Minimum alcohol price: Now is the time to act

The Australian Medical Association (WA) strongly welcomes the WA Alcohol and Youth Action Coalition’s case for a Minimum Price for Alcohol.

“We know the harm that really cheap grog has on our society,” AMA (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid said today.

“Excessive alcohol consumption is the source of significant health, social and economic harms, particularly among young Australians. There are more alcohol-related Emergency Department presentations in WA than the rest of Australia, something that our doctors and nurses see every day,” Dr Khorshid said.

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

Message to all Federal MPs: Reject e-cigarette campaign

In a letter sent this week to all Western Australian Federal Parliamentary representatives, AMA (WA) President Dr Omar Khorshid urged them to put health first and reject companies attempting to reverse decades of successful anti-smoking achievements by weakening rules against e-cigarettes.

Australian laws and regulations controlling the use and sale of tobacco based products, including e-cigarettes are the envy of the world, Dr Khorshid said.

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

This week, Dr Omar Khorshid spoke with Oliver Peterson on 6PR about the success the big tobacco lobbyists are having in Federal Parliament on e-cigarettes. To listen to the segment, visit the 6PR website. 

AMA (WA) passes motion opposing Pharmacy Guild’s appeal

At the most recent council meeting, AMA (WA) unanimously passed a motion opposing the Pharmacy Guild’s appeal to be able to administer a wider range of vaccinations.

It was agreed that their appeal is an unacceptable fragmentary approach and contrary to the whole patient model of care focused on quality and safety.

Last year the State Government announced a review of community pharmacy ownership in Western Australia. The submission made by the AMA (WA) supported a number of changes and has recommended against allowing an extension to the healthcare role of pharmacies.

The State Government review is yet to be released, almost 10 months since the review was announced ...

To view our submission, visit the AMA (WA) website. 

Survey: Diet and weight management in general practice

Overweight and obesity are significant challenges to Australia’s health, wellbeing and productivity. Most Australian adults (63.4%) are above a healthy weight and more than one quarter (27%) of Australian children are overweight or obese.

The AMA (WA) recognises that obesity is driven by myriad social and environmental factors and must be addressed by a whole of government, multi-sectoral approach. There are currently a number of initiatives underway in WA to address weight and weight-related illness. The AMA (WA) is collaborating with the Department of Health and WAPHA around services and models of care in the community.

The insights of our members, particularly GPs, at the frontline of primary care are integral to informing our advice and advocacy to government on these issues. To that end, we have put together the following survey to collate your experiences and views. It should take no more than 15 minutes, and your input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you to those who have already completed the survey!

Complete the survey online now. 

AMA Corporate Travel Insurance

AMA Insurance Brokers offers an Annual Corporate Travel Insurance that provides exceptional value and quality coverage and benefits.

The policy is currently available at a discounted premium of $440 * from 1st October 2018 to 31st March 2019 for those under the age of 70 and $625* for Over 70’s.

To find out more, please contact us via email or on 1800 262 287.

General Practitioner Job | Perth Hills

AMA Recruit is currently seeking a FRACGP or FACRRM accredited General Practitioner for regular weekend sessions at a practice located in Kalamunda (approx. 35 minute drive from Perth CBD).

This practice is long-established with first class, modern facilities. They have a large and loyal patient base with a significant, unmet local demand for general practice on weekends. 

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

Alternatively, contact Dave Bell at AMA Recruit on 9273 3096 or dave.bell@amawa.com.au. 

Compass Student Group

Compass Student Group (Compass) started earlier this year in February by a group of UWA medical students who came together with a common goal of achieving impact in disadvantage communities while inspiring future doctors to participate in foreign aid.

Compass does this by running annual trips to Africa, teaching health education to students, and bringing health supplies to the schools. To learn more about what they do, visit the Compass website. 

Want to be a part of something new? Tour de Pushup is looking for student leaders in 2019

Tour de Pushup is a physical and mental health event that runs over 23 days in July, in line with the Tour de France. The inaugural event, held earlier this year, received an overwhelming response from the local community. Over 1000 people from all around Australia joined the cause and together over 2 million pushups were completed.  

Tour de Pushup is looking for students passionate about the intersection of mental and physical health to lead teams at their universities.

How does Tour de Pushup work?

Participants join a team and complete pushups to match the kilometres cycled in the Tour de France; 1km = 1 pushup.  Team members use the Tour de Pushup app to see the targets, tally their pushups, talk to their fellow team members and receive daily tips about taking care of their mental health.

If you are interested to get involved, contact the Tour de Pushup team via email or take a look at their instagram page @thetourdepushup
 

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