Alberta is launching a new compensation model for family doctors on April 1.
The goal is to improve primary health care access across the province.
Health minister, Adriana LaGrange, said the program will help Albertans connect with family physicians.
“Implementing the new primary care physician compensation model is an exciting milestone in our journey to strengthen Alberta’s primary health care system,” said La Grange.
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The model, developed with the Alberta Medical Association (AMA), was announced in December. Since then, 789 physicians have signed up. The AMA met the required 500-enrolment threshold, allowing the model to proceed as planned.
Under the new plan, doctors will receive financial incentives for maintaining larger patient panels, providing after-hours care, and working in team-based settings. The goal is to ease pressure on emergency departments and improve access to primary care.
Dr. Shelley Duggan, AMA president, said the model will help retain and attract family doctors.
“This new model will strengthen comprehensive, cradle-to-grave primary care,” said Duggan. “These practices are the foundation of our health care system.”
Dr. Sarah Bates, president of the AMA’s Section of Family Medicine, said the announcement shows the government’s commitment to primary care.
“I know many physicians are eager to begin working under this new model so they can stabilize their practices and focus on providing high-quality care to their patients,” she said.
Primary Care Alberta CEO, Kim Simmonds, said the changes recognize family medicine specialists’ training and leadership.
“Primary care providers play an integral role in the health of Albertans,” said Simmonds. “We look forward to working with government and family medicine specialists across the province to increase access to comprehensive primary care for all Albertans, particularly in rural and remote communities.”
Dr. Melanie Hnatiuk, Alberta College of Family Physicians president, said the plan will improve physician access.
“The PCPCM model is an important step forward in connecting every Albertan with a family physician and medical home,” she said.
International student program sees changes
Meanwhile, Alberta is also adjusting the Alberta International Medical Graduate Program (AIMG) to help more Albertans who study medicine abroad complete their residency in the province.
Previously, international graduates needed to complete an externship assessment before starting residency. That requirement has been removed, meaning graduates can now begin residency right after graduation.
The government is also adjusting application deadlines. For the 2026 cycle, applicants will be eligible if they graduate by July 1, 2026. Previously, they had to graduate by Dec. 31. Applications open May 1 and close May 30, 2025.
The changes aim to retain skilled health care professionals and strengthen Alberta’s medical workforce.
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