Dr. Brian Wirzba steps into the role of AMA President with more than two decades of dedicated service to the profession and a deep commitment to advocating on behalf of Alberta physicians for an integrated, evidence-based health system.
“Physician voices are essential to shaping a health care system that is truly optimized and patient-focused,” says Dr. Wirzba. “Our strength lies in unity – when we come together to advocate for the exceptional care we are committed to providing.”
Dr. Wirzba is focused on harnessing this collective strength to ensure patients do not fall through the cracks as Alberta’s health system continues to evolve.
“The old system certainly needed fixes, but instead of repairing what was broken, we’ve seen the creation of new silos and increased fragmentation,” he says. “We have seen significant harms in the past when patients fall through the cracks, and we should be working to repair those cracks, not create new chasms.”
He is committed to continuing successful initiatives like the Fact Check-up reports, enhancing partnerships with community leaders, and advocating for a health care system where every member of the health care team can work to their full scope of practice.
“We must continue to provide our members and the public with the evidence-based, compassionate and thoughtful perspective of experts in health care delivery,” says Dr. Wirzba. “That includes identifying gaps in care, proposing innovative, evidence-based solutions and advocating for quality patient care.”
Dr. Wirzba brings a thoughtful, compassionate approach to leadership – one that values every voice and reflects his deep commitment to supporting AMA members and sections.
“I am committed to listening to all your voices – the quieter voices, the frustrated voices and the tired voices – and the hopeful voices,” Dr. Wirzba says to members. “I’m here to hear your concerns, to find common ground, build consensus with stakeholders, and then advocate for Alberta physicians and patients at every opportunity.”
A distinguished career
Dr. Wirzba is a proud graduate of the University of Alberta, first obtaining his Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (Honours) and his medical degree at the Green & Gold.
In addition to working with the AMA for more than 20 years, he has been an examiner for the RCPS(C), an ongoing member of the GIM Specialty committee. He has been an executive of the Canadian Society of Internal Medicine, participated in multiple CPSA committees, university medicine training positions and has held roles as site leader, principal teaching physician, and zone clinical lead for GIM.
His most cherished position is as a founding member, ongoing curriculum director, and external examiner for a GIM residency training program in Cameroon, which he has participated in since 2008. The program has since transitioned from fully expatriate faculty to being fully run by program-trained Cameroonians.
After hours
Outside of medicine, Dr. Wirzba enjoys a range of hobbies – many of them outdoors.
“I find serenity and joy equally if I am hiking/skiing/biking/relaxing in the great outdoors (especially off grid), building something from scratch, digging in the dirt, listening to amazing music, experiencing art or standing in a stream trying to outsmart a trout.”