NSW Doctor 2023 July/August

Workplace Relations

Dominque Egan is the Workplace Relations Director and In-House Legal Counsel at AMA (NSW). She sat down with Rahni Sadler to discuss the variety of ways that she and her team are here to help.

IN A WORLD where trust is hard to come by, there’s one group of professionals that is repeatedly ranked among those society believes in most – doctors. Experience is rated as the number one most valued quality, followed by education and sincerity. Few professions require the level of education and experience demanded of doctors. Yet this cherished profession faces relentless and mounting challenges, with doctors feeling less valued and supported than ever.

The opportunity to help the Australian Medical Association (NSW) in its tireless efforts to advocate for doctors and doctors-in-training is one I’m very enthusiastic to take on. After a long career in journalism, it is my hope that my skills and experience will help to tell the stories of members and highlight the issues that are important to them.

I learnt a lot about the practice of medicine as the Seven Network’s Health Reporter. For three years I covered issues from policy and politics to medical breakthroughs and daily health challenges. Over eight years at Seven’s Sunday Night program I compiled long-form reports on countless medical and healthrelated issues. I won the Victor Chang Award for Excellence in Cardio Thoracic Journalism for an in-depth piece about women and heart disease. I was twice the recipient of the National Press Club’s Health Journalism award; in 2011 for a story on an experimental treatment for Multiple Sclerosis and in 2012 for a piece on early onset Alzheimer’s disease. As a US Correspondent of seven years standing, I gained valuable insights into the differences between the Australian and the American health systems.

Doctors, and doctors-in-training, this is your magazine. Here at AMA (NSW) we want to hear from you, which is why we’ve added two new sections - Health Heroes and The Soapbox. Health Heroes is where you tell us

about a person or group deserving recognition. From the smallest of good deeds to the greatest technological feats. The Soapbox provides an opportunity to raise issues you believe require further attention or discussion, positive or negative. Issues highlighted may serve us a guide in another new endeavour – the formation of AMA (NSW) special interest groups.

I hope you enjoy this edition of NSW Doctor, which has as its focus workplace relations (WR). WR advice is one of the most valuable services provided by the Australian Medical Association (NSW). Headed by a former partner in a major law firm and supported by a team of lawyers, paralegals and HR experts, the WR department offers solutions to problems facing doctors in and out of the hospital system. The extent of problems the team is willing to address, and the lengths to which it will go to help members will probably surprise you.

I’m looking forward to hearing and sharing the experiences of the members of AMA (NSW). Please write to me at magazine@amansw.com.au dr.

Rahni Sadler, Editor

Tell

Write to us about what’s on your mind – how you feel about health policy, management, practice, shortages, ramping, hours, staffing, equipment, public health, media coverage, public disinformation. Tell us about something your practice/hospital is doing that others could learn from. Raise an issue that you think needs to be addressed. Put the focus back on a subject that has fallen off the radar. Is there something you’ve been experiencing that nobody seems to discuss? What more could the AMA be doing for you?

Write to us at magazine@amansw.com.au

We will contact you before any contribution is published.

LEADERSHIP

specialists, VMOs, specialist GPs, and private specialists pull in the same direction to improve the health of our patients. It is fundamental to our DNA.

Dr Michael Bonning President, AMA (NSW)

LEADERSHIP in health is a perennial issue. But now we face unprecedented challenges with a new health minister, and a new government. For a government which has had an extended period in opposition, this step-up could present quite a challenge. We face similar challenges in public and private practice, and we acknowledge that stepping up will present a challenge for us all.

In my career both in medicine and the Royal Australian Navy, I have seen and worked under a range of leadership styles. British Field Marshal Bernard Montgomery defined leadership as “The capacity and the will to rally men and women to a common purpose with the character which inspires confidence and trust.” Every frontline clinician has a common purpose in our health system which we dedicate our working lives to. All hospital staff

The best leaders that I have worked with are those who share an understanding of the people they are leading, who show empathy but also those who have courage. Our health system needs courage right now. Frontline doctors know what the issues are that affect their patients and their communities, and they know what needs to be done to fix them. Drawn out special interest inquiries will delay much needed action on critical services and avoid hard choices that need to be made.

The role of doctors in health leadership is a complex issue. Doctors have a critical role in leadership in many parts of our health system. As Heads of Department, doctors set the tone for the culture and the standards for that department. Here at AMA (NSW) we have long been concerned about the lack of support for Heads of Department. We know that great, well-led departments deliver similarly positive clinical outcomes through collegiality and collaboration across health professions. We know these great departments when we hear about them but their successes remain isolated due to a lack of support to spread their learnings.

Doctors must be leaders in their clinical teams, whether in hospitals or private practices. In our current climate in which loud voices are valued over expertise, the role of doctors as the leaders of teams is seen as outdated or unnecessary. This concept is not backed up by evidence, which indicates that when led by managers with high

clinical expertise, hospital doctors are more satisfied with their jobs, more satisfied with their supervisors’ effectiveness and less likely to wish to quit their job.1 To support doctors to continue to provide valuable public service is a core tenet of the AMA and hence it is one that supports the importance of clinical leadership.

Doctors are also leaders in their own practices, a role they are often less prepared for than leading in a clinical setting. HR, budgets, wages policies, BAS, issues with HR, budgets, wages, policies, legalities can undermine the great clinical service or practice doctors want to build.

These are the issues we are here to solve for you. Utilising the AMA’s leadership in providing expert workplaces relations advice will be the best money a member will ever spend. So many of our members have had the benefit of our considered, doctor-focused advice to realise their vision of practice. Led by Dominique Egan, the team will be your most important call. If you want to be a leading clinician, inspiring confidence and trust from your team, then this is the best advice I can give. dr.

1. Do expert clinicians make the best managers? Evidence from hospitals in Denmark, Australia and Switzerland. Agnes Baker, Amanda H Goodall 2021 https://amandagoodall.com/wpcontent/uploads/2022/03/BMJleader2021-BestManagers.pdf

EVIDENCE BASED CARE

IN MY OFFICE at AMA (NSW) for the past 19 years there has been a framed cover of NSW Doctor. The headline on the cover says, “Who will be left holding the baby” and the photo is of a very cute, very new baby. The baby is my now 19-yearold son Tom as a literal newborn. The story was about midwife led obstetric units, two of which had just opened in NSW, one at Ryde and one at Belmont.

Fiona Davies CEO, AMA (NSW)

I have been thinking a lot about that cover because at the moment, it feels like the NSW hospital system has been dramatically catapulted back to the early 2000s, complete with the vitriol and of course, the revisiting of the greatest hits of battles around task substitution and birthing.

Those who lived through the early 2000s in the NSW hospital system will remember it was not great. It was routine for people to assume that is was not safe to get healthcare in NSW hospitals.

Following the AMA’s concerns about the establishment of 2 stand-alone midwife led obstetric units, the then Minister for Health asked us to visit them, which I did along with then President John Gullotta and obstetrician Andrew Pesce. My vivid recollection of the trip was being informed that a water birth was not “underwater” it was through water. I nodded politely.

We are incredibly fortune in Australia and NSW to have some of the best outcome measures for obstetrics in the world. Like all successful public health measures,

this results in an expectation that having a baby will conform to the expectations we have for the rest of our life - an Instagram worthy moment where the birth plan is followed, and we all live happily ever after. Those working in obstetrics know this is not always the case.

While we should always be looking to improve our healthcare system, NSW has an excellent, women-centred model of healthcare. We know that in regional and rural areas, this model is struggling due to lack of workforce, and we need to look at this.

However, we need to consider models of obstetric care based on evidence, not emotion. We need to be mindful of the outcomes of the Ockenden review in the UK which demonstrated the terrible tragedy that comes when we don’t build healthcare models which place the health of the mother and the baby at the centre. We need to avoid the rush for the sake of change in this most critical of policy areas. dr.

Dominque Egan is the Workplace Relations Director and In-House Legal Counsel at AMA (NSW). She sat down with Rahni Sadler to discuss the variety of ways that she and her team of lawyers, paralegals and HR advisors are here to help.

WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED

In more ways than you probably know.

QYou made the switch from partner in a major law firm to the AMA (NSW) nearly four years ago. What inspired the move?

In my early days as a lawyer I was fortunate to complete a secondment at AMA (NSW). My time with the AMA taught me so much about the health system and medical practitioners and instilled in me a desire to support the medical profession in my legal practice. It was a great place to learn to just talk to people and develop those skills of empathy. It inspired my entire career focus so it feels right that I’ve brought all the skills I learned in private legal practice back to the place it all began.

QDescribe some of the skills you bring.

In my 20 years in private legal practice, I acted predominantly for medical practitioners, medical associations - including AMA (NSW), medical defence organisations, and of course their members.

I had a varied practice all of which was medical practitioner focussed. I worked on professional conduct (disciplinary) claims made against medical

practitioners before NCAT and the Medical Council of NSW, investigations conducted by the HCCC; employment and industrial matters including Visiting Medical Officer disputes in the public hospital system and Visiting Practitioner disputes in the private hospital system, unfair dismissal claims in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission and Fair Work Commission; workplace investigations and mediations; administrative law including judicial review proceedings, Medicare investigations and Professional Services Review for health professionals; commercial matters including advertising regulation, restraints of trade, privacy, corporate governance and competition and consumer laws; business structures and contracting arrangements for medical practices.

QAt AMA (NSW) what does the workplace relations team cover?

We have a team of HR professionals, legal practitioners and paralegals. AMA (NSW) is the registered industrial body for VMOs in the public hospital system, so we do a lot of work with individuals on their issues in hospitals, but also a lot of negotiations with Local Health

“That’s the benefit of the AMA membership – you’re never alone. I think you’ll be surprised at just how much help we can provide.”

Districts and the Ministry of Health about those arrangements.

We provide individual support and assistance to Staff Specialists and Doctors-In-Training in the hospital system. We help members in private practice, with everything from recruiting to terminating staff including unfair dismissal claims and everything in between.

In terms of doctors in the hospital system, we support them in the public and the private hospital systems. We also provide medico-legal advice to medical practitioners predominantly in private practice but also there’ll be medico-legal issues that arise in the hospital system, so we provide that advice to members as well.

QYour team offers help with matters big and small. What are some of the things that members would be surprised to know are available to them?

I think probably the extent of the services that we do offer which are included as part of membership. For example, the extent to which we will help members with workplace disputes and investigations. We can help people prepare their responses, accompany them to meetings and support them through very difficult and stressful times.

In the private practice space we can come out and meet with practices and really help them get everything in order, to do an audit - not in a negative sensebut to go through what they’ve got in place and what might be some improvements they can make, and I think many members are surprised that we support and represent members through the unfair dismissal conciliation process.

QWhat are some specific examples?

Doctors in a hospital setting might be asked to attend meetings for a whole host of different reasons but one might be to respond to concerns raised about their behaviour. They might be asked to participate in an interview as a witness to something that has happened at the hospital, or they might be invited to have an informal discussion about something that may not be a serious matter but could become one.

People often think they might get the hospital offside if they bring an AMA support person to a less formal meeting. More often than not, hospitals are actually quite happy for us to come along because our role is not to advocate, but to be supportive, to help the member hear what’s being said to them. That might sound simple, but it’s human nature for people to walk away from a stressful interaction perhaps with a slightly different recollection, or to focus on a particular aspect of the meeting and possibly miss some other messages that were being conveyed.

Often, particularly for more difficult matters, the feedback I get from hospital administration is “We were really glad that you came

along because we now know that that doctor is being looked after and being supported.”

QFrom a workplace relations standpoint, what do you think are the greatest stressors on doctors?

I think all health professionals postpandemic are still very tired. I think we’re still seeing the stress from that in the system.

The challenges of getting people to work and stay in regional areas is a real stress for those working in that space.

I think there needs to be a re-examination of the current industrial arrangements for VMOs, Staff Specialists and doctors-in-training so that those arrangements reflect modern expectations and current medical practice.

QHow are you able to assist in that?

At the moment we’re in negotiations with the Ministry of Health in relation to the Fee-forService VMO determination. Soon we will turn our attention to the sessional arrangements as well. Particularly we’re advocating for a change to allow VMOs who provide services remotely to be paid for doing so. We want doctors to have

Just one resolution achieved with the WR team’s help is worth more than an entire year’s membership fee.”

the opportunity to work in different ways, to be more productive, for patients to benefit but at the same time it’s vital that VMOs are properly remunerated.

Currently the system doesn’t recognise that there have been advances in technology that mean consultants can access medical records and test results remotely. They can have really meaningful engagement with other staff in the hospital and perhaps even with patients over video conference and make significant clinical decisions which mean they don’t have to come into the hospital in the middle of the night. They can make decisions about whether they should operate or not without bringing everyone into the theatre only to say, “Actually we’re not

going ahead.” A lot of VMOs are already doing that but they’re not paid for it. It is something that’s in place in the ACT for VMOs and should be in NSW.

That’s probably the biggest change that we’re advocating for but there are always other things that can be improved so we’re also advocating for those.

QWhat’s your final message to members.

One thing I’d like to say to members is to remember to always pick up the phone.

Even if you think it’s something you think we can’t help with, call us, we probably can. If we can’t, we can connect you with people in the industry or service providers

who can.

It’s really important to get support. Don’t become isolated because you think you’ve got an issue that you don’t want to tell anybody else. We provide a confidential service. We will not contact any third party without your consent.

That’s the benefit of the AMA membership – you’re never alone. Make sure you get in contact, and we can support you through it. dr.

You can contact Dominque and her team by emailing workplace@amansw.com.au or calling (02) 9439 8822 . We can make a time to chat in or out of working hours.

Whatever’s happened to you will have happened to somebody else, even though it feels like you’re the only person that this might have happened to.”

Private Patients in Public Hospitals: THE RESULTS ARE IN…

AMA (NSW) HAS BEEN concerned for several years about the many members who contact us expressing concern about a lack of oversight of private patient billings, particularly in outpatient settings, but also for private inpatients, the use of Medicare Provider Numbers without consent, changes in patient election after admission and refusals to remunerate members for services provided to Medicare ineligible patients.

During the state election campaign, the Minns Government committed to a Special Commission of Inquiry into Health Funding. AMA (NSW) has again raised concerns with the Ministry of Health - particularly given the proposed Special Commissionand recently surveyed members to gain an understanding of current concerns and issues when it comes to private patient billings across the public hospital system in New South Wales.

Visiting Medical Officers and Staff Specialists have always, and remain, responsible for billings under their Medicare Provider

345 survey respondents

210 135 VMOs Staff Specialist

Number. The concern of AMA (NSW) is that it appears to be the case that for some consultants in the public hospital system, there is little opportunity for oversight and / or control over services billed under their Medicare Provider Number.

There were 345 survey responses. Of those, 210 identified as Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) and 135 as Staff Specialists.

80 VMOs said they had signed a Privately Referred Non-Inpatient Agreement (PRNIA), and 24 said they had not. Of concern was the number of comments made by respondents saying that they were unsure how to answer the survey questions because they had very little, if any, understanding of how the billing of private patients was done at their hospital particularly for out-patients.

Of the 80 VMOs who had a PRNIA, 59% said the LHD undertook billing on their behalf. The vast majority said they were never provided with the opportunity to review billings before they were submitted on their behalf. Again, many of the comments reflected that there was much confusion about how billing was done.

In relation to private inpatients, for those VMOs for whom the LHD billed these patients, 88% said they never saw claims before they were submitted on their behalf. Only 3.5% said they were always provided with claims to review.

Nearly 90% of Staff Specialists said the LHD billed private patients

AMA (NSW) surveyed members about concerns and issues surrounding private patient billings across the public hospital system. Here’s what we found.

on their behalf, and of those 71% were never provided with billings to review before submission of same to Medicare, 17% were sometimes provided with claims to review and only 12% were always provided with the opportunity to review claims.

Respondents expressed concern and anxiety about the legal implications for them arising from billing practices in public hospitals. A few respondents indicated they had been the subject of Medicare audits and felt pressured by their hospital to admit the errors were theirs when they had not had any oversight of the billings submitted, and to the extent they had, this was provided some time after the claims had been submitted and there was no information provided as to what had been paid and what had not.

Others said they had become aware of their LHDs billing services under their Medicare Provider Number without consent (including when on leave) and / or without a named referral (in outpatient clinics). Others said their LHD policy was that all outpatients were to be billed under Medicare. When questions were asked, it was difficult to obtain information from the

88% 59%

of VMOs who had a PRNIA said the LHD undertook billing of their behalf.

of the VMOs who had the LHD billing patients, said they never saw claims before they were submitted on their behalf.

hospital concerned. Others reported billings being attributed to the incorrect consultant.

There were 164 respondents to questions regarding change of patient election. 37% of these said their LHD retrospectively changed patient election from public to private. 61% said this happened some of the time, and 21% said this occurred frequently.

Comments from respondents reflected that a number felt that the retrospective change of election effectively compels consultants to no-gap and others commented that administration staff told patients they would not be out-

90% of Staff Specialists said the LHD billed private patients on their behalf.

of-pocket regardless of the billing policy of the consultant/s involved. AMA (NSW) will continue to advocate for changes to private patient billing practices on behalf of VMOs and Staff Specialists to ensure they are not left at risk because of billing practices in the public hospitals, and that they are informed about the private patients under their care so they can meet their professional obligations. To the extent that consultants are placed at risk, AMA (NSW) will be asking the government for the appropriate indemnities. dr.

71% were never provided with billings to review before submission to Medicare.

As always, the AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations team is here to help you. If you are feeling uncertain about how to address a matter with a member or members of staff, please contact our team at workplace@amansw. com.au or on (02) 9439 8822.

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

A Guide to DIFFICULT CONVERSATIONS WITH STAFF

ONE OF THE most recurring themes in our enquiries from doctors running private practices is advice on how to go about having the difficult conversations with their staff. Issues can vary widely from underperformance and conduct to behaviours and conflict, even the

basics like responding to questions and declining staff requests. Approaching difficult conversations can be the source of enormous stress. They can make us feel uncomfortable because we need to balance emotions and information in a

sensitive way. However, they are important and a normal part of running a business. The best way to handle a difficult issue is to deal with it in a timely manner. Honest and direct conversations are so important and can provide the opportunity to resolve potential

“Honest and direct conversations are so important and can provide the opportunity to resolve potential conflicts quickly and efficiently.”

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

conflicts quickly and efficiently. By addressing issues head-on in a decisive but understanding way, we can improve relationships within our workplace and increase overall engagement.

Time and time again we see people avoiding the hard conversations and coming up with excuses or putting them off all together. Most issues won’t go away on their own and can often grow. This can have a real impact on team morale and performance, so it is in your best interest to identify and manage issues early on before they escalate.

Preparing for the conversation

It is important to be clear about what the problem or issue is and what you want to achieve from the conversation. It might be helpful to ask yourself, “Why do I need to have this chat and what is a realistic outcome?”

The next step is to prepare and plan. Double check your facts and ensure that you have all the information you need to be able to have the conversation. You will need to be specific and detailed if you want to make sure that your message is clear.

Try to predict how your employee may react during the conversation. It might be hard to predict this but at least if you have given it some thought then you will be less likely to be caught unprepared. Think about the issue from the employee’s perspective and keep an open mind. Then make some notes and rehearse what you are planning to say.

Conversations like this are always better if you can do them face-to-face and at a scheduled time, away from other people, interruptions and distractions. We

wouldn’t recommend that you talk about difficult or problematic issues if you happen to bump into the employee, such as in the car park or when you are locking up. If the topic is particularly sensitive then you may like to book in a time to have your chat with the employee at the end of their workday, so they don’t have to continue working if they are distressed or upset.

During the conversation

Make sure that you describe the issue clearly and give examples or additional information if required. Focus on the issue and not the person. Give real life examples of how the issue may impact the running of the business or delivery of services to patients.

Do your best to keep the meeting non-confrontational and remain calm – people tend to react defensively and aggressively if they are feeling threatened, so it is your role to keep the tone of the meeting objective. If the employee gets emotional and the discussion gets heated, there is nothing wrong with acknowledging their feelings and taking a break. You can say something along the lines of “I can see you are upset, how about we take a break, and we can reconvene in 15 mins or later in the day”.

Don’t feel that you have to talk all the time, sometimes a silent pause can be a good thing, as it helps you to collect your thoughts and allows the other person time to respond. Listen to what the employee has to say and keep returning to the specific issue if the meeting starts to go off track.

You may choose to acknowledge the employee’s contribution to the business and reassess your position on the issue. Has anything

changed now that you have heard their side? Aim to look for solutions to the problem together and invite employees to make suggestions as well. The best resolutions involve an outcome that satisfies both parties.

Following up after the conversation

Finally, make sure you document what was discussed and any agreed actions and timeframes, so that you have it on record. You may need to refer to it later. Difficult conversations may not necessarily be wrapped up in the one meeting. Depending on the issue, you may need to have a follow up meeting with the employee. Even if no further meeting is required, you may want to check in with the employee in a few days and confirm the outcomes of the meeting. dr.

As always, the AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations team is here to help you. If you are feeling uncertain about how to address a matter with a member or members of staff, please contact our team at workplace@amansw.com.au or on (02) 9439 8822.

Contributed by AMA (NSW)’s Senior Workplace Relations Advisor, Felicity Buckley

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

TO PAY OR NOT TO PAY:

Staff Training and Professional Development

Before offering to send a staff member, or agreeing to a staff request, to attend training or a conference, you should always consider your practice’s ability to cover such costs, the benefit it will provide the practice, and the potential risk of losing the employee if they attend but equally, the risk they leave if you do not agree.

resigning soon after undertaking an external training course. Therefore, many ask the question of what can be done in these circumstances?

Is it possible to reclaim the costs of the training/travel from the employee if they resign soon after completing it?

The Fair Work Commission and Federal Court decisions make it clear that it is very unlikely that training-related costs can be recovered when an employee resigns or is terminated.

benefit. While training does benefit the employee, it simultaneously benefits the employer, and therefore does not meet this test.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT of staff in a private medical practice is an important means of keeping your business up-to-date and improving productivity. It is also a way for staff members to develop their skills and increase their engagement in their workplace and the industry.

The benefits of training are clear, but there are costs involved including in some instances, travel and accommodation. Therefore, employers often worry about the frustrating result of an employee

The Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth) allows an employer to make deductions from amounts paid to employees in very limited circumstances. One of the conditions relevant to private practices would be whether a deduction is authorised by or under a modern award or a Fair Work Commission order. Under the Health Professional and Support Services Award 2020 (HPSSA 2020) and the Nurses Award 2020 there is no provision for deductions on termination for training and travel costs paid in relation to the employee. A deduction may be authorised in writing by the employee where the payment has been made for something that is principally for the employee’s

A recent Federal Court decision looked at whether the employer was legally allowed to deduct money from the employee’s final pay for training costs. The training costs were taken from the employee based on a signed agreement between the employer and employee that specified the training cost would be deducted if employment was terminated within two years after the completion of the course. The question asked by the court was whether the training was for the employee’s benefit as required under the Fair Work Act. It was ultimately concluded that while the employer had stated that the course was ‘not compulsory’, it was of benefit to the employer’s business. Therefore, it was decided that the employer had no legal right to deduct the training costs from the employee’s final pay.

In contrast, costs that have been determined to be principally for an employee’s benefit include health insurance, loan repayments and personal use items paid for using a corporate card. That said, this is no absolute.

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

For example, a laptop that was being used for personal use alongside work use was found to be primarily for the employer’s benefit and was not a permitted deduction from an employee’s pay.

How does this affect your practice?

Before offering to send a staff member, or agreeing to a staff request, to attend training or a conference, you should always consider your practice’s ability to cover such costs, the benefit it will provide the practice, and the potential risk of losing the employee if they attend but equally, the risk they leave if you do not agree.

Remember, there is no obligation on the employer to pay for training opportunities and conferences (and related travel expenses) that are requested by the employee.

Employees are welcome to make suggestions, but it is the employer

who will choose what training and conferences employees attend at the cost of the practice. Employees may choose to undertake study or education at their own expense. If they do so, it is advisable to be clear from the outset as to who is responsible for the costs.

If an employer instructs or approves its employees to attend a training course or a conference, the employer is expected to pay for it.

Under both the Nurses Award 2020 and the HPSSA 2020, such an employer is required to meet all reasonably incurred expenses in respect to fares, meals and accommodation where travel is required. Expectations of what is reasonable, and a travel allowance for fares, meals and accommodation should be set out prior to an employee’s travel. If a practice wishes to give an employee travel and/or

Casual Vacancies

accommodation options that cost more than that approved as ‘reasonable’ by the practice, the practice may have a policy that permits the employee to make that choice on the basis the employee will have to pay for those costs over and above the reasonable costs approved by the practice. dr.

Should you require advice and support regarding travel and training expenses at your practice, please contact the AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations team at workplace@amansw. com.au or on (02) 9439 8822.

AMA (NSW) is calling for expressions of interest to fill the casual vacancies in the Obstetrician / Gynaecologist Class and the South Zone.

These positions were unfilled in the recent Council elections and may be filled by appointment of the AMA (NSW) Council as casual vacancies in accordance with Clause 40 of the Constitution.

With regard the Zone positions, members are required to work in the specified areas. Members wishing to apply for the vacancies should forward a CV by the August 1st 2023 to the CEO of AMA (NSW), Ms Fiona Davies, c/o sue.fletcher@amansw.com.au

If you require more information please contact the AMA (NSW) CEO, Ms Fiona Davies, c/o sue.fletcher@amansw.com.au or 02 9439 8822.

Contributed by Dominique Egan, Anna Simpson and Jemima Tavener

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

are you ready?

ON 1 JULY 2023, the Medical Board of Australia introduced tight regulations on medical practitioners practising cosmetic surgery and non-surgical cosmetic procedures. Here’s what you need to know.

The reforms draw a distinction between cosmetic surgery (involves cutting beneath the skin) and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures (does not involve cutting beneath the skin but may involve piercing the skin).

Medical practitioners need to clearly inform their patients of their registration type and must not make claims about their expertise or qualifications that could mislead patients. Where a medical practitioner’s scope of practice includes cosmetic surgery, they must undertake continuing professional development that includes activities pertaining to cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic Surgery

All patients seeking cosmetic surgery will need a referral from another medical practitioner

(preferably their usual GP) who has no association with the medical practitioner to whom they are referred. The referring doctor must not perform cosmetic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic procedures.

Medical practitioners must decline to perform cosmetic surgery where they believe it is not in the patient’s best interest.

Medical practitioners performing the surgery must explicitly discuss and keep a record of each patients’ motivations for having cosmetic surgery. This includes administering a valid screening assessment for underlying psychological conditions like body dysmorphia disorder.

If there are indications of a significant underlying psychological issues that may make the patient unsuitable, the medical practitioner must refer the patient to a psychiatrist, psychologist or GP who works independently of the medical practitioner for assessment.

Patients must have at least two pre-operative consultations with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery, one of which

must be in person.

A patient must not be asked to sign consent forms at the first consultation by the medical practitioner performing the surgery. Patients must be given a coolingoff period of at least seven days after the two consultations and provide informed consent before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.

There are additional requirements for patients under the age of 18 years. All patients must be referred to and evaluated by a psychologist, psychiatrist or general practitioner who works independently of the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Regard, to the extent that is practicable, is to be had to the views of the parent or guardian of the patient, and there must be a cooling off period of at least three months between provision of informed consent and the surgery being performed.

Facilities where cosmetic surgery is performed must be registered with an Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care

WORKPLACE RELATIONS

accredited agency from 1 July 2023 and be accredited by 1 July 2024.

Cosmetic procedures

Medical practitioners who perform cosmetic procedures or prescribe a cosmetic injectable must discuss and assess the patient’s reasons and motivation for requesting the procedure. The patient’s expectations must be discussed to ensure they are realistic.

As with cosmetic surgery, if there are indications of a significant underlying psychological issue that may make the patient unsuitable, the medical practitioner must refer the patient to a psychiatrist, psychologist or GP who works independently of the medical practitioner for assessment.

There is no cooling-off period for patients over 18 years of age, and for those under 18, the cooling-off period is at least 7 days.

Be it for cosmetic surgery or procedures, the Guidelines make it clear that it is the medical practitioner’s responsibility for patient management and the provision of adequate postoperative care. For example, for medical practitioners performing cosmetic surgery in a location that is not their primary place of practice, they will be required to be available at that location for at least 24 hours after the patient’s surgery. There must be a protocol for managing complications and emergencies during the procedure or in the immediate post-operative period.

Patients must be provided with all relevant information regarding the total costs. Financial inducements and payments prior to the ‘coolingoff’ period are prohibited as are financial schemes.

Medical practitioners are required to provide all patients with

information regarding available complaint pathways. If there is a non-disclosure agreement in place, the medical practitioner must ensure the patient is aware that this does not displace the right of the patient to make a complaint to AHPRA, the Health Care Complaints Commission or the Medical Council of NSW.

Advertising guidelines cosmetic surgery

There are also new additional guidelines for advertising of cosmetic surgery. Advertising refers to all forms of verbal, printed and electronic communication that promotes and seeks to attract a person to use a regulated health service provider or service.

Advertising requires regular checks and balances to ensure it accurately depicts the risks and recovery involved with surgery so as not to mislead patients or create unrealistic expectations.

Advertising must be clear, accurate and easily understood, and it cannot work in a way which exploits the insecurities of individuals. Young people are particularly vulnerable in this space.

Medical practitioners must not advertise any kind of incentive to encourage people to have cosmetic surgery, including discounts or ‘bundling’ of multiple procedures.

The use of testimonials is prohibited because of the risks of unrealistic expectations. A medical practitioner will be deemed to have used a testimonial in advertising if they have published it, shared it via a link, re-shared it on posts or ‘stories’ or interacted with a review by ‘liking’ or commenting.

All images used in advertising must include prominent warnings that the results displayed are

specific to one patient and outcomes are subject to variation in accordance with individual factors like genetics, diet and exercise. ‘Before and after’ images must not be edited, and they must be presented side-by-side or as just the ‘before’ image.

• ie No sexualised images

• ie No Taglines and hashtags

• ie Use of non-clinical terms and descriptors

Practice endorsement

The Board has introduced a Registration Standard establishing a practice endorsement for those practising cosmetic surgery. The new standard commences from 1 July 2023 and will require practitioners to apply to the Board for recognition based on approved qualifications (which are yet to be nominated) later in 2023.

These reforms have been introduced to protect patients. Medical practitioners should familiarise themselves with the Guidelines. dr.

If you have any questions about the Guidelines, please contact the AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations Team at workplace@amansw.com.au or on (02) 9439 8822.

Contributed by Dominique Egan and Kristin Kendrick-Little

HEALTH HER ES

Do you know someone in the health system who deserves recognition? An individual? A group? Going the extra mile (or ten) seems like an across-the-board expectation. Let’s highlight the incredible efforts of our members and those who support them. In a few words describe the person or people, and why you believe they deserve a shout-out. So many doctors leave work exhausted, deflated and disillusioned. Let’s let them know that their efforts are appreciated.

Please email us at magazine@amansw.com.au

Meet our very first Health Hero Dr Dennis Sundin Nominated by staff and patients

AT THE AGE of 77 Dr Dennis Sundin retired after a 48-year career as a GP in the Sydney suburb of Frenchs Forest. A few days after his retirement in early June he received an OAM for services to medicine and hockey. Eighty patients attended Dr Dennis Sundin’s farewell lunch at Terrey Hills Golf Club on June 29, many of whom had been with him since he opened his practice in 1975.

When Dennis graduated from North Sydney Technical Boys High School, he planned on joining his father in the building trade. His father drove him to an interview with the Dean of Sydney University during which Dennis was planning to enrol in engineering. He walked out of the interview being convinced instead to study medicine. “It was all accidental. I didn’t plan to be a doctor, but I think I would have made a crummy engineer.”

After graduating from university, he did a physician’s degree – with plans to specialise in neurology but for personal reasons instead decided on general practice.

“He was like a country GP,” his wife Beryl told The NSW Doctor. “He worked seven days a week and made house calls well into the night. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do for his patients, that’s why so many stuck with him for nearly fifty years.”

While maintaining a thriving practice he also conducted a very successful career both playing and coaching hockey. He played first grade hockey before turning to coaching, later going on to tour with the Australian men’s hockey team for three years as their medical

Avid North Sydney Bears supporter Dr Dennis Sundin

officer, and continuing to excel in the NSW Veterans team for years go come.

NSW hockey star Stewart Tanswell told me

“Dennis’s contribution to hockey was immeasurable. Everything he put into that sport, his knowledge, his understanding, he was three or four steps ahead of anyone else when it came to coaching. He was a man ahead of his time and he was ahead of the curve. He took over coaching the NSW hockey side in 1989/90 and we hadn’t won the national championships for thirty-two years. Then Dennis turned up and we won it two years in a row.”

While he touched many lives in his hockey career, he cared for hundreds as a GP. Here are some anecdotes shared shared at Dr Sundin’s retirement lunch.

“It was a public holiday Monday, and we got a call from this guy on the Central Coast. He said “My parents live around the corner from you. They’re sick and they’re in their eighties. Can you help?” They weren’t Dennis’s patients, but he didn’t hesitate to go. He asked the elderly man and his wife “Do you have anyone who can fill a prescription for you?”

They didn’t, so Dennis took the script down to the local pharmacy which he knew delivered. It was closed. Dennis drove around until he found a pharmacy that was open then waited for the script to be filled and drove the medication back to the elderly couple. All up it took two and a half hours. That’s just Dennis.”

Beryl Sundin, wife

Dr Sundin at his retirement lunch dubbed “The Last Consultation”.

Dennis in 1996 playing in the Veteran’s League.

Beryl and Dennis Sundin

“I was an RN on duty at Wesley Gardens Aged Care Home one Saturday morning. I noticed this little lady; she was just a lonely little thing in bed. She had no visitors, no-one really cared for her. That morning she took a turn for the worse. I rang the surgery and Dennis said he would come. He stayed with her all afternoon until she passed away. He didn’t stop holding her hand until she was gone. It was the most beautiful thing I have seen in all my years nursing. That kind of kindness is very rare. I’ve never forgotten it.”

Marie Cushman, RN

“My husband started seeing him first, back in the 1970s. I took Barry in to see Dr Sundin because he wasn’t well. Dr Sundin called an ambulance then left the surgery and went in it with Barry to hospital. Sadly, my husband died of a heart attack leaving me with a young family. Afterwards Dr Sundin kept on ringing me every day to make sure the children and I were okay. So, he was marvellous. I’ve been seeing him ever since.”

Marie Phillips

“I think he’s been more than just a doctor to the community around Frenchs Forest, he’s been a very close friend to most of his patients that have been with him for a very long time. I believe what makes him special is his ability to diagnose, and with that he almost always nipped it in the bud very early so you were prepared for something, sometimes even before it happened.”

Ron Butler – a patient since 1976

“I owe the fact that I’m here to Dr Sundin. I just think he’s wonderful. An amazing man, and he’s so laid back. There’s something about him that you can’t help loving him for. You know he’s been around and you know how well he’s taken care of people. So quiet you know. He just sits there and takes it all in. You just know you have confidence in him and in my case, I won’t go into details, but he really did save my life.”

Helen Hindwood – a patient since 1975

“Many GPs don’t like to live in the suburb where they practice. Not Dennis. He loved being part of his community and loved living among the people he cared for.” Staff

Don: “I walked into his surgery in 1975 and I thought he was the go; he was our family doctor from then on. He seemed to know what he was about. It turned out he did.

Carol: “He’s down to earth, he treats you as a person, salt of the earth, that kind of a man.”

Don “And if he thought there was a problem, he would send us off to somebody that could, and he did and it was.”

Carol “We love him. We’ll miss him terribly.”

Don and Carol McManus, patients

Don and Carol McManus

Marie Phillips

“We have a very complicated family medical history. We’ve seen so many specialists over the years that have all said Dennis’s diagnostic skills were outstanding and he was as smart a doctor as they were. Of his generation, many of them had got to know him at North Shore in his training so they knew him well. Even recently when Mum had an MRSA infection even the immunologist who came out of retirement said of Dr Sundin – one of the smartest we’ve ever dealt with.”

Kim Purnell, patient

“Dr Sundin has been my only GP. I was 9 when I first went to see him and now I’m 55. He sets himself above everyone. He has this ability to narrow down what the issue is and understand your whole medical profile. I had an issue I couldn’t get resolved. I saw ten specialists, and nobody could diagnose it. I went to Dr Sundin. It was a weekend, and it was puzzling him. He opened up the book at the page and it was cervical dystonia and that was it.”

Kristen Purnell, patient

“I’m very upset. I told him that he couldn’t retire until I departed (laughs) so he hasn’t kept his word… I’m still here and I’m very, very sad. Listen to the patient, that’s my advice to GPs. That’s what Dennis did so well.”

Colleen Purnell, patient

“Dennis was a wonderful partner. I joined him after he’d been in business on his own for nine months and we clicked. He did general medicine and was a physician, I did babies and obstetrics. I believe he received his OAM for his dedication to the community. We both worked side by side, but Dennis was always out there doing extra work with the aged care and home calls. Dennis, in spite of his heart problems he kept on going into the nursing homes to vaccinate and care for the aged care patients throughout Covid. He’s a wonderful man and a great physician and it was a pleasure to work with him. We didn’t have an argument in 45 years.”

Dr Terry Mahoney

The Purnell family – Colleen, Barry, Kristen and Kim

“Nothing could have been more rewarding than being a GP.”

Dr Dennis Sundin

Dr Terry Mahoney

Gosford Hospital

The Tweed Hospital

Concord Hospital

Liverpool Hospital

Concord Hospital

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital

Concord Hospital

Concord Hospital

To the 2023 #Move2Improve Champions: Gosford Hospital

Fitness, Fun AND a New Common Room

FORGET THE State of Origin, the Eurovision Song Contest or the FIFA Women’s World Cup – the contest of the year took place in the state’s hospitals and the stakes were high.

We know how hard our DoctorsIn-Training (DITs) work, often at the expense of their health – both physical and mental. So, we at AMA (NSW) joined forces with Blue Light

Card Australia for a little bit of fun, fitness and remodelling.

Dubbed the #Move2Improve Common Room Challenge, DITs at five hospitals battled it out to see which hospital’s team could perform the most exercise in one week. The grand prize – you guessed it – a common room makeover.

DITs at Concord Hospital, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, The Tweed Hospital, Gosford Hospital, and Liverpool Hospital were chosen from dozens of entries, based on written submissions and common room photos.

Contestants could partake in any form of athletic activity, tracking their movement and exercise to

Dr Michael Bonning, Dr Catherine Zheng, Dr Samantha Saunders, Dr Alicia Mitchell, Dr Viduranga Wijeratne

earn ‘move’ points for their hospital on an app called United Heroes. Points were allocated according to the duration and demands of each exercise. For that little bit of extra motivation, we placed an exercise bike, donated by F45 Training, in each team’s common room.

The week-long competition was launched at Concord Hospital on June 1st by AMA (NSW) President Dr Michael Bonning. “We wanted to give doctors-in-training the opportunity to win something that would make a daily difference, while boosting team morale and promoting health and fitness.” Dr Bonning said.

With thanks to Blue Light Card Australia, we were able to secure many amazing sponsors who went above and beyond in donating prizes towards the makeover, and individual raffle prizes. These include Samsung, James Lane, The Man Shake, The Lady Shake, Yes You Can, Hello Fresh, Every Plate, Accor, Ruckus, Fossil, Fila, Crocs, Village Roadshow, The Iconic, Cookie Doughboy, and F45 Training.

It was a wonderful week filled with vim, vigour, enthusiasm, tactics and some healthy competition.

Here’s how the challenge scoreboard ended up:

FIRST – Gosford Hospital (31,430)

SECOND – The Tweed Hospital (28,437)

THIRD – Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital (13,456)

FOURTH – Concord Hospital (11,765)

FIFTH – Liverpool Hospital (10,709)

The organisers at Team Gosford were ecstatic with the win.

“The response to the #Move2Improve challenge is a testament to our love for worklife balance, a desire to see our common room returned to its former glory and an innate sense of competition,” said Central Coast Resident Medical Officer Association (CCRMOA) President, Dr Catherine Zheng.

“Any JMO would agree that it is crucial to have a welcoming and functional common room. It is a home base for JMOs venturing out onto the wards, a key space to rest, recharge and ready oneself. I think what Gosford JMOs are looking forward to most with the common room makeover is brighter walls, a new carpet, and some functioning lights.”

They were motivated from the get-go. Each hospital’s team had a cap of 50 participants and Gosford Hospital was the first team to reach capacity. How did they stay motivated? Dr Zheng said like any good victory, the key was in the preparation.

“We used word of mouth, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, and a good old email bulletin via Medical Workforce, we made sure it was on the mind of the JMOs at all

Any JMO would agree that it is crucial to have a welcoming and functional common room.”

times throughout the week. Some keen JMOs set up extra runs and walks and attended yoga classes to gain extra points.

“The best thing about this challenge is that it feeds into the competitive spirit of exercise that already exists on the Central Coast. Every year, Central Coast JMOs compete against their VMOs across 15+ sports in a friendly(ish) bid to win the JMO vs VMO sports trophy. This challenge sets us up nicely to start the season of JMO vs VMO

sports,” said Dr Zheng. A huge shoutout to the individuals who contributed the most points for their hospital:

Gosford Hospital

Dr Ben Chan

The Tweed Hospital

Dr Lesley Astill-Torchia

Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital

Dr Emma Smith

Concord Hospital

Dr Susan Li

Liverpool Hospital

Dr Quinlan Chen

The #Move2Improve challenge was just the start of AMA (NSW)’s advocacy towards improving hospital facilities. AMA (NSW) aims to provide more opportunities that assists hospitals with the provision of healthier food options, better common rooms, safer utilities, and much, much more. Stay tuned for the next challenge. dr.

THE NEW AMA MEMBER PORTAL IS ALMOST HERE

The newly designed portal will improve access and enhance your membership experience.

AMA (NSW) is pleased to announce that our new member portal is almost ready. Get set to experience the many new features that have been developed to enhance your membership.

Our technology team has been busily designing and building your new ‘one-stop shop’, with a single sign-on platform and other new features tailored to the needs of our members. You’ll soon have easy access to an extensive range of AMA (NSW) resources, services, and benefits, will provide you with important support, whatever your career stage or needs.

The new portal has a fresh look and feel and has been developed incorporating feedback from AMA members about what you want in your membership platform.

The redesign features a modern interface and brings together all your member benefits and features, as well as a new suite of communication and networking tools.

Once the new portal is launched, you’ll find quick and easy access to all your membership benefits and AMA resources, including the Fees List, The NSW Doctor magazine, webinar recordings and doctors’ health services.

The new portal will support the development of our initiatives such as AMA Networks and AMA Special Interest Groups to drive engagement, connection and communication, and provide easy access to the growing list of commercial benefits on offer at AMA (NSW).

Your privacy is paramount. It’s up to you how much or how little you share on the portal. There’s even a dedicated panel giving you control of your privacy.

With the launch planned

National Naidoc Awards

CONGRATULATIONS to AMA (NSW) Member, Professor Kelvin Kong for receiving the 2023 National NAIDOC Person of the Year Award.

Professor Kong has contributed so much to society by dedicating his career to early intervention and battling health inequalities across Australia.

As Australia's first Indigenous surgeon, Professor Kong has done incredible work raising awareness of chronic otitis media, which affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children at levels higher than anywhere in the world.

Professor Kong is an extremely worthy recipient of this award, and

for August, look out for further resources and information throughout July.

If you have any questions, please contact the Membership Team at members@amansw.com. au or phone (02) 9439 8822. dr.

the AMA commends him on his remarkable achievement. dr.

Kings Birthday

OFFICER (AO) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Honours List

Dr Richard Frederick JONES

Hunters Hill NSW 2110

For significant service to medicine in the field of spinal injury and rehabilitation.

Dr Elizabeth Dell RICKMAN

Birchgrove NSW 2041

For significant service to medicine through women’s health, and to the community

Associate Professor George Andrew SKOWRONSKI

administration, and to rural and Indigenous health.

Dr Gregory Brian CROSLAND NSW

For service to dermatology, particularly in rural areas.

The late Dr Edgar David FREED

Formerly of NSW

For service to medicine as a psychiatrist.

Professor Michael Richard KIDD AM

Potts Point NSW 2011

For distinguished service in medical administration and community health, to primary care leadership, and to tertiary education.

MEMBER (AM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Professor Deborah Jane BATESON

Redfern NSW 2016

For significant service to medicine through research and education, and to reproductive health.

Emeritus Professor Philip Manley

Boyce

Gladesville NSW 2111

For significant service to psychiatric research and education.

Clinical Associate Professor Andrew CHANG

NSW

For significant service to ophthalmology and retinal surgery as a clinician and educator.

Darlinghurst NSW 2010

For significant service to intensive care medicine, and to medical research.

Dr Stephen James STEIGRAD

Rose Bay NSW 2029

For significant service to medicine particularly in a range of national and international organisations.

Professor Michael Alan TONKIN NSW

For significant service to medicine as a hand surgeon, and to professional associations.

Professor Simon Mark WILLCOCK

Westleigh NSW 2120

For significant service to primary health care, and to tertiary education.

MEDAL (OAM) IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Dr William Ian CAMERON

Newcastle NSW 2300

For service to medical

Dr Trevor Dennis Gardner Standwell Park NSW 2508

For service to medicine through a range of roles.

Dr Clement Joseph Gordon Warialda NSW 2402

For service to medicine, and to the community.

Dr Rosemary Ann HACKWORTHY NSW

For service to medicine as a cardiologist.

Dr Stephen John MORRIS Parkes NSW

For service to medicine.

Dr Brett O’DONNELL NSW

For service to ophthalmology

Dr Dennis William SUNDIN Davidson NSW 2085

For service to medicine, and to hockey. dr.

LET’S GET TOGETHER

Over the past few years, by necessity, our social activities have been minimised. Now, thankfully, people are more eager than ever to make in-person connections and here at AMA (NSW) we are excited to help facilitate some good old-fashioned socialising and networking. We’ve recently employed a dedicated Events Co-Ordinator to help revitalise our events calendar. So what do we have planned for the remainder of 2023?

AMA (NSW) A Night for the

Profession: Music and Medicine

When: Friday 6th of October

Where: Hyatt Regency, Darling Harbour

It’s the most glamorous night of the year! The AMA (NSW) A Night for the Profession is a black-tie event dedicated to doctors.

We are excited to announce this year’s theme is “Music and Medicine”. The theme will allow us to delve into the fascinating way in which music can serve as a powerful tool in the field of medicine. The event will not only

celebrate the achievements of our esteemed members but also serve as a platform to raise vital funds for charitable causes.

Member Meet Member Networking Events

After finally emerging from behind our screens it’s time to say g’day in real life. We recognise the importance of fostering in-person connections and it’s our aim to hold bi-monthly Member Meet Member events.

Special Interest Groups and AMA Networks

Our goal is to establish special interest groups and AMA networks

to enable us to tailor an event program to specific streams and interests. Special interest groups will provide an opportunity for our members to connect and contribute to key health issues and shape our priorities alongside other experts in the field. AMA networks will allow us to embrace what makes each of us unique and help members get to know each other on a more personal level.

AMA (NSW) networks could include AMA Rural & Regional, AMA Mothers or AMA Fathers in Medicine, AMA Pride, AMA First Nations Australians, AMA Innovators, AMA Doctors Overseas – the list is endless. The

AMA Car Club is already underway, with plans for a sponsored drive day to the Hunter Valley.

As more groups are created there will be something for everyone in our extensive member event program. Please contact gary.white@ amansw.com.au to share your ideas on topics of interest for special interest groups.

Workplace Relations Events

Our Workplace Relations team has a wealth of knowledge that serves as the foundation for our educational events like Practice Managers’ Masterclass, Lunch and Learns and Webinars. These events are thoughtfully curated to provide valuable insights, guidance, and expertise on various workplacerelated topics. We ensure that our education events deliver relevant and up-to-date information, and we want our members to leave feeling empowered and confident to navigate workplace challenges.

EVENTS

Practice Managers’ Masterclass

Our most successful workplace relations event. Practice Managers are given the opportunity to enhance their practical skills, with a series of informative and engaging seminars conducted over one day. The AMA (NSW) Workplace Relations Team presents on topics including staff recruitment, performance management, terminations, medico-legal risk management, and more.

Webinars

One valuable lesson we all learned during the Covid-19 crisis was the effectiveness of webinars. We will continue to incorporate webinars in our events calendar. Specifically, we will host monthly educational webinars focused on workplace relations matters.

Regional and Rural Events

We value the significance and fulfillment that comes from

engaging with our members in rural locations and are therefore committed to increasing the frequency of regional and rural events. We aim to organise events tailored specifically to the unique needs and challenges of rural locations. We are committed to bringing our Practice Managers Masterclass to regional and rural LHDs, as well as Member Meet Member events. By actively reaching out to rural areas, we hope to ensure that all our members, regardless of their location have access to relevant educational opportunities and the chance to network with other members within our community.

The AMA (NSW) Events Team is always open to event suggestions. And additionally, if you have suggestions for Special Interest Groups and AMA Networks, please feel free to contact us at events@ amansw.com.au. We look forward to hearing from you. dr.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

AMA (NSW) EXCLUSIVE MEMBER BENEFITS

You can find a more comprehensive list of benefits and more information. Visit www.amansw.com.au or www.ama.com.au.

AUTOMOTIVE FINANCE & INSURANCE

Alfa Romeo

Alfa Romeo® Program allows members to take advantage of incredible discounts across the Alfa Romeo® range. Go to www. alfaromeo.com.au/fleet or and use your Preferred Partner Login.

BMW

Members can enjoy the benefits of this program which includes complimentary scheduled servicing for 5 years/80,000 km, preferential pricing on selected new vehicles and reduced dealer delivery charges.

Accountants/Tax Advisers

Cutcher & Neale’s expertise is built on an intimate understanding of the unique circumstances of the medical profession. Our team of medical accounting specialists is dedicated to helping you put the right structure in place now to ensure a lifetime of wealth creation and preservation.

Chubb

Doctor-in-training members of AMA (NSW) are covered by our accident journey insurance policy if DITs are injured travelling to or from work.

Health Insurance

Jeep Jeep’s® Preferred Partner Program allows members to take advantage of incredible discounts across the Jeep® range. Go to www.jeep.com.au/fleet and use your Preferred Partner Login.

Doctors’ Health Fund aligns to the values of the medical profession and supports quality health care. The fund was created by and is ultimately owned by doctors. Contact the fund on 1800 226 126 for a quote or visit the website: www.doctorshealthfund.com.au

Porsche Centre Willoughby

Members have access to office vehicle consultation, extended, overnight Porsche EV test drives and access to Porsche Willoughby’s Expression of Interest (EOI) program. Members also receive complimentary first year service (12 months or 15,000kms) and a complimentary voucher to attend a PCW lifestyle drive event for two people.

Audi Sutherland

Explore The Range Of New Audi Models. Offering luxury, performance & safety. Members can enjoy the benefits of the Audi Corporate Program, on new Non EV and EV vehicles.

MYOB

MYOB has all the features you need to make business life easier. MYOB offers a range of products ideal for a variety of businesses, large and small. As a member of AMA (NSW), you can receive a 50% discount for 12 months.

Westpac Corporate Partners Program

Members of AMA (NSW) have access to Westpac’s Corporate Partners Program. This program provides specially-negotiated partner offers and discounts, tailored webinars and support.

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Compare Club

Compare Club helps households cut through complex financial decisions and save on some of their biggest expenses such as health insurance.

Their experts have saved people on average $300 on their cover. Plus, they even take care of the paperwork.

Endota Spa

Endota Spa is Australia’s largest spa network and leading wellness brand. Members can purchase discounted gift cards, products and experience a professional treatment in a haven to unwind and relax..

Blue Light Card

Blue Light Card Australia is a discount service exclusively for frontline workers and emergency volunteers, to give you a FREE 2-year membership if you sign up through their website or app. Blue Light Card helps members save money on everything from fuel and food to holidays, technology and fashion across Australia.

TECHNOLOGY

Emirates

TRAVEL LIFESTYLE

Emirates offers AMA members great discounts on airfares around the world: Economy Class: Saver $50, Flex $70,Flex Plus $90 off. Business Class: Saver $90 Flex and Flex Plus $200 off. The partnership agreement between Emirates and Qantas allows codeshare.

Qantas Club

Whether you’re flying interstate or overseas, the comfort and atmosphere of a Qantas lounge makes travelling for business so much easier. Be welcomed in some of the best lounges in Australia and around the world with complimentary food, beverages, Wi-Fi and dedicated check-in.

Hello Fresh

As a member of AMA (NSW), you can now save up to $200. Hello Fresh provides you with everything you need for delicious dinners every night, with extra twists that elevate your dinner. With a wide selection of easy-to-follow recipes, you can tailor the menu to suit your needs. when you purchase 6 boxes. This discount is available for new and past customers of Hello Fresh.

The Royal Exchange Sydney

The Royal Exchange of Sydney is one of the oldest and most historic business clubs in Sydney. Members of AMA (NSW) can purchase membership at half price for the year.

Solahart

Bijoux Collection

Bijoux Collection is an Australian-owned online store that provides you access to the best jewellery and accessory brands from around the world. They range from watches, to earrings, to wallets, to pendants, to much more!

Solahart do Solar Panels, not just Solar Hot Water. We continue to build here locally in Sydney 68 years on. AMA members receive 10% off retail price of any of our Solar Power or Solar Hot Water Systems. Please mention your AMA membership. Not in conjunction with any other discount offer.

TECHNOLOGY EDUCATION

Dell Technologies

AMA (NSW) members can now save on Dell’s outstanding business class technology products! Through the partnership of AMA and Dell Technologies, members have access to an array of valuable benefits.

Samsung Partnership Program

We’ve teamed up with our partners Samsung to give you access to incredible savings across the Samsung mobile and wearable range. Members of the Australian Medical Association are entitled to amazing offers, limited time deals and great perks through an exclusive AMA / Samsung online portal.

Tyro

At Tyro, we are the champions for better business banking. We’ve grown to become the largest EFTPOS provider outside of the majors. AMA (NSW) members receive special merchant service fee rates with Tyro’s fast, integrated and reliable EFTPOS for business.

AMA Training Services

AMA Training Services offers HLT57715 Diploma of Practice Management for current and aspiring practice managers. Receive the member discount for yourself or nominated staff off the first ASP term, valued at $500. Three scholarships valued at up to $2,000 each are available for current and future students.

AMA Victoria Career & Training Services

AMA (NSW) members have access to a careers call or resume check which is run by AMA Victoria. Additionally, members can register to be a part of the SIRA accreditation program.

Booktopia

CORPORATE PARTNERS THE NSW doctor

Australia’s largest independently- owned online bookstore. We stock over 650,000 items and have over 5 million titles for purchase online. Booktopia carries a wide range of medical books in stock, including textbooks that are prescribed across all medical faculties in NSW and essential texts used by doctors.

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NSW)

The Australian Medical Association (NSW) Limited

ACN 000 001 614 Street address

69 Christie Street ST LEONARDS NSW 2065

MAILING ADDRESS

PO Box 121, ST LEONARDS NSW 1590 Telephone (02) 9439 8822

Outside Sydney Telephone 1800 813 423 Email magazine@amansw.com.au or enquiries@amansw.com.au www.amansw.com.au

The NSW Doctor is the bi-monthly publication of the Australian Medical Association (NSW) Limited.

Views expressed by contributors to The NSW

Doctor and advertisements appearing in The NSW Doctor are not necessarily endorsed by the Australian Medical Association (NSW) Limited. No responsibility is accepted by the Australian Medical Association (NSW) Limited, the editors or the printers for the accuracy of the information contained in the text and advertisements in The NSW Doctor. The acceptance of advertising in AMA (NSW) publications, digital, or social channels or sponsorship of AMA (NSW) events does not in any way indicate or imply endorsement by the AMA.

EXECUTIVE OFFICERS 2021-2023

President, Dr Michael Bonning

Vice President, Dr Kathryn Austin Chair of Council, Dr Brian Fernandes Chair, Hospital Practice Committee

Dr Andrew Zuschmann

Chair, Professional Issues Committee and Director, Dr Costa Boyages Director, Dr Kean-Seng Lim Director, Dr Fred Betros Director, Dr Amandeep Hansa Director, Dr Theresa Ly

Doctor-In-Training Director,

Dr Sanjay Hettige SECRETARIAT

Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Davies

Director, Services Kerry Evripidou

Director, Workplace Relations

Dominique Egan

Director, Membership Engagement and Commercial Partnerships

Gary White

Editor Rahni Sadler

rahni.sadler@amansw.com.au

Staff Writers

Sophie Taylor

sophie.taylor@amansw.com.au

Isabella Angeli

Isabella.angeli@amansw.com.au

Design

Gilly Bibb gilly.bibb@amansw.com.au

Advertising enquiries

Julia Arellano

Julia.arellano@amansw.com.au

REFER A MEMBER & SHARE THE REWARDS

Dr Kathryn Austin Vice President, AMA (NSW)

The AMA not only advocates for the profession, it also provides extensive individual benefits including free workplace relations advice, valuable professional deals, networking events and much, much more. Help your friends and colleagues avail themselves of the ample benefits of this vital organisation.