Australian Medical Association

The idea of a chaperone may seem old fashioned. But patients differ in their preception of what is required during a medical examination,  particularly if the patient comes from a different background. The presence of a chaperone is one way to minimise complaints being made against doctors.

Whenever you are conducting an examination, whether it is in a suburban surgery or in a busy hospital, consider whether you should have a chaperone present.

AMA Position Statement on Doctors’ Relationships With Industry 2010

The AMA today released a revised Position Statement to provide guidance to doctors on maintaining ethical relationships with the pharmaceutical industry, the medical device and technology industry, and other care and product suppliers.

The Position Statement on Doctors’ Relationships with Industry 2010 sets out major principles for doctors’ relationships with industry, including managing potential conflicts of interest.

AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said the AMA believes that collaboration between doctors and industry contributes beneficially to the quality of health care that Australians receive.

“However, doctors have a responsibility to ensure that their relationships with industry are consistent with their duties to their patients and to society at large,” Dr Pesce said.

AMA Position Statement: Ethical Considerations for Medical Practitioners in Public Health Emergencies in Australia - 2008

AMA Position Statement on Direct-to-Consumer Advertising - 2007

AMA Position Statement on the Role of the Medical Practitioner in End of Life Care - 2007

A 2004 Newspoll found that 90% of Australians support organ donation. Currently only around 45% of families in Australia will donate the organs and tissues of their deceased loved one if unaware of the deceased's decision. Saving a Life is easier than you think!

AMA Position Statement: Fetal Welfare and the Law - 1996

AMA Position Statement: Reproductive Health And Reproductive Technology - 1998. Revised 2005.