AFOEM eBulletin - 16 August 2024
It is my sad responsibility to advise members that Jo Goldrick, our wonderful Manager of Faculties, is leaving the RACP on 24 August. Jo has been so supportive of AFOEM over the past six years, and the loss of her corporate knowledge, effectiveness and cheerful disposition, despite many challenges, will be greatly missed. I am sure you join me in wishing her well in her new endeavours.
Many of you may have seen the media coverage of the proposal of the Medical Board of Australia regarding general health checks for doctors over the age of 70. The Board has published a discussion paper with three options, and is seeking stakeholder feedback.
As some Fellows have already noted, this is a complex issue. There are over 140,000 registered medical practitioners in Australia, and the Medical Board notes that three per cent are responsible for half of all complaints. One of the difficulties is identifying exactly what the complaints are about. Is it professional knowledge that is meant to be addressed by CPD, or are they the usual communication issues, or is it from cognitive decline?
As most of us are aware, assessing cognitive decline with age is not readily tested. Unlike safety critical workers like pilots or commercial drivers, medical practitioners undertake a very wide range of tasks. In addition, unlike other activities, each and every interaction with patients is likely to be different. Unlike other safety critical tasks, a medical episode in a general practitioner is unlikely to result in catastrophic consequences.
The increasing reporting of complaints in the over 70 year old medical practitioners may be due to the increasing number remaining in practice because of the shortage of general practitioners. So the increase may not be directly attributable to age. Then there is the issue of what medical examination and testing would be indicated, and who would undertake these assessments. Already there is a range of preventive medical assessments available and implemented by general practitioners. Assessment of competency by treating practitioners is usually accompanied by advocacy unless the clinical manifestations cannot be ignored.
This contentious issue has been placed on the FPAC agenda and feedback to the Consultation Regulation Impact Statement is open until 4 October.
In case you missed it, there was an email from RACP Communications on 8 August seeking updated details of Fellows who wish to be listed on our 'Find an Expert' directory on the AFOEM webpage. If you would like to be listed, please provide your updated details to afoem@racp.edu.au by Friday, 30 August 2024.
AFOEM Council meet next month and will be discussing feedback from the Education Committee on recommended changes to the AFOEM curriculum and accreditation of training settings.
The Board expects the new Training Management Platform to begin being rolled out in October. This will replace 11 other computer programs which are not integrated.
AFOEM is also looking for a Fellow to be our representative on the 2025 Congress Program Committee. Early information is that Congress is likely to be in QLD. There are also several EOIs that are still vacant and need filling:
Upcoming events
The Kevin Sleigh Memorial Lecture will be held in the RACP Melbourne office and online on Monday, 26 August. Dr Ryan Hoy will be presenting on ‘Asthma and the Firefighter: Beyond the Pre-employment Medical’. Register here.
The ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting will be held in Perth (WA) from 20 to 23 October. Early bird registration has been extended until Friday, 16 August.
ANZSOM (NZ) will be holding a conference in Christchurch from 12 to 14 September. Details are provided on their website.
Dr Warren Harrex
AFOEM President
We are currently updating our 'Find an Expert' directory on the AFOEM webpage. If you would like to be listed, please respond with your updated details. This will help us ensure that our information is accurate.
Please include:
- Your name
- Your company/organisation
- Your contact address
- Email address
- Mobile number
- Area of interest/expertise/specialties
* All fields need to be completed.
Please email afoem@racp.edu.au by Friday, 30 August 2024 with your updated information.
Join us for the Kevin Sleigh Memorial Lecture – Asthma and the firefighter: Beyond the pre-employment medical – on Monday, 26 August 2024 in person at our RACP Melbourne office or online.
The Kevin Sleigh Memorial Lecture was established in 2019 as a tribute to Kevin and his contribution to occupational medicine. The Lecture and the Kevin Sleigh Medal provide an opportunity to reflect on his legacy and recognise these attributes in others.
Hosted by the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM), in conjunction with ANZSOM and WorkSafe Victoria, the Lecture will be presented by Dr Ryan Hoy MBBS, FRACP, MOccEnvHlth.
Date: Monday, 26 August 2024
Time: Arrival from 5.30pm, light meal served at 6pm, presentation starts 6.30pm in person and online.
Location: RACP Melbourne office, Level 2, 417 St Kilda Road, Melbourne or online
For more information, please email afoem@racp.edu.au
The RACP Trainee Research Awards provide a valuable opportunity for trainees to present their research at an Australian regional or Aotearoa New Zealand event. The best presenters from each local event are invited to present their work alongside recognised researchers at the RACP Trainee Research Awards Symposium 2025 in Sydney.
Trainees and New Fellows undertaking post-Fellowship training with the RACP are encouraged to apply.
Applications close on Saturday, 31 August 2024. Find out more or apply.
The Eric Susman Prize is presented by the College for best contribution to the knowledge of any branch of internal medicine (adult medicine and paediatrics).
The recipient will have demonstrated an outstanding and lasting contribution in the areas of research, teaching and/or clinical medicine.
Nominations close on Saturday, 31 August 2024. Details regarding the application process and selection criteria are available on our website.
If you know someone deserving of recognition for their outstanding contributions and achievements, now is the time to nominate them for these prestigious College awards:
- The John Sands Medal recognises a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to the welfare of the RACP and its members.
- The College Medal is aligned to the College motto hominum servire saluti. It is awarded to a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to medical specialist practice, healthcare and/or health of community through physician activities.
- RACP International Medal recognises a member who has provided outstanding service in developing countries.
- RACP Medal for Clinical Service in Rural and Remote Areas recognises a Fellow who has provided outstanding clinical service in rural and remote areas of Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand.
- RACP Mentor of the Year Award recognises a Fellow who has made an outstanding contribution to mentoring or provided a high level of support and guidance throughout training.
- RACP Trainee of the Year Award recognises a trainee who has made an outstanding contribution to the College, community and trainee activities.
Nominations close on Monday, 30 September 2024.
Find out more or email foundation@racp.edu.au for more information.
AFOEM Essay Prize
The AFOEM Essay Prize is open to medical students or interns in their first year after graduation. The prize is awarded for demonstrated excellence through essay, research project or assignment on occupational or environmental health.
Applications close on Thursday, 31 October 2024. Find out more.
Each trainee is responsible for completing their own research project. Trainees can learn about conducting a research project by enrolling in our Research Projects online course. It’s designed to support trainees through a detailed walk-through of the research process.
A trainee’s experience can be greatly enhanced by a supportive and informed supervisor. The Research Supervision online course helps supervisors who want an update on research project requirements and the research process in general.
RACP Online Learning Resources are free for members and count towards Continuing Professional Development requirements.
ANZSOM is pleased to announce a number of upcoming events and welcomes AFOEM Fellows and trainees to make the most of these learning and networking opportunities.
NSW/ACT Branch Annual Weekend Meeting – Friday, 23 to Sunday, 25 August 2024
This long running meeting is popular for its practical content and social activities and this year is no exception, as we travel to picturesque Bowral, just an hour and a half from Sydney.
The weekend will include:
- A site visit to Australian BioResources, a state-of-the-art laboratory animal facility owned and operated by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, on Friday afternoon
- Wine tasting with grazing boards by an open fire, followed by dinner, on Friday night
- NSW/ACT Branch Annual Meeting
- Talks and peer review of cases qualifying for Category 2 CPD points – please bring a case to discuss
- Golf and local activities on Sunday morning.
Download the brochure for more information or register.
WA Branch webinar – Wednesday, 4 September 2024
Don’t miss the final WA Branch webinar for the year featuring Cardiologist Dr Rajesh Puranik who recently advised the National Transport Commission about the application of the new CVD Risk Calculator for safety critical workers in the rail industry.
The session ‘Understanding the new 2023 Australian CVD Risk Calculator’ will start at 6pm (AWST) and is free for AFOEM members. The event is proudly sponsored by Jobfit. Registrations opening soon.
Joint ANZSOM and SOM (UK) webinar – Wednesday, 18 September 2024
Our second #learningtogether webinar held jointly with the Society of Occupational Medicine (UK) is also not to be missed. This event will take place on Wednesday, 18 September 2024 at 6pm and feature esteemed speakers from both AFOEM/ANZSOM and the SOM delving into the topic of Medical Leadership.
Presenters:
Dr Clare Fernandes, Chief Medical Officer, BBC
Dr Warren Harrex, Consultant Occupational and Environmental Physician
Register or find out more
More ANZSOM events – save these dates in your calendar
- ANZSOM VIC/TAS Branch educational meeting and Annual Meeting – Wednesday, 11 September
- SA/NT Branch meeting with RTWSA – Monday, 23 September
- QLD Branch meeting – Thursday, 26 September
And of course, our most anticipated event of the year is the ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM), which will kick off in Perth on Sunday, 20 October.
An exceptional program is on offer and AFOEM members are encouraged to make the most of the member discount rates.
Find out more.
WorkSafe Victoria IME recruitment
WorkSafe Victoria is seeking to recruit suitably qualified specialists to join their panel of Independent Medical Examiners (IMEs).
The role of an IME is to review an injured worker and provide an evidence-based report on their injury and treatment. The IME opinion informs claims decisions to enable the worker’s recovery and return to work.
They are recruiting for a number of disciplines including occupational physicians.
Applications close 25 August 2024. Find out more or apply.
For all enquiries, please email IME_recruitment@worksafe.vic.gov.au
The Thoracic Society of Australia and New Zealand is hosting an Education Hub Conference. The program showcases leading experts, covering a spectrum of topics from ground-breaking resources in respiratory medicine to innovative educational strategies for promoting lung health in communities.
Date: Thursday, 10 to Saturday, 12 October 2024
Location: Melbourne
More details are available on the TSANZ Education Hub website.
Lung Foundation Australia, in partnership with multidisciplinary researchers and Monash University is seeking your thoughts regarding what you believe researchers should be working on when it comes to occupational lung cancer. Results from this anonymous survey will be used to identify where researchers, policymakers, and other funding bodies should be directing their attention, time, and resources.
Ground-breaking research has the power to change lives. We believe national research priorities in preventing and managing occupational lung cancer should be based on the key gaps and needs identified by those who are working each day to prevent and manage this condition, as well as those living with or at risk of occupational lung cancer.
All responses are welcome, and we encourage you to list as many questions, issues or comments as you can.
Please complete this survey if you are:
- A medical or allied health professional working to help people living with occupational lung cancer
- A researcher exploring topics related to occupational lung health
- A workplace health and safety professional, occupational hygienist, regulator, union or worker representative or other key stakeholder.
Every perspective matters and we can’t do this important work without you. Please help us by completing the survey and sharing it with your colleagues, patients and networks. Complete the survey
You are invited to Lung Foundation Australia's second Occupational Lung Disease Research Forum for multidisciplinary professionals with the focus of occupational lung cancer.
This in-person event is for anyone interested in the prevention or management of occupational lung cancer across medical and allied health as well as workplace health and safety, worker representation and regulation.
By registering to attend the Research Forum, you will be asked to voluntarily participate in small group discussions (study) to discuss your opinion on the top priorities for future research into occupational lung disease. These small group discussions may be recorded for analysis.
In addition, the Research Forum will include presentations and updates on state-of-the-art research from some of Australia’s leading researchers in occupational lung health, as well as networking opportunities with policymakers and other key stakeholders.
When: Wednesday, 9 October 2024
Time: 9am to 5pm AEDT (Registration and refreshments from 8.30am)
Location: Pullman Melbourne on the Park, 192 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002
Cost: Free
Register for the event.
Find out more about the study
For further enquiries, please email Lauren Williams at
OLD@lungfoundation.com.au
Trainees have told us they have increasingly different needs, plans and demands on them during their training journey. We listened and worked with the College Trainees’ Committee to revise and improve our Flexible Training Policy.
The Policy outlines the flexible training options available and the alternative pathways trainees can take if they would like to adjust their training.
Read the Policy
Read the FAQs
Many of you have told us about the growing pressures on supervisors, including increasing workloads and reduced capacity to fulfil supervisory roles.
It’s crucial we have a robust evidence base about your current challenges, support needs, and advocacy priorities. We invite all supervisors to add their voices through our dedicated Supervisor Voices Survey.
Supporting our supervisors’ vital work
If you are a supervisor or educational leader, please take 5-10 minutes to complete this survey. Your feedback will inform updates to our services and prioritise advocacy efforts aimed at better supporting you.
As we prepare to implement our new curricula to train the next generation of physicians, gathering feedback on supervisor workload, wellbeing, and support needs is crucial.
More details can be found on the Supervisor Voices Survey page of the RACP website.
Responses are anonymous and will only be used for quality improvement.
If you have any queries, please email memberservices@racp.edu.au
If you are a current RACP trainee, do not miss the opportunity to have your voice heard by providing feedback in the Medical Board of Australia’s 2024 Medical Training Survey (MTS). Your experiences will help enhance education and training for you and other trainees.
The MTS is now live and open until early October. All doctors-in-training in Australia, including RACP trainees, are eligible and encouraged to participate. This year’s survey will build on past results and help our College monitor trends in training experiences over time, including comparisons between Basic and Advanced Trainees. Last year’s MTS showed overall satisfaction with workplace training but raised concerns about high workloads, workplace culture, and access to flexible working arrangements.
The RACP will use the 2024 survey findings to:
- improve training settings by addressing potential concerns with local leaders
- recognise high-performing settings with excellent clinical supervision and satisfaction
- inform systemic changes to improve physician training and medical culture.
About the Medical Training Survey
The MTS is a national survey of all doctors-in-training in Australia, independently administered by EY Sweeney. Only de-identified data will be provided to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) and the Medical Board of Australia. Results will be made publicly available via online summary reports later this year and an interactive reporting dashboard early next year.
A survey link will be provided to trainees once they renew their medical registration with Ahpra. Further details can be found by visiting the website. If you have questions regarding the MTS, please email MTS@ahpra.gov.au.
The Department of Health and Aged Care has commissioned Proximity Advisory Services to undertake an independent evaluation of the Specialist Training Program (STP).
As part of this initiative, you are invited to participate in a survey to assess the implementation, appropriateness, and effectiveness of its component programs.
At the end of the survey, you are invited to provide your name and contact details if you would like to be interviewed as part of the project. Interviews of up to one hour with small groups of survey respondents will take place in August 2024.
The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete and will close on Friday, 23 August 2024. If you have any questions or feedback, please email MSTSEvaluations@health.gov.au
The Specialist Training Program (STP)provides government funding to trainee specialists in training positions outside traditional metropolitan teaching hospitals, including private hospitals, specialist rooms, clinics and day surgeries, and non-clinical settings.
The aim of the STP is to enhance the specialist workforce by providing quality training opportunities in diverse locations to broaden trainees' experiences and increase the number of specialists serving in regional, rural, and remote areas.
The STP is delivered through 13 specialist medical colleges including the RACP and is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care. It supports around 920 training positions across all colleges and an additional 100 training posts through the Integrated Rural Training Pipeline.
Discover how the STP is shaping the careers of our members
RACMA has established a new Clinical Governance podcast series entitled Safeguarding Healthcare. This podcast offers an unfiltered view of patient safety, medical ethics, and healthcare decision-making.
Explore the series here: Safeguarding Healthcare Podcast Series
The RACP Congress in May of this year was opened by a fascinating lecture on mental health in the
medical workforce, which has been trimmed down for audio. Professor Neil Greenberg is an occupational psychiatrist with more than 23 years in the UK Armed Forces. His extensive research within defence and health settings has informed a very pragmatic understanding of the impact of trauma and relationships in the workplace.
Professor Greenberg overturns some entrenched beliefs we have about the presentation and management of mental illness, as does guest host Dr David Beaumont from the College Member Health and Wellbeing Committee. He reflects on the role of the Committee and how his own understanding of health has shifted in response to personal distress.
Guests:
- Professor Neil Greenberg FRCPsych, FHEA, MFMLM, MInstLM, MEWI, MFFLM (Kings College, London; March on Stress).
- Dr David Beaumont FAFOEM (Positive Medicine, Director; RACP Member Health and Wellbeing Committee).
Please visit the Pomegranate Health web page for a transcript and supporting references. Login to MyCPD to record listening and reading as a prefilled learning activity. Subscribe to new episode email alerts or search for ‘Pomegranate Health’ in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox or any podcasting app.
The RACP podcast, Pomegranate Health, has published over 100 episodes since starting out eight years ago.
To provide more frequent and focused content we’re seeking contributions from our speciality societies, committees and affiliated professional organisations.
To hear what this would sound like, listen to the episodes tagged [IMJ On-Air]
These episodes feature authors published in the Internal Medicine Journal being interviewed by the relevant section editor.
They have covered themes as varied as asthma management, hospital-acquired complications, causes of readmission and the JEV outbreak.
You already spend considerable time preparing lectures and webinars for your colleagues.
Audio podcasts provide an easy way to reach thousands more around the world.
Each episode gets downloaded around 6500 times over the first 12 months from publication, with 21 per cent of listeners located outside of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
All you need to do is to organise one or more presenters and an interviewer familiar with the material. The podcast producer will coordinate an online recording lasting about one hour and then edit it down before publication. The intention would be to ‘brand’ regular episodes from your specialty society or organisation in the same way that we’ve done with [IMJ On-Air].
Please send any questions or ideas to podcast@racp.edu.au
By completing your ‘work profile’ you will provide us with valuable insights which we can use to make evidence-based and informed advocacy decisions for improving workforce planning. All you need to do is log in to My RACP, click ‘update my work profile’ and answer a few questions about your work activities.
Complete your ‘work profile’
Save on all your favourite lifestyle and service brands from leading retailers across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand – with RACP Benefits. Our lifestyle benefits portal offers you exclusive discounts and genuine savings on items in a range of popular categories. To celebrate the launch of RACP Benefits, we have some great offers for you to explore.
So log in today and take advantage of your RACP Benefits
The RACP is seeking your feedback on gaps and opportunities for improvement in the College Learning Series (CLS). We also need your help to identify exemplar lectures. Tell us which CLS lecture/s you liked and why. Your feedback will help future presenters deliver high quality, engaging lectures that meet your needs and expectations.
Did you know that you can now update your address details online? Simply log in to MyRACP and go to 'Edit my details'.
Visit the RACP website to view more Expressions of Interest
AFOEM contact details
AFOEM Faculty enquiries (including Council and committees):
Jane Konjevic
AFOEM Executive Officer
Email: afoem@racp.edu.au
Aotearoa NZ AFOEM office:
Email: AoNZ_AFRM@racp.org.nz
AFOEM Education and Training enquiries:
Education Officer
Email: occenvmed@racp.edu.au
AFOEM Examination enquiries:
Examination Coordinator, Assessment and Selection Unit
Email: examinations@racp.edu.au
AFOEM training site accreditation enquiries:
Site Accreditation Unit
Email: accreditation@racp.edu.au
AFOEM CPD enquiries:
Email: mycpd@racp.edu.au