AMA (WA) 2019 Elections

Nominations for AMA (WA) President, Vice President and Council positions are now open:

OFFICE BEARERS (elected by the General Membership)
a) President
b) Vice-Presidents (Two)

OTHER (3) (elected by the General Membership)
c) Three Ordinary Members

d) SPECIALITY GROUPS (elected by the Specialty Group membership)

• Anaesthetists
• General Practitioners
• Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
• Pathologists
• Psychiatrists
• Physicians
• Radiologists
• Surgeons
• Dermatologists
• Emergency Physicians
• Orthopaedic Surgeons
• Ophthalmologists
• Paediatricians

Practice Group Chairs
In addition, Council will comprise Practice Group Chairs made up of DiT’s (2), General Practice, Rural Practice, Private Practice and Public Hospital Doctors.

Nominations must be received by Friday 31 May 2019. For further information and to download the nomination form, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

WA Budget bad news for health

The WA Budget is further bad news for health and means that hospital services will continue to struggle, the Australian Medical Association (WA) said yesterday.

“Unfortunately the 2019/20 Budget provides only a marginal increase in funding for the hospital sector which means longer waiting times for elective surgery, more time in emergency departments and more time sitting in the back of ambulances.” AMA (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said.

“It is good to see the Premier and Treasurer announcing a surplus. However health will undoubtedly continue to suffer.“This is a very disappointing document as far as the health system is concerned and does nothing to address the problems in our hospitals,” Dr Khorshid said.

"However, the good news in the Budget was the recognition, again after a long fight and much advocacy by the AMA, of increased funding for medical research. Western Australia should and could be a leader in medical research and we need to stop the brain drain that is currently attracting our most skilled researchers to other cities and nations,” Dr Khorshid said.

To continue reading, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

Further details on the State Budget will be included in the May 2019 edition of Medicus as well as the next edition of Med e-link. 

Submission to the Review into Clinical Governance of WA Mental Health Services

The AMA (WA) has conducted a survey in order to provide direction for AMA (WA) advocacy and the AMA (WA)’s submission to the Review of the Clinical Governance of Public Mental Health Services in Western Australia (WA). The Survey was circulated to psychiatrists, general practitioners, emergency medicine doctors, addiction medicine specialists and any practitioner who has noted an interest in these specialities, mental health or AOD services. There were over 160 responses over the 6 days that the survey was available to practitioners. 

The AMA (WA) has urged the Review to prioritise recommendation timeframes and the parties responsible for implementing recommendations. This follows numerous high profile reviews of WA’s mental health services that have provided comprehensive analysis and recommendations designed to improve mental health services, which have so far failed to produce the required improvements. 

To continue reading and to view the submission, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

AMA (WA) would like to thank all survey respondents for their time and feedback.

Labor Party Preventive Health Announcement

The Labor Party preventive health announcement recently appears not only old but contains few concrete commitments, Australian Medical Association (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said.

The policy, first announced in June 2016, acknowledges the importance of prevention but is weak without firm undertakings such as a pledge to introduce a sugar tax or to take concrete steps to address excessive alcohol consumption.

“Election statements are easy to make but to be taken seriously they have to contain substantial undertakings and not just high level strategies and frameworks,” Dr Khorshid said.

To continue reading, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

AMA says 'no' to anti-vaccination candidates

AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said yesterday that the AMA is concerned about the number of election candidates who are spreading lies and misinformation about the worldwide success of vaccination in eradicating disease and saving lives.

Dr Bartone said it is disturbing that candidates, and even a whole political party, have been casting doubt on the proven benefits of vaccination. The AMA is aware of one anti-vaccination candidate who is also campaigning against fluoridation of water.

“The science is in and the evidence is clear – vaccination saves lives and improves public health around the world,” Dr Bartone said.

To continue readng, please visit the AMA website. 

AMA (WA) Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Night

The AMA (WA) 2019 Charity Gala Dinner and Awards Night is set to be another incredible night! Being held Saturday 22 June at Hyatt Regency Perth, the evening will transport you to Italy – think Lambretta’s, Red Wine and Pasta.. La Dolce Vita!

The evening raises money for the AMA (WA) Foundation and through it the vital work done by our Dr YES program – a unique health education program through which a team of dedicated volunteer medical students provides advice and support to WA high school students on sexual health, drug, alcohol and mental health issues.

For further information, visit the AMA (WA) website or register online now. 

Don't forget to renew your membership

Did you know, your AMA (WA) membership is tax deductible? Renew prior to June 30 to claim. 

Your continued support allows us to achieve significant outcomes for doctors. Help us do it again this year! 

To renew your membership, please visit the AMA (WA) website. 

General Practitioner Job | Toodyay

AMA Recruit are currently seeking a Fellowed GP to join a practice in Toodyay: 

• great opportunity to grow a patient list, as well as take over an established patient list in the only practice in town
• full time nursing support
• DWS, and MMM5, suitable for non-VR
• 1 hour and 20 minutes to Perth CBD, an hour's drive to Midland

For further information or to apply, please visit the AMA Recruit website. 

Alternatively, for more information on this or upcoming work opportunities, please contact Dave Bell at AMA Recruit on 9273 3096 or dave.bell@amawa.com.au. 

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