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GP Network News, Issue 11, Number 15 - 21 April 2011

Role of the Doctor; AMA National Conference May 2011; Alternative career paths for doctors; TGA Alert - Recommendation about revaccination – Pneumovax 23; New Round of Primary Care Infrastructure Grants; General Practitioner Conference & Exhibition; Post new comment

Role of the Doctor

The AMA recently released a new Position Statement on the Role of the Doctor.

The AMA President, Dr Andrew Pesce, said that at a time of significant health reform that involves moves toward team-based approaches to health care, it is important to set out the unique qualities that make doctors the pivotal players in Australia’s health system. A copy of the full press release is here.

The position statement reinforces the importance of the integrity of the patient-doctor relationship being based on bilateral trust. Other important elements of the role of the doctor addressed in the paper include: expertise in diagnosis and prognosis; capacity to make complex decisions; multi-disciplinary approach to health care; professionalism; leadership; and education and training. A copy is here.

TGA Alert - Recommendation about revaccination – Pneumovax 23

The AMA, in light of advice from the Office of Health Protection and the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), advises health professionals not to administer the second dose of Pneumovax 23 vaccine, pending the outcome of a review of an apparent increased rate of injection site reactions following the administration of the second dose.

The TGA is continuing to work with the Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) and the States and Territories to collect and analyse adverse event data. Until that analysis is completed it is recommended that patients are not revaccinated with Pneumovax 23.

This advice does not apply to the conjugate pneumococcal vaccines (Prevenar and Synflorix) used in babies. For more information on this advice click here.

AMA National Conference May 2011

The 2011 AMA National Conference will be held at the Brisbane Hilton from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 May. The AMA's 27,000 members represent all sections of the medical profession - GPs, specialists, doctors in training, medical students, researchers and academics - from all States and Territories. All AMA members are invited to take part in this premier event where delegates from across the country gather to formulate policy positions. This years plenary sessions include the important issues of mental health and Indigenous health. Conference information is available here.

New Round of Primary Care Infrastructure Grants

Applications for a new round of primary care infrastructure grants opened on April 16. Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, Catherine King announced the $52.5 million round as a follow on from the 2010 round announced in November last year which provided 240 grants. The grants are part of the Government’s GP Super Clinic program. There are three types of grants, up to $150,000, up to $300,000 and up to $500,000 to be used to upgrade or extend existing premises. Advice and information for those interested in applying is available here.

Alternative career paths for doctors

Do you have a colleague who has pursued another career? A national magazine is looking for doctors to be interviewed for a feature article about medical practitioners who have followed alternate career paths. Doctors who would like to take part should contact Geraldine Kurukchi from the AMA Public Affairs Branch on 02 6270 5467 or email gkurukchi@ama.com.au

 

 

We welcome your comments and suggestions as well.  Please tell us what you think.


 

AMA Members receive 25% discount for the General Practitioner Conference & Exhibition (GPCE)

The General Practitioner Conference & Exhibition is Australia’s leading primary healthcare event, delivering innovative solutions and practical strategies to improve patient care. It offers a superior learning experience by featuring 41 seminars and 76 hands-on workshops, that are RACGP accredited and delivered by expert speakers. This will be the 25th GPCE and to celebrate we will be offering AMA members a 25% discount!

The exhibition will showcase over 140 healthcare organisations, a range of new product demonstrations and exciting feature areas such as Meet The Expert - which provides complimentary education. You can also take part in the GPCE Passport Competition and be in the running to receive one of over 50 different prizes. The exhibition is free to attend. Practice Nurses and Practice Managers will also benefit greatly from attending.

The GPCE will be held on the 20 - 22 May 2011 at the Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park. If you haven't already registered, you should book today to avoid disappointment. You can register online at or contact www.gpce.com.au 1800 358 879 using the code "AS25" to receive your 25% discount.

In this Issue

Role of the Doctor

TGA Alert - Recommendation about revaccination – Pneumovax 23

AMA National Conference May 2011

New Round of Primary Care Infrastructure Grants

Alternative career paths for doctors

General Practitioner Conference & Exhibition

Email the AMA

Post new comment to the website

 




AMA is the peak medical organisation in Australia representing the profession’s interests to Government and the wider community.
Your Federal AMA General Practice Policy team can be contacted via email gpnn@ama.com.au or by phone (02) 6270 5400
You can unsubscribe from GPNN by emailing unsubscribe@ama.com.au

 

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