MARCH 2013 . VOL 83
AMA Queensland Membership Magazine
KEEPING IT CLEAN: RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY
NEWBLOOD 2013’S BRAND NEW INTERNS
BERNARD SALT: THE ART OF LOWERING EXPECTATIONS EXTREME SUMMER WEATHER HITS AGAIN FREE TO AMA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS
DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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EXCLUSIVELY FOR MEMBERS OF AMA QUEENSLAND
Last Chance to opt-in for renewing members, your application must be in prior to 31 March 2013.
Members Life Insurance Scheme What is the exclusive AMA Queensland Members Life Insurance Scheme? The Scheme allows the Association to act collectively to obtain Life and Total and Permanent Disablement Insurance for members, providing: • Attractive terms and conditions - $250,000 cover in the event of death or total and permanent disablement • Affordable premiums • For existing members there are no questions asked, no insurance application form – you just need to indicate acceptance as part of your AMA Queensland membership renewal form.* • A once only opportunity for renewing members and new Interns members to join the Scheme and get $250,000 automatic cover1 – from 1 January 2013, cut off date 31 March 2013
Great benefits available to you Easy to join If you’re eligible4, you’ll receive automatic cover by renewing your membership*, or if you a new Intern within your first 90 days of registration with the Medical Board of Australia applying for AMA Queensland Membership. • No questions asked • Easy to apply - no application forms, no health questionnaire, no medical examinations • It is irrelevant that a member has been declined insurance, is a smoker, drinks more than he or she should, or engages in risky leisure activities. • If you are not an existing AMA Queensland member or a new intern, you can still apply to join the scheme. All you need to do is fill out the application form which includes a short underwriting questionnaire. Acceptance in to the scheme will be subject to the insurer accepting you for cover. * Please note renewing members who have previously opted out of the scheme, can not re-join the scheme without underwriting.
The cover provided • $250,000 payable, subject to policy terms: • To you on the Insurer determining you are terminally ill, or • To your Estate or Spouse/Partner in the event of your Death, or • To you on being deemed as Totally and Permanently Disabled. The Insurer will pay any benefit to the policy owner first.
Affordable premiums Generally these premiums are less than 50% of the retail insurance rates (refer to table on the reverse). For example, a 40 year old female will pay $177.59 per year which is only $14.80 per month. This is a great saving compared to the retail rate of $31.29 per month. Retail policies may offer different benefits. A financial adviser can explain the differences and discuss what’s best for you.
To ensure the success of the AMA Queensland Members Life Insurance scheme, it is crucial that at least 25% of eligible members take up this onetime-only opportunity. If the take-up rate falls below 25%, Suncorp may terminate the offer by providing 30 days notice from the 31 March, in which case all overpaid premiums would be refunded. However, the Membership team at AMA Queensland are working hard to try and reach the required take up rate. Full detail on how the take up rate is applied and calculated can be found in the policy document. Whilst the take up rate is being determined, we recommended that you do not reduce, or cancel any current Life and TPD insurance you currently hold, outside of the AMA Queensland Members Life Insurance scheme. Once the take up rate is known, we still strongly encourage you to seek advice from a financial adviser before altering, reducing or cancelling any other insurance policies.
Annual Premium Rates
Age based premium for $250,000 insured benefit Compare our rates Yearly Premium: Male
Age
AMA Queensland group policy
Suncorp non-smoker retail policy
$135.11
$406.69
$122.14 $160.42
$378.69 $406.63
$234.98 $364.33 $600.98
$495.92 $745.79 $1,330.00
$1,056.42 $1,977.52
$2,684.65 $5,195.11
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
Yearly Premium: Female
Age
Important information Insurance cover provided under the Scheme will be subject to exclusions. A benefit will not be paid where a claim for death or TPD is made as a result of: • a direct or indirect intentional self-inflicted act (including suicide) which occurs within 13 months of cover being granted or reinstated for a member; or • an injury or illness occurring within 2 years of the member’s cover starting, where the death or TPD is caused directly or indirectly by a pre-existing condition. A pre-existing condition includes, but is not limited to, an illness, injury, sickness or symptom that AMA Queensland or you were aware of, or a reasonable person in your position should have been aware before commencement of cover. This is a summary only. The Scheme can also be terminated in certain circumstances. For example, if the initial acceptance rate2 of members eligible to join the Scheme is less than 25%, the insurer may terminate the Scheme. For more details about the exclusion, grounds for termination and what initial acceptance rate means, please see the Policy Document that is available on AMAQ’s website.
AMA Queensland group policy
Suncorp non-smoker retail policy
$42.54
$324.69
TPD definitions - exclusive for our members
$63.81 $104.52
$326.69 $358.63
Our TPD cover applies an ‘occupational’ definition.
$177.59 $308.54 $504.36
$375.52 $659.54 $1,159.37
$829.46 $1,392.40
$2,311.52 $4,454.48
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60
• T his means if a member is unable to continue work as a medical practitioner, the insurer may pay a benefit even though the member may be capable of performing some other work. • The ‘occupational’ definition is available for members working as few as 10 hours a week.
AMA Queensland recommends consulting a financial adviser to discuss your options and to see if this policy is suitable for your insurance needs. This information is a summary only of some terms of cover offered under the Scheme. For answers to frequently asked questions please refer to the revised information flyer on the AMAQ website. For full terms and conditions of the cover please refer to the policy document available on the website The information in this brochure is current as at 12 February 2013 but may be subject to change. It is general advice and doesn’t take into account a person’s objectives, financial situation or needs. A person should consider the appropriateness of the advice, the policy terms and obtaining their own advice before making any decision to be insured under the Members Life Insurance Scheme (Scheme). The information is not intended to be a comprehensive description of terms of cover provided under the Scheme and is only a summary of the matters referred to. A person should refer to the policy document and schedule for full details of all terms of cover, including when cover may cease and when a benefit is paid. Insurance under the Scheme is issued by Suncorp Life & Superannuation Limited ABN 87 073 979 530 AFSL 229880 (SLSL). This brochure is issued by Australian Medical Association Queensland ABN 17 009 660 280, The Queensland Branch of Australian Medical Association Limited ABN 17 009 660 280 (AMAQ). AMAQ is not a related body corporate of SLSL nor is it not part of the Suncorp Group. Neither SLSL nor any other company within the Suncorp Group is responsible for the distribution and content of this brochure, or liable in respect of, any products and services provided by AMAQ. 1 Automatic cover is not underwritten cover, but its provision is subject to satisfying certain conditions including payment of the required premium, being ‘at work’ on the day you are first eligible to join the Scheme and your occupation not being uninsurable. Please refer to the policy document for more details. These conditions apply whenever “automatic cover” is referred to in this brochure. 2 The insurer will determine the initial acceptance rate within 90 days of the policy commencement date ie 1 January 2013. 3 means Suncorp Life and Superannuation Limited ABN 87 073 979 530. 4 eligibility criteria can be found in the policy document on the AMAQ website.
21884 12/02/13 A
Queensland's Premier Neurosurgery & Spinal Surgery Practice
BrizBrain & Spine Welcomes 2 New Surgeons Dr Janusz Bonkowski
Dr Steven Yang BHB, Mb;ChB, FRACS Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, FRCS, FRACS Neurosurgeon
Specialises in all aspects of adult and paediatric spine surgery, hand and peripheral nerve surgeries.
Over 30 years experience as a Neurosurgeon and Spinal Surgeon. Particular interest in degenerative disorders of the spine and microsurgical techniques in the management of spinal pathology.
Special interest in complex spine reconstruction and vertebral tumour surgery.
Referrals can be submitted via our online referral form on the BrizBrain & Spine website www.brizbrain.com.au or by contacting the office directly on the following numbers: Telephone: 07 3833 2500 Fax: 07 3833 2511 Surgeons: Dr Francis Tomlinson Dr Terry Coyne Dr Richard Kahler Dr David Walker Dr Michael Bryant Dr Janusz Bonkowski Dr Steven Yang
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MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Hospitals: The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower St Andrew’s Hospital, Spring Hill Holy Spirit Northside Hospital, Chermside
Consulting Locations: Auchenflower Chermside Spring Hill North Lakes Toowoomba Ipswich Sunshine Coast Rockhampton Mackay Lismore Tweed Heads
www.fortushealth.com.au
www.newrofoundation.com.au
CONTENTS
THIS ISSUE FINDING ONE’S FEET: LIFE AS A NEW INERN QUEENSLAND WELCOMES 2013’s BRAND NEW INTERNS AND DR DALE WOOD TELLS US ABOUT HIS FIRST FEW WEEKS.
14
FEATURE STORies 28 BERNARD SALT AND THE ART OF LOWERING EXPECTATIONS
Current issues
18
22 KEEPING IT CLEAN: RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY 24 SHAKE UP FOR ANTIDISCRIMINATION
REGULARS 6
26 RURAL HOSPITALS - HOW AND HOW MUCH?
FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
28 QUEENSLAND’S EXTREME SUMMER WEATHER HITS AGAIN
10 PRESIDENT’S REPORT 12 CEO’S REPORT 20 AMA NEWS
business tools
44 MEMBER NEWS
47 THE INVESTEC CREDIT CARD
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48 HOLDING YOUR PATIENT RECORDS TO RANSOM 50 WITH GREAT POWER... DOCTORS GIVING BACK 52 SUING THE EXPERT WITNESS
people & events 16 MEMBERSHIP MILESTONES
Do patients have the right to have a blood test or CAT scan available 24/7 because they’ve paid taxes all their working life?
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18 BREAKFAST WITH THE MINISTER 38 CALENDAR
Life 54 TRAVEL 55 WINE 56 INVESTING 58 ALL ABOUT YOU
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60 MOVIES 61 ON STAGE 62 IN PRINT
DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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editor’s desk
BACK ON BOARD MICHELLE FORD RUSS Doctor Q Editor It seemed only a few minutes ago I was working on a March edition, looking at photos of new interns, looking at our big events for the year - and now here I am, back in the studio looking at new covers, as if nothing has changed. Yet everything has changed! While I was home learning just how little sleep a human being actually requires to survive, Queensland voted in a new state government, and therefore a new health minister, and Dr Alex Markwell took the reins here at AMA Queensland. Even between way too many episodes of Ben 10, I was still aware of the fear and uncertainty that had spread through Queensland Government employees
and the loss of thousands of jobs written off as ‘temporary’ or ‘desk jobs’, when the reality is, many of those jobs were keeping people safe. While there is never a nice way to lose your job, it’s best to know sooner rather than later. AMA Queensland and ASMOFQ staff have been on the road, getting the message out there about your rights as an employee. They’re also finding out more about how the axe-wielding is affecting you, your work and your ability to deliver services. Visit our website to find out when the forum is scheduled for your hospital. On a brighter note, we’ve welcomed lots of shiny new interns with contagious enthusiasm, like that of Dr Dale Wood on p14. Enjoy. Q
Dr Alex Markwell President
Dr Sharmila Biswas Honorary Secretary
Dr Christian Rowan President-Elect
Dr David Alcorn Elected Member
Dr Sharon Kelly Chairperson
Dr John W. Cox Elected Member
Dr Chris Zappala Treasurer
Dr Richard Kidd Elected Member
COUNCIL Dr David Alcorn Greater Brisbane Area
Dr Bav Manohoran Greater Bribane Area
Dr Tom Arthur Gold Coast Area
Dr Deborah Mills Part-Time Medical Practitioner Craft Group
Dr Sharmila Biswas Far North Area Dr Kimberley Bondeson Greater Brisbane Area
Dr Stephen Morrison Specialist Craft Group
Dr John W. Cox Downs and West Area
Dr John F. Murray Full -Time Salaried Medical Practitioner Craft Group
Dr Ben Duke Greater Brisbane Area
Dr Carl O’Kane North Area
OBITUARIES
Dr Larry Gahan General Practitioner Craft Group
AMA Queensland sadly wishes to advise that the following members recently passed away:
Dr Shaun Rudd General Practitioner Craft Group
Dr Noel Hayman Greater Brisbane Area
Dr Anil Sharma Capricorn Area
Dr Sharon Kelly Specialist Craft Group
Dr Jonathon Shirley Greater Brisbane Area
Dr Richard Kidd Immediate Past President
Dr Mason Stevenson General Practitioner Craft Group
Mr Nicholas Gattas Medical Student Group
Dr Vanessa Grayson Residents and Registrars Craft Group
Dr John C PURNELL Specialist Ophthalmologist Late of Broadbeach Member for 63 years
Dr Michael READING Senior House Officer Late of Jamboree Heights Member for 2 years
Dr Paul A PEIRCE General Practitioner Late of Hervey Bay Member for 57 years
Dr Ronald WOOD RFD Specialist Ophthalmologist Late of Chelmer Member for 69 years
Dr Graeme LIM Specialist Otolaryngologist Late of Barellan Point Member for 39 years
Dr Michael BEEM Specialist Anaesthetist Late of Yeronga Member for 22 years
Dr Keith MOWATT OBE Specialist Radiation Oncologist Late of Caloundra Member for 67 years
Mr Amuthan ANNAMALAI Final year student at James Cook University Late of Douglas Recent member
Disclaimer – All material in Doctor Q remains the copyright of AMA Queensland and may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without permission. While every care is taken to provide accurate information in this publication, the material within Doctor Q is for general information and guidance only and is not intended as advice. Readers are advised to make their own enquiries and/or seek professional advice as to the accuracy of the content of such articles and/or their applicability to any particular circumstances. AMA Queensland, its servants and agents exclude, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability which may arise as a result of the use of the material in Doctor Q.
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Dr Wayne Herdy North Coast Area
Dr Chris Zappala Specialist Craft Group
AMA QUEENSLAND SECRETARIAT Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer Filomena Ferlan General Manager Corporate Services Colleen Harper Manager - AMA Queensland Foundation
Holly Bretherton General Manager Member Relations and Communications Andrew Turner Manager - Member Services
Editor: Michelle Ford Russ Graphic Designer: Erin Sticklen Journalist: Barbara Ferres Advertising: Louise Glynn Doctor Q is published by AMA Queensland Contact Phone: (07) 3872 2222 Postal Address: PO Box 123, Red Hill QLD 4059 Print Post Approved PP490927/00049 Email: amaq@amaq.com.au
DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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The smoothest operation you’ll ever perform Buy a car or equipment with your Investec card and take a holiday sooner
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for AMAQ members Apply for an Investec credit card and get: • 20 000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points if you apply, are approved and use your Visa Signature credit card at least 10 times within two calendar months from date of approval1 • 10 000 Qantas Frequent Flyer points if you apply, are approved and use your Platinum credit card at least 10 times within two calendar months from date of approval2 • The $250 annual fee waived on the Platinum credit card for first 3 years
To take up this special offer quote AMAQ1
Equipment and fit-out finance | Goodwill funding | Credit cards | Home loans | Commercial and property finance | Car finance | SMSF lending and deposits Transactional banking and overdrafts | Savings and deposits | Foreign exchange | Comprehensive insurance services Qantas Frequent Flyer points are earned in accordance with the Investec/Qantas Terms and Conditions available at www.investec.com/card. Points are earned on eligible spend only. You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in order to earn and redeem points. Qantas Frequent Flyer points and membership are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. Full details are available at www.qantas.com/terms. Investec recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities.
It takes a specialist bank to create a credit card for specialists Investec has come up with a card designed for the medical profession. It’s quite clever: for instance, buy a car or equipment on your Investec card and you can earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points on that eligible purchase and then roll it over into a lease with Investec. You can also pay off your new and existing equipment or fit-out contracts with your card to earn even more points. Then all you have to do is start planning your next holiday.
Visit investec.com.au/cards or call one of our financial specialists on 1300 131 141 to find out more. To take up this special offer quote AMAQ1. Investec will donate $75 to AMAQ Foundation for all approved Signature credit card applications which are then activated.
1 The bonus 20 000 points offer is available to Investec Visa Signature cardholders who apply, are approved and use their Investec Visa Signature card for eligible spend at least 10 times within two calendar months from date of approval. Please allow 6-8 weeks for points to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account once the campaign has ended. See definition of Eligible Transaction in the Investec Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. 2 The bonus 10 000 points offer is available to Investec Visa Platinum cardholders who apply, are approved and use their Investec Visa Platinum card for eligible spend at least 10 times within two calendar months from date of approval. Please allow 6-8 weeks for points to be credited to your Qantas Frequent Flyer account once the campaign has ended. See definition of Eligible Transaction in the Investec Qantas Rewards Program Terms and Conditions. All finance products are issued by Investec Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 55 071 292 594, AFSL 234975, Australian Credit Licence No. 234975 (Investec Bank). All finance is subject to our credit assessment criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Information contained in this document is general in nature and does not take into account your personal financial or investment needs or circumstances. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice, as appropriate.
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
THE BATTLE CONTINUES WITH A ROUGH START TO 2013 WITH EXTREME WEATHER, AMA QUEENSLAND IS THERE WITH YOU TO BATTLE ON.
DR ALEX MARKWELL President, AMA Queensland 2013 has certainly gotten off to a rough start with bushfires and floods wreaking havoc across much of Australia. Barely two years since floods crippled large parts of Queensland, we watched again with dismay as record rainfall, gale-force winds and even tornados, brought fresh heartache to many communities still recovering from the natural disasters of 2011. This latest catastrophe has affected many of our members and colleagues, both personally and professionally and we wish to extend our support to any members facing hardships following these events. We’re aware of numerous doctors who endured the strain of working in or around flooded buildings with restricted road access, lengthy interruptions to power and the threat of running out of fresh water. These challenges were further compounded by the deep sadness and frustration that Queensland was facing another flood again so soon. I saw some of the worst affected patients while assisting the evacuation of Bundaberg hospital - the second such hospital evacuation in two years. Despite the immense logistical challenge of such an exercise, the operation was undertaken swiftly and successfully with the help of our members in Bundaberg, Rescue Services
Queensland, the Australian Defence Force and in Brisbane. Many other facilities were forced to run on back-up generators for days and with skeleton staff until services and access could be restored. On a more personal note, I, among many others, was shocked by the devastating accident that left Dr Zara Weedon critically injured and took the life of her young son. On behalf of Queensland’s medical community, I express my deepest sympathy and heartfelt wishes to their family and colleagues. In the midst of the flood chaos, the relentless push for efficiency and budget cuts continues. Over the past few months most Hospital and Health Boards have announced further cuts to jobs and services with talk of more yet to come. Doctors across the state have been affected, with the loss of junior doctor training positions, senior clinicians and medical administrators. The impact of these cuts on services is already becoming apparent as demonstrated by the suspension of category 3 elective surgery services in some facilities and the regional hospitals of Moura and Eidsvold facing imminent closure unless urgent alternative funding sources are found. Our members continue to raise concerns regarding lack of meaningful consultation
Ambulances at the Brisbane Airport ready to assist in relocating evacuated patients from Bundaberg hospital.
We wish to extend our support to any members facing hardships following these events.
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MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
and engagement with clinicians by many boards. It was very disappointing to hear that in one case, doctors have resorted to petitioning their board for a meeting. The recurring themes raised throughout the state focus on the impact on patient care, loss of training positions, lack of support for teaching, training and research and the as-yet-uncounted long term cost of these short-sighted decisions. AMA Queensland continues to work with members, patients and other stakeholders to raise awareness of these concerns and facilitate solutions where possible. We have recently collaborated with the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland and the Statewide Rural and Remote Clinical Network to attempt to establish an indicative health services model for rural Queensland. Over coming weeks we will be holding information sessions in conjunction with ASMOFQ throughout Queensland discussing redundancies, restructuring and industrial consultation requirements, and other options for members affected by these cuts. Other issues we will be keeping a close eye on in coming months are, the auditorgeneral’s review of private practice billing in Queensland Health facilities and the Health Payroll Commission of Inquiry. After such a challenging start to the year, we also hope to see some good news in the LNP Blueprint for Health which is expected to have been released by the time Doctor Q hits the press. As always, we will continue to keep members informed as situations develop and encourage anyone with information or concerns to please let us know. Despite the strain of recent months it is exciting to welcome a new year. For our interns who have just started work, and the students embarking upon their long medical journey, welcome to the profession and do not let current issues dampen your enthusiasm. I look forward to meeting as many of you as possible and continuing to work with members during the second half of my term as President. Q
ceo’S REPORT
SEE THE SIGNS RELAUNCHED AMA QUEENSLAND HAS RELAUNCHED ITS SUCCESSFUL SEE THE SIGNS CAMPAIGN AFTER QUEENSLAND IS AGAIN HIT BY HEAVY RAINFALL, DAMAGING WINDS, TORNADOS AND FLOODING.
JANE SCHMITT Chief Executive Officer, AMA Queensland SEE THE SIGNS RELAUNCHED FOLLOWING LATEST QUEENSLAND FLOOD DISASTER
THE
SIGNS
The Sevens Signs identified by AMA Queensland to help indicate whether a person is having difficulty are:
In the wake of the most recent floods to hit our communities, our thoughts go out to those who have been left devastated after flood waters engulfed their homes and businesses, particularly anyone who faced rising flood waters for the second time in as many years.
1 Complaints of continued poor sleep with ongoing nightmares. 2 Observations a person is easily overwhelmed, tearful or fragile. use of drugs or alcohol to suppress intense emotions or to try to 3 The achieve sleep.
In an effort to support those people rebuilding their homes and lives, AMA Queensland is proud to relaunch the See the Signs campaign which was first introduced in the aftermath of the historic floods and cyclone Yasi that took Queensland by surprise in 2011.
of withdrawing from family and friends and not engaging in day to 4 Adaypattern discussions that generally allow people to slowly debrief.
See the Signs is a public health initiative to raise awareness, improve understanding and encourage preventative action for managing mental health. The campaign aims to educate the community on common signs of anxiety, stress and depression to enable easier recognition of people who need help. Anyone experiencing the signs themselves, or recognising them in a family member or friend, should seek advice from their regular doctor. Following the most recent floods, AMA Queensland representatives have visited the hardest hit areas such as Rockhampton, Ipswich and Bundaberg. In partnership with Queensland Health, we have distributed 10,000 information posters to hospitals, medical practices and community services throughout the state. A community service announcement has been broadcast on statewide radio programs and we have engaged local media outlets to ensure people can recognise the symptoms of mental distress and find out how to seek help. This initiative is an excellent example of how doctors and all levels of government can work together to achieve better health outcomes for our fellow Queenslanders.
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SEE
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
performing at work such as struggling to concentrate on the job 5 Problems at hand. easily and declining invitations for social engagements and other 6 Startling usually pleasurable activities. 7 Increased or unreasonable irritability with family, workmates or friends. See page 28 for more information.
INVESTEC CREDIT CARD - GREAT OFFER FOR MEMBERS, GREAT NEWS FOR THE FOUNDATION AMA Queensland’s corporate partner Investec Specialist Bank is supporting our Foundation with a special credit card offer exclusively for AMA Queensland members. Investec will donate $75 to the AMA Queensland Foundation for every approved and activated Signature card opened by our members. The Investec credit card offers a range of unique features and benefits specifically designed for doctors. This is a great opportunity for members to contribute to the growth and development of the AMA Queensland Foundation which helps support local community projects and provides scholarships for medical students. See page 47 for more information.
INAUGURAL AMA QUEENSLAND BREAKFAST WITH THE MINISTER We were delighted to welcome Queensland’s Minister for Health, The Hon Lawrence Springborg MP, for the first major event of the year. We were joined by approximately 270 members of the medical and associated professions who listened intently as the Minister outlined some of the key issues facing the Government and Queensland Health over the coming months. At the conclusion of his presentation, the Mr Springborg was happy to respond to questions from the audience which offered members a rare opportunity to engage with the Minister directly. A webcast of this event is available to members free of charge via the ‘member only’ section of our website at www.amaq.com.au. Despite the challenges faced by many Queenslanders so early in the year, 2013 offers many exciting opportunities and we look forward to introducing a range of new events and initiatives to benefit our members. Q
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www.mlig.com.au Phone 07 3007 7800 Facsimile 07 3007 7822 Email info@mlig.com.au 13 DoctorQ MARCH 2013
Feature story
FINDING MY FEET: LIFE AS A NEW INTERN It had to end at some point. Seven years of predictable, safe, financially troubled university came to close. After the whirlwind of final exams and graduation celebrations January snuck up on me, and reality set in. This is where the real learning was to begin.
WITH HIS FIRST FEW WEEKS UNDER HIS BELT, DR DALE WOOD TELLS DOCTOR Q ABOUT LIFE AS A NEW INTERN IN 2013.
Medicine is a unique career path, where no matter how much you read during university, there is no way you can know everything. Which is a scary prospect when you start an internship. The idea of being alone on a ward late at night, weighed down by pagers, just waiting for someone to code and for a group of more experienced people looking at you for answers was anxiety inducing. I'm not sure if orientation made me feel better about what awaited me, or more aware of the immense responsibility that we were about to be given. My first rotation for my intern year is Geriatrics and Rehabilitation at the Princess Alexandra Hospital. From day one in the department, I've been made to feel nothing but welcome and
supported. It has thus far been the perfect start to my medical career. There is a huge amount of interesting medicine, and consultants who are only too willing to teach. Not asking is a greater sin than not knowing. And never is there a better time to swallow your pride and ask questions than at the start of your internship. Learning how to get things done is a skill that isn’t taught at medical school, and is one of the great challenges when you first start. Referring patients and organising investigations must drive the experienced medical staff mad to start the year. But they thankfully nurse you through this period with support and a lot of patience. For me medical ward call is the time where you feel like a real doctor. A terrified, disorganised doctor, running around the hospital making decisions on the management of patients you've just met that will hopefully keep them alive until the morning when someone more experienced takes over. Mixed in with multiple requests for cannulas and chart re-writes, which make the mountain of work pile up quickly. My first shift was with a buddy who was there to offer advice on being organised and managing the more common problems that crop up, which held me in good stead for my first ward call alone. As intimidating as ward call alone is, there is always someone a phone call away who is willing to give advice and help out. And ward call itself is an invaluable time to learn on the run. So far the start to my internship has been a really enjoyable experience. Adjusting to the pace of being an intern, and finding the confidence to use your knowledge and opinions in the management of your patients is a very steep learning curve. But I thoroughly look forward to the challenge ahead, and will continue to work hard to become a good doctor. Q
Adjusting to the pace of being an intern, and finding the confidence to use your knowledge and opinions in the management of your patients is a very steep learning curve. 14 14
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
DoctorQ MARCH 2012
Feature story
INTERNS 2013
AMA Queensland alongside our partners Investec hosted 15 lunches across the state as part of Intern Orientation week
TOWNSVILLE
12 DECEMBER 2012
GOLD COAST
18 OCTOBER 2012
BRISBANE
17 OCTOBER 2012
A WARM WELCOME TO THIS YEAR’S INTERNS WHO HAVE EMBARKED ON THEIR FORMAL TRAINING WITH QUEENSLAND HEALTH IN 2013. OUR MEMBERSHIP TEAM WERE DELIGHTED TO MEET SO MANY INTERNS LATE LAST YEAR AT WORKSHOPS IN BRISBANE, THE GOLD COAST AND TOWNSVILLE, AS WELL AS RECENT O-WEEK EVENTS. THE FEEDBACK WE’VE RECEIVED ABOUT OUR INTERN PROGRAM HAS BEEN OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE.
CONGRATULATIONS
TO OUR 2013 INTERN IPAD WINNERS INCLUDING: James Cook University
Bond University
Dr Kris Brent Masters
Dr Slavoljub Ljubincic
Dr Luke Miller
Dr Rachael Nightingale
University of Queensland
Griffith University
Dr Amanda Marshall
Dr Lyndal Phelps
Dr Jessica Bunker
Dr Jana Westerhof
Dr Emily Tinniswood
DoctorQ MARCH 2013 DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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Membership
People & EVENTS
MILESTONE CELEBRATING OUR MEMBER MILESTONES In December 2012 we celebrated longterm AMA Queensland members with a special event to honour those with more than 25 years of membership. More than 50 members joined staff to celebrate the Member Milestones lunch at Hunstaton with 14 doctors celebrating 50 years of membership.
Again, on behalf of the AMA Queensland President, Board of Directors, Branch Council, Chief Executive Officer and the secretariat, we offer sincere appreciation for your continued loyalty and support of the association. If you attended the lunch and wish for any photos taken on the day to be sent to you, please email d.hillier@amaq.com.au Q
LIST OF 50 YEAR MEMBERS
16 16
Dr Barrie Bennett
Dr Graham Holmes
Dr Ben Steinberg
Dr Veryan Collyer
Dr John Holmes
Dr Stephen Stening
Dr Derek Dickey
Dr Graham Isbell
Dr Kah Loong Thong
Dr Bev Edwards
Dr May Shirley Johansson
Dr David Walters
Dr Bernard Firth
Dr Peter Mann
Dr Michael Westcott
Dr Ross Forgan-Smith
Dr Walter Mirosch
Dr Owen Williams
Dr Eugene Galea
Dr Dan O’Connor
Dr Walter Wood
Dr Brian Lockhart Gibson
Dr John Roberts
Dr Kevin Gilroy
Dr Garry Shaw
MARCH 2013 2013 DoctorQ DoctorQ MARCH
TOP: Mrs Beverley Wood and Dr Walter Wood (50 yrs). SECOND FROM TOP: John Jackson, Dr Liz Culliford (seated) (25 yrs), Dr Diane F Rowling (35 yrs), Dr Eugene G Galea (50 yrs). SECOND FROM BOTTOM: Dr David Wood (35 yrs) and Professor Rob Stable (35 yrs). BOTTOM: Dr John Stevens (30 yrs), Dr Barrie Bennett (50 yrs) and Dr Marjorie Busby (40 yrs).
ABOVE: Our 50 year members with President Dr Alex Markwell
S NORING N ARCOLEPSY
25 CLINICS AUSTRALIA WIDE
O BSTRUCTIVE SLEEP APNOEA
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Please write a referral for: BULK BILLED OR PRIVATE OVERNIGHT SLEEP STUDY Professor John Corbett Neurologist & Credentialled Sleep Physician Dr Sean Tolhurst Credentialled Sleep & Thoracic Physician
FAX REFERRAL TO (07) 5571 0682 (1800 1 76673 ) Email: snore@snoreaustralia.com.au
Web: www.snoreaustralia.com.au
Professor John Corbett and Associates Neurology Clinics Bulk billed neurophysiology service for your patients Short waiting time for bookings No out-of-pocket costs Billed straight to Medicare Workcover and insurance patients accepted and billed direct to insurer. NERVE CONDUCTION STUDIES
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Please fax referral to 5531 1277 (we will contact the patient)
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Feature story
BREAKFAST
WITH THE HEALTH MINISTER OVER 270 PEOPLE ATTENDED THE INAUGURAL AMA QUEENSLAND BREAKFAST WITH THE HEALTH MINISTER AT MODA PORTSIDE ON THURSDAY 21 FEBRUARY. GUESTS WERE TREATED TO A PRESENTATION BY HEALTH MINISTER LAWRENCE SPRINGBORG OVER A SUMPTUOUS COOKED BREAKFAST IN THE PRIME RIVERFRONT LOCATION.
The event was hosted by AMA Queensland President Dr Alex Markwell and the diverse audience included representatives from the medical, education and business sectors. Following a speech in which he talked about getting ‘the most bang out of your health buck’, Minister Springborg opened the floor to questions in a twenty minute Q & A session. Questions posed to the Minister touched on issues such as ongoing training support for RMOs, the corporatisation of primary care and general practice with the introduction of GP Super Clinics, the importance of genuine clinician engagement in key decision making processes and the future of public private partnerships in health.
The Minister also signalled a forthcoming announcement which promised to outline opportunities for clinicians to have greater involvement in health planning for the future. Other key priorities he highlighted were AHPRA registration, improvements to quality and complaints processes following the Chesterman report and the ‘rebuilding’ of HHSs after months of implementing drastic changes to health care service funding and delivery. The highly successful event was an excellent way to kick off what promises to be a great year of exciting and informative opportunities for AMA Queensland members.
CEO Jane Schmitt with Scott Stewart and James Warwick from AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions and President Dr Alex Markwell.
A webcast of this event is available online to members free of charge at www.amaq. com.au Q
Mr Springborg’s clear aim is to get ‘the most bang out of your health buck.’
President Dr Alex Markwell, Julie Miller and Julie Smith from William Buck (Qld) and CEO Jane Schmitt
CEO Jane Schmitt, Ross Noye, Colin McKenzie and Mark O’Flynn from Macquarie and President Dr Alex Markwell
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Feature story
Enjoying Breakfast ABOVE LEFT: Professor Claire Jackson and Dr John Dyer
ABOVE: Dr Vanessa Grayson and Nicholas Gattas
ABOVE RIGHT: Dr Bill Glasson and Associate Professor Richard Williams
If you didn’t get to the breakfast, check out the webcast at www.amaq.com.au
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news
AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS Congratulations to the following AMA Queensland members who were recognised for their services on Australia Day.
Professor Diego De Leo AO, Brisbane
MEMBER: 8 YEARS
Professor De Leo was appointed an officer in the General Division of the Order of Australia for distinguished service to medicine in the field of psychiatry as a researcher and through the creation of national and international strategies for suicide prevention.
Professor Peter Silburn AM, Paddington
MEMBER: 17 YEARS
Professor Silburn was appointed a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine as a neurologist, particularly in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Emeritus Professor Robert Stable AM, Clayfield
MEMBER: 37 YRS
Emeritus Professor Stable was appointed a member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to the community of Queensland through innovative and strategic management in the areas of tertiary education and health.
Clinical Professor Graeme Beardmore OAM, Tewantin
MEMBER: 56 YRS
Clinical Professor Beardmore was awarded a medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to medicine in the field of dermatology.
Professor Ajay Rane OAM, Thuringowa Professor Diego De Leo AO, member for 8 years
MEMBER: 9 YRS
Professor Rane was awarded a medal of the Order Of Australia in the General Division for service to medicine in the field of urogynaecology.
Associate Professor Michael Weidmann OAM, Brisbane
MEMBER: 32 YRS
Associate Professor Weidmann was awarded a medal of the Order Of Australia in the General Division for service to medicine in the field of neurosurgery. Q
AMA CAREERS ADVISORY SERVICE The newly launched AMA Careers Advisory Service has been busy so far this year. The service caters for everyone from medical students requiring assistance with their internship applications, particularly resume and cover letter reviews, through to Doctors-in-Training requiring interview skills and techniques to gain a competitive edge for medical college interviews and on to qualified medical professionals interested in exploring employment opportunities beyond medical practice. Visit careers.ama.com.au or phone the hotline on 1300 884 196. Q
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This is your one-stop shop for information and assistance on piecing together the puzzle of your medical career path from leaving university through to career change opportunities.
LOG IN NO W FOR USEF UL LINKS AND PUBL ICATIONS RELATED TO AREAS WI THIN YOUR ME DICAL CAREER
news
Rachel Drew (TressCox), Dr Nick Buckmaster, Dr Ross Cartmill and Dr Alex Markwell
JOB SECURITY FORUMS In light of Queensland Health job cutbacks, rationalisation of services and potential redundancies, AMA Queensland has been working with ASMOFQ, hosting forums to inform members of their legal rights and finding out more about how the recent uncertainty has been affecting members, their workloads and their ability to provide services. The team will continue to host forums all over Queensland throughout the year. Visit the AMA Queensland website to find details for a forum near you. Q
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CURRENT ISSUES
KEEPING IT CLEAN: RELATIONSHIPS WITH INDUSTRY A CONFLICT OF INTEREST BETWEEN DOCTORS AND INDUSTRY CAN AFFECT CLINICAL INDEPENDENCE, PROFESSIONAL INTEGRITY AND PATIENT SAFETY. AMA’S REVISED POSITION STATEMENT EXPLAINS THE CARE NEEDED TO MAINTAIN ETHICAL RELATIONSHIPS.
BARBARA FERRES
Media Officer, AMA Queensland
A conflict of interest between doctors and industry can affect clinical independence, professional integrity and patient safety. AMA’s revised position statement explains the care needed to maintain ethical relationships. Recently AMA Federal released a revised position statement entitled AMA Position Statement on Medical Practitioners’ Relationships with Industry 2012. The position statement provides guidance for doctors on maintaining ethical relationships with industries such as pharmaceuticals, the medical device and technology industry, health care product suppliers, and health care facilities, as well as medical services such as pathology, radiology and physiotherapy. When launching the revised position statement, AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said that “doctors are trained to think independently, to make decisions, and to discharge their duty of care in the best interests of the patient.” “The history of health care in Australia has been marked by close collaboration between doctors and industry. Doctors have a responsibility to ensure that their interaction with industry is consistent with their patients and towards society at large,” he said.
RS DOCTO D SHOUL AL IC BE CYN EPTING ACC ABOUT TALITY OR HOSPI G STAFF N NURSI DRUG FROM IES N COMPA
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“Doctors must safeguard their clinical independence and professional integrity from the influence of third parties, including industry. “It is important to recognise potential conflicts of interest and develop processes to deal with them.” Conflicts of interest can occur in any industry but doctors may face an increased level of scrutiny, with patients expecting a high level of professional and personal integrity from their medical practitioners. Conflicts can occur without deliberate intent as regular interactions between doctors and industry suppliers may forge relationships of mutual benefit or convenience over a period of time. This may not manifest as an obvious conflict but close relationships between those selling health care and those providing it can undermine the necessary bond of trust between a doctor and their patient. Whether the conflict of interest is real or only perceived, it can have a detrimental effect on the dynamic of this important relationship. If a patient becomes aware of a potential conflict of interest, they may question the motivation or necessity of a course of medication or treatment. Without due diligence and transparency, doctors can easily find themselves caught in a complex web, strung together by competing demands for financially solvent
...close relationships between those selling health care and those providing it can undermine the necessary bond of trust between a doctor and their patient. medical businesses, new innovations in technology and treatments and the benefits of collaboration between health disciplines. Like everything else to do with health care, this is a complex issue which can be interpreted from a variety of different perspectives. The AMA Position Statement on Medical Practitioners’ Relationships with Industry 2012 may offer some guidance to doctors on ways to manage their interactions with the medical industry and guard their professional reputations from impunity. The full AMA Position Statement on Medical Practitioners’ Relationships with Industry 2012 is available on the AMA website. Q
AMA Queensland
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CURRENT ISSUES
SHAKE UP FOR ANTI-DISCRIMINATION PROPOSED CHANGES TO THE HUMAN RIGHTS AND ANTI-DISCRIMINATION BILL 2012 COULD PLACE THE ONUS ON THE EMPLOYER TO PROVE THAT DISCRIMINATION HASN’T OCCURRED, RATHER THAN THE COMPLAINANT NEEDING TO PROVE DISCRIMINATION HAS OCCURRED.
ANDREW TURNER
of ‘discrimination’, changing the current framework of ‘direct’ and ‘indirect discrimination’.
Recent media attention has focused on proposed new powers which makes conduct which ‘offends or insults’ another unlawful. Concerns that this may erode freedom of expression has attracted controversy, however there are other proposed changes of which employers need to be aware. The Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Bill 2012 is currently being reviewed by the Legal and Constitutional Affairs Committee.
‘Discrimination’ is characterised as the unfavourable treatment of another, which includes harassment or conduct that offends, insults or intimidates another person. The bill broadens the definition of discrimination to include the introduction of a policy which has the effect of disadvantaging an employee or a group of employees with a particular attribute.
Workplace Relations Manager, AMA Queensland
Their recommendations will be provided to the Senate in late February and may be amended based on their recommendations. It is expected to go before the House of Representatives by the middle of the year. The objective of the bill is to consolidate anti-discrimination law at the Federal level and to ensure that the Anti Discrimination Legislation offers employees the same protections as the Fair Work Act 2009. The bill proposes amending the definition
Under newly released draft legislation released by the Federal Government, proposed changes would require employers in future claims to prove that they did not conduct or engage in conduct or action with a discriminatory intent or purpose. This is a reverse from the current legislation where the responsibility is on the employee or claimant to demonstrate that they have been discriminated against. Further the bill makes it an offence to request information from another for
The bill broadens the definition of discrimination to include the introduction of a policy which has the effect of disadvantaging an employee or a group of employees with a particular attribute.
the purpose of engaging in unlawful or discriminatory conduct. This issue is likely to arise in an interview with a specific candidate regarding family responsibilities, maternity leave and associated issues. Under the proposed changes, if an employee lodges a claim alleging discrimination, the employer will be required to demonstrate that the conduct was justifiable or that an exemption should apply. Justifiable conduct can be broadly defined as that which is taken in good faith or which a reasonable person considers a proportionate means of achieving the aim. Secondly the bill proposes that the ‘inherent requirements exemption’ will be continued. This allows an employer to argue that the person must have certain characteristics in order to fulfill their duties. However this will not apply if the employer could have made a reasonable adjustment to assist the employee in performing the role. With increasing compliance obligations on employers to ensure they meet their legislative obligations, it is vital that all workplaces introduce policies to ensure that there is no inadvertent discriminatory malfeasance. Your policy should be accessible to all staff and contactors and should explain your obligations and theirs. You should also be vigilant in retaining all information and documentation regarding employment-related decisions (for example: notes from interviews with candidates, letters regarding investigations concerning employee grievances). There should also be regular workplace training so that all staff comply with their obligations. For more information please contact the Workplace Relations Department at AMA Queensland on (07) 3872 2211. Q
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CURRENT ISSUES
RURAL HOSPITALS – HOW AND HOW MUCH? WHILE THE PROPOSED CLOSURE OF THE MOURA HOSPITAL HAD THE STATE GOVERNMENT BACKPEDALLING, IT HAS ALSO RAISED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LEVEL OF SERVICE PROVIDED TO SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
EMILY COTTERILL
Policy Officer, AMA Queensland
Moura is a small town 180km south-west of Rockhampton on the Dawson River: population 19001. To the south of the town lies the long, snaking Dawson Coal mine, where many of the town’s residents work. The town’s surrounding regions produce cattle, cotton and sorgum. In January this year, news broke that the Central Queensland Hospital and Health Service (CQHHS) had plans to close down Moura Hospital, citing low patient numbers and high costs. This decision was taken without community consultation. In response, the determined local community immediately launched a campaign to stop the closure, picketing the hospital and demanding consultation. AMA Queensland, along with the Rural Doctors Association of Queensland and other stakeholder groups also called for the CQHHS to consult and provide further plans about how and what services would be available to Moura residents.
While this individual win is good news for Moura residents, the situation has brought into sharp focus the lack of clear direction available to Hospital and Health Services about what level of services they must provide to communities. While Australia’s Medicare Principles talk about universal ‘eligibility’ to access public hospital services, there is no guide for public administrators around what a safe and appropriate level of services for communities should be, especially in regional areas. Health services should be guaranteed for all communities, and these services should match the community’s risk and demographic profile. For example, we know rural and regional communities suffer higher rates of traumatic injury – car crashes,
heavy machinery accidents etc – than do urban communities. So it makes sense that plans should be in place to ensure these communities have access to emergency trauma care. Communities with high indigenous populations should have access to health professionals with appropriate cultural skills and training, and so on. For this reason, AMA Queensland is advocating that a ‘recommended service standard’ be developed to guide Hospital and Health Services in their planning and coordination of health care in their areas. We know living in rural and regional areas places people at a higher risk of premature death, we know there is a shortage of specialist services in many regions, and we know many people have to travel long distances to see their GPs. These challenges should encourage health services to increase, rather than decrease services in rural areas. Q
These challenges should encourage health services to increase, rather than decrease services in rural areas.
MACKAY
EMERALD
Following the public’s concern, the Premier and Health Minister moved to stop the closure, guaranteeing that Moura, and neighbouring Eidsvold’s, health facilities would not be closing.
ROCKHAMPTON GLADSTONE MOURA BUNDABERG MARYBOROUGH
BRISBANE
TOOWOOMBA
1
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http://www.censusdata.abs.gov.au/census_services/getproduct/census/2011/quickstat/SSC31172?opendocument&navpos=220
The 56th Annual
Errol Solomon Meyers Memorial Lecture Wednesday, July 24th UQ Centre The ES Meyers Memorial Lecture comprises a forum for a person of distinction to present a perspective of endeavour and achievement. The lecture was begun in 1957 in honour of Errol Solomon Meyers, one of the most significant founders of the Medical School in Queensland, and his contributions to medicine.The speaker for the 56th annual Lecture is yet to be announced; we trust that you will save the date and join us for an enlightening evening.
“Save the Date” University of Queensland
Medical Society Inc.
uqms.org/esmeyers
WE WANT YOU!
AMA Queensland is heading in a new policy direction and we want to hear from you!
CONTACT US ON : P: (07) 3872 2222 E: amaq@amaq.com.au www.amaq.com.au
Our policy team is currently developing a new strategic policy framework to guide our discussions with government and industry. It will be AMA Queensland’s roadmap to a better health system. To do this, we need to hear from our experts – our members. We will shortly be sending you an email with details about how you can advise us about what the health system should look like.
SO CHECK YOUR INBOX, AND GET INVOLVED! DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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CURRENT ISSUES
EXTREME SUMMER WEATHER HITS AGAIN JUST TWO YEARS ON FROM CYCLONE YASI AND DEVASTATING FLOODS, RECORD RAINFALL, GALEFORCE WINDS AND EVEN TORNADOS HAVE WROUGHT HAVOC ON THE SUNSHINE STATE.
BARBARA FERRES
Media Officer, AMA Queensland
Although the water levels in many places did not exceed the 2011 flood, the devastation to individuals and communities has been compounded as many communities were inundated for the second time in two years.
SEE
THE
SIGNS
In an effort to support affected communities, AMA Queensland is proud to have partnered with Queensland Health and other local governments to relaunch our See the Signs campaign. Originally developed after the 2011 floods and cyclone Yasi, the See the Signs initiative aims to highlight the symptoms of mental distress following significant traumatic events such as floods and other natural disasters. President Dr Alex Markwell has been spreading the message with visits to Ipswich, Gatton and Bundaberg which were some the worst affected areas. See the Signs has received great support in these regions from local Mayors, Paul Pisasale, Steve Jones and Mal Foreman.
See the Signs campaign aims to highlight the symptoms of mental distress
MOGGILL
MONTO
President D r Alex Paul Pisasa Markwell with Ipswic le, supporti h ng See the Si Mayor gns.
With Queensland Health’s support we are distributing 10,000 information posters to doctors, hospitals and community health services throughout the entire state in addition to a Community Service Announcement which is being broadcast on radio stations around Queensland. See the Signs 2013 again aims to raise awareness, improve understanding and encourage preventative action for managing mental health following large-scale traumatic events such as natural disasters. Q
BUNDABERG Photos courtesy of Heidi den Ronden and Liby Edwards
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Contact us for free booklets to distribute to your patients
• advocacy service • peer support 24/7
Website: www.asbestos-disease.com.au
• telephone support
Email: asbestoshelp@westnet.com.au Home Locations Services
DoctorDirect
Phone:
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1800 77 99 77
results@qldxray.com.au
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11/02/13 3:42 PM
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Feature story
DOCTOR Q HAD A CHAT TO RENOWNED AUSTRALIAN DEMOGRAPHER BERNARD SALT ABOUT POPULATION TRENDS AND THEIR EFFECT ON QUEENSLAND’S HEALTH SERVICES. HE MAKES AN INTERESTING POINT: NOT ONLY IS THERE A MASSIVE SWELL OF RETIREES GOING ON, BUT THEIR EXPECTATIONS WILL BE WORLDS APART FROM THEIR STOIC, RATIONING, WARTIME PARENTS.
Put simply, the statistics paint a pretty gloomy picture for baby boomers and health care. The first wave of baby boomers born in 1946 are now in their late 60s and starting to require medical assistance with everything from aching knees and creaking hips to diabetes, asthma and strokes.
BERNARD SALT
MARCH DoctorQ2012 MARCH DoctorQ 2012
COCKTAILS WITH
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AMA QUEENSLAND EVENT
THE ART OF LOWERING EXPECTATIONS
Feature story
“There’s about 4.5 million baby boomers in Australia at the moment, they’re aged from 47 to 66 and they are about to jump into the space occupied by around 2.5 million people aged 65 to early 70s. So for the last 10 to 15 years the amount of beds and services and healthcare facilities required by 2.5 million people are going to come under pressure from 4.5 million people. “You have a volume shift in the number of people presenting to the retirement age and also a value shift. So if they (baby boomers) are not feeling well they want a blood test, they want a CAT scan, they want a MRI scan and they want it all just down the road because they paid tax all their working life so our expectation of services will escalate over the next decade,” Bernard said. “They’re the first retirees who’ll be university educated, opinionated, articulate, literate, with time on their hands and if they are not being delivered the services they think they are entitled to, they will let you know, loud and clear. Stand by for the grumpy, demanding retiree!” While managing a higher volume of retirees and their expectations will be a challenge all over Australia and other Western countries, Bernard predicts Queensland will particularly bear the brunt because of our attractiveness as a retirement destination. “Not only do you have to manage your own state’s retiring baby boomers but probably also many from the southern states. It raises a very interesting issue that if someone spends their working life in Sydney or Melbourne, paying tax to the local state government, then they turn up in Noosa, Mackay or the Gold Coast, they expect to draw down on services that their taxes have made a contribution to but in fact they have paid tax most of their working life in to another state,” he said. “I think that as baby boomers retire interstate to Queensland and start to focus on wellness and wellbeing, let alone acute aged healthcare issues, I think there is a
case to say that the idea of paying tax in a working life in one state and then enjoying retirement and managing the health issues in another state is really an issue that has not surfaced in the same way that it will in the next ten years.” Bernard predicts that, as ever, the health workforce will be caught in the middle with budget limits and higher patient expectations. He believes there will be greater pressure on health issues that go hand in hand with advancing age. “It might be hips and knees and other bits and pieces that fall apart, even down to dental. This is not acute but its body maintenance that is going to come under pressure.”
Ask not what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country.” President Kennedy, 1961 Inauguration speech
When asked the question ‘can the health system ever be fixed?” his reply is a straight forward no. “There will never be sufficient funding to meet the expectations of the community now or in the next 10-20 years. There’s two ways you can address this – either we need more funding, take more money out of defence or roads or whatever because nothing is as important as health, that’s one argument. “The other argument is to attack this at the source and alter peoples’ expectations. Do
Bernard Salt is an author, business advisor and regular columnist for The Australian who rose to prominence with the release of his first book The Big Shift in which he predicted a rise in the demand for coastal lifestyle. He has also authored recent books The Big Picture, The Big Tilt and The Man Drought. Relax with colleagues and friends over canapés and drinks and hear first-hand from Bernard the key demographic trends that will impact the medical profession over the coming decades.
DETAILS
you really have a right to have a blood test, a CAT scan, an MRI scan to be provided 24/7 just down the road just because you have paid tax all your working life? One is actually delivering the budgets and nicking the money from somewhere else, and every Health Minister is going to put that case passionately to Cabinet of course, but there is a bigger picture at play here and that is we really need to get back to reasonable expectations. “If you look at parents of the baby boomers, people who came through his depression, they believe in concepts like sacrifice and saw that as a virtue. Now maybe we don’t need to go back to those hardy values but maybe we need to toughen up a bit and just be a bit more practical and pragmatic about our health care expectations. It’s almost like you will never, ever satisfy the community’s demand for health services based on the current trends and culture of entitlement. What we need to be doing as a society is diminishing or shifting that culture to one of sustainability,” he said. It seems changing perception is needed across the board, not just in health. “We have very high expectations of quality of life and health is part of that but there needs to be a whole of government, whole of community push to being more pragmatic that sometimes you just have to subjugate your expectations for a greater good,” he argues. Referring to President Kennedy’s famous inauguration speech (shown left), Bernard said that Kennedy appealed to the depression era people (who would have been 40 or 50 at the time). “They got the idea that you have to sacrifice in order to prosper as a community. No politician today would get up and say ‘I want you to sacrifice for the greater good of Queensland’. They are more likely to say:‘vote for me and I will give you what you want’. We need to change that thinking.” Q
MEET BERNARD!
DATE: Thursday 30 May 2013 TIME: 6:00pm for 6.30pm – 8pm VENUE: Victoria Park Golf Club, Herston Road, Brisbane COST: $44 inc GST for members; $66 inc GST for non-members
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FOUNDATION
DREAMS ARE MADE OF THIS... DOCTORS DOING GOOD
BURSARIES TO JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY STUDENTS KEEN TO PURSUE RURAL MEDICINE CAREERS HAVE BEEN JUST ONE INITIATIVE THE AMA QUEENSLAND FOUNDATION HAS PUT IN PLACE TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO HEALTH CARE. ANNA MALAN AND BRETT QUABBA GRADUATED AT THE END OF 2012, AND ANNA TELLS US ABOUT THE DIFFERENCE THE BURSARY MADE TO HER STUDIES.
Having the AMA Queensland Foundation scholarship was a blessing. I moved from Cairns to Townsville straight from high school. In the first three years, I temped as a secretary during holidays, saving for the term costs. My parents were already under financial pressure supporting my brother at uni. After third year, I realised the need to use semester breaks to rejuvenate so that I was fresh for another year of dedicated study. Without the scholarship, I don’t doubt I would have had to take a year off to earn enough to support my studies. Instead the bursary helped pay for textbooks, rent and medical equipment (like my stethoscope). That $5,000 became such a stress reliever in terms of the reassurance that I had some ‘income’ and I could focus my energy on studying; not stressing about finances. Medical rotations saw me travel to Longreach in second year for four weeks, Bowen and Proserpine each for eight weeks and a two week stint in Sarina. I spent the last two years of my degree based in Mackay. Being a smaller hospital than Townsville, 32
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Mackay was a fantastic learning environment and all the doctors were wonderful teachers, willing to have us there. I’m very happy to be continuing my internship at Mackay and plan to follow the Rural Generalist Pathway, undergo an advanced specialist training year in anaesthetics and pursue a career in rural health. I believe the absolutely defining moment when I knew I would love what I was doing was in my first year placement at Cairns Base Hospital during my weeks in obstetrics and gynaecology. I had spent the whole year at uni learning basic sciences and broad medical topics and then on placement, my eyes were opened to the wonderful world of clinical practice and what it was really like to be a doctor. I was given opportunities to see patients, scrubbed in for an up-close observation of a C-section and witnessed a natural birth. It was inspiring to see the doctors’ problem-solving skills and their knowledge. From that point, I was ready to be a sponge for all the medical knowledge I could soak up! Q
You can ease the financial pain of medical studies as a supporter of AMA Queensland Foundation. Donations are tax deductible. www.amaqfoundation.com.au
ABOVE LEFT: Anna, as a second year student in Longreach, chuffed at successfully getting her first blood sample. ABOVE RIGHT: Anna learns plastering, medical style.
FOUNDATION FROM LEFT: Dr Susan King (Duke Trust), Jane Schmitt (AMA Queensland Foundation), Colleen Harper (AMA Queensland Foundation) and Lyndall De Marco (Children’s Health Foundation).
DUKE TRUST SUPPORTS KIDS’ NEEDS
DOCTORS KEEP WHEELS OF BUS ROLLING Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology’s blood is worth bottling! The long-time supporter of AMA Queensland Foundation has come to the rescue of Red Hill Special School whose bus was rendered unroadworthy. SNP chief executive officer and managing partner Dr Michael Harrison recently handed over the keys to a $75,000 mini-bus specially outfitted with wheelchair hoist and electric retractable steps.
SNP has been a regular donor to many charitable causes since its inception in 1956 and has an annual giving budget of more than $150,000. Dr Harrison said SNP employees looked forward to helping out on excursion days as part of the business’s commitment to corporate responsibility. Q
Stan and Maureen Duke Trust representative, radiologist Dr Susan King, recently saw her late parents’ wish to keep helping children continue, providing ’s the Children’s Health Foundation’s Lyndall De Marco with funds for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s rehabilitation unit which was in need of specialised equipment. AMA Queensland Foundation’s Colleen Harper and Jane Schmitt joined Dr King as the unit took receipt of bathing equipment, two high-performance wheelchairs and a surface electromyography (EMG) with biofeedback — assisting children with brain injuries causing dysphagia to improve their swallowing. Q
“We didn’t need to think twice about the difference this donation would make,” Dr Harrison said. Red Hill Special School has about 50 students aged from five to 17. All have intellectual disabilities and most also have debilitating physical conditions impairing their mobility. Although a state school, Education Queensland’s budget would not cover a replacement vehicle used to transport students to community-based learning in the park, library and shops as well as riding lessons at Moggill. “Our community-based learning means so much to the students enabling them to develop specific life skills and a sense of independence. It’s all about preparing our students for life after school in the big wide world,” principal Pam Stack said. “We’re just so grateful.” DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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CURRENT ISSUES
REMOVING JOB SECURITY FOR RMOS THE MAYANS WERE RIGHT, 2012 WAS A BIG YEAR, BUT NOT IN THE WAY WE ALL THOUGHT. AFTER HAVING SURVIVED YET ANOTHER DOOMSDAY, DR VANESSA GRAYSON, COUNCIL CHAIR OF DOCTORS IN TRAINING, TAKES TIME TO REFLECT ON WHAT WAS AN IMPORTANT YEAR FOR DITS IN QUEENSLAND.
DR VANESSA GRAYSON
Chair, Council of Doctors in Training
This time last year, the unions were in the midst of negotiating the Medical Officer’s Certified Agreement (MOCA) with Queensland Health. During the negotiation a new State Government eager to get the state budget back on track was elected. The change in government saw a change in the negotiations and we faced the threat of pay freezes and real pay cuts. Fortunately, the unions were able to negotiate a modest pay rise, no change in our working conditions, but were unable to stop the removal of the job security clause.
Projections released early in 2012 by Health Workforce Australia (HWA) show that, in order to address the future health needs of the community, it is critical that Australia retains locally trained medical graduates by providing them with sufficient prevocational and specialist training places.
The removal of the clause was cause for concern as we saw the first wave of job cuts across the public sector. We were told that frontline staff would not be at risk, but we all know of friends and colleagues who have been affected by these fiscal measures. During this time, Queensland Health devolved into 17 Hospital and Health Services. This resulted in the redistribution of the health budget and the decentralisation of health services. This has translated into loss of community and outpatient health services, bed closures and further job losses, including some DiT positions. Last year also marked the unprecedented event of widespread DiT unemployment at the end of the RMO campaign. This event was a culmination of increasing graduate numbers, decreasing hospital recruitment, continued recruitment of International Medical Graduates and a parallel campaign system where those applying for higher level positions missed out on RMO positions. The solution for many colleagues has been to seek employment interstate.
The solution for many colleagues has been to seek employment interstate. AMA Queensland has been working hard to raise awareness on this issue and I can assure that the lack of media attention is not for a lack of trying. RMO unemployment is on the agenda whenever President Dr Alex Markwell meets with Health Minister Lawrence Springborg and Queensland Health Director-General Dr Tony O’Connell. I hope you all settle into your new rotations and hospitals soon and look forward to what will be an exciting year. Q
I have stepped into th time of is role uncerta as Cha in ir in a t y working and AM AQCDT very ha rd this y will be key are ear. The as I’d li r e a ke CDT re three to focu s on this Liais year: ing wit h Que ensland improv e the RM Health O camp to a ig Tail n oring o ur even ts to giv the ‘Co ing mem mpetitiv bers e Edge’. O will be ur first a Resu event me and Worksh Intervie op held w Skills in Marc h Imp roving our com munica you info tion to rmed o keep f t he late activitie s t u s. pdates and
1.
2. 3. 34
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
AROUND THE REGIONS
JOIN YOUR LMA
LOCAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION ROUND UP
STAY CONNECTED WITH COLLEAGUES AND UP TO DATE WITH THE LATEST HEALTH NEWS AND ISSUES AFFECTING YOUR LOCAL AREA. DON’T STAND ON THE SIDELINES —JOIN YOUR LOCAL MEDICAL ASSOCIATION TODAY AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
SUNSHINE COAST
CAIRNS
BRISBANE NORTHSIDE Next meeting: 9 April
Next meeting: 28 March
For information on meeting dates and membership contact Cairns LMA President Dr Sharmila Biswas.
Venue: Maroochydore Surf Club
Phone: (07) 4036 4333
Monthly dinner meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month.
Convenor: Jo Bourke
Time: 6.45pm for 7.15pm Convenor: Dr Graham McNally Phone: (07) 3265 3111
Phone: (07) 5479 3979 Fax: (07) 5479 3995
TOWNSVILLE
Email: jobo@squirrel.com.au
For information on meeting dates and membership contact Townsville LMA President Dr Carl O’Kane.
For further information or to join visit www.sclma.com.au
Venue: Moda Events, Portside
Phone: (07) 4433 1111
For further information or to join, visit www. northsidelocalmedical.wordpress.com
REDCLIFFE & DISTRICT Next meeting: 27 March
GOLD COAST
Venue: Golden Ox Restaurant, Redcliffe
Next meeting: 21 March - GCML AGM
CENTRAL QUEENSLAND
Time: 7pm for 7.30pm
For information on meeting dates go to www. gcma.org.au or email info@gcma.org.au
For information on meeting dates and membership contact Central Queensland LMA Secretariat Dr Harley Wilson.
Phone: (07) 3409 4429
A membership form can be downloaded from our site.
Phone: 0419 277 611
Phone: (07) 5575 7054
Email: harleywilson00@gmail.com
Fax: (07) 5575 7551
TOOWOOMBA & DARLING DOWNS For further information, go to www.tddlma. org.au or email info@tddlma.org.au
Email: info@gcma.org.au
BUNDABERG
FRASER COAST
For information on meeting dates and how to join, contact Bundaberg LMA President, Dr Daud Yunus.
For information on meeting dates and how to join, contact Fraser Coast LMA President, Dr Shaun Rudd.
Convenor: Margaret MacPherson
Phone: (07) 4152 2888
Membership to the Toowoomba and Darling Downs LMA is just $50. To join, download an application form at www.tddlma.org. au/membership.html
Fax: (07) 4153 3245 Email: daud.yunus@gmail.com
AGM: 21 November Phone: (07) 4128 3644 Fax: (07) 4124 0660
CAN’T FIND YOUR LOCAL AREA?
If your Local Medical Association does not appear above or your details are incorrect, please email David Hillier at d.hillier@ amaq.com.au with corrections, contact details, how to join, web address, dates for upcoming meetings and who to contact for further information. DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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for Rural Health Living and Working on the Land
RDAQ 20I3 – Register today! The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland 24th Annual Conference (RDAQ 2013) will focus on the changing role of occupational and industrial health in rural medicine. The conference offers comprehensive clinical and health policy sessions. Come along and share in the expertise of conference speakers and engage with key decision makers for rural medicine in Queensland. The conference will be held at the Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre on the 7th – 9th June 2013.
24th Annual Conference Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre 7th – 9th June 2013
A note from RDAQ President RDAQ 2013 will be returning to Central Queensland and the beautiful resource rich centre of Mackay for our “Digging Deep for Rural Health” Conference. This year’s conference will explore many of the challenges and benefits faced by doctors working tirelessly in the rural towns that service the resource and agriculture industries. The changing physical environment and population trends for rural Queensland are affecting the delivery of rural medicine. The theme of ‘Living and working on the Land’ will be explored in clinical and policy sessions to keep us all current. A number of sessions will allow delegates to explore the impacts of changing funding arrangements for service provision. The program will again offer our annual medicopolitical forum and we are planning a format that will allow even greater delegate participation than before. RDAQ 2013 will offer excellent clinical content with plenty of networking and social opportunities. I welcome past and new delegates and our student colleagues to consider attending. RDAQ is a unique conference experience, and this year promises to deliver yet again. I hope to see you in Mackay.
For more information on RDAQ 2013 please go to: conference.rdaq.com.au
Dr Adam Coltzau President RDAQ
24th Annual Conference Mackay Entertainment and Convention Centre 7th – 9th June 2013
for Rural Health Living and Working on the Land
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for this innovative rural medical event. Please go to conference.rdaq.com.au to register online or to download the RDAQ 2013 registration brochure. To take advantage of the earlybird discounted registration rate book by 22nd March 2013!
ACCOMMODATION
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
Mackay has an array of accommodation available ranging from studio apartments to two bedroom self-catering apartments. Special conference rates have been negotiated at several hotels in Mackay and can be conveniently booked via the booking form sent with your registration confirmation.
As a part of the innovative pre RDAQ 2013 educational program there will be numerous workshops running. RDAQ will be running a musculoskeletal workshop and a women’s health workshop on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th June 2013. Information on these two workshops can be found on the conference website.
RDAQ 2013 PROGRAM Running from 7th – 9th June with two additional days of pre conference workshops, the program includes the latest updates in clinical practice and training, topical presentations, discussion forums and policy updates. The program will also feature RDAQ’s traditional medico-political forum to discuss issues vital to the survival of rural and remote healthcare services. Program topics will revolve around “occupational and industrial medicine” in rural and remote healthcare. Clinical topics include trauma, retrievals and evacuations, dermatology and cardiology. The program also offers sessions on workforce, funding and advocacy issues. To view the current RDAQ 2013 program please visit the conference website.
CONTACT DETAILS Shell Brennan & Renee Dobbin RDAQ 2013 Conference Managers Health Workforce Queensland GPO Box 2523, Brisbane, Qld 4001 Phone: 07 3105 7800 Fax: 07 3105 7801 Email: conference@rdaq.com.au Web: www.rdaq.com.au/conference
Health Workforce Queensland also will be running a series of pre-conference workshops on Thursday 6th and Friday 7th June 2013. For more information on these workshops please visit the Training & Events section at www.healthworkforce.com.au.
SOCIAL PROGRAM In 2013 RDAQ will host a social program featuring four exciting social events. The program will give delegates the opportunity to take a break from the academic side of the event and enjoy the company of old friends and make new contacts. RDAQ 2013 will also provide a Queensland Rural Medical Family Network (QRMFN) family program. All social information can be found on the conference website.
Event Management services for RDAQ 2013 provided by Health Workforce Queensland
For more information on RDAQ 2013 please go to: conference.rdaq.com.au
events calendar
COMING
UP
22 - 28 SEPTEMBER
AMA QUEENSLAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
WHAT’S ON
MARCH WORKPLACE RELATIONS TRAINING Registration essential Topic: eHealth, Telehealth and PCEHR: your medico-legal obligations.This workshop will provide you with information about how to integrate new technology into your practice, while remaining vigilant about potential risks.
30 MAY
THE ESSENTIALS OF EXPERT EVIDENCE
COCKTAILS WITH BERNARD SALT
5.30 - 7.30pm, AMA House, Kelvin Grove
6.30pm – 8pm Victoria Park Golf Club, Brisbane
This valuable workshop will tell you what you need to know about giving expert evidence before a court or tribunal and the essentials for drafting a medico-legal report.
Bernard Salt will address members on demographic trends with a focus on how they will shape demand for health services and work-force planning in Queensland.
Or to register for an event, visit amaq.com.au/events or contact Louise Glynn on (07) 3872 2269 (email:l.glynn@amaq.com.au).
KEEPING YOU INFORMED - JOB SECURITY
HYPOTHETICAL WITH GEOFFREY ROBERSTON QC
A hospital near you
Saturday 16 March Hilton Hotel, Brisbane
Queensland Health is experiencing ongoing turmoil as a result of job cutbacks, rationalisation of services and potential redundancies. ASMOFQ needs to know how these and other changes are impacting you in order to effectively advocate for you. MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
‘Health worldwide - challenges and future directions’. What role does Australia play in the global arena?
21 MARCH
TO VIEW THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR
38
Santiago Chile, Registration essential
Clinical scenarios will be used to explore the moral and ethical dilemmas around technology and medicine. The expert panellists and audience will be players in a game of clinical chess that will take many twists and turns!
GROWING YOUR PRIVATE PRACTICE
CONFERENCE 2013 | 19 - 20 JULY | VICTORIA PARK, HERSTON
EARLY BIRD SPECIAL
20
REGISTER BY 20 JUNE 2013
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT POINTS *Subject to approval
SPONSORED BY: Solarise with
For more information contact the Workplace Relations team on (07) 3872 2216 or email j.ovnic@amaq.com.au
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST: NAME: PRACTICE:
Fax back to: (07) 3872 2280 Email to: j.ovnic@amaq.com.au
EMAIL: PHONE:
QUEENSLAND BRANCH OF AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | ACN: 009 660 280 | ABN: 17 009 660 280
Election Notice 2013–2015 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association will be held at:
Time: 6.30pm Date: Tuesday 21 May 2013 Venue: Hunstanton 88 L’Estrange Terrace Kelvin Grove, Queensland Business
The business of the Meeting will be: 1. To receive and consider the accounts, balance sheets and reports of: (i) The Board of Directors; (ii) Any committees instructed to report to the meeting; and (iii) The Auditors. 2. The declaration of the results from the election of; (i) The President Election and Council members. 3. The appointment of the Auditors and approval of the remuneration (if any) to be paid to the Auditors; 4. The President’s address; and 5. To deal with all business which any statute, the Constitution, or the By-laws requires.
Proxy Notice
A member who is entitled to attend and register one vote at the Annual General Meeting is also entitled to appoint another member as a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place. Proxy forms can be downloaded from the AMA Queensland website (www.amaq.com.au/AMAQ2013elections) or by phoning Andrew Turner on (07) 3872 2207 and must be received by 6.30pm 19 May 2013.
Notes
The Presidential Inauguration and presentation of annual AMA Queensland awards will be held on Friday 14 June 2013 at the Stamford Plaza, Brisbane city, where the following business will be conducted: 1. Installation of Dr Christian Rowan as President 2013-2014; and 2. Presentation of Awards and Prizes. Annual Report *The 2012 Annual Report will be available online from 19 April 2013 at www.amaq.com.au.
We invite nominations for the election to the position of President-Elect or to the Council of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association.
President-Elect 2013 - 2014 For election as President-Elect of the Queensland Branch of Australian Medical Association. One representative required (Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member). Criteria for personal statements for President-Elect Candidates for President-Elect may submit with their Nomination Paper: A short personal statement of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded; A passport-sized head and shoulder photograph; A brief CV of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded; and A video statement of no more than three minutes. This will be filmed at AMA Queensland.
Councillor of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association 2013 - 2015 Nominations must be in writing and signed by the nominee, and two (2) nominators. All persons must be financial members of the Queensland Branch of Australian Medical Association. Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member provided all members belong to and are registered in the same Geographical Area or Craft Group. Craft Group Representatives required Two (2) General Practitioner Craft Group Representatives; Two (2) Specialist Craft Group Representatives One (1) Residents and Registrars Craft Group Representative; One Full-time Salaried Medical Practitioner Craft Group Representative; and Part-time Medical Practitioner Craft Group Representative. Geographical Area Representatives required Three (3) Greater Brisbane Area Representatives. Postcodes 4000 to 4199, 4300 to 4349, 4500 to 4513, 4514 to 4549 inclusive; One (1) Far North Area Representative. Postcodes: 4799 to 4850 inclusive; One (1) Capricorn Area Representative. Postcodes: 4676 to 4798 inclusive; and One (1) Downs and West Area Representative. Postcode: 4350 to 4499 and 4602 to 4675 inclusive. (Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member provided all members belong to and are registered in the same Geographical Area). Criteria for personal statements for Council Candidates for Council may submit with their Nomination Paper: A short personal statement of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded; A passport-sized head and shoulder photograph; and A brief CV of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded. What is required of a Councillor? Availability to attend Council meetings five times per year, and relevant AMA Queensland events/functions such as the Presidential Inauguration. Actively contribute to setting policy for the Association; Actively support membership retention and growth strategies; Provide a written report (template provided) for council meetings; and Availability to attend and contribute to AMA Queensland Committees.
If you need to make changes to your craft group or geographical area group in the register of members for the purpose of the election this must be done by 5pm Thursday 18 April 2013. Return completed nomination forms by 5pm Thursday 18 April 2013 to the Returning Officer, c/o PO B0x 123, Red Hill Qld 4059, faxed to (07) 3856 4727 or email a.turner@amaq.com.au. 40
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
You can access this nomination paper online at www.amaq.com.au/AMAQ2013elections
Nomination Paper Nomination forms can be either faxed to (07) 3856 4727, emailed to a.turner@amaq.com.au or posted to: The Returning Officer, C/- AMA Queensland PO Box 123, Red Hill Qld 4059.
We hereby nominate
(FULL NAME)
as a candidate for the position of PRESIDENT-ELECT OR COUNCILLOR
(PLEASE CIRCLE)
Craft Group or Geographical Area
(FOR COUNCILLOR NOMINATION ONLY)
Nominator’s details x 2: Name 1:
Name 2:
Craft/Area:
Craft/Area:
Telephone number:
Telephone number:
Residential address:
Residential address:
Signature:
Signature:
Nominee’s details: I hereby consent to the nomination as above. Craft/Area: Date of birth:
Telephone number:
Primary practice address: Residential address: Signature:
Nominations must be received at AMA Queensland by 5pm Thursday 18 April 2013. Candidates are NOT eligible to nominate in both their Craft Group and Geographical Area, nor can they nominate for a Craft Group or Geographical Area position as well as President-Elect. Where nominating representative/s for Craft Group or Geographical Area, both nominators must be registered in the same Craft Group or Geographical Area (whichever applies) as the person being nominated.
For more information and additional copies of the nomination form, please contact Andrew Turner at a.turner@amaq.com.au or (07) 3872 2207. DoctorQ MARCH 2013
41
our partner in general practice
For the first time in Queensland, St andrew’s War Memorial hospital and the Wesley hospital are pleased to present the inaugural
HYPOTHETICAL
WITH gEOffrEY rObErTsOn qC
innovation and technology in Medicine
Saturday 16 March 2013 hilton hotel BriSBane
BOOK NOW AS SEATS ARE LIMITED for further information please call susan Walsh on (07) 3834 4371 or email on susan.walsh@uchealth.com.au
an initiative of unitingcare health hospitals:
Last year of the triennium Last chance to get your CPD points!
St Andrew’s Education Events 2013
Medical Series Sat 16 Mar
With Geoffrey Robertson QC Hypothetical ALM 9am–5pm Hypothetical Gala 5:30pm–9:15pm Hilton, Brisbane
Sat 20 July
With Tony Jones, Presenter ABC Q & A ALM 9am–5pm Q & A Gala 5:30pm–9:15pm Hilton, Brisbane
Sat 16 Nov
The Great Debate ALM 9am–5pm The Great Debate Gala 5:30pm–9:15pm Hilton, Brisbane
St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital’s comprehensive GP education program can help you fulfill mandatory accreditation criteria set out by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.
Weekends
St Andrew’s will be offering CPR workshops
25–26 May
Innovations in Primary Care Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort
14–15 Sep
How to Treat... InterContinental, Sanctuary Cove
at both of our CPD weekends in 2013.
Evenings
For further information contact Susan Walsh:
Wed 17 Apr
GP Dilemmas- Therapeutic Solutions Summit Events Centre, Paddington
Wed 24 July
Chronic Disease Management The Coro, Milton
Wed 18 Sep
Latest Developments in Primary Care Victoria Park, Herston
Wed 13 Nov
Silent Epidemics Clovely Estate Cellar Door, Red Hill
Phone (07) 3834 4371 Email
susan.walsh@uchealth.com.au
Web
www.uchealth.com.au/sawmh/gpeducation
MEMBER NEWS
CONGRATULATIONS to the following doctors who are now elected members of AMA Queensland.
NOVEMBER
DOCTORS IN TRAINING Dr Priyam Jha Dr Alvin Obed Dr Dale Currey Dr Aquiline Gur Dr Neha Khade Dr Paul Mousa Dr Deshani Ranasinghe Dr Ohnmar Aung Dr John Beck Dr Jared Dart Dr Colleen Hendry Dr Rumal Jayalath Dr Samuel Jones Dr Luke Matthews Dr David Ryan Dr Danielle Scarfe Dr Alexander Splatt Dr Julienne Wickham Dr Tasnim Zirapury
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr Seema Agarwal Dr Cedric Chu Dr Kenneth Goldston Dr Manju Luchmaya Dr Mohanakrishnan Purshothaman Dr Olaf Rusoke-Dierich Dr Richard Shepherd Dr Pubudu Wakista Dr Ann Zillman
SPECIALIST PRACTITIONERS Dr Daniel Dagge Dr Timothy Haina Dr Kuo Peng Lew Dr Jane Robertson Dr David Schapiro
PART-TIME PRACTITIONERS
Dr Evan Nicholls Dr Michele Wong Dr Judy Ku Dr Sarangi Ratnayake Dr Katrina Vogler Dr Paolo Morisco Dr Sadasivam Suresh
SALARIED PRACTITIONERS
Dr Yogesh Apte Dr Wasif Baig Dr Tammy Brinsmead Dr Bianca Byrnes Dr Michael Donovan Dr Fiona McFadzean
JOINT PRACTITIONERS Dr Pretissha Harrichund Dr Vivian Pam
DECEMBER
DOCTORS IN TRAINING Dr Catherine Mason Dr Tobias Wade Dr Cameron Geldreich Dr Srikanth Peddireddy Dr Madeleine Adams Dr Mandepanda Appaya Dr Mara Clarson Dr Kirsty Devine Dr Zabdie Samidurai Dr Maxwell Sanson Dr William Talbot
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr Gary Alexander Dr Michelle Baudoeuf
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MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Dr Catherine Chan Dr Dawes Dr Andrew Leong Dr Paul Millett
PRIVATE SPECIALISTS Dr Marie-Frances Burke Dr Biju Paul Dr Raja Sawhney
SPECIALIST PRACTITIONERS
Dr Manesh Madhavan Dr Pallav Shah Dr David Tragen
PART-TIME PRACTITIONERS Dr Sarah Eccles Dr David Holroyd Dr Elena Klestov Dr Malcolm Gomez Dr James Lee
JOINT PRACTITIONERS Dr Janine G Boothroyd Dr Rockley Boothroyd
PARENTAL LEAVE
Dr Yashodha Shankarpani
JANUARY
DOCTORS IN TRAINING Dr Elayne Anderson D Angela Clarke Dr Nerilee Wall Dr Sarah Bell Dr Vannida Douangboupha Dr Amy Neilson Dr Rebecca Sichter Dr Elizabeth Tilse
GENERAL PRACTITIONERS
Dr Azzeddin Ait-Oumeziane Dr Shatendra Gupta Dr Abdul Khan Dr Olubusayo Kolawole Dr David Reiseger Dr Deepthi Subasinghe Dr Thiruneelakandasivam Yogasivam
SPECIALIST PRACTITIONERS
Dr Jonathan Hargreaves Dr Hassan Morgan
PART-TIME PRACTITIONERS
Dr Scott Armstrong Dr Joanne Boynton Dr Rochana Chandraratne Dr Jason Ly Dr Michelle Phillips Dr Nicole Higgins Dr Vanaa Sabesan
SALARIED PRACTITIONERS
Dr Adrian Chong Dr Frieder Lehmann-Waldau Dr Kumar Mahadevan D Catherine Oelrichs
JOINT PRACTITIONERS Dr John Janssens Dr Peter Hegerty Dr Andrew Rosenstengel Dr Marosh Vrtik D Michael Kelly Dr Chery McNally
RETIRED PRACTITIONERS
Dr Michael AH Gardner
PARENTAL LEAVE Dr Alison Holmes Dr Kathy Saba
CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR NEW 2013 INTERN MEMBERS Dr Linda Abenthum Dr Antony Adelman Dr Danielle Allan Dr Kamelya Allez Dr Hasna Ameti Dr Tim Amos Dr Samrata Anand Dr Danielle Andreussi Dr Clare Applegarth Dr Ashley Arellano Dr Althea Askern Dr Mohit Bajaj Dr Nicholas Barker Dr Louis Beak Dr Henry Beem Dr Jennifer Bellaby Dr Astra Bellette Dr Kiva-Marie Belt Dr Hannah Bennett Dr Samir Bhagwat Dr Terri Biscak Dr Caitlin Black Dr Daniel Black Dr Arienne Blanco Dr Bapesh Bollu Dr Jonathan Bowers Dr Merali Boyle Dr Barbara Bradshaw Dr Julia Brandenburg Dr Kathryn Brandon Dr Gurbir Brar Dr Gabrielle Buckley Dr Jessica Bunker Dr Justine Cain Dr Patrice Callaghan Dr Sarah Caporale Dr Julie Cappello Dr Robert Carroll Dr Amy Chahal Dr Fang-Wei Chen Dr Venkata Chikatamarla Dr Anubhav Chopra Dr Katie Christensen Dr Peter Christensen Dr Dianne Clayton Dr Victoria Coles Dr Brent Collins Dr Kelly Collins Dr Nathania Cooksley Dr Scott Cooper Dr Joseph Coory Dr Damian Cornelius Dr Marianne Cossens Dr Tom Crawley-Smith Dr Christopher Cummerford Dr Amy Cunningham Dr Kelly Cunningham Dr Anthony Dat Dr Natalie Davidson Dr Kerina Denny Dr Marcus Dickey Dr Marilla Dickfos Dr Rai Divyajeet Dr Kyle D’Netto Dr Jessica Donaghue Dr Dara Donnelly Dr Francesca Dowland
Dr Gregory Down Dr Ruth DuCommun Dr Adam Ebringer Dr Rachel Effeney Dr Karl Eisner Dr Sarah Emmett Dr Andrew Evans Dr Mitchell Evans Dr Matthew Fanning Dr Kylie Ferguson Dr Erika Fernandes Dr Helen Fraser Dr Michael Fry Dr Karen Furlong Dr Robyn Gillett Dr Anne Gisik Dr Ivan Goh Dr Hobia Gole Dr Thomas Goregues Dr Sarah Grainger Dr David Griffin Dr Rosemary Gunningham Dr Lindsay Haase Dr Keita Hada Dr Joanne Haladyn Dr Keith Hall Dr Elizabeth Hamwood Dr Xiaozhun Hang Dr Mary Hardimon Dr Joshua Hatch Dr Cameron Hayden Dr Ying He Dr Simon Ho Dr Jennifer Hogan Dr Lisa Hong Dr Kendra Hopper Dr David Howell Dr Kevin Hsieh Dr Dennis Huang Dr Ian Hunter Dr Joanna Hutcheon Dr Peter Hutson Dr Stephanie Huxley Dr Jodie Hyde Dr Vikram Iyer Dr Carla Jensen Dr Kate Johnstone Dr Alison Jones Dr Sarah Jongbloed Dr Mohammed Kafil Dr Serne Kemp Dr Stephen Kent Dr Minkyung Kim Dr Stephen Kinder Dr Lynnette Knowles Dr Cassandra Krogh Dr William Kuo Dr Candy Kwan Dr Monisha Lalji Dr Abigail Lane Dr Thomas Langford-Ely Dr Bruce Lavarack Dr Kristen Lefever Dr Jacinta Lewis Dr Tom Liang Dr Kate Lilley Dr Karen Lim
Dr Slavoljub Ljubincic Dr Bentley Logan Dr Alexander Lott Dr Kerry Lowe Dr Katherine Lynch Dr Catherine MacDonald Dr Kerry Mackenroth Dr Nicole Maggacis Dr Jordyn Mahanga Dr Simone Mangan Dr Christopher Manley Dr Amanda Marshall Dr Kris Masters Dr Andrew Maurice Dr Kimberley May Dr Bruce Maybloom Dr Laura McAulay Dr Vanessa McAuliffe Dr Benjamin McDonald Dr Michael McLaughlin Dr Christopher McMullen Dr Chelsie McMullin Dr Ashlie Meigh Dr Thomas Mew Dr Sophie Michieletto Dr Luke Miller Dr Anjni Mistri Dr Genevieve Molloy Dr Samuel Morcom Dr Maelle Morgan Dr Marian Morrissey Dr Jessica Moss Dr Andre Motteroz Dr Lucy Mudie Dr Arief Mulyadi Dr Teresa Munce Dr Cassidy Nelson Dr Scott Newman Dr Michael Ng Dr Melissa Ng Liet Hing Dr Peter Nicholas Dr Bryce Nicol Dr Rachael Nightingale Dr Charles Noonan Dr Rachel Norton Dr Phoebe O’Hare Dr Sharne O’Reilly Dr Amy O’Sullivan Dr Jae Park Dr Georgina Parker Dr Justin Parr Dr Fiona Paxton-Hall Dr Josephine Pearson Dr Linda Perkins Dr Kim Pham Dr Lyndal Phelps Dr Nicholas Phillips Dr Jessica Phillips-Yelland Dr Margaret Pollard Dr Terence Pollard Dr Lauren Prictor Dr Robert Puchalski Dr James Purnell Dr Brett Quabba Dr Charlotte Quain Dr Brodie Quinn Dr Kathrin Rac
Dr Anand Ramineni Dr Tavis Read Dr Sarah Reilly Dr Alice Reye Dr Benjamin Ryan Dr Bawar Saeed Dr Bayden Sales Dr David Samson Dr Kate Saunders Dr Rina Savage Dr Adam Scorer Dr Brenton Seidl Dr Abdul Shaik Dr Meng Shen Dr Eleasa Sieh Dr Anthony Silva Dr Bhavneet Singh Dr Carla Smerdon Dr Aimee Smith Dr Angela Smith Dr Bailey Smith Dr Corinna Smith Dr Dugal Smith Dr Samuel Smith Dr Thomas Solano Dr Shampavi Sriharan Dr Adam Stafford Dr Nick Starkey Dr Curtis Staunton Dr Peter Stickler Dr Tony Swain Dr Carly Talbot Dr Stephanie Tan Dr Amanda Tapiolas Dr Samuel Thambar Dr Joel Thomas Dr Emily Tinniswood Dr Jennifer Tucker Dr Stephanie Turner Dr Declan Tuttle Dr Jessica Vidler Dr Heidi Vogelbusch Dr Andree Wade Dr Shelley Walker Dr Claire Walter Dr Nicole Waters Dr Luke Watson Dr Jana Westerhof Dr Anthony Whitfield Dr Joseph Whitfield Dr Nicholas Whitworth Dr Louise Wilson Dr Danielle Wiltshire Dr Aung Win Dr Kate Windle Dr Brendan Winkle Dr Caitlin Witt Dr Brittany Wong Dr Chris Woo Dr Dale Wood Dr Drew Yates Dr Yong Yeung Dr Nicholas Yim Dr Sahra Zanuso Dr Leigh Zhu Dr Shi Zhuge Dr Omar Zubair
MEMBER NEWS
THE 2013 DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS
2013 MEMBERSHIP RENEWALS
The AMA Queensland Directory of Members (DoM) is a comprehensive and convenient referral tool for Queensland’s health industry.
You have until 31 March to renew your membership – please note 31 March is the cut-off for opting into the AMA Queensland Members Life Insurance scheme.
The 2013 Directory of Members has now been despatched to all eligible members. An electronic version of the 2013 Directory of Members is also available in the member’s section of the AMA Queensland website www.amaq.com.au. Q
To place your renewal and to opt-in for insurance, phone (07) 3872 2222 and have your credit card details handy. Please note that any members who have previously opted out of the insurance scheme will be required to complete an underwriting form to re-apply. Thank you to all members who have renewed for 2013. Keep a look out for your membership pack, which includes your new membership card and member benefits guide. Scan the QR code on your membership card to access the extensive range of benefits available or visit www.amaq.com. au/memberbenefits for more information. Q
3 NIGHTS AT HERON ISLAND Congratulations to Dr Sandra Ann Jenkins of Bray Park Medical Practice who won three nights at Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef courtesy of AMA Queensland Travel, just by renewing her membership.
TH
IS PRIZ VALUED E AT
$2,000!
Dr Jenkins’ prize included: - Return flights from Brisbane (QANTAS) - Three nights’ accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment - Daily breakfast, lunch and dinner - Return launch from Gladstone to Heron Island Q
BRISBANE INTERNATIONAL
of Brisbane
THIS PRIZE WA S VALUED A T
$5,000!
CORPORATE SUITE WINNER Congratulations to Dr Omar Mansour, the winner of our membership renewal early bird prize. Dr Mansour received a fully catered and hosted corporate suite at the Australian Open Series, Brisbane International at the Queensland Tennis Centre on Tuesday 1 January.
Daniela Hantuchova (Slovakia)
Our very generous corporate partner Lexus of Brisbane were responsible for this fantastic prize, valued at around $5,000. Dr Mansour enjoyed the tennis in air-conditioned comfort with 12 of his closest friends and family. Lexus has been the Official Vehicle Supplier for the Brisbane International since it began in 2009, as part of the Australian Open Series. Q
Matt Ebden (Australia)
Photos courtesy of Physical Images Photography
DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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Conference
FALL IN L VE WITH AMA QUEENSLAND CONFERENCE 22 - 28 SEPTEMBER 2013
Chile is a country which is easy to fall in love with due to its natural landscapes and notorious, wild beauty. The capital Santiago, is embedded at the feet of the magnificent Andes mountains, and offers all the major attractions of a modern and cosmopolitan city.
CONFERENCE THEME
It is all about discovering one of the last remaining treasures in the world. Where else in the world can one ski mountain slopes in the morning and sail the ocean in the afternoon?
“Health worldwide - challenges and future directions” Australia has a very sophisticated healthcare and medical education system that is the envy of most countries. But what role does Australia play in the global arena – how can we contribute by leading and learning?
Chile offers an incredible variety of activities and experiences never to be forgotten; mountain climbing, horse riding, rafting, kayaking, sailing and an appreciation of flora and fauna. It also provides excellent cultural, historical and archaeological tours and we can’t forget the wineries! It has it all. In the Atacama Desert, considered to be the most arid in the world and home to ancestral indigenous cultures, land and sky melt together in an endless line towards a horizon colored in sepia tones. A sky full of stars and land speckled with minerals create impressive and unforgettable landscapes. In the south, lakes, wild white water rivers, volcanoes and ancient native forests all form part of this exuberant natural landscape, protected by national parks that fascinate visitors. Patagonia leaves visitors in awe of its majestic fiords, ice-fields, glaciers and Antarctic region, with the year-long ice giving life to this magical white backdrop. The diversity of its climates and landscapes, its abrupt geography and its range of delicious cuisine all make Chile a destination in which one can enjoy nature to the full, in its most varied expressions. Q
GRAND H
AIR & LAND PAC
KAGE:
ARE $5,992 pp TWIN SH -IN-TRAINING $5,492 pp DOCTOR E) (TWIN SHAR
$6,702 pp SINGLE CHILDREN - PRICE
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YATT
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BUSINESS TOOLS
THE INVESTEC CREDIT CARD INVESTEC’S JEFF MILLER TELLS US MORE ABOUT THE INVESTEC VISA CARD, WHICH ALLOWS YOU TO MAKE BIG VALUE PURCHASES AND CONVERT YOUR PURCHASES TO DIFFERENT TYPES OF FINANCE, ALL WHILE EARNING QANTAS FREQUENT FLYER POINTS.
Investec Specialist Bank has been working with medical professionals for over 20 years and has come up with a card especially designed for the medical profession. Not only can you earn Qantas Frequent Flyer points and the high level of service you’ve come to expect from Investec—it’s a card that also lets you buy assets that you normally can’t buy with a credit card. “Say a client wanted to buy a car,” explains Investec’s Jeff Miller. “Normally, a car dealer doesn’t like to accept a credit card for such a big value purchase, as he is uncertain there is sufficient credit limit and some of the fees he would incur would be very high. So we take that headache away and process the payment directly to the supplier. So even if the supplier didn’t accept credit cards, you could still pay using your Investec card.” Investec’s medical clients can choose between an Investec Visa Platinum or a Visa Signature Credit card. Every $1 spent on eligible purchases on your Investec Visa Signature card, and every $2 spent on eligible purchases on your Investec Visa Platinum card, will earn one Qantas Frequent Flyer point. According to Miller, their goal has been to create a product clients can’t get anywhere else. “The Qantas Frequent Flyer points are an important part of the offering,” he says. “I think people place value on them. I think the other important part is the relationship with the person at Investec, so if there is ever an issue you can sort it out quickly.”
But one of the most powerful points of difference is the client’s ability to convert their purchase to a different type of finance with Investec—a lease, asset purchase or chattel mortgage, or whatever best suits their financial situation—and yet still get the frequent flyer points from their purchase.“On top of that,” Miller continues, “they can make the monthly repayments on the card, and effectively boost the number of Qantas Frequent Flyer points they earn.”
Jeff Miller Investec 1300 131 141 www.investec.com.au/medicalfinance
Doctors who use the card can also enjoy special promotions from a range of medical suppliers and even have their AMA membership details printed on the card. Investec can do this, says Miller, “because as specialists in the medical area we are able to do things which the general financiers are unable to do. We’ve been doing it for 20-odd years, so we know this market in a deeper way than anyone else”. Q
It takes a specialist bank to create a credit card for specialists.
Qantas Frequent Flyer points are earned in accordance with the Investec/Qantas Terms and Conditions available at www.investec.com.au/cards. Points are earned on eligible purchases only. You must be a member of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program in order to earn and redeem points. Qantas Frequent Flyer points and membership are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. Full details are available at www.qantas.com/terms. Investec recommends that you seek independent tax advice in respect of the tax consequences (including fringe benefits tax, and goods and services tax and income tax) arising from the use of this product or from participating in the Qantas Frequent Flyer program or from using any of the rewards or other available program facilities.
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BUSINESS TOOLS
HOLDING YOUR PATIENT RECORDS TO RANSOM DATA BREACHES AFFECT HUNDREDS OF MILLIONS OF ELECTRONIC RECORDS A YEAR WORLDWIDE AND RANSOMWARE ATTACKS IS ONE OF THE BIGGEST AREAS OF CONCERN. SCOTT STEWART FROM AMA QUEENSLAND INSURANCE SOLUTIONS EXPLAINS HOW TO PROTECT YOUR PRECIOUS DATA. Scott Stewart AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions 1300 883 059 scott.stewart@amaqis.com.au
Ransomware is a type of attack targeted at home and business users connected to the internet. This method of attack has become more dangerous due to the availability of high speed internet and widespread use of remote access in small to medium enterprise. There are currently two common styles of ransomware attacks. The first version is basically a form of malware that locks a computer screen and does not typically encrypt any files on the targeted computer. This type of attack is broad in scope and is sent in the form of an official looking e-mail that contains the virus and can usually be detected and/or removed by most up-to-date antivirus protection packages. This form of ransomware is more of a nuisance. The second type of ransomware involves a specialist hacking attack involving the encryption of files or complete systems within the targeted victim’s business. Attackers usually gain entry to the business by exploiting weak user passwords and connect to the business through their own remote access systems. Other avenues of access include malicious emails, social engineering, security vulnerabilities and physical intrusion. Once inside the business network, the attacker usually encrypts or destroys business data. A skilled attacker will use high quality software to permanently encrypt business data. Some victims have been lucky when the attacker has simply obfuscated or hidden their data - but these softer types of attacks are rare. As most businesses’ computer backup solutions have never been tested - combined with the fact the very mechanisms that permit the data to be restored on your computers may be corrupted by the original attack - data will in all probability remain encrypted until the ransom is paid (payment will only encourage further attacks). The resulting chaos caused by preventing access to critical systems, combined with the financial impost can be crippling to any business - a situation made worse when one considers the potential legal costs, loss of reputation and client goodwill. Although nothing will prevent a dedicated hacker from accessing your systems, there are several
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options currently available to help mitigate the chances of suffering an attack. Take the security of your business data seriously by keeping staff aware of the danger and keeping your anti-virus subscriptions up to date. Choose a quality brand of right anti-virus and anti-malware hardware for your backup system that is firewall protected and rated for 24x7 business use. Maintain a close relationship with your IT Support Team and request regular security reports. Insuring against the consequences of a successful cyber-attack with a specialist cover known as a cyber-protection policy. Business and equipment breakdown insurance policies will exclude cover for ransomware and virus/ malware attacks Cyber protection policies protect an insured business against a wide range of first party and third party liability cyber exposures. A good cyber protection policy should include the following covers amongst others: Business interruption, including first dollar Extra Expenses. E-Theft Loss, due to having transferred funds or property or given any value due to the fraudulent input of data into a computer system or through a network into a computer system. E-Threat Loss, including the cost of a professional negotiator and ransom payment. E-Vandalism Loss, even when the vandalism is caused by an employee. Crisis Expenses, including the cost of public relations consultants. Disclosure Liability, including claims by customers arising from system security failures that result in unauthorised access to or dissemination of private information on the Internet. AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions are available to answer any questions on the benefits of a cyber protection policy and welcome the opportunity to provide a no obligation quote on a tailored policy to suit your requirements. Q
DISCLAIMER: AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions is a joint initiative of AMA Queensland and Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Limited ABN 81 072 343 643 AFS Licence 240549. AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Limited, Authorised Representative No: 320115. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing any insurance product.
www.amaqis.com.au
Complimentary insurance health check with your Association’s Insurance Advisors
Make sure you are fully covered at the right price We know doctors have a busy schedule, and while it may be easy to renew your insurance each year without proper revision, changes may have occurred for which you may not be fully covered and premiums need competitive comparison.
For peace of mind and an insurance healthy practice, contact AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions on 1300 883 059.
All insurance needs covered for all members through AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions.
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BUSINESS TOOLS
WITH GREAT POWER… DOCTORS GIVING BACK DO YOU EVER WONDER WHAT YOU COULD BE DOING TO GIVE BACK TO THE LESS FORTUNATE? WHETHER IT BE IN THE FORM OF GIVING OF TIME AND SKILLS OR FINANCIALLY, MANY DOCTORS DO ACTIVELY GIVE BACK TO THE COMMUNITY, BOTH AT HOME AND ABROAD. PAUL COPELAND FROM WILLIAM BUCK EXPLAINS HOW TO ESTABLISH YOUR OWN ‘ENTITY’ TO UNDERTAKE THIS PHILANTHROPY. Paul Copeland William Buck (07) 3229 5100 paul.copeland@williambuckqld.com.au
If this sounds like something that you would like to do, you will need to go through the correct process in order to set your entity up as a charity. This process includes: ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY STRUCTURE When forming the structure, you should consider the type of entity most suitable for what you are looking to achieve. You should also ensure that the governing documents of the entity have the appropriate clauses necessary so that the entity is eligible to be deemed a charity. Seeking advice from either a solicitor or accountant at this stage is important to ensure you are making the correct choices. APPLY FOR TAX EXEMPT STATUS The application for tax exempt status is made with the Australian Taxation Office. Ideally the application is made as soon as possible after the entity has been established. Otherwise you risk having to pay tax for monies received between the time the structure set up and your tax exemption application. To ensure you are eligible for tax exempt status, the documents establishing the entity will need to contain particular clauses. Importantly, this step only exempts the entity from paying tax. Tax exempt status does not in itself allow people making contributions to the entity to be able to claim a tax deduction. To be able to claim a deduction, the entity also needs to be an Endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR).
APPLY TO BECOME AN ENDORSED DEDUCTIBLE GIFT RECIPIENT When you apply to become an Endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR), the charity needs to fall under a particular category for the application process. The application process is extensive and usually takes between six to twelve months for approval. As such, before applying to become a DGR, many applicants seek pre-endorsement advice. The Pre-Endorsement Advice team are able to assist you in defining which category your charity will fall into. This helps to ensure that your application has the highest chance of successful approval. If you are successfully approved, donations over $2 made to the charity will be tax deductible. WHERE TO FROM HERE? Determining the most suitable structure for your objectives will depend on your unique circumstances. William Buck can assist you in understanding the options available for giving, and facilitates the establishment of philanthropic vehicles for structured giving. Q
Philanthropy Australia defines philanthropy as “the planned and structured giving of time, information, goods and services, voice and influence, as well as money, to improve the wellbeing of humanity and the community”.
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DISCLAIMER: This article is intended to be general in nature and should not be relied upon by any person without seeking advice concerning their own circumstances. MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Empowered Be Be Empowered Empowered William Buck Buck knows knowsyour yourindustry industryand andcan canempower empoweryou youtotomake makethe the right decisions when William right decisions when it it William Buck knows your industry and can empower you to make the right decisions when it comes comes to to your your finances. finances. comes to your finances. Medical face a unique Medical practitioners practitionersand andleaders leadersofofhealth healthand andaged agedcare careorganisations organisations face a unique Medical practitioners and leaders of health and aged care organisations face a unique challenge; the best quality of of care challenge; running runningan anefficient efficientand andsuccessful successfulbusiness businesswhile whileoffering offering the best quality care challenge; running an efficient and successful business while offering the best quality of care for for their their patients. patients. for their patients. You can help you through You need need aa partner partnerwho whounderstands understandsthese theseunique uniqueindustry industryissues issuesand and can help you through You need a partner who understands these unique industry issues and can help you through the the financial, financial, business businessand andpersonal personalwealth wealthimplications. implications. the financial, business and personal wealth implications. That That partner partner isis us. us. That partner is us.
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BUSINESS TOOLS
SUING THE EXPERT WITNESS – CAN IT BE DONE? FOLLOWING A DECISION OF THE UK SUPREME COURT, EXPERT WITNESSES MAY BE LEFT VULNERABLE TO BEING SUED. KATHARINE PHILP FROM TRESSCOX LAWYERS EXPLAINS THE CASE AND ITS POSSIBLE APPLICATION IN AUSTRALIA.
Katharine Philp Solicitor, Brisbane (07) 3004 3510 cassandra_heilbronn@tresscox.com.au
Expert witnesses are duty bound to assist the court and that duty overrides any obligation the witness may have to a party to litigation. In Australia, they also continue to enjoy immunity against suit. Two years ago, the UK Supreme Court delivered its judgment in Jones v Kaney* abolishing the longstanding rule that expert witnesses enjoy absolute privilege, that is, they are immune from being sued. There have been no reported decisions in Australia adopting this position. Nevertheless the decision was well publicised and it would not be surprising if a disappointed party to litigation seeks to have this issue considered. BACKGROUND Mr Jones was injured in a traffic accident in 2001. He was standing stationary on his motorcycle at an intersection, when a car driven by a Mr Bennett (who was drunk, uninsured and disqualified from driving) collided with him. Mr Jones made a claim for personal injuries. Liability was admitted. The only issue in dispute was that of quantum – the amount of damages to be awarded by way of compensation. Mr Jones was assessed by clinical psychologist, Ms Kaney, who reported that he was suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In a subsequent report, psychiatrist Dr El-Assra stated Mr Jones exaggerated his symptoms. The judge ordered the two experts to confer and prepare a joint report. Dr El-Assra prepared a draft joint statement following phone discussions and Ms Kaney signed the joint statement without comment or correction. Unfortunately for Mr Jones, the joint statement significantly undermined his claim. It stated:
1. Mr Jones’ psychological reaction to the incident was no more than an adjustment disorder, not PTSD;
2. Ms Kaney had found Mr Jones to be deceptive and deceitful in his reporting; and
3. The experts agreed his behavior raised doubts as to whether his subjective reporting was genuine. Mr Jones’ solicitors asked Ms Kaney about the discrepancy between her original report and the joint report. Ms Kaney explained that:
1. She hadn’t seen the opposing expert’s reports at the time of their teleconference;
2. The joint report did not reflect what she agreed during the conversation but she felt under pressure to agree;
3. Her actual opinion was that Mr Jones had been evasive rather than deceptive;
4. It was her opinion that Mr Jones had suffered PTSD which was now resolved; and
5. She was happy for the joint report to be amended. Mr Jones’ solicitors tried to change experts but were unsuccessful. Consequently, Mr Jones claimed he suffered damage caused by Ms Kaney, as he had little choice but to settle his claim for considerably less. Mr Jones instructed new solicitors to make a claim for negligence against Ms Kaney. EXPERT WITNESS IMMUNITY Mr Jones’ claim against Ms Kaney was originally struck out on the basis that as an expert Ms Kaney enjoyed immunity from breach of duty or negligence. Mr Jones appealed to the Supreme Court for a determination of the question of law. The Supreme Court held that the immunity from suit for breach of duty, that up until then expert witnesses had enjoyed in relation to their participation in legal proceedings should be abolished. This did not extend to the absolute privilege they continue to enjoy in defamation claims. THE POSITION IN AUSTRALIA This issue is yet to be considered by the judiciary in Australia. However, the facts are unusual as Ms Kaney admitted to signing a joint report that did not express her views. In a clinical setting this would be considered negligent. Even if the immunity was similarly abolished in Australia, in order for a disappointed litigant to succeed in a claim against an expert, a further expert will need to be located who is willing to criticise the original expert, in the absence of an admission of liability. It is unlikely that a similar abolition – should it eventuate – would lead to an opening of the floodgates of claims against experts. Q
*Jones v Kaney [2011] All ER (D) 346 (Mar)
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“We are well connected to the health industry, so we offer a deep understanding of the issues.”
TressCox has over 100 years experience representing Medical Practitioners in various areas of Health Law. Our Health Services Group is one of the largest and most experienced in Australia. We are well connected to the health industry, its peak bodies and key professionals, so we offer a deep understanding of the issues. When professional, ethical and commercial issues compete, our legal advice is sensitive to every nuance and reality for one particular reason: our health team has specialist expertise gained through long term relationships with the industry. • • • • •
Asset Protection Trusts Property transfers to related parties Conveyancing Leasing Employment arrangements
www.tresscox.com.au Phone: 07 3004 3500
• Acquisition of medical practices • Property syndicates • Deceased estate, Will and succession planning • Structuring of medical practices twitt e r.c om/ Tres s C o x DoctorQ MARCH 2013 53 linkedin.com/company/tresscox-lawyer s
lifestyle
South
AMERICA FOR MANY OF US, SOUTH AMERICA IS THE LONG AWAITED TRAVEL DREAM. IT HOLDS THE PROMISE OF AN EXOTIC, ROMANTIC AND UNFORGETTABLE ADVENTURE. AMA QUEENSLAND’S ANNUAL CONFERENCE WILL BE HELD IN SANTIAGO, CHILE IN SEPTEMBER THIS YEAR AND THE SOUTH AMERICAN DESTINATION IS PROVING TO BE A BIT HIT WITH MEMBERS SO FAR.
With QANTAS introducing direct flights between Australia and Chile in 2012, Santiago will be the gateway to your adventure, making planning easy. AMA Travel Queensland is offering a variety of exclusive pre and post-conference tours for AMA Queensland members.
HANDY HINT For some spectacular views of the history, culture and scenery of South America check out the 1986 film The Mission. Staring Robert De Niro, it is based on the events surrounding the Treaty of Madrid in 1750. The movie won an Academy Award for its cinematography and is well worth a look to get a glimpse of what South America has on offer. 54 54
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BUENOS AIRES AND IGUASSU FALLS This city offers a picture of a lively, exotic and fun city that you want to visit without even knowing much about it. It has been quoted as being ‘the Paris of South America’. It is here where our seven night South American tour begins. Buenos Aires is a city that really has a style all of its own. Its architecture has a variety of influences, some of which are modern yet very traditional and conservative. Tango was born on the very streets of Buenos Aires and is so synonymous with Argentine culture that it was declared intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2009. The city also boasts steak and classic red wine to make you salivate. We will be continuing our journey to the famous Iguassu Falls (third largest flow of water in the world) where you will have the opportunity to see it from both sides. After visiting the falls, we will be concluding our tour in Rio de Janeiro with the spectacular view of Christ the Redeemer (one of the New Seven Wonders of the World).
MACCHU PICCHU AND LAKE TITICACA IN BOLIVIA Another post-conference tour is Macchu Picchu and Lake Titicaca in Bolivia. Macchu Picchu is a given on almost anybody’s bucket list. Named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1983 and nicknamed The Lost City of the Incas, Macchu Picchu is nothing short of amazing. The Inca had left no written records, so archaeologists have been left to piece together bits of evidence as to the history. What was its purpose, why was it so quickly evacuated? Since Hiram Bingham’s 1911 discovery, many theories have been presented and research continues to unfold the legend of Macchu Picchu. (Another of the New Seven Wonders of the World). AMA Travel Queensland is offering a dedicated members tour. Perhaps this may be a return visit to South America for you. If this is the case or you are after something a little different perhaps the Argentinean Wine Tour or the Natural Beauty of Patagonia is more your style. Extensions are also on offer including an eco-friendly trip into the Amazon where you will not only get to fish for piranha but also learn the medical secrets of the endangered and, in some cases, extinct indigenous tribes Q
Call or em at AMA ail Ros and S tephan Travel ie Queen sland.
PHON E: 180 0 262 8 FAX: (0 85 7) 5556 7200 EMAIL : travel@ amaq.c om.au WEB: www.a maq.w orldtra vel.com .au
lifestyle
GRENACHE: THE GREAT ALL-ROUNDER WHAT BETTER PLACE TO ENJOY A GOOD DROP THAN TO VISIT A WINE CONNOISSEUR’S HOUSE? PHIL MANSER FROM WINES DIRECT SATISFIED THE MASSES BY PASSING OFF HIS TWOYEAR-OLD GRENACHE IN DISGUISE – WITH SURPRISING RESULTS.
The Christmas New Year’s period brought all kinds of people to my place each craving a tipple. Being a gracious host I found myself asking ‘what sort of red would you prefer?’ on one occasion I didn’t think this through too well because all I had was two bottles of Hamilton Burtons Vineyard Grenache 2010… enter the inner rascal in me that thought it would be fun to put this wine through its paces. Interesting exercise, here’s what happened. “Something fruity but not too heavy” Verdict: “Wow, what’s this? This is lovely.” Next ‘Something full bodied but not too tannic” Verdict: “This is fantastic! What’s the grape variety?” Finally “Anything as long as it’s not Grenache” Verdict: “Argh! This is Grenache!” Two out of three isn’t bad but on reflection I’m claiming a clean sweep because the last guest knew what she was talking about and that just tells me that this Grenache is as wonderfully varietal as I always experience it, full of red and blue fruits, powdery tannins and a lingering finish.
My Grenache love affair started several years ago when my father pulled out a 1976 D’Arenberg Red Stripe Burgundy on my nineteenth birthday, he loaded the dice a bit saying “son, they don’t make ‘em like this anymore” which surely meant I had to like it, didn’t it? As it turned out I raved about this wine because it had an inviting aroma of sweet fruits that more than compensated for the earthy flavour I didn’t quite understand at the time. This was a welcome change to the pungent aroma of inky ‘claret’ that wafted from the dining room at my parents dinner parties during the 70s and 80s. Back then as a kid I thought I’d never like red wine if it all smelled and tasted like that! Early in my wine career Grenache based wines featured heavily during my transition to what many folk these days refer to as ‘the serious stuff’, full bodied shiraz and cabernet, but Grenache continues to impress me with its versatility, both in weight and flavour. Whether it’s a fruity rosè, the G in GSM (Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre) providing the lift, the beast or beauty that is dry Grenache or the sweet juicy fruit in so many tawny ports. There are many manifestations of the same, here are a few:
2012 DANDELION GRENACHE ROSÈ Made from 85-year-old Barossa Grenache vines, this wine boasts complexity not often attributed to rosè. As it warms up it shows aromas of raspberries, cream and citrus over a palate only slightly tempered with residual sweetness. It’s all fruit and nothing but the fruit. 2010 TURKEY FLAT BUTCHERS BLOCK RED Whilst this wine boasts the intensity and richness of Barossa Shiraz the addition of Grenache and Mataro gives this wine enough lift to enjoy now and is serious enough to serve with roast beef served and my naughty mushrooms (email Phil Manser for naughty mushroom recipe) 2010 HAMILTON BURTONS VINEYARD GRENACHE Made from the ancient vines tended by Burton himself this wine offers a buffet of cherries, pepper and spice underpinned by subtle cedary oak and fine grained tannins. One for the cellar. Grenache can be a great many things and every good cellar/wine rack should have a few bottles on standby. Contact Phil at phil.manser@winedirect. com.au or phone 1800 649 463 for special AMA member prices on these wines. Q
Phil Manser Wine Direct 1800 649 463 phil.manser@winedirect.com.au
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SHARES UP, RATES LOWER, BOOM OVER... WHERE TO NOW? THE ASX200 ACCUMULATION INDEX DELIVERED INVESTORS A HEALTHY 20.13% WITH THE DEFENSIVES LIKE HEALTHCARE AND TELECOMS DELIVERING A TOTAL RETURN OF WELL OVER 40% FOR THE YEAR TO DECEMBER 31, 2012. (SOURCE: IRESS).
ROSS NOYE
Senior Advisor, Macquarie Private Wealth
The defensive sectors shone in 2012, with Healthcare (+49.6%), Telecoms (+42.3%) and REITs (+33.0%), performing ahead of Consumer Staples (+26.9%) and Financials (+29.0%). The commodity super-cycle ended in 2011 and history has shown that share markets perform better between commodity booms. This sounds counter-intuitive, but simple economic logic explains this trend: Commodities are a key input for much of the non-mining economy, especially manufacturing. Even the mining sector can benefit from a period of more predictable prices without the cost increases and huge demands for capital investment that a boom can bring. So with business costs stabilising and interest rates heading lower, it’s time for investors to review portfolios to take advantage of the opportunities ahead. Understanding the trends and knowing which companies will benefit will be the key to success. Looking ahead in 2013, the lesson for investors is clear. It’s time to reconsider your portfolio equity exposure — both your allocation to international and local markets, and your allocation to different sectors of the market. It’s time to review, reset and restructure your investment portfolios. Send Ross a quick email now to take advantage of the 1 hour free consultation at ross.noye@ macquarie.com. Q
It’s time to review, reset and restructure your investment portfolios.
KEY TRENDS FOR 2013 It’s now clear that the commodity price boom ended in 2011 and history shows that equity markets perform better when commodity prices are trending sideways Despite the grand scale of Chinese demand, the composition of Chinese growth is changing. A historic shift away from investment and towards consumption spending will require investors to think very differently about ways to gain exposure to China. While the European debt crisis is far from over, the level of investor concern has dwindled. European economic weakness has been largely factored into equity prices, with markets taking the view that, provided there is no larger systemic problem, any default is largely an issue for the bond-holders. The US economy continues to face some hurdles, but evidence of a housing recovery continues to build. The potential ancillary benefits to employment and investor confidence may prove to be some of the positive surprises for markets in 2013.
AROUND THE GLOBE AUSTRALIA: 2013 will be a testing time for the Australian economy, with mining investment now past its peak and businesses, households and governments all reining in spending. As a result, we expect GDP growth to fall to around 1.5% to 2.0% in 2013.
NORTH AMERICA: Despite the fiscal drag, the outlook for North America is increasingly bright. Consumer confidence is picking up and the prospect of a long-awaited housing recovery grows. While still a macro-driven investment market, there are also signs that fundamentals could be making a comeback.
INDIA: After outstanding 25% equity returns in 2012, (BSE Sensex, Dec 31, 2012), Indian investors are entering 2013 in an upbeat mood, and the downwards trend in corporate earnings growth of the last few years appears to be flattening at last.
EUROPE: The debt crisis appears in a better position than it was, but European nations have yet to formalise a lasting resolution. European authorities are focused on ensuring sovereign debt problems do not become a systemic crisis for Europe and the world and investor concerns have decreased.
DISCLAIMER: This information has been prepared by Macquarie Equities Limited ABN 41 002 574 923 (“MEL”) participant of Australian Securities Exchange Group, Australian financial services licence No. 237504, No 1, Shelley St, Sydney NSW 2000, and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this information, you should consider whether it is appropriate to your situation. We recommend that you obtain financial, legal and taxation advice before making any financial investment decision. Members of the Macquarie Group or their associates, officers or employees (“Macquarie”) may have interests in the financial products referred to in this advice by acting in various roles including as investment banker, underwriter or dealer, holder of principal positions, broker, lender or adviser.
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* Customer Discount Program (CDP) number 283826 and Promotional Code (PC) number 178684 must be quoted at time of reservation to redeem the free day offer. Offer is available at participating locations in Australia, until 31 March 2013. For full terms and conditions, please visit the Hertz section on your intranet.
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all about you People & EVENTS
APP SNAP: iMind Map
BOOK CLUB
iMindMap is your limitless workspace for brainstorming ideas, note-taking during meetings or lectures, organising tasks, planning events, creating and delivering presentations and so much more. iMindMap is packed with intuitive, timesaving features to help lighten the load from your busy schedule and add a touch of creativity to everything you do. So, ditch the endless lists and dull slideshows and take refuge from the status quo with the creative tool for all tasks, iMindMap. Q
Looking for a new book to read? Join us in reading a variety of books for the chance to win a copy of next edition’s book club book. Send your feedback to editor@ amaq.com.au. Q
ANNA KARENINA CLASSIC
LEO TOLSTOY
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2 3
While you are speaking on mobile or cordless phone pace up and down the hallway or office.
Get outside during your lunch break instead of sitting inside the office to eat.
Don’t use the remote control to change TV channels – better still, avoid the TV in the first place.
4
If you have to watch TV, do so whilst exercising on a stationary bike or treadmill.
Don’t drive around for 20min finding the closest park... park further away and use some of that 20min to walk the extra distance.
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Thanks to Michael Lawler, Eat Me Nutrition www.eatmenutrition.com.au
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MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
CHILDRENS
JUSTINE CLARKE AND ARTHUR BAYSTING, ILLUSTRATED BY TOM JELLETT Something is coming. Can you see? It snuffles and gruffles. What can it be? Look! Look! It’s a Gobbledygook! It’s ripping up pages and eating a book! The text is simple and rhythmic, perfectly pitched at the target market of pre-schoolers.
ALL THAT I AM CONTEMPORARY
ACCIDENTAL EXERCISE
THE GOBBLEDYGOOK IS EATING A BOOK
ANNA FUNDER
Winner of The 2012 Miles Franklin Literary Award
When Hitler comes to power in 1933, a tight-knit group become hunted outlaws overnight. Dora, passionate and fearless; her lover, the great playwright Ernst Toller and friends find refuge in London. They take awe-inspiring risks to continue their work in secret. But England is not the safehaven they think it is, and a single, chilling act of betrayal will tear them apart.
HOW TO MAKE GRAVY NON-FICTION
iMindMap is the ONLY Mind Mapping app bearing the badge of approval from inventor of Mind Maps, Tony Buzan.
Anna Karenina seems to have everything - beauty, wealth, popularity, and an adored son. But she feels that her life is empty until the moment she encounters the impetuous officer Count Vronsky. Their subsequent Recently affair scandalizes society and family made into film alike, and soon brings jealousy and starring Keira bitterness in its wake. Knightley and Jude Law
PAUL KELLY
Over four nights Paul Kelly performed, in alphabetical order, one hundred of his songs from the previous three decades. In between songs he told stories about them, and from those little tales grew How to Make Gravy, a memoir like no other. There isn’t a topic this man can’t turn his pen to. The writing is insightful, funny, honest, compassionate, intelligent, playful, erudite, warm, thought-provoking.
AMA Queensland President Dr Alex Markwell along with the AMA Queensland Council invite you to attend the
Presidential Inauguration Incorporating: The 2012-2013 President’s Address by Dr Alex Markwell The Presentation of Awards The Memorial Roll of AMA Queensland The installation of Dr Christian Rowan as President for 2013 - 2014
To be held on Friday, 14 June, 2013 - 7.30pm for 8pm start at Stamford Plaza Brisbane, Corner Edward and Margaret Streets
Please RSVP to (07) 3872 2222 or email presidentialinauguration@amaq.com.au by Friday 31 May 2013 Black tie or academic dress. Refreshments will follow the formal ceremony. DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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lifestyle OZ: THE GREAT AND POWERFUL Opens 7 March
When Oscar Diggs (James Franco), a circus magician with dubious ethics, is hurled away Kansas to the vibrant Land of Oz, he thinks he’s hit the jackpot—that is until he meets three witches, Theodora (Mila Kunis), Evanora (Rachel Weisz), and Glinda (Michelle Williams), who are not convinced he is the great wizard everyone’s been expecting. Reluctantly drawn into the epic problems facing the Land of Oz, Oscar must find out who is good and who is evil before it is too late. Putting his magical arts to use through illusion, ingenuity—and even a bit of wizardry—Oscar transforms himself not only into the great and powerful Wizard of Oz but into a better man as well.
ORE FOR M ISIT INFO VOM.AU .C DENDY
ALSO SCREENING IN MARCH
HYDE PARK ON HUDSON Releases 28 March
MET OPERA: RIGOLETTO
THE HOST
Releases 28 March
BALLET: CRYSTAL PITE
Screening: 23 March at 10.30am, Sunday 24 at 1pm, Thursday 28 at 10.30am
Screening: Sunday 10 March at 1pm, Thursday 14 March at 10am
Ticket price includes refreshments thanks to Vagelis.
Crystal Pite is renowned for her flowing, organic and poetic style, and her surprising and innovative approach in her dance.
CORPORATE EVENTS & GROUP BOOKINGS We love hosting corporate film nights and group bookings at Dendy. It is a great way to thank clients or staff – or perhaps you have a favourite charity that you would like to raise some money for? We have a functions pack and cinema package to suit all requirements. Please contact Events and Publicity Manager Jenny Sonter on jennys@dendy.com.au for a free quote.
THE INCREDIBLE BURT WONDERSTONE Releases 14 March
WIN MOVIE TICKETS FOR TWO Name: Postal address: Portside Wharf, Remora Road, Hamilton Ph: (07) 3137 6000 www.dendy.com.au 60
MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Phone:
FAX BACK TO (07) 3856 4727 or email amaq@amaq.com.au by 30 March
lifestyle lifestyle AN
AMAZING EXPERIENCE
9 & 10 April, Concert Hall, QPAC Cirque de la Symphonie pairs the magic and excitement of the circus with the vibrancy and enchantment of the orchestra. Some of the most amazing veterans of international circus acts will performing on (and above) the Concert Hall stage, accompanied by the wonderful Queensland Pops Orchestra. Enjoy an exciting musical repertoire of classical masterpieces and popular contemporary scores as you experience amazing physical circus acts, including aerial flyers, acrobats, contortionists, dancers, jugglers, balancers, and strongmen.
CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE
ORE FOR M ION MAT INFOR M.AU CO QPAC. 246 OR 136
with Queensland Pops Orchestra
BARRY HUMPHRIES WITH AUSTRALIAN CHAMBER ORCHESTRA AND MEOW MEOW 1 May, Concert Hall, QPAC Barry Humphries selects, presents and performs music from the Weimar Republic, a time between the World Wars where German art and music leaked into the basements of an increasingly loose Berlin society. Transgressive cabaret sensation Meow Meow joins us for the racier numbers, including a duet with Humphries.
WIN DOUBLE PASSES TO CIRQUE DE LA SYMPHONIE
DAME KIRI TE KANAWA IN RECITAL
YURI BASHMET
AND THE MOSCOW SOLOISTS
9 March, Concert Hall, QPAC
19 & 20 May, Concert Hall, QPAC
Dame Kiri Te Kanawa’s glorious soprano voice soars the borders and culture of her native New Zealand.
With his thrilling virtuosity and inspiring musicianship, Yuri Bashmet has given the viola a new prominence in musical life. The preeminent viola player of the modern age, he has motivated the leading composers of our time to expand the repertoire with significant new music. At the same time he has also encouraged a deeper love and appreciation for the instrument by his heart warming interpretations of the classics.
Dame Kiri is regarded as one of the world’s foremost operatic singers, applauded by audiences of every generation. Accompanied by her pianist Terence Dennis she’ll perform a rich programme of personal favourites from Mozart, Handel, Liszt, Puccini, Guastavino, Gershwin and Ginastera.
Name: Postal address:
Phone:
FAX BACK TO (07) 3856 4727 or email amaq@amaq.com.au by 22 March DoctorQ MARCH 2013
61
lifestyle
SUCCESSFUL PRACTICE:
EXCEEDING PATIENT EXPECTATIONS COLLEEN SULLIVAN & GEOFFREY G. MEREDITH
www.lulu.com
Entries close 30 March 2013
COMPETITION WINNERS
CHECK FOR YOUR NAME!
Doctor Q has a copy of Practice Management: Exceeding Patient Expectations to give away. Simply fill out your details in block letters on the form and fax it to (07) 3856 4727 or email amaq@amaq.com.au.
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MARCH 2013 DoctorQ
Successful Practice Management: Exceeding Patient Expectations is a must-have for all healthcare practices. It includes an extensive guide on how to run a successful healthcare practice, an in-depth discussion on the importance of patients over the seven stages of the patient consultation process, and an emphasis on the importance of patients’ need for expert care, understanding, and satisfaction from the practice experience. There are 12 detailed chapters that provide the reader with an analysis of healthcare practice management for
WIN THIS BOOK!
patient satisfaction, recognising and removing barriers to patient value from consultations, developing personnel and practice systems, and financial compliance requirements and quality control. This book is written as a practical guide for healthcare practices that focuses on and emphasises the importance of patients. Published by Lulu Press, Successful Practice Management: Exceeding Patient Expectations retails for $76.75 and can also be downloaded on iTunes for $37.99. Q
Name: Postal Address:
Telephone:
DENDY WINNERS
QPAC WINNERS
BOOK WINNER
DOUBLE PASS WINNERS
Dr Tim Briggs and Dr Marjorie Busby won double passes to the Classical Mystery Tour at QPAC on 12 December.
Dr Jules Black won Perfecting Pregnacy, a practical selfhelp guide for everyday psychological problems, published by Australian Academic Press.
1. Dr Aldyth Love 2. Dr Cecile Lander 3. Dr Frank Beard 4. Dr Jeffrey Forgan-Smith 5. Dr John O’Sullivan 6. Dr Boon Kua 7. Dr Janice Marshall 8. Dr Alison McColl 9. Dr Melissa Leung 10. Dr David Campbell
CLASSIFIEDS
Mobile: 0412 742 593 Email: words@heathergrant.com.au Web: www.heathergrant.com.au
Professional editing and
writing
MEDICAL ROOM TO LEASE Dr Ken Fredericks has a room available to lease at the:
To express your interest and for further information please contact Dr Fredericks on:
Watkins Medical Centre, Level 2, 225 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, Brisbane
Email: drken@commander360.com
Start date is negotiable. Administration staff available on site.
Or call: 07 3831 1869
AMA QUEENSLAND
BOOKKEEPING SERVICE The Business Support Services team at AMA Queensland provides professional and confidential financial services for your organisation.
Quality service Competitive price Help available when you need it five days per week Experienced in the medical industry Secure, long-standing organisation with a reputation you can trust Services are flexible to suit your business needs CPA qualified accountant leading the team Registered BAS agent References available
We offer a service that includes a full function payroll (including superannuation, PAYG and payroll tax), creditors, debtors, bank reconciliations, provision of monthly financial reports as well as the completion and lodgement of business activity statements. We communicate with your tax accountants to ensure services are performed efficiently: reducing double-handling and saving you money.
Call us to discuss your bookkeeping requirements
(07) 3872 2222
Email: bss@amaq.com.au Fax: (07) 3856 4727
PO Box 123, Red Hill Qld 4059 88 L’Estrange Terrace, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059 www.amaq.com.au
DoctorQ MARCH 2013
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