(1/6) https://abs.twimg.com/emoji/v2/... draggable="false" alt="👇" title="Down pointing backhand index" aria-label="Emoji: Down pointing backhand index">Long thread alert regarding UCP/physician conflict:
Recently, I had a complex patient come in to see me. He asked if I was a real doctor or a medical student, and told me I looked young. I assured him that I was a "real" doctor. Then, he remarked that it must be easy

(2/6) to get into medical school these days. I didn& #39;t think twice as I shrugged off his comment and then spent over an hour sitting with him sorting through 5+ medical issues he had. I did this because it& #39;s my job to help people, not to fix their perceptions of me.

(3/6) So why does @shandro respond to criticism by losing his temper, yelling at docs, & refusing to work with us? Isn& #39;t it his job to ensure that AB health care is the best it can be? How can you deliver effective policies by tearing up contracts & refusing to consult w experts?

(4/6) And why are UCP staff members name-calling physicians who advocate for this and smearing them on a daily basis, when all we want is to do our jobs and ensure quality care for Albertans -- our patients. Shouldn& #39;t this be a shared goal?

(5/6) The disrespect I have seen from the likes of @tarajago, @SteveBuick2, @MattWolfAB, and other UCP members over the last few months has been shocking and disheartening, and it& #39;s only been getting worse.

(6/6) Let& #39;s all do our jobs. Let& #39;s work together to continue to provide excellent health care to Albertans. Rescind Bill 21 and bring back stability to health care. Either engage in meaningful negotiations or enter independent third-party arbitration. #ABdocs4patients #KillBill21