At Monday night's AGM, I was re-elected, for a second year, as AMA (WA) President, along with Vice Presidents Dr Katharine Noonan and Dr David McCoubrie.

It’s an absolute privilege to lead Western Australia’s largest independent organisation for medical practitioners and medical students.

Nominations have opened for the Australian Mental Health Prize, which seeks to recognise the important and groundbreaking work that many Australians are doing for mental health. This year, the Prize has expanded its nomination categories.

Nominations close on 1 August, and the winner will be announced in late September.

Don't forget to have your say in the 2022 Hospital Health Check (HHC). Hospital Health Check is more than just a survey, it's the perfect opportunity for doctors in training to have their say about working conditions. Views are shared anonymously on everything from teaching and training, to overtime and payslips.

Hospital executives and administrators use HHC survey results to identify what they're doing well, and where they need to improve. 

With the introduction of CPD homes next year, we're seeking Australian Medical Council (AMC) accreditation as a CPD home supporting all doctors. To ensure we offer a valued CPD home service, please tell us about your work environment, how you currently manage your CPD, and what you're looking for from your future CPD home.

The survey closes 30 June, and should only take 10 minutes to complete.

Classroom resources were rolled out to public schools last week, in the first phase of an action plan to prevent school-aged children from vaping.

The plan includes an anti-vaping toolkit for young people, parents, carers and school staff, along with a digital campaign that highlights the dangers of e-cigarettes, which can contain harmful substances. 

“Australia has led the world in measures to reduce smoking in the community," AMA (WA) President Dr Mark Duncan Smith previously commented on the issue.

"We must not turn this victory into a catastrophic defeat by creating a new generation of nicotine-addicted vapers, and permitting the tidal wave of harm to children that has been seen overseas.”

The AMA (WA) held its AGM on 13 June and has a new Council member in Parthasarathy Ramesh who will replace Alex Swann as an ordinary member.

Other AMA (WA) Council members have retained their positions. 

You can contact your AMA (WA) Council representative or an AMA (WA) office bearer to provide feedback or suggestions for AMA (WA) Council to consider.

Are ethics in medicine unchangeable?

Do they stand the test of time despite advances in modern medicine and the evolving demands of society? 

Associate Professor Roger Clarnette explored this relevant issue in Medicus' February 2014 issue.

As GP members are aware, a suite of Medicare-funded telehealth services became a permanent part of the health system on 1 January 2022.

To see the full list of services covered and to read more about the current update, click below.  

Registration is now open for a two-day Biodesign Bootcamp to be held on 7-8 July.

Biodesign bootcamps are accelerated learning, applying the Biodesign methodology for those wanting to learn how to identify and validate clinical unmet needs, ideate a viable solution, and translate the innovation within a complex healthcare environment.

With the RBA raising interest rates again last week, the question on many people's minds is... how will this affect me and my family?

This fact sheet from AMA Financial Services contains answers to questions you might have about an interest rate rise, and how it might impact you.

Falling stock and bond markets, combined with rising volatility gripping global markets since the start of the year, has intensified this week. Last week’s announcement of US inflation to 8.6 per cent, the highest in 40 years, was the primary cause.

What does this mean for investors, and what does the future hold? 

Dr Nour is the 2022 Young Australian of the Year.

Dr Nour founded Street Side Medics, a not-for-profit, GP-led mobile medical service in August 2020 in Sydney, after realising there was a gap in healthcare for those experiencing homelessness.

With his leadership and social conscience, Daniel is committed to making a difference to the lives of Australians. He’s also making significant improvements to society, and despite working full-time at Royal North Shore Hospital, has rarely missed a Street Side Medic's clinic.

Don't miss Dr Nour speak at MEDCON22.

Medicare Australia's Health Professional Education Resources Gateway offers a vast range of customised educational resources for health professionals. A new education resource that examines Health Professional Online Services (HPOS) has recently been added.

HPOS Fundamentals gives providers and their delegates:

• An insight on setting up HPOS
• Overview of the key HPOS features
• Analysis of specific HPOS features.

This core workshop addresses care planning and coordination of pharmacological, psychological and social interventions for adolescents, establishing skills in the medication management of common psychiatric disorders and safe prescribing.

A workshop you won't want to miss!