AMD eBulletin – 26 August 2022
A message from your President
G’day and kia ora
In this post I would like to introduce you to the Advanced Trainee Representative on the AMD Council Executive, Dr Anthony Deacon. I have worked with Anthony on the AMD Council Executive Committee for several years, and I have been impressed by his ability to see the bigger picture and participate constructively in debates. This has been of pertinent value for our trainees to have representation when they are faced with the stress of work, negotiating training pathways, and dealing with the understandable frustrations associated with previous examination issues.
Anthony completed his medical degree in 2016 at the University of Queensland, and is currently working as an Advanced Trainee in gastroenterology and hepatology at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital. After training at two large inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) centres at the Mater Hospital Brisbane and the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Anthony will be completing his training next year as a luminal gastroenterology and IBD Fellow at the Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane. He also has interests in general gastroenterology and liver disease, and loves the varied nature of the specialty.
Prior to entering medicine, Anthony completed his first degree at the age of 17 in information technology. He then went on to complete a master’s degree in this area, as well as a master’s degree in business. Additionally, he has degrees in biomedical science, medical leadership, and academic practice (tertiary education). For several years, he taught undergraduate and postgraduate data science and was actively involved in research at the Queensland University of Technology and University of Queensland. He has a number of publications in this area, as well as medical information retrieval, internal medicine, and telehealth.
Working with committees, such as the AMD Council Executive, is important for trainees as their experiences can help guide the future of the College. Anthony believes in this role strongly and believes that clinicians at all levels should be actively engaged in these bodies.
Outside of medicine, Anthony is currently struggling to buy a house (like most people in their late 20s), and tries to bring some calm to his life by tending to his balcony garden.
Eventually, Anthony plans to combine clinical work with medical administration, with a focus on improving clinical services on a large scale. How he will achieve that is still to be determined, but we look forward to seeing what comes of his career.
Physician Leader
Developing the Physician Leader is one of the four key areas of the AMD workplan which align with the College’s strategic plan. Sometimes we can see leadership as high profile positions that provide a platform to drive wide-reaching reform and change. Nonetheless, the most important Physician Leaders are the ones who demonstrate and lead by example, and often in much less obvious and dramatic ways.
It is this attribute of lived and everyday leadership which I think we need to particularly focus on.
Such leadership is demonstrated by the ability to foster a positive clinical and learning culture in your clinical teams, to demonstrate compassion to your patients and colleagues, to work constructively across specialties and areas of your workplace, and to help our colleagues — of all levels of seniority — to work respectfully and to listen. These types of everyday leadership are what I believe both define our profession and are the attributes which we should focus on demonstrating and continuing to develop. In the coming years, AMD will be actively supporting opportunities for AMD members to develop both these small ‘l’ and large ‘L’ leadership skills.
AMD Council
The AMD Council met virtually on 24 August to discuss the key initiatives for 2023 to 2025 workplan. It was a fantastic opportunity for Fellows, trainees, and our specialist societies to share thoughts and discuss a number of important issues that will be key drivers in shaping our profession in the coming years. I look forward to sharing the workplan priorities with you once it has been finalised in the coming months.
RACP Online Community (ROC)
A reminder to members to visit the AMD Community within the RACP Online Community (ROC). This platform provides a fantastic opportunity to connect and collaborate with your peers. Keep an eye on the ROC for the webinars being run by the AMD Specialty Societies. Furthermore, you can take part in Mentor Match – the College’s mentoring program.
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.
In the interim be kind to yourself and one another, and best wishes,
Professor Graeme Maguire
Adult Medicine Division President
AChSHM President’s Post
Kia ora koutou
Please see the below 2022 AChSHM awards. Apply now or forward to someone who you think would be interested in applying.
Awards currently open
Awards opening soon
I would like to draw your attention to an opening on the AChSHM Committee for an AChSHM Fellow Representative. I encourage AChSHM Fellows to consider applying for this opportunity or forwarding it to someone who you think might be interested. For more details on the position and how to apply, please visit this webpage.
Please save the date for the 2023 AChSHM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) meeting to be held Saturday, 18 March 2023. The ASM will be accompanied by the Annual Trainee Meeting (ATM) on Friday, 17 March 2023. The ASM Organising Committee, led by Adjunct Professor Darren Russell, met on 12 August 2022 to discuss the speaker and program details. Stay tuned for more information.
I would like to draw your attention to some valuable resources relating to sexual health medicine. These resources are designed to assist members in reflecting on their practice and performance, as well as providing opportunities for further learning and professional development.
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 would like to invite you to the 2022 ANZSPM conference. This hybrid event will be held in Canberra from the 1 to 4 September 2022, and features a great line up of international speakers, including:
- Professor Irene Tuffrey-Wijne (RN, PhD), Professor of Intellectual Disability and Palliative Care at Kingston University and St George’s, University of London. Irene will be presenting on Intellectual disability and palliative care.
- Dr Kedar Mate (MD), President and Chief Executive Officer at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), President of the Lucian Leape Institute, and a member of the Faculty at Weill Cornell Medical College. Kedar will be presenting on Health inequity a global perspective.
For more information and to register, please see the ANZSPM conference website.
I would like to extend my gratitude to the members of the Palliative Medicine Marking Panel who so generously volunteer their time to review our trainees profects. All trainees, on submission of their case study or research project, are being notified to expect some delays in marking due to the significant reduction in available markers. I acknowledge that this may cause additional stress for some; however, your patience and understanding are appreciated.
I encourage Chapter Fellows 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. Marking guidelines with FAQs will be sent to new markers to assist the process. As a marker, you can advise:
- how many and how frequently you would like to receive marking requests
- when you are unavailable to mark (on leave, taking a break, etc.)
- your preferences to mark case studies or projects only.
Volunteering your time and expertise to mark case studies and research projects can also earn you Continuing Professional Development (CPD) credits and can be included on your CV. For more information on joining our marking panel, or to request an EOI form, please contact the Palliative Medicine Education Officers via PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au. Please submit your updated CV along with the completed EOI form.
The next AChPM Committee meeting will take place on Tuesday, 27 September 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
Registrations are open to attend the Rethink Addiction Convention 2022, taking place from 12 to 14 September 2022 in Canberra. The convention aims to change the conversation about addiction and tackle the stigma and misinformation that stops people getting the help they need. The convention calls for a national coordinated response to alcohol, other drugs, and gambling harm. If you would like to attend, visit the Rethink Addiction website.
I would like to invite you to consider attending the 2022 Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol & other Drugs (APSAD) to be held from 9 to 12 October 2022 in person at the Darwin Convention Centre. Some of the keynote speakers presenting at ASPAD are below.
- Annalee Stearne is a Nyungar woman from Western Australia, with connections to Western Australia’s south-west, Pilbara and Kimberley regions. Since 2001, as a researcher Annalee has worked with First Nations Australian communities and organisations in Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and South Australia. She was awarded the 2012 APSAD First Peoples Award, and currently sits on the boards of The National Centre for Clinical research on Emerging Drugs (NCCRED) and a Northern Territory-based First Nations Australian Organisation Children’s Ground. In 2019, supported by the Centre of Research Excellence in Indigenous Health and Alcohol, she commenced a PhD study exploring First Nations Australians’ self-determination in alcohol-related harms in the Northern Territory.
- Associate Professor Khylee Quince is Dean of the School of Law at the Auckland University of Technology, the first Māori Dean of a law school in Aotearoa. She is from the Ngapuhi, Ngati Porou and Ngati Kahungungu iwi/tribes of the North Island. She is a former practising lawyer, with 24 years’ experience as an academic, where she taught and researched in the fields of criminal law and justice, with a focus on Māori, youth and female offenders. She is a member of the New Zealand Parole Board, former chair of the New Zealand Drug Foundation, and a regular media commentator on legal issues pertaining to Māori.
For more information, please see the APSAD conference website.
A greatly important opportunity to represent on the NSW/ACT AChAM Committee as the NSW/ACT Branch Convenor role has opened up. I strongly encourage AChAM Fellows to consider applying or forwarding this opportunity to someone who you think might be interested. For more details on the position and how to apply, please visit the RACP website.
Please also save the date for the next IMIA 2023 conference to be held from 17 to 19 February 2023. International keynotes include Dr Julie Bruneau (Canada), Dr Denise Hien (USA), and Professor Val Curran (UK).
Lastly, I would like to encourage you to log on to the RACP Online Community (ROC) and contribute to the latest discussions in the addiction medicine community. 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 AChAM Committee will next meet on Friday, 28 October 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
College medals, prizes, and awards
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 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.
- International Medal recognises a member who has provided outstanding service in developing countries.
- 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.
- 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.
- Trainee of the Year Award recognises a trainee who has made an outstanding contribution to College, community and trainee activities.
Nominations must be received by Friday, 30 September 2022.
Closing soon: Eric Susman Prize
The Eric Susman Prize is presented by the College for the best contribution to the knowledge of any branch of internal medicine (adult medicine and paediatrics). The deserving Fellow will have demonstrated an outstanding and lasting contribution in the areas of research, teaching and/or clinical medicine.
Nominations close on Thursday, 15 September 2022. Details on the application process and selection criteria are available on the website.
Opening soon: 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 open Thursday, 1 September 2022. See the website for further details.
AChAM
- AChAM Indigenous Prize provides an opportunity for medical students, junior medical officers and registrars, who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori, to attend the International Medicine in Addiction Conference in 2023 — opening 1 September to 1 November 2022.
AChSHM
- AChSHM Award for Best Postgraduate Thesis in Sexual Health Medicine recognises an AChSHM Fellow or trainee for their outstanding postgraduate work, and the importance of training its workforce in research. The recipient will be formally acknowledged at the AChSHM ASM — closing soon — 31 August 2022.
- AChSHM Indigenous Scholarship provides an opportunity for medical students, junior medical officers, registrars, and physician trainees who identify as Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander or Māori, to attend the AChSHM Annual Scientific Meeting in 2023, and receive mentoring support from a member of the AChSHM Committee for one year — closing 31 October 2022.
- The Penelope Lowe Prize is awarded to the best presentation of a case by an AChSHM trainee at the AChSHM Annual Scientific Meeting — closing 30 September 2022.
- AChSHM Award for Outstanding Contributions to Sexual Health Medicine recognises the outstanding contributions made by AChSHM Fellows in research or education and training — opening 1 September 2022.
Expressions of Interest being accepted for new working groups
Improving the Health of Healthcare Workers Working Group
This group will produce a guidance document to advocate for improvement in Work Health and Safety (WHS) in the healthcare sector (particularly hospitals) to benefit workers, employers, organisations, and the community. The group will produce evidence-informed guidance for healthcare workplaces, demonstrated as a gap area during the COVID-19 pandemic.
For more information and to apply, please visit the RACP website. The application deadline is 9 September 2022.
Apply
The value of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Physicians in Healthcare Working Group
Expressions of Interest are now open for a new working group which aims to produce a position paper regarding the expertise and value of occupational and environmental physicians in the healthcare sector (particularly hospitals).
For more information and to apply, please visit the RACP website. The application deadline is 9 September 2022.
Apply
The RACP Trainee Research Awards 2022 — closing on Wednesday
Trainees and first year Fellows, this is your chance to be recognised for your research. Do not delay — the submission deadline approaching.
Would you like to have your research published in a College journal? And to present alongside recognised researchers at RACP Congress 2023? Then submit your research into the RACP Trainee Research Awards.
In addition to the above, winners will receive complimentary registration and travel to Congress, and will present at a local awards event. For more information about the awards and how to apply, visit the RACP Trainee Research Awards webpage. Submit your application by Wednesday, 31 August 2022, at midnight AEST.
Apply now
Tell us about your recent physician training experiences
COVID-19 continues to challenge our profession so it is important we understand the impact it has on physician training, so we can support our trainees and educators.
Tell us about your recent physician training experiences through one of the following surveys.
Physician Training Survey (PTS)
Trainees in Aotearoa New Zealand along with educators across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand are invited to complete the Physician Training Survey (PTS)*. Eligible trainees and educators can complete the survey using their unique link sent by research provider Big Village.
Medical Training Survey (MTS)
Trainees in Australia are invited to provide their feedback through the Medical Board of Australia’s Medical Training Survey (MTS). This survey is now open and can be accessed via the link at the end of the AHPRA re-registration process.
Why you should participate
The RACP and training settings use survey results to sustain successes and prioritise areas for improvement. Your anonymity is protected through reporting thresholds. Sufficient responses allow results to be anonymously reported to training settings and specialty training committees – every response counts.
The College works closely with training settings where there are concerns about workload, wellbeing, and workplace culture and requests local leaders to demonstrate how the concerns are being addressed.
Questions?
For information about the survey, visit the Physician Training Survey / Medical Training Survey or contact the Training Survey team.
*The Physician Training Survey has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC) – Concord Repatriation General Hospital of the Sydney Local Health District 2019/ETH12472.
If you have any concerns or complaints about the conduct of the research study, you may contact the Executive Officer of the Ethics Committee or call +61 2 9767 5622.
Internal Medicine Journal – August 2022 edition now available
The August 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:
- Challenges to health system sustainability
- Evidence to guide ethical decision-making in the management of older people living in squalor: A narrative review
- Approved gene therapies in Australia: Coming to a store near you
- Survey of barriers to adherence to international inflammatory bowel disease guidelines: Does gastroenterologists’ confidence translate to high adherence?
Read the journal
Advanced Trainees and New Fellows — your invitation to the National New Fellows Online Forum
Advanced Trainees and New Fellows in Australia are invited to join this interactive and informative forum to learn about all the things you need to know when entering Fellowship.
The following sessions will be included alongside a welcome to Fellowship by RACP President Dr Jacqueline Small and an introduction to Dr Kudzai Kanhutu, the new College Dean:
- Fellowship, what’s next? What I wish I knew when I was new — a Fellow’s perspective
- Medical indemnity – things you need to know as a Fellow
- CPD, what changes now you're a Fellow?
- Q&A for the panel of speakers.
Join us on Thursday, 13 October 2022 at 7pm to 8.30pm (AEDT) / 6pm to 7.30pm (AEST) / 6.30pm to 8pm (ACDT) / 4pm to 5.30pm (AWST).
Register
Pomegranate Health podcast — Ep84: The ASD Odyssey
Ep84: The ASD Odyssey
The average age at which autism spectrum disorder is diagnosed is four years old, though signs are often present well before that.
Even when families and GPs may have concerns early in a child’s development, it can take a year or more for a consultation with a paediatrician to become available. There are similar waiting lists to see other allied health and sub-specialists who may contribute opinions to a diagnosis. And there is some inconsistency as to what kind of supporting documentation is required to access support services at different layers of government.
The Autism Cooperative Research Centre published a national guideline with 70 recommendations to streamline this process and improve equity for families from different backgrounds and living in different parts of the country.
In this podcast, we hear from a GP and a paediatrician working in regional practice about how the national guideline can help patients receive early intervention in the critical developmental years.
Guests
- Dr Jo McCubbin FRACP (Fitzpatrick House, Sale, VIC)
- Dr James Best FRACGP (Junction Street Medical Centre, Nowra, NSW).
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.
Assessing and diagnosing autism – an online course
This short online course is relevant for any key clinical professional supporting individuals and families through autism assessment and diagnosis.
The Implementing a National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) in Australia course explores the recommendations included within the National Guideline for the Assessment and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders. It delivers a consistent overview of the entire clinical pathway and deeper dives that highlight the role of key clinical professionals, from initiating a referral to sharing findings.
The learning framework and module objectives guide you through the Guideline recommendations, while allowing for self-directed and flexible learning. Also included are essential downloadable resources, such as templates, case study examples, and quick reference guides, to support future Guideline implementation. Additionally, build skills by completing self-evaluation and reflection questions throughout the modules.
This course is ideal for clinicians interested in implementing a best practice, evidence-based approach within their clinical setting. Access it via The Resourceful Physician on RACP Online Learning, and don’t forget to claim CPD credits for your learning.
ADS Education Courses for Advanced Trainees in Adult Endocrinology
The ADS John R Turtle Diabetes Clinical Skills Training Course is designed to be practical and interactive, and will be run by experienced diabetes clinicians from across Australia. It will focus on the everyday clinical skills required in the treatment of diabetes by endocrinology trainees. The course is supported by the College’s Specialist Advisory Committee (SAC) in Endocrinology.
The 20th ADS John R Turtle Diabetes Clinical Skills Training Course will be held as an online event on Saturday, 10 September 2022 from 9.30am to 5.30pm (AEST).
This year, we are offering the following topics to all:
- Diabetes technology: Interpreting pump and CGM data downloads
- Managing Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes and pregnancy
- Exercise and Type 1 Diabetes
Please state your preference when completing the online registration form for:
- Carbohydrate Counting
OR
- Managing Lipids
Register here
The Fertility, Pregnancy, and Early Parenting Experiences of Doctors study
You are invited to participate in the Fertility, pregnancy, and early parenting experiences of doctors study. The study aims to capture the lived experiences of male and female doctors regarding fertility, pregnancy, and early parenthood, with the goal of identifying the impact on work satisfaction and career progression, as well as potential areas of improvement in workplace strategies.
By completing this survey, you are consenting to participate in this study. The survey will take up to 30 minutes to complete and is voluntary and confidential. Please direct any questions or comments to the St Vincent’s Hospital Research Office or to Lisa Raven.
*This is an investigator-initiated study (created by doctors). It has ethics approval through St Vincent’s Hospital HREC (2021/ETH11588).
Specialty Societies Webinar Series
A number of upcoming webinars presented by the AMD Specialty Societies are available for College members to attend. Explore and register for the upcoming webinars in the events list at the bottom of this update.
The Adult Medicine community is open in the ROC (RACP Online Community)
This is a community exclusively for AMD Fellows and trainees and is your place to connect, discuss matters of interest and share ideas and resources.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play, or log in via MyRACP. Go to ‘My Communities’ or select ‘Explore’ on the home page to find your community.
Log into the ROC
Let's make September all about Dad
Celebrate Father's Day with unmissable offers and savings on gifts Dad will love.
This September, we bring you special offers so you can spoil Dad, Grandad, or any father-figure in your life.
See Member Advantage’s Father’s Day offers here.
Australian member access Aotearoa New Zealand member access
Other news and events
News
Events
- ANZBMS webinar: Bone health in children — 29 August, 6pm AEST
- ARA webinar: Living guidelines on the perioperative use of DMARDs in people with inflammatory conditions — 30 August, 7pm AEST
- ANZSPM webinar: Palliative care development: Adult and paediatric global perspectives and the importance of advocacy — 5 September, 6pm AEST
- Public Health Congress 2022 — 20 to 23 September, 9.30am to 4pm AEST
- ANZBMS webinar: Interpretation of bone density and fracture risk — 20 September, 6pm AEST
- Financial wellbeing webinar: Boost your financial health — 24 September, 9am to 12pm AEST
- ANZSPM webinar: Culturally safe palliative care for Aboriginal patients: Learning from Central Australia — 4 October, 6pm AEDT
- ANZAN webinar: Antibody-mediated neurological disorders — 5 October, 6pm AEDT
- Specialists Together: Climate change and sustainability of the NT workforce — 8 October, 9am to 12pm ACST
- ANZBMS webinar: Exercise and bone health — 11 October, 6pm AEDT
- Financial wellbeing webinar: Succession and wealth legacy — 20 October, 7pm AEST
- Specialists Together: Cross-culture communications and nephrology in remote settings — 29 October, 9am to 12pm ACST
- ANZBMS webinar: Advanced Clinical Postgraduate Meeting: Bone and mineral disorders — 29 to 30 October
- Financial wellbeing webinar: Reducing financial stress as a new or established staff specialist — in person on 5 November, 9am to 12pm AEST
- Specialists Together: NT sepsis protocol — 26 November, 9am to 12pm ACST
Save the date
- The RACP Health Reform Summit — 19 October, 9.30am to 4pm AEDT
- Australian and New Zealand Association of Neurologists webinar — 25 October, 6pm to 7pm AEDT
- Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society webinar — 25 October, 6pm to 7pm AEDT
- Australian Rheumatology Association webinar — 31 October, 7pm to 8pm AEDT
- Australian and New Zealand Society of Palliative Medicine webinar — 8 November 6pm to 7pm AEDT
- New Zealand Sexual Health Society webinar — 14 November, 6pm to 7pm NZDT
View career opportunities on the RACP website.