes) or ensuring encounters are closed so service codes flow to the billing office.

If a member continues to have billing below the threshold in subsequent years without extenuating circumstances. The AMHSP Management Committee may recommend triggering the income-at-risk process and notifying the North Sector Steering Committee co-chairs.. 

All AMHSP policies can be found on the AMHSP website.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

The Department of Medicine is developing a new practical learning series designed to support faculty at every stage of their career. The first instalments of the series will concentrate on the final phase of an academic medical career. These sessions offer practical guidance for those planning the shift out of full-time practice, clinically, academically, financially, and personally.

Please consider giving generously this holiday season to support those in need. Drop-off NON-PERISHABLE food items in the food hampers on CSB Floors 5 and 13, outside the elevators by noon on Friday, Dec. 19.

 Amplify your impact: Share Your Story! 

Showing the real-world impact of our work is crucial. If you are a Department member, we want to recognize your teams, spotlight your projects, and elevate your research profiles through our communication channels! 

Some of the stories we share may be picked up by Folio and other media, which can improve recognition, citations and grant dissemination metrics. Folio is the U of A’s flagship publication. They are interested in work with broad public interest, strong patient impact, and new avenues for research and care.

What to do

1. Think about the coolest thing you—or a colleague—have been working on lately. Do you have a new publication, innovative project, fresh approach to clinical care or education, or new grant or collaboration? We want to share DoM member projects that offer new perspectives, challenge current thinking, or show meaningful community impact, as well as new research publications.

2. Submit your story to the DoM Impact Story Submission form and encourage your colleagues to do the same.

We’d love to explore these stories with you.

The Department of Medicine has set public-facing communication as a new priority—redefining how our innovative care, education and research connect with the public. In this space, we will share science/medicine communication tips and new CME opportunities to help you supercharge your communications skills. We want patients, community members, students, reviewers and collaborators to understand some of the science behind our clinical care and help society overall gain renewed appreciation for the integrity and impact of university discovery.

See our science more clearly.
Our new Director of Scientific Communication, Dr. Lynora Saxinger, shares her “why” and how enhanced science communication can support your practice and career.

DoM ACCESS, COMMUNITY
AND BELONGING

Pluralism as an Antidote to Polarization

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) is a polarizing topic that often sparks strong opinions. Some view it as vital for progress, while others see it as divisive or overly ideological. At the University of Alberta, the focus has shifted from the traditional EDI framework to a more outcome-oriented approach, embracing pluralism to foster access, community, and belonging. 

What is Pluralism? 

Pluralism is the recognition, acceptance, and celebration of diversity within a society and promotes the idea that society benefits from diverse identities, cultures, values and viewpoints. Rather than seeing diverse opinions as threats, pluralism views them as opportunities for fostering acceptance, innovation and a shared understanding. The idea is to embrace our differences to achieve a shared vision for the common good, creating an environment where all individuals, regardless of their background, can thrive. 

In the context of EDI, pluralism serves as an antidote to polarization by encouraging understanding and dialogue between diverse groups. It shifts the focus away from “either/or” thinking, which often fuels division, and instead emphasizes collaboration, compromise, and shared humanity. Polarization often arises when groups feel that their identities, values, or beliefs are under threat, creating an “us versus them” mentality. Pluralism counters this by promoting inclusivity and the active participation of all members, ensuring that no group is marginalized or excluded based on identity or beliefs. 

Pluralism is like a box of chocolates. Each chocolate is unique, but it's the combination that makes the experience rich and satisfying

Read other ACB definitions and topics on the DoM ACB site.

DoM RESEARCH

Research News

Faculty Funding and Awards

CIHR Internal Review for Spring 2026 Competition

Notice of Intent (NOI) to Apply - New Submissions | Dec. 7. Researchers who are interested in applying for the CIHR Project Grant Spring 2026 competition should email Prashanth Komirishetty by Dec. 7.
 

CIHR Advancing 2S/LGBTQI+ Health Through Research Competition

The CIHR Institute of Gender and Health and partners are thrilled to announce this funding opportunity: $175,000 per year for up to 4 years, for a total of $700,000 per grant. Info session | Dec. 11; Registration |  Feb.11;
Sponsor | Mar. 19

Trainee + Postdoctoral Scholars
Funding and Awards

• The 2026 Royal Society of Canada competitions for Fellows and College Members are now open | Dec. 15. For more info: Priscila Magaldi Netto.
   
• WCHRI Trainee Travel Call – Sex and Gender Health Research | Dec. 19 (abstract submission). Up to $1,500 travel awards available to U of A trainees to present their work at the Canadian Organization for Gender and Sex meeting in Toronto, March 2026 and/or the Organization for the Study of Sex Differences Research meeting in Hawaii, May 2026.
   

• 2026 Tri-Agency Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA) | Feb. 2

  Value: $6,000 for 4 months/16 weeks + department/supervisor top-up (minimum of $2,400). The total minimum value of a USRA (award + top-up) is $8,400 for 4 months/16 weeks.
   
• The 2026 FoMD Undergraduate Summer Students' Research Projects Database is now open to post your summer research positions for two, three or four months from May to August. More info: Nicole Kosturic.
   
• New PDFA Collective Agreement for Jan 1, 2025, to Dec 31, 2028. The agreement includes a 3% annual salary increase, retroactive to Jan. 1, 2025 and raises the 2025 minimum full-time salary to $45,000.

For more Funding and Award Opportunities, see:

Members' Research Publications

Dec. 2 is Women's Brain Health Day

The following highlights research conducted by DoM members related to this theme.

• Ogando NS, Elaish M, Mahabadi HM, Langdon KD, Das SK, Joseph JT, Fujiwara E, Holt A, Kaur K, Branton W, Gheblawi M, Lacy P, Oudit GY, Hobman TC, Lam GY, Power C (Corresponding Author). Immunometabolism perturbations in post-COVID-19 condition: interleukin-6 and monoamine oxidase interactions drive neuropsychiatric syndromes. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2025 Jul 5.

DoM NEWS

Congratulations to Dr. Harissios Vliagoftis (professor, Division of Pulmonary Medicine) on being selected as a recipient of the 2025 Research Grants for Asthma Innovation & Impact! (EIN Press Wire)

Dr. Liam McCoy (neurology resident (PGY-4)) and team shows that doctors still outperform AI in clinical reasoning (Folio)

• Dr. Sofia Ahmed (professor, Division of Nephrology)
  • Canada needs a women’s health strategy: Lives depend on it (Healthy Debate)
     
• Dr. Jan Willem Cohen Tervaert (professor, Division of Rheumatology)
  • Inoffensifs, mes implants? La quête d’Isabelle Gaston dans un documentaire révélateur [Are my implants harmless? Isabelle Gaston's quest in a revealing documentary] (Radio-Canada)
  • Fragment: nieuwe bekkenbodemmat toegelaten, terwijl verwijdering bijna niet mogelijk is [Fragment: new pelvic floor mat approved, while removal is almost impossible] (Radar Avrotros) 
     
• Dr. Robyn Harrison (clinical professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)
  • Taking charge of your health starts with investing in it and DoM's Community Health Fair (CBC Radio Active)
  • TB outbreak in Edmonton (CBC Radio - link n/a)
     
• Dr. Stephen Joza (assistant professor, Division of Neurology)
  • Can dreams be an indicator of disease and DoM's Community Health Fair (CBC Radio Active)
     
• Dr. Janis Miyasaki (clinical professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)
  • Alberta doctors stress the importance of trustworthy sources and DoM's Community Health Fair (CBC)
     
• Dr. Narmin Kassam (professor and chair, Department of Medicine)
  • Alberta doctors stress the importance of trustworthy sources and DoM's Community Health Fair (CBC)
     
• Dr. Jason Plemel (associate professor, Division of Neurology)
  • Study shows how brain’s immune cells help with recovery from multiple sclerosis (U of A News)
     
• Dr. Lynora Saxinger (professor, Division of Infectious Diseases)
  • Canada loses measles-free status as cases surge past 5,000 (Straight Arrow News)
  • This year’s flu throws a curveball (The Globe and Mail)
  • Doctors urge vaccination as influenza upswing hits Alberta (CBC)
     
• Dr. Adrian Wagg (professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine)
  • Healthy Brain Aging and DoM's Community Health Fair (CBC Radio Active)
     
• Dr. David Westaway (professor emeritus, Division of Neurology)
  • U of A-led research suggests new culprit in mad cow disease (Folio)

HAPPENINGS IN DoM

Classroom D - 2F1.04 WMC, University Hospital

Join us in person for coffee and good conversation, or click on links below to register on Zoom.

• Dec. 5 - Neurodegeneration in Aging, Dr. Richard Camicioli, professor, Division of Neurology, DoM, U of A
• Dec. 12 - Resident Skits. After MGR, please join Dr. Kassam in the Department Enrichment Centre, CSB 8-111, for refreshments.
• Dec. 19 - Jan. 2 - No rounds due to holiday break.
• Jan. 9 - Strategic Planning Updates. Dr. Narmin Kassam, Chair & Professor, Department of Medicine, U of A.

In case you missed it:

• Dr. Marla Dubinsky, Mount Sinai Kravis Children's Hospital: Wensel Sherbaniuk Lectureship - The Road to Prevention in IBD
• Dr. Susy Hota, University of Toronto: Tom Marrie Lectureship - Clostrioides difficile Infection in 2025: New Strains, Old Trains
• See more previous recordings on the MGR Library web page.

INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE

POCUS Physician Survey

A Division of General Internal Medicine project would like to better understand how U of A DoM faculty access and use point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) in daily practice. Your anonymous responses will help identify gaps, barriers, and opportunities for future educational initiatives. Please consider participating: https://forms.gle/jFDVU3LLdWcAoJA88

Global AI Adoption Survey: Perceptions of Public Sector Employees

This international study explores how public-sector professionals experience the introduction of AI in their daily work. As faculty members in a complex academic–clinical environment, your insights are essential to understanding how AI is shaping workplaces across countries and sectors, ensuring the voices of those on the front lines are represented. The findings will reveal emerging opportunities and challenges in AI-supported settings. We invite you to take this 15-minute survey: https://1ka.arnes.si/global-ai-en.

HELPFUL SUPPORT and TIPS

• Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) is now open for funding towards a course, workshop, seminar, or training program that takes place between January 1 and March 31, 2026. HRDF provides support staff with up to $1,000 towards training that will enhance your capacity to perform work, or prepare you for an expanded or different role.
   
• U of A Editorial Style Guide Tip:
  & – Use "and" or "+" on screen instead. The ampersand symbol can be difficult for people with visual impairments, especially when using screen readers.
   
• Share the Cheer this holiday season. Invite at least two international students for lunch, dinner, or an activity during the university’s winter closure period. Show your Canadian hospitality and give them a memory they will never forget. Read this inspiring story.
   

• Important payroll year end updates and getting ready for 2026. Start 2026 informed about important payroll updates and actions you may need to take. With the new year comes a new Payroll Deadline Chart, updated payroll dates, tax forms and statutory deduction limits.

FACULTY OF MEDICINE & DENTISTRY

• The 2024-25 Impact Report is out and highlights some of the breakthroughs and milestones that shaped the FoMD community between July 2024 and June 2025. You will also find impactful stories about faculty, students, researchers, employees, alumni and donors. 

UNIVERSITY OF ALBERTA NEWS

• Establishing the Office of Strategic Transformation and Delivery. This new office brings together existing transformation efforts under one strategic umbrella, ensuring alignment with university-wide goals and supporting sustainable progress into the future.
   

• Postdoctoral Fellows are now Postdoctoral Scholars. As part of the terms of the renewal collective agreement between the university and the Postdoctoral Fellows Association (PDFA), the title of Postdoctoral Fellows has been updated to Postdoctoral Scholars. Going forward, please use this term when referring to an individual’s role. The Association representing these employees continues to be PDFA.

AHS and AMA NEWS

Free AMA webinars support PPIP requirements. The Alberta Medical Association Accelerating Change Transformation Team (AMA-ACTT) is offering free, interactive webinars to help physicians meet the Physician Practice Improvement Program (PPIP) requirements by the College of Physicians & Surgeons of Alberta.

These sessions are ideal for primary care providers looking to complete their mandated PPIP activities with practical, step-by-step guidance. Upcoming virtual sessions include:

• PPIP-Stop: Drop in Q&A | Dec. 8, 6:00 p.m.
• Virtual Care Excellence: Understanding the Standards of Practice | Dec. 10, 6:00 p.m.
• Facing the Drain of Medical Practice | Dec. 15, 6:00 p.m.

Health agencies accepting toys instead of parking tickets until Dec. 19. Parking Services across Alberta Health Services, Primary Care Alberta, Acute Care Alberta, Assisted Living Alberta (AHS) and Recovery Alberta will accept new, unwrapped toy donations as an alternative to paying parking tickets issued between Nov. 7 and Dec. 19. More than 1,150 toys were donated last year.

Stollery Children's Hospital welcomes Canada’s first dedicated Child Life Services facility dog. The Stollery Children’s Hospital is proud to introduce its newest Child Life Services team member: Pumbaa, a professionally trained, internationally accredited facility dog who comforts and supports children and families during their hospital stay.