WA Health’s lack of a workforce plan and miserly 4 per cent share of the record $27.1 billion investment in infrastructure over the next four years outlined in yesterday’s WA State Budget is a lost opportunity, according to the Australian Medical Association (WA).

Thank you to all the doctors in training who took the time to provide the AMA (WA) with invaluable feedback regarding your working conditions. Look out for the next edition of Medicus, where we will share the results.

The next DiT Committee meeting is Monday 12 October at 6.30pm. All interested members are strongly encouraged to attend.

The perception that anyone working in the medical profession is likely to be financially secure is not always true. For this reason, the AMA Benevolent Fund of WA was established many years ago so that members and their families could have the benefit of added financial support in times of need. The fund has come to the aid of several families since being established and provided much-needed financial security during very difficult times.

In many cases, these difficult times come when people least expect it. Recently, a doctor was removing a fish hook from a patient’s hand one minute and then found herself in the emergency department the next - unable to work again for the next six months. It could happen to anyone at any time.

To that end, we are calling on AMA (WA) members to make a contribution toward the AMA Benevolent Fund of WA to ensure that we are in a position to help. Your support is gratefully received and all contributions are tax deductible.

For further details, please click here

This year the AMA (WA) will once again honour the achievements of doctors in WA's health sector. Nominations for the 2020 AMA (WA) Awards are now open and below are details for two awards which will be presented in December 2020.

Nominations for the prestigious AMA (WA) Hippocrates Award are invited from all sectors of the medical profession. This award is to honour those who have made a significant contribution to medicine and it is expected that nominees will have demonstrated a tireless dedication to the service of others, their chosen field, or be pioneers in the health and medical research sector.

Last year, Professor John Newnham (pictured) was honoured for his successful work in reducing pre-term births, which attracted international recognition. He has since become Senior Australian of the Year 2020.

Nominations should be accompanied by adequate evidence of achievements or contributions to health and include the names of supporting referees. The winner is presented with a fine bronze bust of Hippocrates – “the Hippo”.

You can access a nomination form here. Nominations for the award will close at 4.30pm on Tuesday 17 November 2020.

The AMA (WA) Junior Doctor of the Year (Dr Camille Michener Legacy Award) recognises the significant and outstanding contributions of our doctors in training to the medical profession and the community in areas such as teaching and education, leadership and advocacy, doctors’ wellbeing and community service.

Last year, Dr Katrina Calvert was the recipient of this award, which establishes a fitting legacy to the memory of Dr Camille Michener. The winner is presented with an award and $3,000 to go towards ongoing professional development.

You can access a nomination form here. Nominations for the award will close at 4.30pm on Tuesday 27 October 2020.

The Federal Government has committed $16 billion to its COVID-19 health response and further stimulus spending aimed at fending off a pandemic recession. For a snapshot of the 2020-21 Federal Budget please click on the 'read more' button below.  

Did you know AMA (WA) members get FREE access to the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) as a membership benefit? In the most recent edition of the MJA, articles include:

1. 'No Jab, No Pay' raises catch-up vaccination rates

 
2. Management of patients with heart disease in General Practice “suboptimal”. 

Calling all current interns and those starting in 2021...

Mark your calendars for the AMA (WA) end-of-year Intern Celebration. This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ for your support and hard work in what has been a most unusual and challenging year for the medical profession.

Here’s a chance to catch up with colleagues and network with your peers in the hip environs of The Flour Factory.

Places are limited, so get in quick.

Free for AMA (WA) members; $60pp for non-members.

Join Dr Hash Abdeen, Webinar Facilitator and Chair, AMA Council of Doctors in Training, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, and our Panel for the launch of Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework to guide coordinated action on the mental health of doctors and medical students, developed with the support of medical leaders in Australia.

The webinar will discuss how Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework can support significant reform and change across a range of settings with actions that can be taken at an individual, organisation, service and government level to support mental health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students over the long term.

Friday 16 October; 12-1pm AEDT

WA Health is seeking views on the operation and effectiveness of the Tobacco Products Control Act 2006 and the Tobacco Products Control Regulations 2006. The AMA (WA) has been advised that WA Health is open to major reform and has encouraged health bodies to be bold with their submissions / recommendations.

The AMA (WA) will make a submission on behalf of the medical profession. If you would like to share your views on tobacco control in WA or discuss the legislation and our recommendations in detail, please contact miika.coppard@amawa.com.au.

Acting Chief Medical Officer Professor Paul Kelly is calling on immunisation providers to consider their influenza vaccine requirements and commence preparations for the 2021 influenza season.

The COVID-19 pandemic led to an unprecedented level of demand for influenza vaccines this year across all vaccine channels. Given the ongoing nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is anticipated that demand for influenza vaccines will remain high next year.

Whilst supply of the Australian Government-funded National Immunisation Program (NIP) influenza vaccines is secure, the impact of the increased demand was felt across the private market in 2020. Noting the demand experienced this year, now is the time to consider your private market ordering requirements for next year.

The WA Department of Health will soon be in contact with WA immunisation providers through their usual channels to facilitate ordering and distribution of NIP vaccines. Read Professor Kelly's letter here. 

Introducing AIA Health with AIA Vitality - health insurance that protects and rewards.

Health insurance should benefit you every day, not just when things go wrong. So that’s why all AIA Health policies include membership to AIA Vitality, the science-backed health and wellbeing program that rewards you for knowing more about your health and taking small steps to improve it.

As a medical professional, it makes sense to offset your tax liabilities and secure your wealth by investing in property.

Yes, a positive cash flow, stable rental yield and compounding capital growth all form part of your investment strategy, but investing in property should also be about safeguarding your income. Making conscious investment decisions can ensure your money, assets and family are protected for years to come.

Property has proven to be one of the most reliable forms of investment in Australia and is a long-term, financially secure investment. Property investment requires the services of other like-minded professionals who specialise in this field, with a focus on maximising returns and helping investors reach their long-term wealth objectives.

The key to successful property development is leveraging the experience of a trusted partner. Having developed over $650 million worth of successful developments, the Summit Developments team prides itself on delivering the best value and quality development solutions for its clients.