The new President of the Alberta Medical Association is a pediatric cardiologist in Calgary, as well as a clinical professor in pediatrics and cardiology at the University of Calgary.

Dr. Michael Giuffre, who steps in for the outgoing Dr. Linda Slocombe, says his biggest priority will be to find common ground with provincial Health Minister Fred Horne and Alberta Health Services so the medical profession can provide better access to the system for patients as well as care.

Dr. Giuffre also indicates to the Calgary Herald that he hopes to play a key role in settling the on-going contract dispute between the AMA’s 7,200 physicians and the province.

Back in March, it appeared the Redford government and its doctors had a deal for a $181 million pay hike.  But that money wasn’t included in this year’s provincial health budget and the deal has since fallen apart.