Doctors Are Lifesavers

Dr Haikerwal said this doesn't mean that patients can expect to see lots of lycra, surfboats and zinc cream when they visit their GP. The theme is meant to shout loud and clear to the community that our GPs quite literally save lives, every day.

"But they can save a lot more if we can reinforce the important role of the GP in keeping everybody healthy," Dr Haikerwal said.

"Poor health, illness or disease can hit anybody without warning, so Family Doctor Week is all about informing people about important public health issues.

"This year the focus will be on diabetes, obesity and fad diets, skin cancer, smoking and cervical screening.

"These are just some of the problems that affect the health of the Australian population, but too many people are falling victim to ill health by not doing the simple things - better diet, more exercise, or regularly visiting their GP for check-ups.

"In promoting the important work of our GPs, the AMA will also alert the community and governments to the dramatic effects of medical workforce shortages all around the country.

"In some parts of Australia, especially rural and remote areas, the tradition of the family doctor is under threat.

"Doctors who have served some communities for generations are retiring, and there is nobody there to replace them.

"New GPs do not get trained overnight. There is every chance the medical workforce will get worse before it gets better.

"While there are more medical schools and more medical school places than there were a couple of years ago, it takes up to ten years to train a GP," Dr Haikerwal said.

There will be a range of Family Doctor Week activities co-ordinated out of the Federal and State AMA offices. For more details on FDW activities, call Kristen Connell on 02 6270 5439 or 0409 070 346. An image of this year's FDW poster is available on the AMA's website www.ama.com.au.

2005 Family Doctor Week is supported by American Express.

17 July 2005

CONTACT: Judith Tokley, AMA Public Affairs (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306

Kristen Connell, AMA GP Department (02) 6270 5439 / (0409) 070 346