The AMA Long-Service Award recognizes physicians with 10 years of AMA service who contribute their knowledge, skills and time to the advancement of the profession. Their work, whether on the Board of Directors or its committees, supports and encourages the Association’s development.
Dr. Lloyd Eric M. Maybaum
Psychiatry, Calgary
REFLECTIONS ON SERVICE: My AMA service began during my year as president-elect of Calgary and Area Medical Staff Society (CAMSS), followed by three years as president, a year as past-president, and service as a Calgary Zone rep. I have served on the Nominating Committee, the Provincial Practitioners Liaison Forum, the Physician and Family Support Program Committee, the Governance Review Group, and the Government Affairs Committee. I have been a Board member since 2016.
I have many good memories of my time with the AMA – of helping to move medical staff associations under the umbrella of the AMA, of our ongoing work helping to chart the course of our profession and especially of navigating through the challenging fee negotiations with then-Health Minister, Fred Horne and the former Progressive Conservative government while I was president of CAMSS.
Each day I am reminded that in the AMA we have the most coherent, organized and professionally managed provincial medical association in the country because we, as physicians, have remained united despite outside forces trying to split our membership. Work with the AMA enables physicians to see the big picture, and it has enabled me to become a better, more balanced leader. I have been truly blessed.
PERSONAL INTERESTS: I love spending time with my wife, Tracy and our children, Victoria, Katherine and Maxwell, and our two dogs, Kubo and Milo. I ski and snowboard, and I enjoy a cup of tea with a good book.
Dr. Kimberley P. Kelly
Addiction Medicine and Family Practice, Edmonton
REFLECTIONS ON SERVICE: The first resolution I presented at Representative Forum (as an observer) was to increase the number of child care spaces for Albertans. The lack of accessible child care significantly hinders women’s progress and potential.
A pivotal moment in my career, and in my life, came in 2018 when I addressed RF on #metoo Medicine, disclosing the sexual harassment I had experienced as a medical student and calling on medical leaders to address how medical culture perpetuates harassment, discrimination and bias. The Healthy Working Environments framework evolved because the AMA was willing to address this important but uncomfortable topic. I continue to lead the Equity Canadian Medical Association Community of Interest, working to address gender inequity in medicine.
PERSONAL INTERESTS: I have been privileged to advocate for 10 years on behalf of those without a voice; now I hope to create space to hear those voices directly. Healthy students are better learners, so I have advocated for Comprehensive School Health for all schools and for the AMA Youth Run Club. I dream that one day every school in Alberta will have an affiliated physician ambassador!
I thank my husband, Dr. Rufus Scrimger, and my sons, Jack and Alex, for their support and participation in my many advocacy projects.
I would also like to thank my parents, Frank and Frankie Kelly, and our nannies – Irene, Bridget, Rachel, and Mila – who provided me with the time I needed to soar!
Dr. Linda A. Mrkonjic
Orthopedic Surgery, Calgary
REFLECTIONS ON SERVICE: Through all my AMA involvement I have been fortunate to act on behalf of “generic” doctors, not just my clinical specialty group. These opportunities have reminded me that I am first and foremost a physician, who just happens to have a few extra procedural skills. In order to function in these roles, I have had to think outside myself and my own needs, thus becoming a better doctor and a better person.
As Calgary and Area Medical Staff Society (CAMSS) president, I have served physicians in the Calgary area. CAMSS has evolved into an effective advocacy entity that has raised the PCN role within our zone and worked for equitable representation of acute care site doctors and community/family physicians. CAMSS has established a collaborative working relationship with our zone AHS representation, ensuring that physicians’ voices are heard at as many tables as possible.
Being a doctor is hard work, but you never have to feel alone. There is a community of doctors to support you – just reach out. Identify what is important to you, and see how you can improve it. Seek opportunities to work with medical peers who are different from you. Diversity adds richness and helps you stay true to who you really are.
PERSONAL INTERESTS: In my free time I want to laugh – deep, heart-felt laughs from the depth of my gut. I spend time with people, things and situations that bring me joy. I am grateful for each day I get to do this.
Dr. Heidi E. Fell
Family Medicine, Calgary
REFLECTIONS ON SERVICE: I am most proud of my recent work as chair of the AMA Informatics Committee, which has been tackling some tricky work regarding integration of information within the health care system, including work around Connect Care and CPAR/CII. Ensuring that the needs of physicians are well represented in discussions with Alberta Health and AHS is always interesting and sometimes quite challenging.
It’s never too early to get involved – I started my work with the AMA as a medical student on what was then the Communications Committee. The AMA has always provided great people to work with and a connection to colleagues throughout the province and in other specialties that can be hard to find otherwise in community practice. Working with the AMA also helps to give balance and diversification to my professional career.
PERSONAL INTERESTS: I love spending time with my husband, James, and my now-adult children, Danae and Connor. I hold a third-degree black belt in karate and have recently received my full Canadian karate referee licence. I also like to scrapbook our adventures when I get the chance.
Dr. Edward J. Aasman
Rural Family Medicine, Rocky Mountain House
REFLECTIONS ON SERVICE: My role in leadership in the AMA began with the PCN Executive in 2007. In this role I witnessed an incredible transition in primary care in Alberta. I have since moved into my role as president of the Section of Rural Medicine. As a physician with rural roots, I have an ongoing passion for primary care in rural Alberta.
PERSONAL INTERESTS: As a rural physician I do not have much free time, but I try my best, with my wife, to support our family farm, where we breed and raise horses for dressage riding. We also enjoy cycling, hiking and kayaking. My clinic and community are active in teaching students, including the students and residents from the University of Calgary Longitudinal Integrate Clerkship as part of the rural program.