Medico-Legal

Purpose of the Medico-Legal Expert Advisory Group

The Medico-Legal Expert Advisory Group will inform and educate Fellows and Trainees regarding their obligations to the legal system in relation to specialist practice (including but not limited to issues relating to expert medical witnesses) and in so doing, demonstrate that the College is cognisant of the medico-legal consequences of specialist practice. It is not intended that the Group will provide individual advice to Fellows or Trainees on medico-legal issues or to duplicate the activities of other bodies such as Medical Boards and Medical Defence Organisations.

Responsibilities

These will include, but are not restricted to, the following:

(a) To assist the College to develop appropriate policy on medico-legal matters, including provision of expert medical evidence and medico-legal claims.

(b) To inform and educate Fellows and Trainees about their legal obligations in specialist practice, including new legal issues and developments, new cases and new legislation.

(c) To assist with the development of educational resources linked to the College curriculum.

(d) To provide relevant committees and the Board with advice on appropriate submissions to any legislative reviews, hearings or commissions on matters affecting specialist practice.

(e) To liaise with the legal profession on matters of common interest.

Background

The Medico-Legal Expert Advisory Group has been part of the College for the last five years. This group is now situated within Policy & Advocacy, reporting to the College Policy & Advocacy Committee (CPAC) as well as maintaining links with the Education Deanery.

Latest news and events

1. AMA Guides Level 5: Difficult Cases

Thursday 19 August 2010, Sydney

This evening workshop provides surgeons with a forum to discuss difficult cases relating to AMA Level 5, the problems encountered and the steps that can be applied to resolve the issues. While the AMA Guidelines are extensive, they sometimes do not account for unusual or difficult cases that arise from time to time so this workshop will be great opportunity to share ideas and experiences with your peers.

Worth 3 points (category 7) For a registration form and more information click here...
 
2. Occupational Medicine: Factory Visit Program

Friday 12 November 2010 Melbourne       
Friday 19 November 2010 Sydney

There have been two industry site visits as part of the Occupational Medicine program; the Ford Assembly Plant, Victoria and the Coalmine Training Facility, NSW. Fellows have been amazed at what they have seen and learnt and due to their enthusiastic response, two site visits are planned for Melbourne in Sept and two for Sydney in November. Each visit will take about 3 hours with an opportunity for case-based discussion; combining visits in a whole day program is to improve efficiencies and to make it worthwhile for interstate participants. Please note the above dates in your diary; participation in the program attracts 5 CPD points per hour. For a registration form and more information click here....
 
3. AMA Guides Training 
Dates in July, Brisbane

A comprehensive AMA Level 4 & 5 training program is on offer in July in Brisbane. The registration form is attached or click here for more information...
 
4. Annual Clinical Meeting RACS / AOA Medico Legal Section
Friday 13th to Sunday 15th August

The AOA/RACS Combined Medical Legal meeting is being held at Sheraton Mirage on the Gold Coast; 16 CPD points (category 7 and 8).
For more information please contact Kevin Wickham on (03) 9859 6899 or kevin@wickhams.com.au or visit www.aoamedleg.com

5. Writing Reports for Court 
Saturday 20 November, Sydney

This half-day workshop offers skills-based training in preparing medical reports for use in legal matters, focusing on the fundamentals of an excellent medico-legal report; 4 CPD points (category 7).
For a registration form and more information click here...