AMD eBulletin – 1 July 2022
A message from your President
Dear colleagues
G’day and kia ora
AMD President-elect
I would like to begin by welcoming Professor Brian Wood as the Adult Medicine Division (AMD) President-elect. I will invite Brian to introduce himself in the next edition of the eBulletin. The role of AMD President-elect is key in ensuring we, as a Division that represents the majority of RACP members, maintain a clear vision regarding what we want to achieve in the long term. Like any journey it doesn’t mean we won’t make detours as need requires (who would have expected COVID!), but just keeps us focused on our final destination. I look forward to working with Brian and the other members of AMD Executive and AMD Council over the next three years as we plot this course.
Join the AMD Council
I would like to encourage you to consider joining the AMD Council by applying to fill two vacant positions on the AMD Council which are open to Fellows in Australia. I strongly encourage you to get involved. For more details on the positions and how to apply, please visit the RACP website.
Being involved with AMD Council provides a valuable opportunity for Fellows to shape the future of our profession and contribute to the evolution of health and health care delivery in Australia.
Are you satisfied?
You should all now have received the RACP Member Satisfaction Survey. I encourage you to complete this survey, it only takes five minutes.
It is an important mechanism for all College members to communicate with the Board and to inform the future direction of our College. Low levels of participation make it is very difficult to interpret such surveys, so I would encourage as many of the AMD community as possible to participate in this survey, in order to make it meaningful. I would ask you to search for an email with a link to the survey from surveys@slmr.com.au, with the subject heading: Have your Say - RACP Satisfaction Survey 2022.
AMD workplan – Physician workforce
In my last eBulletin I outlined AMD’s current workplan and its focus on equity, fairness, and transparency in Advanced Training, workforce, physician leadership, and the rationale and function of AMD.
Considering the area of workforce, there is a clear need for our College (including each of our craft groups and specialty societies) to participate in the national discourse in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia regarding the future of our profession. A key element of this is the availability, sharing and interpretation of data regarding our current and projected physician workforce. This is not just about looking at the current number of physicians, but rather future workforce needs, physician aspirations and geographic distribution. The area of workforce provides an ideal opportunity for the specialty societies (represented by AMD) to engage with the College and shape the future of the medical workforce and their sub-specialties, and will be an ongoing focus for AMD.
When reflecting on our workforce, I can appreciate that ‘long-COVID’ is not the only underappreciated and unclear impact of COVID-19 on our lived experience over the last two and a half years. It is important that we learn from — and appreciate — the impact of COVID-19 and its ongoing effects on us as individuals and as a profession. In part, COVID-19 has demonstrated the relative resilience of our health system and the need for us, as individuals, to be prepared for — and to function and learn from —shocks and disasters.
It has also demonstrated the need to care for ourselves and colleagues, the importance of not just reserving kindness for our patients, but the need to recognise and seek help when we need it. It has also highlighted the importance of ensuring we are prepared and able to respond proactively to future disasters, whatever they may be.
As we progress into the uncertain world of ‘living with COVID-19’, part of our AMD workforce focus will be on what we can learn to make our profession a better one for ourselves, as well as our patients, and to appreciate how this may change expectations regarding our future individual practice.
AMD Executive Committee Member
Following on from the June AMD eBulletin, I am pleased to introduce my colleague Dr Janak de Zoysa, Aotearoa New Zealand (AoNZ) AMD Committee Chair, who joined the AMD Council and AMD Executive Committee in December 2021.
Dr Janak de Zoysa:
Tēnā koutou and ayubowan.
I am excited and privileged to start in the role of AoNZ AMD Chair and to work with Professor Graeme Maguire, and other members of the AMD, across Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia. I would like to thank and acknowledge Professor Rebecca Grainger and Dr Alison Drewry, outgoing Chair and Deputy Chair of this committee, for all their mahi (work).
A little bit about me, I was born in Sri Lanka and moved to Aotearoa at a young age, going to school in Whanganui and graduating from Waipapa Taumata Rau, the University of Auckland. I worked in small and large hospitals across the north and south islands, and also in the UK prior to returning to Auckland in 2004. I am a nephrologist and I also work with medical students from Waipapa Taumata Rau. I am married to Janeen, a general practitioner, and have four teenage children.
The RACP represents over 2,200 Fellows and 1,200 trainees in Aotearoa. Many of us feel more affiliated to specialty societies. However, the RACP offers an opportunity for our voice to be heard in unison. We are currently seeing a once-in-a-generation change to our health system due to the disestablishment of the District Health Boards (DHBs) and the creation of Health New Zealand to manage all primary and tertiary health services (in partnership with the Māori Health Authority). Climate change, sustainable practice, digital technology, inter- and trans-disciplinary activities are all areas of flux. The College can act as a key voice in all of these areas.
Te Tiriti ō Waitangi plays a key role in shaping society in Aotearoa. Hauora and mātauranga Māori will have a vital role in influencing our health system. I would like to draw attention to a vacancy on the AoNZ AMD Committee for a Fellow who can bring Kaupapa Māori perspectives to the committee, as well as vacancies for other committee members. Please do consider joining so your voice can be heard. Information on the positions can be found via the expressions of interest page on the RACP website.
I would very much like to hear your thoughts and would encourage you to reach out to me with any issues you want to see addressed. For any feedback or comments please do not get hesitate to get in touch through the secretariat or on the ROC.
Ngā mihi mahana,
Janak de Zoysa
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Thank you to Janak for the important role you play in leading the AoNZ branch of the AMD and the contribution you make to us across the ditch.
If you would like to discuss any of the above, I encourage you to reach out to me via the secretariat at adult.med@racp.edu.au or on the ROC.
Best wishes
Professor Graeme Maguire
Adult Medicine Division President
AChSHM President’s Post
Kia ora koutou
Please see the 2022 AChSHM awards below. Apply now or forward these to someone who you think may be interested in applying.
On a side note, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Aotearoa New Zealand disproportionately affect young people, men who have sex with men, and Māori and Pasifika. The Aotearoa New Zealand STI guidelines for primary care have been updated in conjunction with the Australasian Society for HIV, Viral Hepatitis and Sexual Health Medicine (ASHM), and can be found on a dedicated website. I would encourage you to view these.
Lastly, there are currently two vacant positions on the Training Committee in Sexual Health Medicine (TCSHM) available to AChSHM Fellows, which you may wish to consider applying for.
The Committee oversees the Advanced Training program in sexual health medicine and is responsible for:
- monitoring and reviewing training program requirements and curricula in consultation with relevant stakeholders
- monitoring and assessing individual trainee progress, including assessing applications like training applications and applications for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
- modifying training requirements for individual trainees as appropriate, in accordance with College policies and procedures
- reviewing Advanced Training Research Projects
- reviewing logbooks in the areas of HIV medicine and reproductive health
- reviewing Advanced Training settings in sexual health medicine including conducting site accreditation visits.
The Committee holds one face-to-face meeting in November 2022, and up to three videoconferences a year.
I would encourage anyone interested to submit their Expression of Interest before the closing date of 15 July 2022.
Our next AChSHM Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, 14 September 2022. If there are any items you would like to raise with the Committee, or if you have any feedback for us, please feel free to contact us through our secretariat at shmed@racp.edu.au.
Ka kite anō au i a koutou!
Dr Massimo Giola
Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine President
AChPM President’s Post
I’m pleased to report that the College’s latest RACP Member Statistics and Insights Report is now available. I recommend you download a copy and read on to find out more. The report provides aggregate Fellow and trainee membership data broken down by:
- Division, Faculty and Chapter
- physician career stage
- regional distribution in both countries
- international membership
- demographics such as age, gender and other characteristics.
The report also identifies trends in cohort growth, emphasising the rapidly changing nature of our profession. Please send any feedback or comments on the report to memberservices@racp.edu.au.
We currently have one role available on the AChPM Committee which will assist the Chapter in guiding the governance framework and the direction of the Chapter. An Expression of Interest is open for applications and contains further details on the position and the application process. I would encourage you to apply and help to guide the future of our Chapter.
Do you have a question for your Chapter committee? We welcome any feedback or comments, so please feel free to contact us through the Chapter secretariat at PallMed@racp.edu.au. The next Chapter Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, 27 September 2022.
Associate Professor Peter Poon
Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine President
I am pleased to announce that the AChAM Nghi Phung Research Project Prize is now open for applications until Monday, 19 July 2022. This award is offered annually to the best Advanced Training Research Project on addiction medicine. The award includes a cash prize of A$1,000 and a certificate formally presented at the The Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD) Conference. Visit our website for more information.
Please see the NSW/ACT AChAM Committee Branch Convenor role that is currently open for applications. Please consider applying and/or forwarding this opportunity to someone who you think may be interested.
I encourage you to log on to the RACP Online Community (ROC) to connect with other members and remain up-to-date with key issues from the College. The ROC is a fantastic platform to connect with other members and remain abreast of news and what is happening across the College.
Lastly, I would like to bring your attention the ISAM Valletta Congress 2022 held from 4 to 7 October. The congress is organised by ISAM in collaboration with the Foundation for Social Welfare Services and the University of Malta. It will be held in English, with selected sessions translated to French and Spanish. For more information view the website.
The AChAM Committee will next meet on Friday, 22 July 2022. If you have any feedback, questions, or comments for me or the Committee, please get in touch through our secretariat at AddictionMed@racp.edu.au.
Professor Adrian Dunlop
Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine President
Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
All Expressions of Interest
Queen's Birthday Honours 2022
Congratulations to the 26 RACP Fellows recognised in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours list.
These awards highlight the outstanding work RACP members do and the importance of that work in local, national and international communities.
To view the full list of award recipients, visit the RACP Queen's Birthday Honours 2022 webpage.
Australian Federal Election Advocacy
The RACP welcomes the new Australian Federal Government, in particular its commitment to the Uluru Statement from the Heart which we whole-heartedly support.
The RACP will work with the new Australian Government on the improvements in the healthcare system and caring industries it has committed to, following strong advocacy from the RACP and other voices. These include improvements to aged care, childcare, a review of the NDIS, the establishment of a centre for prevention and disease control and a A$1.5 billion medical manufacturing fund.
As part of the Kids COVID Catch Up campaign we have been calling for mental health funding for children and young people, and the government has announced its Student Wellbeing Boost to provide mental health funding in schools. In addition, The Hon. Mark Butler MP, who may be the new Health Minister, committed to rapid review of supports required for children with disability in schools, in response to emails from Kids COVID Catch Up campaign supporters. We will be holding the new government to these commitments and urging it to go further.
During the election, the RACP led the Healthy Climate Future campaign, which is supported by nine other medical colleges, representing more than 100,000 doctors. We are calling for a climate-ready and climate-friendly healthcare system. We look forward to working with the new government to develop a national strategy on climate change and health, which it has previously committed to. The strategy must improve the resilience of our healthcare system to extreme weather events and reduce the healthcare system’s emissions — which currently make up about seven per cent of national emissions — to net zero.
Gender equity in medicine
Our profession is changing
We are pleased to announce the Gender Equity in Medicine Working Group Report, launched at an event on 21 June 2022. Thank you to those who attended and supported this important event.
Visit the Gender Equity in Medicine webpage to access the report, the launch event recording, and other resources, and to stay up-to-date with College initiatives within this area. We also encourage interested members to get involved in the new Gender Equity in Medicine Committee.
Find out more
The RACP Trainee Research Awards 2022 are now open
Are you a trainee or a first year Fellow who would like to be recognised for your research? This is your chance to submit your abstract for the 2022 RACP Trainee Research Awards. This prestigious annual event is open to all Divisions, Faculties and Chapters, and winners will be selected from each Australian state/territory and from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Trainees who receive the top honours at their regional events will be invited to present alongside recognised researchers at RACP Congress 2023, with complimentary registration and travel, and have their abstracts published in the Congress supplement of the Internal Medicine Journal.
For information about eligibility, selection criteria, the abstract submission, and applying, please view this webpage. Submit your application by Tuesday, 31 August 2022, 5pm AEST.
Apply now
Applications closing soon for RACP awards
Applications are still open for a number of RACP awards. Apply for the following opportunities before the upcoming deadlines:
Round Two Applications for Education Development (Study) Grants are now open
These include the RACP AChSHM Study Grants, Queensland Regional Committee Educational Development Grant and Skilled Medical Scholarship for Advancement of Indigenous Health. Full details of these opportunities are available on the RACP Foundation Research Awards webpage.
See all scholarships, awards, prizes and grants
College Medals and Awards
Nominations are now open for the following College and Fellowship awards. These awards acknowledge outstanding contributions and achievements made by Fellows and trainees in their respective fields. We encourage you to nominate for the following medals:
- The John Sands Medal recognises a Fellow who makes a significant contribution to the welfare of 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 who has 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 College, community and trainee activities.
- The Eric Susman Prize is awarded by the College to a Fellow for best contribution to the knowledge of internal medicine.
Full details of these medals, prizes and awards are available on the RACP Foundation webpage.
Internal Medicine Journal – June 2022 edition now available
The June 2022 issue of the Internal Medicine Journal (IMJ) is now live on the Wiley Online Library and the RACP website (log in using your RACP login credentials). Access articles tweeted on IMJ's Twitter account for free, for a limited time. The easiest way to access the IMJ is via the Wiley Online Library App, so find out how you can access it today.
This month’s Editor's Choice is an original article titled A pilot study of a machine-learning tool to assist in the diagnosis of hand arthritis.
Key highlights from the issue are:
- Artificial intelligence in cardiology
- Platypnoea-Orthodeoxia syndrome as an uncommon cause of dyspnoea
- Head and neck cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- Diabetic ketoacidosis and mental health disorders
- Unusual presentations of CNS myeloid sarcoma
View the latest issue
Trainees: get involved with the College Learning Series
Second year AMD Basic Trainees are invited to join the College Learning Series (CLS) Committee (Adult Medicine) as a Trainee Representative. The CLS Committee (Adult Medicine) oversees the adult medicine stream of the College Learning Series (CLS), with its primary role in the development and review of the annual program.
For more information please view the Expression of Interest webpage or email us at cls@racp.edu.au. EOI submissions will close at 5pm (AEST) on 4 July 2022.
Apply now
Join the Overseas Trained Physicians (OTP) Assessment Subcommittee
Fellows from the Adult Medicine Division and the Chapters are invited to express their interest in joining the OTP Assessment Subcommittee.
Members of the OTP Assessment Subcommittee can make a fundamental impact on the health service delivery and the quality of care in the Australian health system. Click here to find out more, or apply now by 20 July 2022.
Apply now
RACP CPD research goes international — attend the webinar
Join College staff Carol Pizzuti and Dr Cristiana Palmieri as they present “Using electronic health data to strengthen Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for medical practitioners”.
This webinar is being presented as part of their CPD PhD project, and is being hosted internationally at the Medical Education Research Unit (MERU), Imperial College School of Medicine, London. The project aims to investigate how medical regulations, CPD programs, and data culture in health-care service organisations have an impact on the use of electronic health data analysis, and how this can be used to strengthen CPD for medical practitioners.
Findings from the project will be used to develop evidence-based recommendations for Australian medical regulatory bodies, health-care service organizations, and medical education providers to improve their current and future governance, planning, and decision-making processes. This insight will inform ongoing practice improvement.
Attend the webinar on Tuesday, 12 July 2022 from 6pm to 7.30pm (AWST) / 8pm to 9.30pm (AEST) / 10pm to 11.30pm (NZST).
Register your attendance
RACP supports Cancer Council Victoria’s campaign on unhealthy food advertising to children
The RACP has endorsed Cancer Council Victoria’s state-wide advocacy campaign, which aims to reduce children’s exposure to unhealthy food and drink advertising as they commute, learn and play.
The campaign calls on the Victorian Government to restrict the advertising on public transport assets, public transport infrastructure and within 500 metres of schools. It underpins the Victorian Cancer Plan and the recently released Victorian Government’s Healthy Kids, Healthy Futures action plan that includes a priority action of “Exploring legislative options to create healthier environments for children and young people”.
The campaign is aligned with the College Obesity Statement’s recommendation to “introduce regulations to restrict the marketing of unhealthy diets to children and young people”, which is also one of the key recommendations of our ongoing Kids Covid Catch Up campaign.
RACP members who are interested in backing this campaign are welcome to sign up in an individual capacity via the campaign website.
Pomegranate Health podcast — Ep82: Coming back from Burnout
Ep82: Coming back from Burnout — Congress 2022
Not a day goes by where there isn’t a headline about the overstretched health service and the struggling professionals in it. But COVID-19 didn’t create this situation; the pandemic was just the straw that broke the camel’s back.
At the RACP Congress in May 2022, ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon Eric Levi FRACS explained why burnout should be considered an occupational disorder and not as a mental health condition, and how the medical profession has a way of consuming one’s personal life on top of the stresses of work relationships and the job itself.
Associate Professor Michelle Telfer FRACP talked about being hounded for two years by the conservative press over her work with young people struggling with gender identity. Pain specialist Olivia Ong FAFRM FFPMANZCA described how she had been driven by an unhealthy professional identity until a traumatic spinal injury forced her to reconsider the meaning of self-care. Both physicians found the courage to take control of the situation and define their roles on their own terms.
RACP Member Assistance Program
Converge International
- Australia: 1300 687 327
- Aotearoa New Zealand: 0800 666 367
24hr Counselling for Doctors in Distress
Doctor’s Health Advisory Service Helpline
Lifeline
Pomegranate Health podcast — Ep81: Advocacy from the Top
Ep81: Advocacy from the Top
This podcast is the final part of our series on advocacy. In this episode we examine what happens to advocacy issues after they land on an MP’s desk, and how they eventually become policy. We hear the perspectives of two physicians who took advocacy to the next level and ran for Federal Parliament. They explain the process of getting health policy heard and how to push it onto the political agenda. Listen to their interviews in the RACP documentary titled: The Advocate's Journey.
Guests
- Dr Rob Lethbridge FRACP (Perth Children’s Hospital)
- Dr Mike Freelander MP FRACP
- Dr Katie Allen MP (at time of interview)
Subscribe to email alerts or search for ‘Pomegranate Health’ in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, or any podcasting app. Fellows of the RACP can claim CPD credits for listening via MyCPD. For a transcript and further references please visit our website.
Specialty Society Webinar Series 2022
Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society webinar “MHT and Bone Protection: Who, When and How” —Monday, 4 July 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Join Associate Professor Amanda Vincent for her presentation on the role of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) in the management of osteoporosis and a practical guide to prescribing MHT.
Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists webinar “Surgical Epilepsy Management” — Wednesday, 13 July 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Join Dr Andrew Neal for his presentation on Surgical Epilepsy Management.
Australia and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine webinar “Kidney Supportive Care – An Overview” — Monday, 18 July 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Join Dr Frank Brennan for his presentation on Kidney Supportive Care – An Overview.
Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society webinar “Bone Health in Neurological Disorders” — Tuesday, 19 July 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
Australian Rheumatology Association webinar “COVID-19 and DMARDs: Keeping up with the Latest Evidence” — Monday, 25 July 2022, 7pm to 8pm AEST / 9pm to 10pm NZST.
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Join rheumatologist, Associate Professor Philip Robinson, co-founder of the COVID-19 Global Rheumatology Alliance, on this practical and contemporary webinar on COVID-19 and DMARDs use. The webinar will cover up-to-date information on, vaccination requirements and vaccination reactions, anti-viral treatment and monoclonal antibodies, and EVUSHELD.
Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society webinar “How to Navigate Diagnosing and the Management of GDM in the Era of Bariatric Surgery” — Tuesday, 26 July 2022, 5pm to 6pm AEST / 7pm to 8pm NZST.
- Join nurse practitioner, midwife and credentialed diabetes educator Marina Mickleson as she discusses the types of bariatric surgery, ways to diagnose GDM in women who have had bariatric surgery and diet considerations for women diagnosed with GDM post bariatric surgery.
Save the date
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists webinar — Wednesday, 3 August 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Australia and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine webinar — Monday, 15 August 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists webinar —Wednesday, 24 August 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society webinar — Wednesday, 24 August 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Australian and New Zealand Bone and Mineral Society webinar — Monday, 29 August 2022, 6pm to 7pm AEST / 8pm to 9pm NZST.
- Australia Rheumatology Association webinar — Tuesday, 30 August 2022, 7pm to 8pm AEST / 9pm to 10pm NZST.
Download the ROC mobile app
Did you know the ROC (RACP Online Community) has a mobile app that allows you to connect and discuss on the go? The app can be used to initiate discussions, find other members, read the latest posts, and share your expertise.
Simply type ‘RACP-ROC’ into Apple store or Google Play, then download the app, and connect with your colleagues today.
Log into the ROC
Member Advantage — Let's celebrate Christmas in July!
Winter is here and with the colder weather comes the opportunity to celebrate with family and friends. It's also a great time to shop and save with great offers and discounts on your rewards platform.
Go into the draw to win a $500 Harvey Norman eGift Card* when you make any purchase on the platform between 7pm and 10pm AEST on Fridays in July. That's a total of 5 lucky winners and you could be one!
Available online 24/7. That's your Member Advantage.
*Terms & Conditions apply.
Australian member access Aotearoa New Zealand member access
Other news and events
News
Events
- Webinar: Surgical Epilepsy Management — 13 July, 6pm AEST
- Webinar: Kidney Supportive Care – An Overview — 18 July, 6pm AEST
- Webinar: Bone Health in Neurological Disorders — 19 July, 6pm AEST
- Financial Wellbeing Webinar: Tips and Traps — 21 July, 7pm AEST
- Webinar: The Next Five Years in Health — 23 July, 10am AEST
- Webinar: COVID-19 and DMARDs: Keeping Up with the Latest Evidence — 25 July, 7pm AEST
- Webinar: How to Navigate Diagnosing and the Management of GDM in the Era of Bariatric Surgery — 26 July, 5pm AEST
- Webinar: Peripheral Neuropathy — 3 August, 6pm AEST
- Webinar: Make it count: Choose every blood product for transfusion wisely — 10 August, 6pm AEST
- Webinar: Quality and Safety in Rural Australia — 11 August, 5pm AEST
View career opportunities on the RACP website.