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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 Newsletter Volume 10 Issue 14: Friday 16, July 2010 |
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Welcome to this week's edition of the AFOEM eNews.
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.
Contact us
Senior Executive Officer AFOEM
Andy Messner
(02) 9256 9602
Andrew.Messner@racp.edu.au
Executive Officer AFOEM
Joanna Oakley
(02) 9256 9608
Joanna.Oakley@racp.edu.au
Administrative Officer AFOEM
Josephine Verde
(02) 9256 9603
Josephine.Verde@racp.edu.au
Physician Educator AFOEM
Dr David Goddard
afoem@racp.edu.au
CPD Administrator | AFOEM, AFPHM & AFRM
Natali Vlatko
(02) 8247 6239
Natali.Vlatko@racp.edu.au
For further information and resources, please take the time to visit the Faculty website for updates: http://afoem.racp.edu.au/
Letter From The (New) Editor-in-Chief
Hello, I hope this week finds you all well. We have a massive edition of our Newsletter this week. A couple of reminders, particularly for those trainees who haven't yet submitted their TSRs. You have got until 30 July 2010. We have an update from our AFOEM Physician Educator, Dr. David Goddard. Also, we are promoting the AFOEM Prize. Please submit your entries by 30 September 2010.
Have a read of it at your leisure and if you have any suggestions please feel free to email me.
Have a fantastic weekend!
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Changes to the eNewsletter |
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We hear what you are saying
Our eNewsletter will now be sent out fortnightly. Should you have anything that needs to be addressed, please forward it to me and I will ensure that it gets circulated as a matter of urgency.
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Update from Dr. David Goddard, AFOEM Physician Educator |
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Where is he now?
We have received an update from AFOEM Physician Educator, Dr. David Goddard. Please click here to read about ongoing work with educational supervisors and supervision, plans for formative assessments and other educational developments.
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A Message from the Dean |
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Expressions of Interest
Expressions of interest are being sought from Fellows to serve on a new Specialist Advisory Committee in Academic Medicine. This Committee will oversee College trainees who wish to conjointly undertake a PhD or equivalent, leading to both an FRACP and PhD. Such trainees would then be well trained for medical academia.
We seek Fellows who have a PhD or equivalent and are active in academic departments.
If you would like a copy of the role description please email Academic Med Training.
To submit an EOI please forward the following information to Academic Med Training:
- Your CV
- Cover letter outlining how you meet the position description requirements of the role and what you would bring to the role
If you have any queries please feel free to call Libby Newton on + 61 2 8247 6286.
Expressions of interest are required by 30 July 2010.
Professor Kevin Forsyth - Dean
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Hunter Region Scientific Meeting |
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Occupational Medicine Videoconference Grand Rounds
The AFOEM Hunter Region Scientific Meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month at 6:00pm. The next one to take place will be on Thursday 19th August, 2010. You can attend via on site attendance and post meeting dinner, Attend Anywhere videoconference or teleconference.
Hunter Industrial Medicine Conference Room
The Pinnacle Building
Unit 5 No 500 High Street
Maitland NSW
For more information regarding these meetings, please click on the link
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Training Status Reports |
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Don't forget to submit your TSRs!
Just a reminder to all trainees that your TSRs are due by Friday 30, July 2010.
A copy of the TSR January - June 2010 document can be downloaded here
Upon completion, email to your Supervisor and Director of Training with a cc to the Faculty office. Keep a copy for your own records. The trainee is responsible for ensuring that the Educational Supervisor and Director of Training sign the report form, and that this document is submitted to the faculty office by the due date. There should be no exemption from this unless in exceptional circumstances.
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Learning Needs Analysis Tool (LNAT) |
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A tool to guide trainees
Just a reminder, that the Learning Needs Analysis Tool (LNAT) is now being trialled as a pilot. We strongly encourage all trainees and supervisors to try it now before it becomes mandatory in January 2011. The LNAT can be accessed here.
In brief, the LNAT enables trainees to plan, monitor and evaluate their own learning and gives educational supervisors easy access to collated information regarding the trainee’s progress. Each learning plan covers a period of six months ahead. Later in the year, we shall seek feedback on your experience of using the LNAT. We hope that, like us, you see this as a positive way for the Faculty to support the learning of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
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A Message from your Trainee Representative |
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Attention Trainees
The ASM/ATM Organising subcommittee is seeking trainees who are interested in being involved in the development of the next ATM due to take place in Darwin in May 2011. Feedback on content is also welcome.
Please contact Dr David Pfidze at Tapfumaneyi.Pfidze@riotinto.com.
- Dr Craig White
AFOEM Trainee Representative
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AFOEM – NSW Continuing Professional Development |
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Wanted: New NSW Volunteers
At the last NSW Regional Committee meeting, we had no new volunteers coming forward to run the NSW Regional Committee.
Those who would like to help out can attend the next meeting on 31 July 2010.
Next CPD Meeting
We are in the process of organizing the meeting on the morning of 31 July at RACP Phillip Street site to inform and help our fellows how to access and use “Attend Anywhere” Video-Conferencing facility for our future Continuing Education.
We also require volunteers to conduct presentations at this meeting.
Please keep this morning free. We will send you more information and confirm the time of this CPD Meeting.
Dr Wing Chan
NSW Regional Committee
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Your Policy & Advocacy |
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Release of the "Work and Your Mental Health" brochure for General Practitioners
Research suggests that the longer a person stays out of work as a result of incapacity, the less likely they are to return. This has consequences for their health and for their ability to participate in the community.
Consultations as part of the National Mental Health and Disability Employment Strategy revealed that General Practitioners want more information about their role on the employment support system, to assist them to help people with mental illness find a job, stay in, or return to the workforce.
The Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations has developed a brochure "Work and Your Mental Health" as part of the Department's contributions to the Council of Australian Governments National Action Plan on Mental Health.
The Work and Your Mental Health brochure is a resource for General Practitioners to assist them in discussions with patients about the benefits of work to mental health. The brochure provides information about the role work can have in recovery from mental illness. It also includes tips on planning a return to work.
For more information please click here.
To view a copy of the brochure please click here.
Realising the Health Benefits of Work - Update
We have been receiving a good amount of positive feedback on the draft list of signatories to the Consensus Statement; suggestions for publications and websites through which we can publicise Realising the Health Benefits of Work and nominations to assist with the development of a health and productivity position statement. Please see the webpage for further information.
Update from New Zealand - On 15 July Dr David Beaumont and Professor John Kolbe presented evidence to the Welfare Working Group in Wellington, with opinions as to how the implications of Realising the Health Benefits of Work impact on the considerations of the group.
The Welfare Working Group was established by Cabinet to undertake an expansive and fundamental review of New Zealand’s welfare system. The Group’s primary task is to identify how to reduce long-term welfare dependency. A final report will be presented to the Government by the end of December 2010.
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Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine Prize |
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Enter for your chance to win
The AFOEM prize is offered for excellence in Occupational Medicine eg the best essay written additional to curriculum requirements, or the best research project or assignment required, either obligatory or optionally, in the assessment of courses in Occupational or Environmental Health.
Entry is open to medical students in whichever year or years in the undergraduate curriculum are deemed appropriate by the Dean of the Faculty, depending on the medical curriculum concerned. The prize is also open to interns in their first year of graduation if necessary, to allow them to present material dealt with in the final year.
For more information please click here. Entries close 30 September 2010.
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AFOEM Dates For Your Diary |
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AFOEM Policy & Advocacy Committee Meeting
- Monday 26, July 2010
- Face to Face in Sydney (RACP, Level 6, 52 Phillip Street, Sydney)
AFOEM Council Meeting
- Thursday 5, August 2010 - Council Annual Planning Day
- Friday 6, August 2010 - Council Meeting
AFOEM T&L Committee Meeting
- Friday 27, August 2010
- Face to Face in Sydney (RACP, Edward Ford Room, 145 Macquarie Street, Sydney)
AFOEM Written Examination (Part A & B)
- Saturday 11 - Sunday 12, September 2010
- Various locations (TBC)
AFOEM Practical Examination
- Saturday 6 - Sunday 7, November 2010
- Melbourne VIC
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External Events |
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Occupational Medicine Related Events:
Safety and Quality: Getting it done without doing it all
Knowledge Through Sharing Seminar
Occupational Body Vibration
ANZSOM Annual Scientific Meeting
28th Annual AIOH Conference & Exhibition: "Green but Clean"
Royal Australasian College of Surgeons Events:
Annual Clinical Meeting RACS / AOA Medico Legal Section
AMA Guides Level 5: Difficult Cases
Occupational Medicine: Factory Visit Program
Other Medical Specialty Related Events:
ITAC 2010 - Smart Aged Care: The E-Health Revolution
Medical ADAPT Workshop - Ausralasian Donor Awareness Program
Climate Change, Healthcare & Carbon Footprint
Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia International Conference: "Advancing Quality of Life"
HFESA Professional Development Session - Knowledge Through Sharing
- Wednesday 11, August 2010
- Darebin Arts Centre, VIC
2nd Improving the Delivery of Emergency Care
HIC 2010 - Informing the Business of Healthcare
In the Spotlight: Patient Centred Care
Australasian Society Of Aerospace Medicine 2010 Annual Scientific Meeting
- Thursday 16 - Saturday 18, September 2010
- The Shine Dome, Australian Academy of Science, Canberra ACT
- RE: The heart of the nation
The Asics Conference of Science & Medicine in Sport
The Annual Scientific Meeting of the Northern Territory Branches of the RACP and the AFPHM
1st International Health One Conference: "Human Health, Animal Health, the Environment and Global Survival"
Writing Reports for Court
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Positions Vacant |
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Senior Medical Officer - Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Canberra, ACT
An opportunity has arisen at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Canberra, Australia for the position of Senior Medical Officer. This role provides the opportunity to utilise your medical skills in the cutting edge industry of aviation. As a Senior Medical Officer you will be responsible for the development and application of aviation medical standards. You also have the opportunity to address challenging public health and occupational medicine issues emerging within the industry. The position is based in Canberra and requires domestic travel and some international travel.
This position would suit a medical practitioner who is qualified in aviation medicine, and has knowledge or experience of occupational medicine, public health or addiction medicine.
There are mandatory qualifications outlined in the position description on the CASA website. Other desirable characteristics would include:
- a background in aviation medicine regulatory standards and policies
- experience in leading or managing small teams or in working effectively in a small team environment.
For further information, please see the CASA website.
Or contact: Dr Pooshan Navathe
Phone: +61 (02) 6217 1005
Email: Pooshan.Navathe@casa.gov.au
Please respond by 16 July 2010
Medical Officer - Air New Zealand
Auckland, NZ
With over 11,000 employees globally Air New Zealand’s dedicated Medical Unit ensure and support the health and well being of a diverse cross section of people in a wide variety of work environments.
We are seeking a suitable doctor to join this high performing team on a part or full time basis. Working alongside both occupational and aviation medical specialists, the main focus of this role is clinical aviation medicine and the management of occupational health issues across engineering, airport services and corporate staff.
This is an ideal training post - and provides real-world experience that is the springboard to success in the AFOEM exam. Our team has produced four Fellows in the past 9 years.
There is some flexibility as to the actual working hours, and some low-level on-call duties are required.
We are seeking applications from qualified general practitioners, or practitioners with a broad experience in adult medicine, with an interest in completing specialist training in occupational medicine through the Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. An interest in aviation medicine is also important. The successful applicant must be a NZ registered medical practitioner ( or be able to expeditiously gain this registration) and should be able to be appointed as a NZ Civil Aviation Authority class 1 designated medical examiner, or with our support, expected to become one within a year of commencing.
For further information, please see the Air New Zealand website.
Or contact: Barry Curtis
Phone: +64 (09) 336 2136
Alternatively you can contact: Dr Tim Sprott at tim.sprott@airnz.co.nz
Please respond by 19 July 2010
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ASM- ANZSOM 17-21 August 2010 |
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ANZSOM is going... Back to the Future
*UPDATE* Early Bird registration has been extended until the 16th July, 2010.
Call for Papers and Participation
Where have we come from and where are we heading in the world of Occupational Health and Safety? What are some solid fundamentals from the past that we need to remember and how can we use these to adapt for the future? How are we exploring new frontiers and approaches? The Annual ANZSOM Scientific Meeting this year will tackle these BIG questions and more in an atmosphere of collegiality and practical learning that members have come to expect and enjoy!
Scientific Program:
- Wednesday – Theme of Day is ergonomics with link up with ergonomic society members; Keynote address by Professor Anne Williamson; invited speakers including Jennifer Long - new technology and visual comfort in the workplace; Dr Tim Driscoll - preventing injury in musicians; Maya Guest - balance and hearing loss
- Thursday – a.m. site visits (Mines Rescue, Mt Tomah Botanic Garden); p.m. free papers & AGM
- Friday – a.m. Invited & free papers - dust diseases; aging; H&S management training; p.m. workshop with Trevor Hall - Creating a positive work environment
- Saturday – Dr Joe Dunn - “Staffalgia: how to handle painful people in the workplace"
Venue:
Step back in time to an era of grace, elegance and charm at the beautifully restored Carrington Hotel where the best of the past meets the needs of the future. Dining, dancing and entertainment are on site. Train or drive to Katoomba, or organise an airport transfer via the Hotel at additional cost.
Social Program:
Depending on numbers interested, a private group tour can be arranged to Jenolan Caves or you can take the hop on – hop off local Explorer bus to major attractions.
Important deadlines:
- 30 May 2010 – Accepted Free Paper abstract submission
- 30 June – Full paper submission
- 3 August – Accommodation bookings (direct with venue using attached booking form)
Further Information and Registration see the attached.
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Other Policy and Advocacy |
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For your comment: Caring for Older Australians - Productivity Commission Issues Paper
The Australian Government has asked the Productivity Commission to undertake a public inquiry into Australia’s aged care system, to develop detailed options for further structural reform to ensure it can meet the challenges facing it in coming decades. In particular, the Commission will be:
- examining the social, clinical and institutional aspects of aged care in Australia, building on the substantial base of existing reviews into this sector;
- developing regulatory and funding options for residential and community aged care (including the Home and Community Care program). The Commission has been specifically requested to address the interests of special needs groups
- examining the future workforce requirements of the aged care sector
- recommending a path for transitioning from the current regulatory arrangements to a new system that ensures continuity of care and allows the sector time to adjust
- examining whether the regulation of retirement specific living options should be aligned more closely with the rest of the aged care sector, and if so, how this should be achieved
- assessing the fiscal implications of any change in aged care roles and responsibilities.
Select the following links for the Terms of Reference and the Productivity Commission Issues Paper.
Please forward comments to Karen Steadman by Friday 23 July 2010.
Upcoming Federal Election
With a Federal Election imminent and health reform expected to focus heavily during the campaign, now is a unique opportunity for the College to present its priorities to the major political parties.
The aim is to have a consolidated College document as an ‘RACP Election Statement’ which will put the issues of critical importance to Australia’s physicians firmly on the political agenda and also help inform the major political parties as they finalise their election policies. AFOEM will provide input into this statement.
Opportunity for feedback on the 2011-2013 Australian Health Survey - Output Strategy
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), in consultation with the Department of Health and Ageing is to conduct the 2011-13 Australian Health Survey. The survey, scheduled to commence in the field in April 2011, will be the most comprehensive study of the health of Australians ever undertaken. A representative sample of 50,000 Australians will be asked to complete the Survey.
The Survey will include 4 components:
- National Health Survey - the existing household survey
- National Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander Health Survey - the existing Indigenous household survey
- National Nutrition and Physical Activity survey - a new household survey (no nutrition survey has been conducted in Australia since 1995)
- National Health Measures survey - a new pathology collection (voluntary)
The Australian Health Survey therefore will provide researchers and policy developers with greatly expanded and improved data to analyse the health of Australians. More information about the survey is available here.
The key questions are: What research questions / themes do you, as a user of the data, want? Which are the areas required more urgent outcomes? What sorts of data will meet your needs?
If you have any feedback for the ABS, or would like more information on the Survey, then please contact Karen Steadman.
National Prescribing Curriculum Modules for Trainees and Fellows
The National Prescribing Curriculum (NPC) modules are available to all Trainees and Fellows via the CPD Member Resources page of the website. They feature 25 modules covering a range of clinical areas from cardiology to endocrinology to psychiatry.
The modules have been identified as a valuable resource for Fellows doing continuing professional development (CPD) and those Fellows wishing to participate in the course for the purposes of CPD can apply for credits under Category 3 ‘Self-Assessment Programs' of the MyCPD categories framework.
To access and view the modules please click here.
For more information, contact the National Prescribing Service Educational Design and Support Team on (02) 8217 8642 or via email.
National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP) - Victoria
The NBCSP began in Victoria in January 2007. The Victorian Department of Health has produced an information brochure highlighting the need for data to the returned to the National Register. The brochure provides information about arrangements in place for submission of forms online and/or manually. A copy of the brochure is available on request to the Policy and Advocacy Unit.
Medical Board of Australia
Please be advised that the Medical Board of Australia website is now live. MBA officially came into existence on 1 July 2010, and as you can see there is some useful information on their website including the 'New Obligations for Medical Practitioners" fact sheet. Please peruse the site at your leisure.
A National Health and Hospitals Network for Australia's Future - Delivering reforms. A Department of Health and Aging Announcement.
Health reform is under way and implementation will be a complex task over a number of years.
Detailed implementation planning is well advanced and you are now able to access a document providing details of implementation activities over coming months and service providers.
Click here to view the document. For regular updates, please visit the Your Health Website.
Vienna Declaration - Call for Signatures
The Vienna Declaration is a statement seeking to improve community health and safety by calling for the incorporation of scientific evidence into illicit drug policies. Research shows that an over reliance on drug law enforcement has resulted in overwhelmingly negative health and social consequences, yet law enforcement continues to be the dominant policy approach adopted by policymakers at the expense of the more effective public health interventions.
To read and sign the Vienna Declaration please click here.
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Inquiry into Disability Care and Support - Draft Submission |
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Be Involved
The Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine has developed a draft submission in regards to the Productivity Commission Inquiry into Disability Care and Support in Australia.
To be involved in this submission, please click here.
All comments and additions should be sent to Rebecca Forbes by close of business 30 July 2010.
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An Apple A Day Keeps The Doctor Away |
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Proof it really does!
Monday 12 July 2010 saw the launch of The 2010 Apple Report - Key findings from a CSIRO review of apples, their antioxidants and benefits to human health.
Key findings from the CSIRO review include:
- good evidence apples may lower cholesterol and play a role in reducing the risk of type II diabetes, with studies showing women who eat an apple a day have up to 28% reduced risk
- apples may help reduce belly fat and affect hormones involved in regulating metabolism
- potential for reduced risk of asthma
- alleviate symptoms of respiratory allergies, such as a runny nose and sneezing
- potential health benefits for inflammatory bowel disease and certain cancers
For more information and to view the whole report, please click here.
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Invitation to Apply for Grants |
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Rural Health Continuing Education Stream Two
Applications for grants under Rural Health Continuing Education Stream Two are now open. The closing date is 20 August, 2010.
The Rural Health Continuing Education (RHCE) program, funded by the Australian Government through the Department of Health and Ageing, supports qualified health professionals living and working in rural and remote Australia to undertake continuing professional development activities.
RHCE Stream Two is to provide grants for continuing professional development (CPD), multi-disciplinary training or Inter-Professional Learning (IPL) and orientation activities that meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, allied health professionals, general practitioners and nurses and midwives living and practising in rural and remote areas of Australia.
RHCE Stream Two is administered by the National Rural Health Alliance, with funding of approximately $2.5 million available in grants until June 30, 2013.
Further details, including guidelines, priorities and the application forms, are available on the RHCE website.
If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact the RHCE program management team on (02) 6162 3374 or Freecall 1800 987 440 or via email.
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Cancer Care |
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Strengthening cancer care through education and development
The Cancer Learning online hub is an initiative of Cancer Australia and aims to:
- consolidate the enormous variety of evidence-based learning activities, resources and information in cancer care available across Australia and overseas
- provide a first port of call for health professionals, organisations and cancer networks who wish to undertake, build or plan professional development programs and activities in cancer care
- enable resources and information to be shared by cancer care providers across Australia.
Cancer Learning is designed for health professionals working in cancer care. However the site may also provide useful information for consumers and some resources are designed to promote further engagement between consumers and health professionals. Consumers can play an important role in professional development activities by participation on committees and via other consumer advocacy pathways.
To subscribe to their monthly newsletter, please click here. For more information please visit the Cancer Learning Website.
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CPD Enquiries |
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Fret Not, You're In Good Hands
Should you have any enquiries with your CPD submission, please email mycpd@racp.edu.au or phone (02) 8247 6239.
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Changes To OMJ Subscription Process |
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Are You Subscribed?
The OMJ, Oxford University Press, UK, is an optional extra given to all Faculty members. Through the AFOEM, our members receive a significant discount for a 12-month subscription.
In order to ensure that all Faculty members only pay every 12-months for an annual subscription to the Occupational Medicine Journal we have removed the option to subscribe to the OMJ on your RACP Fellow Annual Subscription Invoice.
A renewal notice will be emailed to you within 6 weeks of your subscription expiration. Should you wish to continue your OMJ subscription, please return the renewal notice at your earliest convenience. Please take this opportunity to verify your postal address for delivery purposes.
Please note that Occupational Medicine is a quaterly issue.
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Newsletter Input |
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For Occupational Physicians. By Occupational Physicians
Contributions to the AFOEM Newsletter is always welcome (the monkey has apparently run out of jokes so we're counting on you now!). Whether it be an event that you think would be of interest to fellow colleagues in the same field, or a position vacancy within your organisation, or even a report on a course you had attended and found worthwhile, please email a paragraph to afoem@racp.edu.au by Tuesday of the publishing week for inclusion into the Newsletter.
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Changed Your Contact Details Recently? |
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Postman Pat & His Black and White Cat
AFOEM hopes to maintain a lifelong relationship with you, but to do so it is important that we keep your up-to-date details. Please notify us if you have recently changed your contact details.
Find A Consultant
As a Fellow of the AFOEM, you may have your business contact details published on the Faculty website for the general public to search. Should you wish to be featured on the AFOEM "Find A Consultant" tool (found on the Faculty website), please write a short email addressed to Josephine Verde with the required information you wish to be published. Please note that you will not be added to the webpage unless you have provided consent to the Faculty Office.
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The Fine Print |
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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.
There may be websites and/or events linked to and from this communique that are operated or created by or for organisations outside of The Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environmental Medicine. Those organisations are solely responsible for the operation and information(including the right to display such information) found on their respective websites.The linking to or from this communique does not imply on the part of the AFOEM any endorsement or guarantee of any of the organisations or information found on their respective websites.
The Australasian Faculty of Occupational & Environment Medicine does not assume and is not responsible for any liability whatsoever for the linking of any of these linked websites and/or events, the operation or content of any of the linked websites nor for any of the information, interpretation, comments or opinions expressed in any of the linked websites. Any comments or inquiries regarding the linked websites and/or events are to be directed to the particular organisation for whom the particular website and/or event is being operated.
Unless stated otherwise, this email represents only the views of the sender and not the views of AFOEM.
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