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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 3 April 2009 |
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It's Friday! 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.
Due to the Easter break, the Faculty office will be closed from Friday 10 - Monday 13, 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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Daylight Saving Reminder |
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Lets Do The Time Warp Again
Daylight Saving Time is observed in NSW, VIC, SA, TAS and the ACT and has been synchronised across these states. Daylight Saving concludes on Sunday 5, April 2009. Please remember to set your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday 4, April 2009. Queensland and the Northern Territory do not observe daylight saving.
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2009 AFOEM Demographics Study |
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Last Call
Thank you to all those who have already participated in the online survey. Since last week's reminder, we have had a further 40 responses to the 2009 AFOEM Demongraphics Study (that brings us to just under 50% response rate). 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. The results of this study will be presented at the 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting (Wednesday 20, May 2009) and may be partially published on the Faculty website before then.
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).
A program schedule and overview will be added shortly and an updated Flyer will be uploaded to the Faculty website.
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Physicians Week & AFOEM ASM 2009 |
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Early Registration Deadline Extended | 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. The early registration deadline for Physicians Week 2009 is now Saturday 4, April 2009. Online registration is encouraged. Register now so you don't miss out on these discounted fees!
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. Early bird registration closes Saturday 4, April 2009. Please note that unlike previous years, registration for the 2009 ASM can only be done online.
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Dates For Your Diary |
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For a complete Faculty calendar, please visit the Faculty website.
NSW/SYD Trainee Meeting
- Monday 6, April 2009
- 5.30PM-7.00PM (Sydney local time)
- RPAH, Camperdown
- All Fellows & Trainees welcome to attend
- Scheduled for the first Monday of each calendar month (except May 2009)
- Enquiries: Naresh Verma
AFOEM 2009 ATM
RACP Physicians Week 2009
- Sunday 17 - Wednesday 20, May 2009
- Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre, Darling Harbour, NSW
- Program details
- Registration
- Early bird registration extended till Saturday 4, April 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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AMA NSW Health Medical Careers Exhibition
- Saturday 4, April 2009
- 10.00AM - 4.00PM (Sydney local time)
- "Shannon Room", AJC Convention Centre, Royal Randwick Racecourse
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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ICOH 2015 Bid Update |
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And The Winner Is ....
The International Congress on Occupational Health was held in Cape Town, South Africa last week. AFOEM put forward a strong bid to host the ICOH 2015 in Melbourne. The successful bid was from Seoul, which will now be the host city in 2015. Although our bid was not successful we have gained some significant benefits through our exposure at the international level. The relationships that have been developed with Africa, South America, Scandinavia and Ireland, in particular have strengtened our international standing. As a result, there are a number of potential collaborations with Ireland, Finland and Botswana, which the Faculty will explore over the coming months.
The tireless effort required in putting together such a bid is quite extraordinary, and the Faculty and the College are fortunate to have such passionate and motivated Fellows who were behind the bid. Special thanks to Ross Mills, Professor Malcolm Sim, Barry Gilbert, Ian Eddington and Professor Wai-Phoon.
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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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Position Vacant |
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Reference number: CEN0005T
Combine career and lifestyle and accept the challenge with Rio Tinto Alcan at both the Yarwun Alumina Refinery and the Boyne Smelters Operations. Your experience and skills will make a large contribution in helping us to develop these large refining and smelting operations into world leader in aluminium excellence. Playing a key role in developing, maintaining and delivering worlds best practice in Occupational Health Services; this role represents a significant opportunity to utilise your existing experience and skills in further developing your career.
Reporting directly to the General Manager - Operations and primary stakeholders this position will require a multi-faceted approach. On a daily basis you will be providing medical advice to site employees, in the longer term focusing on the rehabilitation of injured or ill employees and from a strategic viewpoint, providing direction and supporting both Management Teams on Health and Medical policy.
As the Occupational Physician you will be directly accountable for:
- Providing direct professional advice and guidance to all the staff in the Occupational Health & Hygiene Teams
- Developing and implementing national best practice health service provision
- Management of visiting health practitioners
- Direct provision of medical service to employees
It is considered essential that you possess and are able to provide evidence of:
- General and/or Specialist Medical Registration in Queensland
- A Postgraduate qualification or experience in Occupational Medicine
- Excellent communication skills
- Demonstrated leadership ability
- Significant project management experience
- The ability to work efficiently within and add value to a diverse team
In addition to the above it would be considered an advantage should you display:
- Experience in Health & Safety policy and management
- A background in an industrial environment and preferably within the Manufacturing / Resources sector
In additional to an exciting career option, our idyllic location in Central Queensland Coast provides a unique environment where employees can combine work, family and leisure in a progressive and friendly community.
If you require any further information regarding this position or similar then please contact: Andrew Lamb, Recruitment Advisor, Rio Tinto (07) 3029 2231.
For further information regarding the company and to apply for this position please visit www.riotinto.com/careers.
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Occupational Correspondent |
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From an Anonymous Source...
Superdoc (11) - Claims staff turnover? No surprises when you think about it.
"Job turnover in compensation claims staff is high; if staff felt they could make a positive difference they'd be more likely to hang around."
Click here to read the full article.
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Reading Corner |
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Breast Cancer on the Night Shift - The Lancet (Editorial | Volume 373 | Issue 9669 | March 28, 2009)
"Denmark has just become the first country to regard breat cancer as an occupational disease. Danish women who have developed breast cancer but who have no known risk factors other than working a night shift at least once a week for the past 20 years have begun receiving compensation. So far, about 40 nurses and flight attendants have received payments."
Click here to read the full article.
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National Close The Gap |
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For More Information Visit Close The Gap
The RACP has joined other leading Australian health, human rights, aid and development organisations in calling for health equality for Indigenous people within 25 years.
On average, the life expectancy of Indigenous Australians is 17 less than that of other Australians. The RACP is calling on the Australian government to do more to close this disturbing gap and improve the health and well-being of Indigenous Australians.
The Close The Gap campaign sets out a clear plan for achieving the goal, outlining the following minimum requirements:
- Measures to ensure equal access for Indigenous people to primary health care and infrastructure
- Increased support for developing the Indigenous health workforce
- A commitment to support and nurture Indigenous community controlled health services
- A focus on improving the accessibility of mainstream health services for Indigenous peoples
- An urgent focus on early childhood development, maternal health, chronic illness and diseases
- Supporting the building blocks of good health, such as awareness and availability of nutrition, physical activity, fresh good, healthy lifestyles, adequate housing and other social determinants of health.
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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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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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Code of Conduct and Appeals Committees |
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Nominations invited for Medicines Australia Code of Conduct and Appeals Committees
The College (RACP) has been asked to nominate three representatives for the Medicines Australia Code of Conduct and Appeals Committees.
The Code of Conduct Committee meets third Monday of each month from 9.30 am to 12.30 pm at North Sydney. The Appeals Committee meets as required, generally late afternoon, at North Sydney.
Reimbursement for time and expenses is available. Nominees are required to provide a declaration of potential conflicting interests related to pharmaceutical companies. For further information about these committees, please send an email to the address below.
Applications are called from interested Fellows to send their CV and brief covering letter to policy@racp.edu.au by Monday 6th April.
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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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CPD Grant Available For Remote Specialists |
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The Support Scheme for Rural Specialists (SSRS) is now calling for applications for CPD grants of up to $5,000. These grants are available to support individual medcial specialists access to education and professional learning opportunities, who are living and working in towns and regions classified as Rural Zone 2-3 or Remote Zone 1-2, according to the "Rural, Remote and Metropolitan Areas Classification" (RRMA).
For further information, please visit the SSRS website.
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ANZSOM ASM 2009 |
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