News

'Your Doctor is with you for life'

Your Doctor Is With You For Life is the theme for this year's Australian Medical Association Family Doctor Week (15-21 July 2001).

AMA Federal President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said Family Doctor Week aimed to highlight the vital role played by Australia's 23,000 practising GPs.

"Ninety per cent of the population sees a GP at least once in any one year. GPs are the backbone of our community health system," Dr Phelps said.

"Family Doctor Week is about reminding everyone that their local GP is always there - right through the stages of life. And we are promoting a series of public health messages along this theme:

  • Helping kids grow up healthy - Children can get the wrong messages about what food is okay to eat from television, movies and from advertising. GPs, parents and other role models play a part in teaching children what is acceptable to eat.

  • Managing health in the workplace - Many young people experience elevated levels of stress when entering the workforce or changing jobs and this can have a direct impact on their personal health.

  • Early cancer detection - One third of cancers can be cured if diagnosed early. Talk to your GP if you have any concerns or need advice on screening programs.

  • Planning a healthy retirement - How many Australians spend substantial time and money planning for their retirement but forget to make a long-term plan for their health?

"Many GPs across Australia will be joining the Family Doctor Week promotion by displaying information brochures on these issues in their practices. The brochures will also be available on the AMA website www.ama.com.au during Family Doctor Week and beyond.

"At a time when general practice is at the crossroads - with local community practices battling to stay viable - GPs are experiencing very low morale.

"Family Doctor Week - from Sunday July 15 to Saturday July 21 - acknowledges the expert and essential role of the GP in local communities across Australia," Dr Phelps said.

_______________________________________________________________________________________________

For further information, to organise interviews or receive images of AMA Family Doctor Week, please

contact: Sarah Bucknell (02) 6270 5472 (0419) 440 076

Media Contacts

Federal 

 02 6270 5478
 0427 209 753
 media@ama.com.au

Follow the AMA

 @ama_media
 @amapresident
‌ @AustralianMedicalAssociation