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The Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine aims for excellence in the standard of training and practice of Occupational Medicine in Australasia. Occupational Physicians are consultants in the effects of work on health and health on work, and strive continually for acceptable working conditions in all facets of industry. |
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Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine
145 Macquarie Street Sydney, NSW 2000
ph: (02) 9256 9603
afoem@racp.edu.au
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AFOEM eNewsletter 9 April 2009 |
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It's Thursday (which is almost as good as a Friday)! Welcome to this week's edition of the AFOEM eNews.
We're very happy to report that Dr Goddard has made a full recovery from his surgury last week. He has taken a much needed break and is at this moment, orienteering in Tassie. David would like to thank everybody for their well wishes.
These ebulletins are best viewed in html. Simply click on the item of interest (left) and you will be taken straight to that item.
An archive of all previous Newsletters (since 2002) are available on the Faculty website.
As always, if you would like to contribute an item to the next eNewsletter please email a paragraph to afoem@racp.edu.au by Tuesday of the publishing week.
Due to the Easter break, the Faculty office will be closed from Friday 10 - Monday 13, April 2009. The fax machine will still be operable to receive any documents. You can always leave a message on our voicemail system or shoot us an email. We will be back on Tuesday 14, April 2009.
Contact us
Executive Officer AFOEM
Andy Messner
(02) 9256 9602
Andrew.Messner@racp.edu.au
Fascimile: (02) 9247 8082
Administrative Officer AFOEM
Daniel Cheung
(02) 9256 9603
Daniel.Cheung@racp.edu.au
CPD Administrator | AFOEM, AFPHM & AFRM
Natali Vlatko
(02) 9256 9608
Natali.Vlatko@racp.edu.au
Project Officer | RACP Faculties & Chapters
Neridah Callaghan
(02) 9256 9636
Neridah.Callaghan@racp.edu.au
Disclaimer
Although AFOEM takes all reasonable steps to ensure this email does not contain malicious software, AFOEM does not accept responsibility for the consequences if any person's computer inadvertently suffers any disruption to services, loss of information, harm or is infected with a virus, other malicious computer program or code that may occur as a consequence of receiving this email.
Unless stated otherwise, this email represents only the views of the sender and not the views of AFOEM.
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2009 AFOEM Demographics Study |
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Boarding Gates Closing! Final Call
Thank you to all those who have already participated in the online survey. We are now sitting right on 50%. Our target is 70%! Due to this, we have decided to extend the closing date for the final time. Don't miss out on your chance to not only win one of three copies of LaDou's book but also make a positive impact to the direction of the Faculty.
The aim of this study is to provide precise information on the Fellows and Trainees that make up the Faculty. This information will help provide insight into the current state of the Faculty, the future direction and the training needs of the Faculty. The 2009 AFOEM Demographics Study is different from the previous RACP survey, in that we have designed it to focus specifically on the needs of our Faculty’s Fellows and Trainees.
The responses to this study will be anonymous.Fellows and Trainees who complete the 2009 AFOEM Demographics Study will go into a draw for a chance to win one of three copies of Joseph LaDou's "Current Occupational And Environmental Medicine: Fourth Ed" - as long as an 70% response rate has been achieved.
Click here to begin the online questionnaire.
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AFOEM ATM & Faculty Dinner 2009 |
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2009 Faculty Dinner | Monday 18, May 2009
The 2009 Faculty Dinner will be held on Monday 18, May 2009 at the Royal Automobile Club of Australia (89 Macquarie St, Sydney NSW 2000). Limited seating is available. Registration for the Faculty Dinner will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that the Faculty Dinner is NOT the same as the RACP Physicians Week Dinner held on Tuesday 19, May 2009.
Annual Training Meeting | Saturday 16 - Sunday 17 May, 2009
Please note that due to venue capacity, for the time being, the 2009 ATM will be limited to Trainees and Educational Supervisors (eg, Mentors).
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Physicians Week & AFOEM ASM 2009 |
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17-20 May 2009 | Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre
With an exciting program in development, Physicians Week 2009 will be an interesting and educational Congress to expand your knowledge, expertise and to enhance friendships with your colleagues. Visit the website for more information on the program, social functions and tours available. Online registration is encouraged.
We look forward to welcoming you to Sydney in May 2009!
Annual Scientific Meeting | 19-20 May, 2009
The 2009 ASM is held in conjunction with RACP Physicians Week. Registration for the ASM is only available through the Physicians Week.
In order to register and pay for the AFOEM ASM, select the "Two Day Registration (19-20, May 2009)" option. Please note that unlike previous years, registration for the 2009 ASM can only be done online through the Physicians Weeks Congress Managers (Tour Hosts Pty Ltd).
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Dates For Your Diary |
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For a complete Faculty calendar, please visit the Faculty website.
2009 ATM Early Bird Registration Deadline
RATs Teleconference
- Thursday 16, April 2009
- Midday - 1.30PM (Brisbane local time)
NSWRC Meeting
- Friday 24, April 2009
- 5.30PM - 6.30PM
- Via teleconference
Education Committee of AFOEM Meeting
- Thursday 29, April 2009
- 9.30PM - 4.00PM
- RACP, 145 Macquarie St, Sydney, NSW
AFOEM 2009 ATM
RACP Physicians Week 2009
2009 Faculty Dinner
AFOEM 2009 ASM in Conjunction with RACP Physicians Week 2009
- Tuesday 19 - Wednesday 20 May, 2009
- Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW
- Program details to date
- Register here
RACP College Ceremony
- Sunday, 17 May 2009
- Bayside Auditorium A, Sydney Convention & Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, Sydney
- 4.00 - 6.00PM (Sydney local time)
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External Events |
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HFESA Professional Development Session
- Wednesday 6, May 2009
- 7.00PM start (Melbourne local time)
- 222 Exhibition St, Melbourne, Room 24-BCD
- Working as an Expert Witness - Mr Mark Dohrmann
- Registration and further details: Glen Smith or (03) 9641 1881
Monash Certificate in Clinical Occupational Medicine
- Monday 22, June - Friday 26, June 2009
- Monash Centre for Occupational and Environmental Health (MonCOEH)
- Limited numbers only
- Registration and further details
- Registration closes Friday 22, May 2009
Preventive Health Summit 2009
Practical Occupational Health Surveillance Course
- Thursday 25 - Friday 26 June, 2009
- UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney NSW
- 2 day course | 5 MOPS/CPD points
- Contact: Dr Kelvin Wooller or (02) 9385 6099
Health Insurance Summit
ANSZOM 2009 ASM
- Wednesday 12 - Saturday 15, August 2009
- Hyatt Coolum Resort, QLD
- RE: Fit to work
- View the Flyer
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Occupational Correspondent |
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Occupational Health Advisors
My Occupational Health (OH) practice in England has a ratio of 4 occupational nurses (termed OHAs) to 1 OHP. Employers invite these OHAs to work on site, where they identify workplace risks along side Safety, undertake the legally required screening, manage sickness absence, and work with Safety on safety education.
The OHAs are full Registered General Nurses (RGN’s) who have undertaken at least a year of further studies, which qualify them to undertake these duties. They can be trained at diploma or degree levels. The nurses’ registration board have a registration category that reflects their extra skill. They understand the ethics of consent and confidentiality, they follow medical procedures for record keeping, and they have the skill to competently undertake screening, such as on site audiometry.
Little of their training qualifies them in delivery first aid, though some participate in training first aid responders, and ensuring first aid systems exist.
There are a multitude of required surveillance activities undertaken, such as vibration screening, vision, lung function, and skin surveillance. In addition they review fitness in categories such as forklift driving, and confined space work. They might run new hire and continuing fitness to work programs. And commonly they run sickness absence programs. They work to written guides, backed by workplace policies.
Poor results are directed to the OHP for further review. A steady part of my week is spent reviewing files for doubtful cases, and then reviewing employees from these processes. The OHAs do manage OH programs in the workplace, and are filters to those needing OHP review.
A further role is in general workplace health promotion. They work to the identified government health targets, and have nurse credibility to promote better eating, exercising and so on.
It seems in Australia, we have dismissed much of the work of screening, plus we lack the qualified nursing personnel as partners to undertake this surveillance.
If you have questions, please contact me phoneyman@gmail.com.
Dr Peter Honeyman
Occupational Correspondent
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RACP Policy & Advocacy Update |
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Senate Inquiry into National Registration Scheme for Doctors and Other Health Workers
If you would like to contribute to the College submission to this Inquiry please email your comments to Karen Steadman (karen.steadman@racp.edu.au) by Wednesday 22, April 2009. The Inquiry terms of referece can be accessed here. Previous submissions by the College on this matter can be found here.
Alcohol Advocacy
The College has continued to maintain an active presence around alcohol advocacy. Keep up to date at the RACP website.
Prescription Opioid Policy
Hard copies of Improving Management of Chronic Non-Malignant Pain and Prevention of Problems Associated with Prescription Opioid Use is now available. Please contact policy@racp.edu.au or view the document online (PDF | 2MB).
Congress Program
The Policy and Advocacy streams for Physicans Week can be viewed here. Details of the intensive media workshop on Sunday 17, May 2009 should be available shortly.
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AMC Accreditation |
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All RACP education and training, and continuing development programs have been accredited until December 2010
The RACP is pleased to announce that following a periodic review of our education and training programs by the Australian Medical Council (AMC) in 2008 all RACP programs have been granted an extension of accreditation to the maximum period of six years (the Adult Medicine Division, the Paediatrics & Child Health Division, the Australasian Faculties of Public Health Medicine, Rehabilitation Medicine, and Occupational and Environmental Medicine and the Australasian Chapter of Palliative Medicine). In the case of the newer programs of the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine and the Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine accreditation has been granted for the first time.
Click here to read the complete announcement from Prof Kevin Forsyth, Dean.
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National Transport Commission |
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Review of Assessing Fitness to Drive and the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Safety Workers
In September 2008 the National Transport Commission (NTC) write to AFOEM advising the deferring of the project to review medical standards contained in Assessing Fitness to Drive and the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Workers due to a change in priorities on the work program.
This project is now recommencing. NTC would appreciate your comments, particularly as to whether the medical standards in the documents represent current best practice, or whether they should be amended, and if so, how. In addition, NTC would like to ensure that the medical community is kept abreast of the progress of the review project and will compile a database of interested parties to receive regular updates. If your organisation has an ongoing interest in this project, please nominate a relevant contact person to be added to the database.
The documents Assessing Fitness to Drive and the National Standard for Health Assessment of Rail Workers can be found on the NTC website. Please provide contact details and any comments about the Standards to the project manager by Friday 29, May 2009. Comments will be compiled for a report, to be released by the end of 2009, with recommendations about proposed changes.
The project manager, Donna Soo, Senior Policy Analyst Safety and Environment can be contacted on (03) 9236 5045 or at dsoo@ntc.gov.au, if you have any enquiries.
Thank you in anticipation of your assistance with this review.
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Expressions of Interest |
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AFOEM Trainee Representative for the Policy & Advocacy Committee
Expressions of interest are requested for the position of Trainee Representative for the Policy & Advocacy Committee of AFOEM.
Please send a brief email outlining what you would bring to the position to Andy Messner by Tuesday 14, April 2009. The Trainee Representative will be appointed by the Chair of the Policy & Advocacy Committee, Dr Mary Wyatt.
Outline of the position:
- Attend Faculty P&A Committee meetings (3-4 per year, predominately by teleconference)
- Provide advice to the Chair and other members of the Faculty P&A Committee
- Assist in establishing and further developing the policies of the Faculty
- The Trainee representative will be a current Trainee
The position is for a two year term.
For further information on this position, please contact:
Andrew Messner
andrew.messner@racp.edu.au
Executive Officer, AFOEM
Dr Mary Wyatt
mywatt@ozemail.com.au
Chair, Policy & Advocacy Committee of AFOEM
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Practical Occupational Health Surveillance Course |
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Thursday 25 - Friday 26 June, 2009 | UNSW Kensington Campus, Sydney NSW
This is a core course (SESC9630 Occupational Medicine) in the graduate programs in occupational medicine at The University of New South Wales: Graduate Certificate in Occupational Rehabilitation, Graduate Diploma and Masters in Science and Technology in Occupational Medicine.
Dr Kelvin Wooller, Occupational Physician, Senior Lecturer, School of Risk and Safety Sciences, UNSW will conduct the course at the Kensington campus, Sydney. This 2-day course is eligible for 5 MOPS points and is particularly suitable for occupational physician trainees or anyone wishing to update on a range of current occupational medicine issues or conduct occupational health surveillance. Medical practitioners who have successfully completed this course may apply to WorkCover NSW for authorisation to conduct statutory medical examinations.
Course topics:
- Information resources in Occupational Health Surveillance
- Principles of Occupational Health Surveillance
- Special issues in Occupational Health Surveillance (dermatitis, cancer, respiratory conditions, musculoskeletal conditions, noise and audiometry)
- Health surveillance in industry and pitfalls to avoid
Dr Wooller also lectures in the Basic Curriculum Course of the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. He will attempt to give an international perspective to the local and national issues discussed in the course. Other lecturers in the course will also contribute according to their particular areas of expertise.
For further information contact Dr Kelvin Wooller on (+61) 02 9385 6099 or alternatively K.Wooller@unsw.edu.au.
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Australian Museum Eureka Prize 2009 |
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20 Years of Rewarding Science
Sponsored by the NSW Office of Science and Medical Research, the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Research into the Health Aspects of Climate Change is awarded to an individual or research team.
The winner receives AUD $10,000. Entries close midnight (AEST) Friday 1, May 2009. Entries and nominations are now invited.
For further information on this prize, including how to enter, visit the Australian Museum website or email eureka@austmus.gov.au.
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Research & Education Foundation Awards & Scholarships 2010 |
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Research Entry Applications Closing - Monday 4, May 2009
The Research Entry Awards are designed to assist predominantly Advanced Trainees or younger Fellows commence a research career.
The Research and Education Foundation offers over 40 fellowships and scholarships within the following categories, although not all are offered each year:
- Research Entry Scholarships - Closing 4 May
- Post Higher Degree Awards – Closing 29 June
- The Jacquot Awards – Closing 31 August
- Rural & Remote Practitioners Awards - Closing 29 June
- Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine Awards – Closing 29 June
- Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine Awards – Closing 29 June
- Specialty Society Awards
- New Zealand Awards Closing 31 August
- Eric Susman Prize - Closing 29 June
To view the range of awards and entry requirements of the Foundation, visit the the RACP website here.
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Research Fellowships & Scholarships Awards 2010 |
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Sevier Staff Research Fellowship 2010
- Closing: 29th June 2009
- Purpose: To further research in internal medicine or paediatrics
- Value: AUD $10,000
- Eligibility: Fellows or Advanced Trainees of the RACP or its Faculties or Chapters (awardees will be less than 5 years from the award of their higher degree or less than 2 years after return from overseas; provide salary support; other support such as laboratory setup costs or a short term Research Assistant appointment)
- Tenable: Australia
The Fellowship is made available by a grant from staff of Servier Laboratories Pty Ltd.
Ruth Gledhill Grant 2009
- Closing: 4th May 2009
- Purpose: Further research into the ethical aspect of medicine, in particular CVD
- Value: AUD $10,000
- Eligibility: Fellows or Advanced Trainees of the RACP or its Faculties or Chapters in Australia and New Zealand
- Priority: To undertake research or training overseas
The Fellowship is made available by a grant from Miss Ruth Gledhill
For more information or to obtain an application form, please contact the Research Grants Administrator via email or visit the College website.
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ANZSOM ASM 2009 |
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