AFOEM News - April 2025
Planning is well advanced for the Annual Training Meeting (ATM) being held at the Novotel Hotel near Brisbane airport on 17-18 May. Well done to Dr Clare Wood and Dr Andrew Lingwood for all their efforts to put this meeting together at short notice. I look forward to greeting all attendees at the ATM.
The AFOEM Annual Members Meeting will be held at the RACP premises on level 27 of 1 O’Connell Street from 6-7 pm AEST on Wednesday, 28 May. Reports will be provided by the President, Chair of the Policy and Advocacy Committee, Chair of the Education Committee and the Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Committee. Following these updates, I will hand the presidency over to current President-elect Dr Armand Casolin. The meeting will be a hybrid event and all are welcome and encouraged to attend in person or online.
As a result, there will be changes to our AFOEM committees. Dr Kalesh Seevnarain will assume the role of Chair, Policy and Advocacy Committee, so a successor for the Chair of the Faculty Training Committee is required. This is an important role with the new curriculum and training program commencing in 2026. Dr June Sim is finishing her term in the Faculty Assessment Committee and a successor is essential. Dr Sim has provided outstanding dedication in this role and requires a well-deserved rest. Professor Tim Driscoll is also looking for an interested Fellow to assess and approve Ramazzini presentation abstracts. Please think about supporting your Faculty and look out for the EOIs.
Voting for RACP Board positions is now open and voting closes at 5pm AEST on Tuesday, 29 April 2025. Members would have received emails from CorpVote Voting Services on Friday, 28 March. It is important that AFOEM members express their preferences for those who have nominated for Board positions.
The RACP AGM will be held on Friday, 30 May. Some important governance changes are being announced and will be put to members for consideration. These changes are significant and are consistent with recommendations from the ACNC review a couple of years ago. Your views on these changes are most important.
Dr Rob McDonald has nearly completed a review of Health Benefits of Good Work® and sought the views of several key stakeholders, both internal and external. He is currently having discussions with PRACP and the CEO on how this initiative might proceed and continue to be supported.
Dr Warren Harrex
AFOEM President
Scope of Practice
Following a request from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), AFOEM Council was asked to develop a list of tasks undertaken by OEM physicians for the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). They are now available: OEM Scope of Practice.
Media release – Engineered stone: No one should be exposed to deadly dust just by showing up for work
The RACP made a recent submission to the government consultation on working with engineered stone. Find out more.
It Pays to Care
Addressing psychosocial workplace claims and management is important for workers and workplaces. That’s why the RACP developed the ‘It Pays to Care’ policy, designed to bring evidence-informed practice to work injury schemes.
The RACP Foundation offers Fellowships, scholarships, grants, and prizes to members dedicated to advancing healthcare.
Now open
RACP AFOEM Research Development Grants: applications for funding open 17 June to 31 July 2025.
Closed
Ramazzini Prize: awarded annually for the best scientific paper related to occupational and environmental medicine presented by an AFOEM trainee. This year’s trainees will present as part of the AFOEM ATM from 17 to 18 May 2025 at the Novotel Brisbane Airport. Trainees have been contacted with further information about their presentations.
There are also various Research and Award Grants, and Medals and Prizes that recognise the exceptional contributions and achievements of our Fellows and trainees.
Discover how you can get involved and make a difference by volunteering for an exciting opportunity within your Faculty.
View more
expressions of interest.
Our updated events list provides a great opportunity to gain new insights, broaden your knowledge, and network with your colleagues.
- AFOEM Annual Training Meeting 2025, 17 to 18 May 2025, Novotel Brisbane Airport, Brisbane. Register here. Please note: The Novotel Brisbane Airport is offering a special accommodation discount, which has been shared with AFOEM trainees. If you did not receive the code, please contact afoem@racp.edu.au
- AFOEM Annual Members Meeting, Wednesday, 28 May 2025 at 6pm. Attend online or in-person at the RACP Sydney office, 1 O’Connell Street, Sydney. Registrations opening soon.
ANZSOM also has several events and webinars coming up including:
Visit the College website for our full list of events.
Trainees' corner
Stay up to date with the latest news from the trainee community and discover ways to enhance your training.
Stage A Written Examination
The Stage A Written Examination tests your knowledge in occupational and environmental medicine to determine if you can progress to Stage B training: See key dates here.
AFOEM Stage B Written Examination
The Stage B Written Examination tests your knowledge in occupational and environmental medicine through scenario based, short answers: See key dates here.
AFOEM Stage B Practical Examination
The Stage B Practical Examination tests your clinical skills in occupational and environmental medicine at the end of Stage B training: See key dates here
Visit the RACP website to view the latest news.
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