AMA Family Doctor Week - 15-21 July 2013
AMA Family Doctor Week is the AMA’s annual celebration of the hard work and dedication of the nation’s family doctors – the GPs who serve local communities in the cities, country towns and remote areas of Australia.
Last year more than 29,000 GPs provided over 129 million services across Australia.
This year’s theme for Family Doctor Week is – Your Family Doctor – Your Medical Home.
In keeping with this year’s theme, the AMA will be releasing two videos showcasing some of the difficulties family doctors encounter on a daily basis, including:
- keeping skills and knowledge up to date;
- training future family doctors;
- caring for older patients; and
- dealing with red tape.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said that Family Doctor Week is an opportunity for all Australians to appreciate the important relationship they have with their local GP.
“The family doctor is the first point of contact in the healthy system for most Australian families,” Dr Hambleton said.
“When people get sick or injured or want advice about their health, they want to see a doctor.
“The family doctor, is and must remain, the foundation of the health system.”
But, Dr Hambleton warned family doctors are under continuing pressure meeting increased demands for care, stalled Medicare rebates and increased red tape
Each day during Family Doctor Week the AMA will highlight ways the Government can provide greater support for family doctors to allow them to continue serving their local communities.
In his address the to the National press Club in Canberra on Wednesday 17 July, Dr Hambleton will set out the key issues confronting the nation ahead of the Federal Election.
Local media are encouraged to make contact with family doctors in their area to highlight the great work they are providing. The AMA can assist media to get in contact with a local family doctor.
5 July 2013
CONTACT: Kirsty Waterford 02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753
Follow the AMA Media on Twitter: http://twitter.com/ama_media
