AMD eBulletin – 18 November 2022
A message from your President-elect
G’day and kia ora
As the end of the year is fast approaching, many of us are looking forward to some well-earned time off, whilst others will be working over the holiday period. I urge you to take any opportunity to rest and to plan leave where possible. It is important to consider our own wellbeing as a priority. For the last few years in particular, the work we do has taken its toll, and for some of us it has been a lot longer.
I would like to thank the members of the College AMD team who have supported Graeme and me over the last year, working tirelessly behind the scenes.
AMD Council Member Introduction
In last month’s AMD eBulletin, we completed introducing you to the members of the AMD Executive Committee who work hard to progress our Division’s projects. We hope you found it useful to put faces to names, and to recognise who can be approached for further discussions on any concerns or ideas you may wish to progress from an adult medicine perspective.
We now move our focus to the members of the AMD Council, although that introduction may take a little longer as the AMD Council consists of 41 members.
The first AMD Council member that I would like to introduce is Dr Tom Wilkinson.
Tom is an Endocrinology Advanced Trainee based in Ōtautahi/Christchurch. He is currently enrolled full-time in a PhD through the University of Otago, focusing on investigating fully automated closed loop systems in diabetes.
Tom firmly believes in the importance of trainee participation in College decision-making bodies, through which positive incremental change is possible. He places particular importance on ensuring that the specific perspective of Aotearoa New Zealand-based trainees is heard, as this perspective can help College bodies consider a truly bi-national view. To this end, he has sat on the AMD Council as a Trainee Representative since 2018 and is currently a Deputy Chair of the College Trainees' Committee and Co-Chair of the Aotearoa New Zealand Trainees' Committee.
Outside of clinical medicine, Tom plays the trumpet in multiple community orchestras, and helps organise the New Zealand Doctors' Orchestra. He enjoys spending time in the spectacular outdoors of Aotearoa New Zealand, through photography, tramping (a New Zealand term for hiking or bush-walking), and skiing.
Personally, I agree entirely about trainee participation and strongly encourage any of you who would like to get involved to do so. It is an excellent opportunity to develop your non-clinical careers and to make a difference to the overall voice of our trainees.
Member Statistics and Insights Report
In case you missed it, the RACP has recently released its annual Member Statistics and Insights Report. The report provides membership data across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and identifies trends in cohort growth, emphasising the rapidly changing nature of our membership.
Read the report here
AMD workplan
This month the AMD Executive, and the wider AMD Council, reviewed and made the final adjustments to the AMD workplan. The final stage is underway, and the plan will be sent onto the Board shortly for endorsement.
The workplan outlines the planned work for the AMD for the next three years, and as such, is a critical focus of the Council that commenced in May 2022. We hope to share it with you after it is endorsed.
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 within our community on the ROC.
Professor Brian Wood
President-elect, Adult Medicine Division
AChSHM President’s Post
Kia ora koutou,
There is a position vacant for a Fellow to join the AChSHM Committee. I encourage AChSHM Fellows to consider applying for this position or forwarding it onto someone who you think might be interested. This is a great opportunity for you to contribute and have your say on Chapter matters.
Find out more and apply
The Training Committee in Sexual Health Medicine (TCSHM) is seeking to increase its review panel that assists with case study and/or project marking for our Advanced Trainees. Marking guidelines with FAQs will be sent to new markers to assist the process. For more information on joining our marking panel, or to request an EOI form, please contact the Sexual Health Medicine Education Officers via email shmedtraining@racp.edu.au.
From across the College, the 2022 Member Statistics and Insights Report has been released. The report provides membership data across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and identifies trends in cohort growth, emphasising the rapidly changing nature of our membership. Find the summary of results in the 2022 Member Statistics and Insights Report (PDF) (behind member log in).
Outside of the College, the Australian Volunteers Program is an Australian Government-funded initiative that supports global volunteering. The Program is seeking an HIV Clinical Mentor who can live and volunteer in Timor Leste for six months. Join the Australian Volunteers Program to contribute to sustainable development across the Asia Archipelago.
A reminder to save the date for the 2023 AChSHM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) meeting on Saturday, 18 March 2023, and for the Annual Trainee Meeting on Friday, 17 March 2023. Also save the date for our next AChSHM Committee meeting taking place on Thursday, 24 November 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
Hello and kia ora,
I would like to draw your attention to some valuable resources relating to palliative medicine and a AChPM toolkit (behind member login). These resources are designed to assist members to reflect on their practice and performance, as well as provide opportunities for further learning and professional development.
We are still looking for members to join our Palliative Medicine Marking Panel. The Panel assists with case study and/or project marking for our Advanced Training and Clinical Diploma Trainees. To apply please see the following expression of interest details. Volunteering your time can also contribute towards you Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and can be included on your CV, though we understand that this is not the key motivation in helping. Thank you to those who have already put their hands up; we will ensure your requests are processed expediently.
The 2022 Member Statistics and Insights Report has been released. The report provides membership data across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and identifies trends in cohort growth, emphasising the rapidly changing nature of our membership. Find the summary of results in the 2022 Member Statistics and Insights Report (PDF) (behind member log in).
Lastly, I encourage you to log on to the RACP Online Community (ROC). The ROC is a fantastic platform to connect with other members and remain abreast of news, priorities, issues, and what is happening more generally across the College.
The next Chapter Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, 6 December 2022. 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.
Associate Professor Peter Poon
Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine President
Hello and kia ora
Firstly, I would like to congratulate Dr Michael Findlay on receiving the 2023 AChAM Nghi Phung Research Project Prize. The AChAM Nghi Phung Research Project Prize is awarded annually to the best Advanced Training Research Project in Addiction Medicine.
Dr Findlay is an Addiction Medicine Consultant at Drug and Alcohol Services South Australia, with a special interest in the crossover between pain and dependence. He is interested in the quality stewardship of opioid medications and is involved in a state-wide committee that is looking at this issue. Well done Dr Findlay.
I am pleased to advise that the 2023 International Medicine in Addiction Conference (IMiA), will be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on 17 to 19 February 2023. The Conference will explore the theme of collaborate, innovate, and survive. Bringing together expert international and local voices, this event should not be missed.
The International Society of Addiction Medicine (ISAM) Training Committee is excited to launch a new international survey scoping the training needs and experiences of addiction doctors around the world. The survey is open to all medical professionals who have worked in addiction medicine or psychiatry for at least five years.
Lastly, the 2022 Member Statistics and Insights Report has been released. The report provides membership data across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand and identifies trends in cohort growth, emphasising the rapidly changing nature of our membership. Find the summary of results in the 2022 Member Statistics and Insights Report (PDF) (behind member log in).
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
Scholarships and prizes
RACP President's Indigenous Congress Prize
The RACP President's Indigenous Congress Prize is open to medical students, junior medical officers and RACP trainees who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori. The selected applicant will receive support to attend RACP Congress 2023 to gain educational and networking opportunities and exposure to career pathways within the College.
Please encourage anyone you know who is eligible to apply. Applications close on 30 November 2022. See the website for further details.
ANZAN Indigenous Scholarship for Advanced Trainees in Neurology
The Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists (ANZAN) is offering an annual scholarship that provides support to an RACP Advanced Trainee who identifies as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori and is undertaking the Advanced Training Program in Neurology.
See the website for more details. Applications close on 30 November 2022.
RACP Indigenous Health Scholarships
The RACP Indigenous Health Scholarship Program aims to support medical graduates and current RACP trainees who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait islander or Māori on their chosen career path to becoming a physician. The Scholarships provide a funded pathway through Basic, Advanced, Faculty or Chapter training in Australia and/or Aotearoa New Zealand.
Several scholarships are available for 2023:
Basic, Advanced or Chapter training
- College Indigenous Australian and Māori Health Scholarship
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Scholarship
- Aotearoa Māori Health Scholarship
- Aotearoa Pacific Islander Health Scholarship.
Applications close on 30 November 2022. Further details on these scholarships are available on the RACP Foundation website.
Medibank cybercrime update for medical specialist providers
Medibank has released an update on the cybercrime attack which includes information relating to Medibank customers, providers, and partners which may have been accessed. Medibank is contacting all affected customers and providers.
Medibank is working with Service Australia to ensure appropriate preventative and monitoring measures are in place. The Australian Federal Police are working on an operation to protect customers and providers who have had their personal information unlawfully released.
Further information is available in Medibank’s cybercrime media update.
Your 2023 MyCPD is now open
The 2023 CPD year is now open. You can familiarise yourself with the upcoming changes to MyCPD taking place from 1 January 2023 onwards, and start planning your learning for the year ahead. You can also review the following resources:
Consultation open for new drafts Advanced Training curricula – have your say
We welcome your feedback to help shape the future of our Advanced Training programs. Consultation is now open for the following draft curricula.
Further information about the curriculum development process and how you can contribute to the consultation is available in this short video. If you have any questions, please email curriculum@racp.edu.au or contact Member Services.
Victorian election advocacy: The Kids COVID Catch Up and Healthy Climate Future campaigns
If you live in Victoria, you can support advocacy for the Kids COVID Catch Up and Healthy Climate Future campaigns by visiting the following links.
Not in Victoria? You can still get involved by signing up to the Kids COVID Catch Up campaign and the Healthy Climate Future campaign to keep up-do-date on future advocacy plans.
Internal Medicine Journal – October 2022
The October 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, find out how you can access it.
Key highlights from the issue are:
- CKD: sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitor therapy
- Complementary and alternative therapies in the palliative setting
- Epstein-Barr virus-related lymphoma in rheumatoid arthritis
- Burden of spinal infections as a complication of injecting drug use
- A risk score to predict peripherally inserted central catheter thrombosis
- Fibrosis severity in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Read the journal
Specialist Training Program – EOIs closing soon for project funding support
The Specialist Training Program (STP) will be open for expressions of interest (EOIs) for project funding support until Monday, 21 November 2022. The program provides funding to training sites to deliver support projects that aim to provide successful and sustainable training in expanded healthcare settings.
Read more and apply
Apply to join the Specialist Training Program Advisory Group
Expressions of interest are open to Fellows to fill two vacant positions within the STP Advisory Group. The Group advises the College on developing policies, guidelines, and processes for STP obligations and assessments.
Read more and apply
Member Diversity and Inclusion Survey
The RACP Membership Diversity Advisory Group (MDAG) has developed a short survey to increase its understanding of member identities. Member experience will assist us to progress the work needed for a more inclusive culture, where everyone feels valued and respected.
Complete the survey
Updates from RACP Evolve
The Evolve program is a physician-led initiative that reflects the RACP’s commitment to high-quality, safe, and effective healthcare.
New Evolve animations to reduce low-value care
RACP Evolve is working on a series of videos and recommendations on low-value practices. You can watch the Join the Evolve movement animation to learn more, and see the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine’s top five Evolve Recommendations.
Provide your feedback on draft Evolve Strategy Implementation Plan 2022 to 2026
The Evolve Strategy for 2022-26 was recently refreshed, informed by literature and feedback from a cross-College consultation. The Evolve Strategy Implementation Plan 2022-26 is undergoing a second round of consultation across the College. Please send your feedback to evolve@racp.edu.au by 30 November 2022.
It is time to complete your ‘My Work Profile’
My Work Profile captures the professional activities of physicians across a range of roles and geographical sites. By completing your My Work Profile you help us support advocacy activities on behalf of our members and inform future workforce planning.
We listened to your feedback about completing your My Work Profile, so this year we have simplified the questionnaire, so it should only take five minutes to complete. In recognition of your time, if you complete your profile between November and February, you will go into a draw to win a $300 Prezzee gift card. We have three gift cards to give away, with one winner chosen at random at the end of each month.
Complete your profile or find out more.
IMJ On-Air podcast — Ep2: Managing cannabinoid use in palliative care
Ep2: Managing cannabinoid use in palliative care
Patients in palliative care settings may be more inclined than most to try alternative therapies. However, they are also more vulnerable to side effects. In this podcast, Professor Jennifer Martin and Dr Joanne Patel, authors of Complementary and alternative therapies in the palliative setting, describe how cannabinoid products have become more readily accessible to patients in recent years. However, given the wide variety of products available, the drug effects are not always as a patient or doctor might expect.
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.
Mentor Match – now available on the ROC
Mentor Match is an innovative program to help you connect with other members, based on your mentoring preferences and professional goals. Mentors provide guidance and support to mentees, while mentees are given the opportunity to develop personally and professionally and receive constructive feedback to improve performance and outcomes.
Find your perfect match
Medical Costs Finder: progress update
Medical Costs Finder is an Australian Government initiative to improve transparency of out-of-pocket costs of medical specialist services. The Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) is working on proposed improvements which will allow individual medical specialists to publish practising locations, indicative fees, and private health insurer arrangements for a selected number of common services.
For further information on the initiative, see this newsletter or visit DoHAC’s frequently asked questions.
Medical Services Advisory Committee: Review of MBS items for subacromial decompression
The evidence review is now available for the 1711-Review of MBS items for subacromial decompression. Consultation comments on the review need to be received no later than
21 December 2022 via commentsMSAC@health.gov.au.
Questions for consultation
1. In the trials and in usual practice, X-ray, US and MRI are used to exclude other shoulder pathologies or determine the state of rotator cuff tendons, rather than to identify the source of the impingement. A small number of publications use X-ray to identify radiologic causes of impingement. Is this useful in clinical practice and patient selection?
2. Are there any other patient characteristics or selection criteria which are relevant for patient selection, or for identifying patients who may best benefit from surgery?
3. At baseline, patients in the trials have unclear or varied access to previous conservative therapies including physiotherapy or exercise therapy. Publications suggest that patient experiences of conservative therapies in Australia also varied, although it is unclear if this applies to patients who have surgery. In Australia, do patients with subacromial impingement have appropriate access to best practice conservative therapy and advice prior to being considered for surgery?
The biggest sales of the year are on this November
During November, your member benefits platform has deals and savings like never before. Enjoy great travel deals, retail savings, and new hot deals every week. To experience your membership rewards like never before, log in to your Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand benefits platform today. Available online 24/7. That's your Member Advantage. *Terms and conditions apply.
Australian member access Aotearoa New Zealand member access
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