The Alberta government is implementing a dual-practice medical model that allows physicians to perform surgeries in both public and private health systems [1, 2].
This policy shift represents a significant change in how surgical care is delivered in the province. By permitting doctors to operate across both sectors, the government aims to expand overall surgical capacity and provide physicians with more flexibility in their professional practice [1, 4].
The new model is scheduled to begin in September 2026 [1, 2, 3]. Under this framework, surgeons will no longer be restricted to a single system, enabling them to transition between public facilities and private clinics. This move is intended to address healthcare bottlenecks by leveraging private infrastructure to support the public mandate [1, 4].
Government officials said the initiative is designed to increase the volume of procedures available to patients. The ability for physicians to work in both sectors is expected to attract more specialists to the province or encourage existing practitioners to increase their surgical load [1, 4].
While the rollout is set for this fall, some questions remain regarding the specific eligibility requirements for physicians who wish to enter the dual-practice model [3]. The Alberta Medical Association has been involved in discussions regarding the oversight of this transition to ensure patient care standards remain consistent across both environments [4].
The province is positioning this model as a way to modernize healthcare delivery. By integrating private sector efficiency with public sector access, Alberta seeks to reduce wait times for critical surgeries [1, 2].
“Alberta is implementing a dual-practice medical model that allows physicians to perform surgeries in both public and private health systems.”
The introduction of a dual-practice model signals a move toward a hybrid healthcare system in Alberta. By blurring the line between public and private surgical delivery, the province is attempting to alleviate surgical backlogs without relying solely on public infrastructure. The success of this model will likely depend on whether it increases total surgical throughput or simply shifts existing public resources into the private sector.
