AMD eBulletin – 8 April 2022
A message from your President
Greetings to all.
As I come to the end of my period in office as AMD President and I prepare to handover to Graeme Maguire as incoming President, I am struck by the need for relentless focus in the activities and their alignment with the workplan, as set out at the beginning of my tenure as President. After all, the office of a President is to act as a custodian.
For that reason, I determined at the outset to establish the workplan in concert with the President-elect and executive, ensuring that stability and focus could be tested by measuring the results achieved and holding ourselves accountable.
The pandemic allowed us to reduce the scope of work to four key areas and to align these with the College strategic goals. To that end, the areas of activity identified in the workplan were as follows:
- Increase equity, fairness, and transparency in advanced training.
- Improve capacity to identify workforce composition and areas of need.
- Support and grow the Physician Leader.
- Articulate the rationale for AMD as the principal point of engagement with the Special Societies.
The AMD Executive and Council have prosecuted this workplan and sought to work closely with trainees and indigenous representatives in pursuit of the first area of activity. There is much still to do in increasing transparency and equity. The continuing challenges associated with the online first part examination has taken energy away from the tasks related to advanced training.
The AMD has worked closely with the College Education Team in pursuit of the second objective, and this is an ongoing area of focus. AMD is working with the Fellowship Committee and the Congress Program Committee with the aim of developing a coherent approach to preparing physicians to become leaders and managers. This journey is only just beginning and will be important for physicians to equip themselves for the increasing variety of professional roles that they are called upon to do – particularly so in complex organisations.
Finally, in expressing the role that the AMD plays in the life of the College, the Model of Collaboration (MoC) with special societies is being reworked in collaboration with the special societies.
Over the course of the last two years, regular meetings have been held with the Presidents of the three College faculties and the three chapters of the Adult Medicine Division, with a particular focus on the alignment of workplans, as well as meeting with representatives of the Adolescent and Young Adult Medicine Committee (AYAMC).
The AMD has sought to establish a working relationship with the Board, as a Board Subcommittee which reports to the Board. The AMD is clearly identified as the body responsible for working closely with the special societies; a relationship of equals which is critical to the role of the College.
The AMD has also provided feedback to the constitutional review. In particular, it has provided the opinion that a leaner College Council would enable the College to maintain a relentless focus on achieving its objectives. AMD has proposed this Council would be chaired by the College President and supported by the Presidents of both Divisions, the three Faculties, Aotearoa New Zealand representation and the Chair of the College Education Committee, with strong Indigenous and trainee representation. This collaboration will make effective use of existing structures in place and harness the considerable skills and knowledge of the fellowship as a whole.
I would like to complete this report by thanking the AMD Secretariat staff; Emily Morrison, Prue Webb, Vanessa Tallowwood and Lisa Helson who have supported the AMD, the members of the AMD Council and Executive, and have worked so well together during the strangest two years we are likely to encounter in our lifetimes.
For those of you attending RACP Congress 2022 in person in Melbourne, please join us on Friday, 13 May 2022 at this year’s AMD Dinner. Connect with colleagues and friends over a relaxed evening. Visit the RACP Congress website to find out more about this and other social events.
I wish Graeme well in his period as President, and hope for a pandemic free two years!
If you would like to discuss any of the above, I encourage you to reach out to me via the AMD secretariat at adult.med@racp.edu.au or on the ROC.
Best wishes
Professor Don Campbell
Adult Medicine Division President
AChSHM President’s Post
Our AChSHM Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM) was held virtually on 19 March 2022, preceded by our Advanced Trainees Meeting (ATM) on 18 March 2022.
I would like to thank ASM Lead Convener Dr Caroline Thng, Trainees’ Day Lead Convener Dr Mark O’Reilly, and the two organising committees for their efforts in planning these two days. I would also like to thank all speakers and delegates, for contributing to making the event a success.
I would like to extend my congratulations to our 2022 AChSHM award winners, who were awarded during the meeting:
- AChSHM Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Discipline of Sexual Health Medicine - Associate Professor Catherine O’Connor
- Award for Best Postgraduate Thesis in Sexual Health Medicine - Dr Vincent Cornelisse
- Penelope Lowe Prize - Dr Caroline Lade.
Read more about these awards and the winners on the RACP website.
I would also like to congratulate Adjunct Prof Darren Russell who has been nominated as the Lead Convenor for the AChSHM ASM 2023.
Please be advised that the Jan Edwards Prize - awarded to the best research-based abstract oral presentation by an AChSHM trainee - is currently open for application via the ASHM Conference website.
The Prize is named in honour of Dr Jan Edwards, the long-serving Executive Secretary of the former Australasian College of Sexual Health Physicians (ACSHP). Dr Edwards served 19 years with the ACSHP and oversaw its transition into the current AChSHM of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
Also, applications for 2022 RACP AChSHM Study Grant opened on Monday, 4 April 2022. Further information about this grant is available below.
As you may be aware, Dr Murray Reid will be retiring. I would like to acknowledge Dr Murray Reid for his great contribution to Sexual Health and wish him the best of luck on his retirement. Dr Reid has been an active member involved with examinations and medical student teaching.
Lastly, I am pleased to advise applications will be open from 2 May 2022 for all eligible trainees for the August 2022 Exit Assessment. The upcoming 2022 AChSHM Exit Assessment will be held on Friday, 12 August 2022. Applications will be open from 3 May 2021 and will close on 13 May 2022 at 5pm (AEST).
More details about the exam, including key dates, venue, format and contingency plans will be made available on our website closer to applications opening. Our next AChSHM Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, 22 June 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.
Professor Kit Fairley
Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine President
AChPM President’s Post
The Chapter Committee held a productive first meeting of the year on Tuesday, 8 March 2022, discussing ways in which members can network with their peers within the AChPM ROC Community and make the best use of the platform. I would like to encourage you to log into the ROC platform and start an interesting discussion in our AChPM Community forum. This forum is a space for all AChPM Fellows and trainees.
The Chapter Committee is planning to deliver its two awards - the AChPM Best Trainee Research Project Award and the AChPM Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Discipline of Palliative Medicine - at the 2022 ANZSPM Conference. Both awards timeframes will be released soon.
I want to thank the volunteers who have signed up to join the marking panel, and once again highlight that the Training Committee in Palliative Medicine is seeking Chapter Fellows to join the pool of case study and project markers for Advanced Trainees and Clinical Diploma trainees. Markers can nominate how frequently they wish to receive assessments and periods when they are unable to assist with marking. Fellows can claim CPD credits for marking assessments. For more information or to obtain an expression of interest form, please contact PalliativeMedTraining@racp.edu.au.
Lastly, I would like to bring your attention to both AChPM Awards that will open on 15 April and close on 30 June:
The next Chapter Committee meeting will take place on Wednesday, 4 May 2022 via videoconference. Do you have a question for me or a member of our committee? We welcome any feedback or comments, so please feel free to contact us through the Chapter secretariat at PallMed@racp.edu.au.
Dr Michelle Gold
Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine President
I am pleased to advise that a number of leading organisations have joined together to call for the Treasurer, the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP, to put the health, wellbeing and safety of Australians first, and to abandon any plans to cut the price of alcohol. Making alcohol cheaper may increase alcohol use. More alcohol use means more harms to our families and communities. Professor Adrian Dunlop and I have joined other signatories in supporting this call.
Preparation for the IMiA 2023 Conference has commenced. The Program Committee, which comprises Fellows from RACP, RANZCP, RACGP and RNZCGP, held its first meeting in March 2022. The Program Committee looks forward to formally launching the conference website in the upcoming months.
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 for the College. The ROC is a fantastic platform to connect with other members and remain abreast of news and what is happening at the College.
Lastly, I would like to bring your attention to the Annual ISAM Conference is scheduled for the 4 to 7 October 2022. This global event is dedicated to providing world-class addiction medicine education and provides an exceptional opportunity to highlight new research, innovative practices, socio political ideas and new approaches to treatment.
The AChAM Committee will next meet on Friday, 29 April 2022 via videoconference. 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 Nicholas Lintzeris
Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine President
RACP Educational Development Grants – opening soon
Applications for the 2022 RACP Educational Development (Study) Grants are now open. Educational Development (Study) Grants provide support to Fellows and trainees to undertake further educational training or to develop educational initiatives.
Awards available for this round include:
Applications for the 2023 RACP Foundation Research Awards will open soon. Please keep a look out for future updates.
Trainees and Fellows are encouraged to apply for the below opportunities from Monday, 2 May 2022. Upwards of 50 awards up to a total value of approximately A$2.5 million are available across the different categories:
Visit the RACP Foundation webpage to see the eligibility criteria for each award and to access the online application form.
Chapter grants, awards and prizes
An update from AChSHM
Applications for 2022 RACP AChSHM Study Grant are now open. The grant, valued up to A$4,000, can go towards training at an appropriate institution, supporting costs associated with research projects or participation and presenting a paper at a conference or scientific meeting.
Applications for the RACP Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine Research Entry Scholarship (AChSHM) will open on 2 May 2022. The award is to provide stipend support to encourage and support the promotion of research in the field of sexual health medicine, offering up to $45,000 to Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand Fellows and Advanced Trainees.
Applications for the Jan Edwards Prize close on Sunday, 1 May 2022, 11.59pm (AEST). This prize is awarded to the best research-based oral presentation by a registered AChSHM trainee. The prize includes A$500 and a certificate. For further details and to apply please visit the website.
An update from AChPM
Applications open soon for the AChPM Award for Outstanding Contribution to the Discipline of Palliative Medicine. Nominate a Fellow for their outstanding contribution to Palliative Medicine. The award includes a cash prize of A$500 and a certificate formally presented at the ANZSPM Conference in September 2022. Please see the website for further details. Nominations open 15 April 2022.
Applications also open soon for the AChPM Best Trainee Research Project Award. This award is for the best research project submitted for assessment for Advanced Training in Palliative Medicine each year. The award includes a cash prize of A$1,000 and a certificate formally presented at the ANZSPM Conference in September 2022. See the website for more information. Applications open Friday, 15 April 2022.
Visit the RACP Foundation webpage to see the eligibility criteria for each award and to access the online application form.
Expressions of Interest (EOIs)
All Expressions of Interest
The 2022-2026 RACP Strategic Plan
The College has released its 2022-2026 RACP Strategic Plan – which defines where we want to be in the future. It sets out four strategic focus areas and underlying priorities to achieve our strategic goals and to add value to our membership.
These areas will be key priorities for future delivery of our core role, which is to educate, advocate and innovate, while lifting the health outcomes for the First Nations people of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. Learn more about the 2022-2026 RACP Strategic Plan.
Updated 2023-24 PREP program requirements now available online
The updated 2023-24 PREP (Physician Readiness for Expert Practice) program requirements are now available on the respective Basic Training and Advanced Training specialty pages.
We encourage PREP trainees and supervisors to review the updated 2023-24 PREP program requirements for their specialty. This will ensure that you are following the correct requirements for each training year.
If you require further information, please email BasicTraining@racp.edu.au or AdvancedTraining@racp.edu.au. For any other queries, please contact MemberServices@racp.edu.au.
Ongoing College advocacy on telehealth and other system reform priorities in lead up to Federal Budget 2022-23
As outlined in a recent media release, the College is continuing its advocacy for the permanent reinstatement of telehealth phone Medical Benefits Schedule (MBS) services in the lead up to the Federal Budget 2022-23.
We continue to stress to the Government that the permanent reinstatement of these MBS items is essential to ensure equitable access to specialist care for patients in rural and remote areas, those living with disability, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and other people who may have limitations in travelling or accessing video technology.
For more information about the College’s advocacy priorities in the lead up to the Federal Budget, access the College’s Pre-Budget Submission 2022-23: Delivering a Future-Focused Health System for Equitable Care and Healthier Communities.
In addition, keep an eye out for the College’s Federal Election statement and campaign due to be launched soon.
RACP: Internal Medicine Journal – March 2022 edition now available
The March 2022 issue of the Internal Medicine Journal is now live. This month’s Editor's Choice is an original article titled 'Characteristics and outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with dialysis-dependent kidney disease in Australian intensive care units'.
Key highlights from the issue include:
- Practical approach to vertigo
- Cytomegalovirus in inflammatory bowel disease
- Masters age football and cardiovascular disease
- Antibiotic allergy labels and optimal antimicrobial stewardship
- Anticoagulation for the elderly presenting with acute hip fracture
- Hospital mixed sex accommodation: vulnerability of older adults.
View the latest issue
Don’t miss COVID-19 clinical updates at RACP Congress
COVID-19 - the latest scientific development of the virus and the vaccine update is provided by Professor Allen Cheng. An infectious diseases physician, he is the current Chair of the Advisory Committee for Vaccines and a previous member of the Advisory Committee on Prescription Medicines (advising the Therapeutic Goods Administration on vaccine and drug regulation issues), and Co-Chair of the Australian Technical Group on Immunisation (ATAGI).
Dr Toby Coates will be delivering a clinical update on COVID and the immuno-suppressed patients: Harsh Realities. This session will provide up-to-date Australian data on vaccination in context of the global and Australian vaccine guidelines, set by ATAGI.
There will also be an update on two prospective Australian Randomised Controlled Trials in COVID Vaccination - including trials of immunosuppression switch and microbiome supplementation.
Find out more about these and other clinical updates on the RACP Congress website.
Have you registered for your workshops?
With a limited number of seats available, places are filling fast for in-person workshops, including the highly demanded Supervisor Professional Development Program (SPDP), 1, 2, 3, and An Introduction to the Coach Approach to Professional Development. Secure your place when you register for RACP Congress 2022.
Pomegranate Health Podcast: Melanoma vs the Double-Edged Sword (ep. 79)
Ep79: Melanoma vs the Double-Edged Sword
Immune checkpoint inhibitors have revolutionised care for patients with advanced melanoma and other cancers. These days around half of patients with unresectable metastatic melanoma can expect to live to five years after a regime of agents such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab. That’s up to 10 times the survival rate of patients a decade ago, when chemotherapy Dacarbazine was the front-line treatment.
Over half of these patients who respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors will go on to survive long-term but it’s still not possible to identify responders in advance. On top of this, some of the immune-related side-effects of therapy can be serious enough to require therapy to be stopped. Associate Professor Matt Carlino explains how to approach challenging conversations with patients around expectations for prognosis and quality of life. He also discusses the process of getting these new indications listed on the PBS, and how treatment can be funded when they are not.
Guest
Associate Professor Matteo Carlino FRACP (Westmead Hospital, Blacktown Hospital, Melanoma Institute Australia, University of Sydney)
Subscribe to email alerts or search for ‘Pomegranate Health’ in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Castbox, or any podcasting app. RACP Fellows can claim CPD credits for listening and learning via MyCPD. For a transcript and further references please visit our webpage.
New and improved Curated Collections to support your professional development
We’ve been reviewing and updating our Curated Collections so we can provide you with the most up-to-date and relevant resources to support your professional development and lifelong learning needs. Check out these updated Collections and earn CPD credits while you learn:
The ROC Special Interest Directory
When you join the ROC, you can post questions and start discussions with other members.
But did you know you can also sign up to the ROC ‘Special Interest Directory’ and search for other members based on their special interests, speaker presentations, published papers and books.
To complete your own entry, go to your Profile and select ‘My Special Interest Directory profile’ from the ‘Profile’ tab.
To search the Directory, go to 'Directory' in the navigation bar, then select ‘Special Interest Directory’ and fill in the criteria to refine your search. It's that easy!
Explore the Special Interest Directory and connect with your colleagues today.
Member Advantage - Enjoy shopping online this Easter
Our online offers provide you with great savings, especially if you are gift shopping for those tricky-to-buy-for people on your list this Easter!
Your RACP membership gives you access to exclusive online offers and discounts. Login now, check out the online offers and start saving today!
Accessing these offers is easy. Simply log in to your member portal, find your favourite store, get your coupon code and start saving. *Terms and conditions apply. Visit your Member Advantage platform or call 1300 853 352 for assistance.
Australian member access Aotearoa New Zealand member access
HSANZ PhD Scholarships and Clinical Fellowships now open
The Haematology Society of Australia and New Zealand (HSANZ) and its charity partners offers a range of HSANZ funded or co-funded PhD Scholarships, Clinical Fellowships, grants, and awards annually, biennially and triennially. HSANZ also presents annual awards and grants associated with the Annual Scientific Meeting – Blood.
In 2022, it is offering:
- 3 x HSANZ / Leukemia Foundation PhD scholarships
- 1 x HSANZ / Maddie's Vision PhD Scholarship
- Up to 2 x HSANZ Clinical Fellowships
- Albert Baikie Memorial Medal and Award
- HSANZ / Snowdome Foundation Mid-Career Blood Cancer Research Grant
For more information, visit the HSANZ and Blood websites.
Joint Statement on the Inappropriate Use of Psychotropic Medicines to Manage the Behaviours of People with Disability and Older People
The Royal Commission and the Royal Commission identified that psychotropic medicines are being misused and overused, particularly with older people and people with disability.
The Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission (ACQSC), the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission) and the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) have released a statement that recognises that there is:
- evidence that psychotropic medicines are being overprescribed and overused, in particular with older people and people with disability.
- little evidence that psychotropic medicines are effective for managing behaviours of concern.
- evidence that psychotropic medicines contribute to risks of harm to older people and people with disability, including by contributing to risk of falls, weight gain, hypertension and diabetes, by adversely affecting the person’s ability to swallow, and by increasing the risk for aspiration pneumonia and other respiratory complications.
- evidence that psychotropic medicines can diminish the wellbeing and quality of life of older people and people with disability.
The ACQSC, NDIS Commission and ACSQHC will work together to reduce inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines via raising awareness, supporting de-escalation and preventative strategies and strengthening understanding and capacity for informed consent, prescribing, dispensing, administration and cessation of psychotropic medicines.
Read the full statement
Co-administration of COVID-19 vaccination and a flu vaccine
A COVID-19 vaccination and an influenza vaccination can be administered at the same time and may be provided to patients during the same attendance. While a medical practitioner is under no obligation to bulk-bill a patient receiving an influenza vaccination, a patient who also receives a COVID-19 booster vaccination as part of the same occasion of care must be bulk-billed for the MBS COVID-19 vaccine suitability assessment component of the overall service.
Further information can be found at MBS online - FAQ - Bulk Billed MBS patient COVID-19 Vaccine Suitability Assessment Service.
Key documentation
Seeking National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce Senior Clinical Fellow
The Australian National COVID-19 Clinical Evidence Taskforce is seeking to appoint a Senior Clinical Fellow (0.2-0.4FTE) to advise and support the Taskforce in developing and communicating national, living, evidence-based guidelines for COVID care.
The Senior Clinical Fellow will provide clinical input to evidence review and recommendation development; act as Deputy Co-Chair for the Taskforce Guidelines Leadership Group, the senior clinical decision-making body of the Taskforce; and contribute to and review communications activity about the Taskforce.
The appointee will have a medical degree; have completed or be in the final 12 months of advanced training in infectious diseases and/or pharmacology; and have significant research experience.
For further details or the position description please email Tari Turner or Steve McGloughlin.
Conferences and Events
The RACP publishes notices of events and courses as a service to members. Such publication does not constitute endorsement or mandating of any such events or courses.
Register for The Digital Physician Webinar: Wednesday, 13 April at 6pm AEST
Find out what physicians need to know about digital health in this interactive webinar on Wednesday, 13 April 2022 at 6pm (AEST). Hear from members of the RACP’s Digital Health Advisory Group (DHAG) as they discuss what’s new in digital health and how the DHAG can support members to improve their understanding in this important area.
Hosted by Association Professor Clair Sullivan FRACP, topics covered will include:
- identifying the drivers for digital transformation in healthcare
- appreciating the value of using data and analytics in healthcare
- defining the roles of digital systems in optimising physician-patient interactions and shared decision-making
- recognising the potential of digital health as a platform for quality improvement and research.
Find out more
Update in Psychiatry webinar
Register for this event to learn from industry experts as they provide updates within the area of psychiatry. This free and insightful webinar is taking place online on Saturday, 30 April 2022, 9am to 11.30am (AEST).
This educational webinar includes the following topics:
- Update on implementation of recommendations from the Royal Commission - what it means for care by Dr Astha Tomar.
- Depression and how to treat it by Dr Saji Joseph.
- Addiction medicine by Dr Basant Kenchaih.
- Medications used in psychiatry and how to recognise and minimise side-effects by Dr Raju Lakshmana.
- Psychiatry of old age by Associate Professor Ravi Bhat.
Note, this event is eligible for CPD credits.
Register now
Advance care planning in the digital age webinar
Join us for this educational webinar as presenters discuss advance care planning in the digital age, and the tools which can assist with this.
Advance care planning enables individuals to express their preferences for future health care and treatment, making their wishes known if there comes a time when they cannot speak for themselves. This session will highlight how advance care plans and goals of care documents may be shared via My Health Record, along with a live demonstration of how to access and view this information.
Join us on Thursday, 28 April 2022, from 5pm (AWST) (7pm AEST) to learn more.
Register now
View career opportunities on the RACP website.