march 2015 . vol 93
AMA Queensland Membership Magazine
co-payment chaos: Medicare’s big freeze
queensland election 2015 moca negotiations FREE TO AMA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS
DoctorQ research evening photos1 March 2015
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CONTENTS
this issue queensland election 2015 From the snap election announcement in the early days of the New Year, to the nail-biting result, the 2015 Queensland election result was anything but expected.
18
REGULARS
people & events
6
From the Editor’s desk
12 member milestones
8
President’s Report
14 growing your career through research
10 CEO’s Report
16 2015 intern readiness campaign
28 Foundation News 36 Member News
features
14
18 Queensland election 2015 22 co-payment chaos:
42 ama queensland annual conference
38 a day in the life of
an ama Queensland President
business tools 47 Managed accounts
Current issues
48 restraint provisions
20 moca negotiations
22
24 clinical images
40 AGM and election notice
32 why you should attend industry events 33 Calendar
medicare’s big freeze
24 Ethical agony aunt: warring parents and vaccination consent
30 Professor John murtagh AM
12
50 medicare scare an urgent warning for gps 52 sole traders, service trusts and other entities 55 boq specialist unveil new banking package
44 health vision
56 choosing the right premium for your insurance
Life
58 Travel 61 Wine 62 movies
“Queensland Doctors in Training deserve better professional development assistance. ” Dr Tom Arthur
63 ON stage 64 all about you 65 ocker doctor 66 In print
16 DoctorQ March 2015
5
editor’s desk
from the editor’s desk Board of Directors
Michelle Ford Russ Doctor Q Editor In my five years as Editor of your Doctor Q magazine, I’ve had the chance to learn from some fascinating people. This edition has been no different. Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AM (p30), considered by some as the father of General Practice, had some interesting insights into what makes a good doctor, but also some thoughts on the challenges facing general practice today. This was also fairly clear at the recent Rally for General Practice, where GPs met to protest the twice-proposed co-payment (p22). I also had the privilege to find out more about Dr David Schlect, our keynote speaker at this year’s Annual Conference. A radiation oncologist, Dr Schlect partnered with radiation therapist Damian Mason to write the book Hope: A Cancer Doctor’s Life Secrets about the importance of hope
in the face of great adversity. He will no doubt be a great asset to the conference topic: A Big Apple a day keeps the doctor away - Strategies for a healthy and happy life. So after some new faces, I got to sit down with a familiar face, our President, Dr Shaun Rudd. In light of our upcoming election, we thought it might be interesting to have a look at the daily life of our organisation head (p38). Enjoy. Michelle
Dr Shaun Rudd President
Dr Kirsten Price Honorary Secretary
Dr Chris Zappala President-Elect
Dr Dilip Dhupelia Appointed Director
Dr Bill Boyd Chair of Council
Dr Richard Kidd Appointed Director
Dr Bav Manoharan Treasurer
Dr Josie Sundin Appointed Director
Council Dr Tom Arthur Greater Brisbane Area
Dr Sharon Kelly Specialist Craft Group
Dr Sharmila Biswas Far North Area
Dr Richard Kidd General Practitioner Craft Group
Dr Kimberley Bondeson Greater Brisbane Area Dr Bill Boyd Capricorn Area Dr Lisa Byrom Greater Brisbane Area Dr Thomas Campbell Greater Brisbane Area
Congratulations to the following AMA Queensland members who were recognised for their services on Australia Day.
Dr Dilip Dhupelia Part Time Medical Practitioner Craft Group
Dr John Burke AM, Ascot Member: 46 years Dr Burke was named a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia for significant service to medicine in the field of paediatric nephrology as a clinician and administrator, and to professional medical associations.
Dr Malcolm Forbes Doctors in Training Representative
Dr Walter Barry Wood OAM, Kenmore Member: 53 years Dr Wood received a Medal of the Order of Australia in the General Division for service to medical education and to the community. Associate Professor Charles Denaro PSM, Herston Member: 22 years Associate Professor Denaro received a Public Service Medal for outstanding public service to Queensland Health.
Dr John Hall Downs and West Area Dr Wayne Herdy North Coast Area
obituaries Dr Keith Michael Woodhead General Practitioner Late of Auchenflower Member for 34 years
Disclaimer – All material in Doctor Q remains the copyright of AMA Queensland and may not be reproduced
or transmitted in any form without permission. While every care is taken to provide accurate information in this publication, the material within Doctor Q is for general information and guidance only and is not intended as advice. Readers are advised to make their own enquiries and/or seek professional advice as to the accuracy of the content of such articles and/or their applicability to any particular circumstances. AMA Queensland, its servants and agents exclude, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability which may arise as a result of the use of the material in Doctor Q.
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March 2015 DoctorQ
Dr Kelly MacGroarty Specialist Craft Group Dr Bav Manoharan Gold Coast Area Dr John Murray Full Time Salaried Medical Practitioner Craft Group Dr Paul Neeskens General Practitioner Craft Group Dr Kirsten Price General Practitioner Craft Group Dr Josie Sundin Greater Brisbane Area
AMA Queensland Secretariat Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer
The following AMA Queensland members have recently passed away, our condolences to their families.
Dr Luke Lawton North Area
Filomena Ferlan General Manager Corporate Services
Holly Bretherton General Manager Member Relations and Communications Andrew Turner Manager - Member Services
Editor: Michelle Ford Russ Graphic Designer: Nathan Pitt Journalist: Rachael Finley Advertising: Louise Glynn
Doctor Q is published by AMA Queensland Contact Phone: (07) 3872 2222 Postal Address: PO Box 123, Red Hill QLD 4059 Print Post Approved PP100007532 Email: amaq@amaq.com.au
PHONE 1800 0 SNORE FAX REFERRAL TO 1800 1 SNORE Email: snore@snoreaustralia.com.au Web: snoreaustralia.com.au
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DoctorQ March 2015
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Pushing for a healthier state and a better system
The New Year has been off to a busy start, and with a new Government in place, it’s fair to say we will continue to see changes to the landscape of health in Queensland.
dr ShAUn Rudd President, AMA Queensland
A New Year, a new Government
Ahead of the election, AMA Queensland called for key initiatives to improve the health of Queenslanders including steps to reduce alcohol related harm, measures to lower the rate of obesity and improvements to hospital IT systems. AMA Queensland will continue to call for these improvements, and I look forward to working with the new Health Minister to achieve a healthier Queensland.
Co-payment scrapped
After 10 months of debate, the Government announced it would be scrapping its flawed co-payment model. Since the co-payment’s announcement, AMA and AMA Queensland have worked tirelessly to advocate for a better model that protects patients and General Practice. This is a big step in the right direction and represents a more consultative approach to healthcare in Australia, but there is still work to be done. The Government plans to keep the MBS rebate freezes until 2018, a step which would make it increasingly difficult for doctors to bulk bill vulnerable patients. AMA and AMA Queensland continue to advocate for the reversal of the rebate cuts and will keep members updated on progress going forward.
Opening of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital A key issue of concern lately has been the opening of the Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in South Brisbane. Medical staff at the hospital and patients’ families have raised a number of concerns, which I assure are not being taken lightly.
Our number one concern is ensuring patients are provided with the best possible care and that medical staff members are well supported to provide this care. I have been and will continue to meet with administrators and staff at the Hospital as the ongoing issues are sorted out, but I’m confident steps are being taken to ensure the efficiency and safety of the hospital.
Clinical Prioritisation Criteria
At the recent AMA Queensland Council meeting, branch councillors discussed Queensland Health’s plan to introduce of a set of Clinical Prioritisation Criteria (CPC), a set of consistent minimum referral criteria to ensure all patients access these specialist services equitably and within the medically recommended time no matter where they live in the state. They believe this will improve patient 8
March 2015 DoctorQ
L-R: New graduates Dr Kathleen Lockhart, who did her placement in my practice, and Dr Belinda Tran, who I mentored through AMA Queensland’s Mentorship Scheme. It was great to see them both graduating at Bond University late last year.
Since the co-payment’s announcement, AMA and AMA Queensland have worked tirelessly to advocate for a better model that protects patients and General Practice. access to appropriate specialist care in addition to the quality of referrals from public specialists. A number of branch councillors had serious concerns about how this system will operate, specifically that it will add complexity rather than efficiency, increase red tape, corrupt good clinical communication and have detrimental effects on access to timely safe and effective care. AMA Queensland’s Council of General Practice is now developing a position statement on the CPC, which we hope to have ready before the plan is phased in from 1 July 2015. Q
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ceo’S REPORT
nominations open for council and vice-president
if you’ve ever wanted to serve on Ama queensland’s council, now is the time. nominations are now open for council and vice-president.
JANE SCHMITT Chief Executive Officer, AMA Queensland Last year, new amendments were made to the AMA Queensland Constitution with the feedback of members in mind. This included the addition of an International Medical Graduate Representative and Retired Doctors Representative to the Council. These two groups are of vital importance to our membership base, and having a representative from each group on Council will allow us to better serve all of our members. Under the new Constitution, the President will be eligible to run for a second term, allowing them to better achieve long-term goals and gain momentum on ongoing projects and advocacy work. The President will also be supported by a Vice President which will replace the position of President-Elect. Nominations for the position of AMA Queensland Councillor and Vice-President close on 15 April 2015 ahead of the Annual General Meeting on 15 May 2015. More information about the new positions and requirements for being a Councillor can be found on page 40.
Under the new Constitution, the President will be eligible to run for a second term, allowing them to better achieve long-term goals and gain momentum on ongoing projects and advocacy work. Co-payment off the table
The most pressing issue facing GPs over the last year has been the proposed introduction of a controversial co-payment model. This flawed model would have led to increased out-of-pocket expenses for patients and threatened the viability of many general practices. The decision to back down on the co-payment comes after months of advocacy work at the Federal and State levels. Unfortunately, the Government still plans to keep the Medicare indexation freeze until 2018, but we will continue to call for its reversal.
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March 2015 DoctorQ
I am proud of what AMA has been able to accomplish and of the contributions AMA Queensland has made to the co-payment debate, which are highlighted on page 22. Of course, this could not have been done without the support of members, and we thank those who offered their feedback on the co-payment and who joined us for our Brisbane GP Forum.
Second Annual Junior Doctor Conference
As doctors-in-training and medical students will already be aware, we recently released the program for our second annual Junior Doctor Conference to be held on 27-28 June. The inaugural event last year was a great success, and we are looking forward to expanding it this year with a new line-up of accomplished speakers and a larger venue that can accommodate more guests. Abstract submissions are now open for our ‘Best moment in medicine’ and research presentations. We are excited to again be offering junior doctors and students the opportunity to share their research and experiences. Visit the Events Calendar on www.amaq.com.au for information about the abstract submission process.
Cyclone Marcia recovery
Several weeks ago, central Queensland suffered considerable damage as a result of Tropical Cyclone Marcia. On behalf of the AMA Queensland team, our thoughts are with members in the affected areas during the ongoing recovery. We know this is a challenging and stressful time for members in Central Queensland, and there is support available. The Doctor’s Health Advisory Service can be reached 24 hours a day on (07) 3833 4352 for confidential, free, colleague-to-colleague advice.
Lighten your load
AMA Queensland’s Lighten Your Load campaign highlights the fact that regional Queensland has the highest rate of adult obesity in Australia and a quarter of children in regional Queensland are overweight or obese. President Dr Shaun Rudd visited some of the state’s regional hubs recently to launch Phase Two of the obesity campaign. Phase Two draws attention to school-aged children and their parents by highlighting the hidden calories in school lunchboxes. Many parents are unwittingly fuelling the obesity epidemic by sending their kids to school with hundreds of unnecessary calories. Our latest media campaign will highlight how swapping packaged snacks with fresh fruit, vegetables and water can make a world of difference. Q
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DoctorQ March 2015
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People People&&EVENTS EVENTS
50
congratulations
Member milestones 2014 Our annual Member Milestones event in December 2014 inducted several members into our 50-year club. We celebrated the loyalty of members who had reached 40, 45 and 50 years over morning tea. This year’s event also included our 100-year celebrations of AMA Queensland’s heritage
Eva Mina and Dr Minas Mina
Dr Ross Phillipson, Judith Schull and Dr Chris Schull
Dr Daniel Hart and Dr Chris Brown
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March 2015 DoctorQ
listed home, Hunstanton. Guests took a tour and learned some of the secrets held between the walls of our grand gem. If you attended the Milestones event and would like copies of photos taken on the day, please contact Madison Sundgren on (07) 3872 2202. Q
Dr David Labrom, Helen Loth and Dr Peter Loth
Our new 50 year members: Prof Bruce Harris Dr Gregory Beaver Dr Ken Pettit Dr Margaret Smith Dr John Webb Dr Trevor Olsen Dr Greg Ohlrich Dr Barry Hickey Dr Mary Mahoney Dr Ian Wilkey Dr Barry Fryar Dr Anand K Patel Dr Christopher Schull Dr Graham Smith Dr John Board Dr Peter Morris Dr Richard Watson Dr Tom Murphy Dr Fabian Bryant Dr Hadden Kemp Dr Kendall McClelland Dr John Richardson Dr Chris Brown
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DoctorQ March 2015
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People & EVENTS
Growing your career through research seminar More than 80 students and junior doctors came along to the Growing your career through research evening at the Old Museum. The night kicked off with a wine tasting before listening to some of Australia’s best medical research experts. Speakers Dr Michael Wagels, Professor Nick Talley, Dr Chris Gillespie and Professor Michael Reade (pictured above) shared their experiences and offered guidance for incorporating research into a junior doctor’s career. The research seminar was also offered to regional and rural members via webinar to support their professional development needs.
Dr Divya Viswanathan asks a question of the panel.
Drs Monica Ng and Rhys Thomas.
Council of Doctors in Training Research Planning Committee Drs Lisa Byrom, Lyndon Nofz, David Sparks and Katherine Gridley.
Courtenay Henrys and Dr Amity Honor.
Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors, AMA Queensland members were able to attend this event for free. Congratulations to the lucky winners of our prize draws: Dr Muqtasid Hussaini won a $100 gift card from BOQ Specialists, Ian Lin and Kirsty McKenzie won a bottle of premium wine from Experien Insurance Services and Dr Scott Alexander won a Mini to drive for the weekend. Q
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March 2015 DoctorQ
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We look forward to seeing you in 2015
People & EVENTS
2015 Intern Readiness Campaign AMA Queensland’s membership team have just wrapped up our six month 2015 Intern Readiness Campaign, where we hosted an impressive range of over 30 events for final year students about to embark on their intern year.
Two Graduation Celebratory Breakfasts held by MDA National in Brisbane and Townsville
Developed in collaboration with our Council of Doctors in Training (CDT), our educational events have equipped interns with knowledge to survive and thrive in their first year and beyond. To recap, we’ve held:
We appreciate the enthusiasm and support of the interns, many of whom have joined as valued members of AMA Queensland. We extend a warm welcome to our 2015 Intern Members, and your membership packs will arrive shortly. We also look forward to seeing you at our second annual Junior Doctor Conference in June.
Three major Intern Readiness Workshops in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville Seven Clinical Rotation lunches at Hospitals throughout South-East Queensland 14 Intern Orientation Week events right around the State
Drs Usama Shahid with DR. Ryan Bishal Faruque
A JCU Graduation Week Cocktail Party in Townsville
A special thanks goes out to our CDT representatives who have presented at the events and shared their valuable insight into their own experiences as interns. We also acknowledge the valued support of our sponsors MDA National, BOQ Specialist, William Buck, QSuper, MIPs and Avant. Q
Dr Matthew Cheng with Dr Hannah Querin
Drs Jaimie Aslanidis, Dr. Talia Trigger, Dr. Alisha Thomson and Dr. Lana Cartmill
James Cook University Graduates
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Credit : Honey Atkinson at Insight Creative March 2015 DoctorQ
Friday - Saturday 3 – 4 July 2015
Annual Starting and Working in Private Practice Conference
21 CENTURY MEDICINE ST
Featuring renowned General Practitioner advocates Professor Kerryn Phelps AM, Former AMA President and Dr Steve Hambleton, Immediate Past AMA President, the Annual Starting and Working in Private Practice Conference has got you covered for all aspects of practice start up and existing practice growth and expansion.
Topics include:
Medicare – what’s changing and how it will impact your practice Innovative case studies in private practice set up Employee management 101 Financial myth-busting - Common mistakes in accounting and financial management Legal and intellectual property considerations for private practice Cloud computing – managing the risks in practice The essentials of digital and website marketing Making social media marketing work in private practice Cyber security and risk management
Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre 3 - 4 July 2015 The full program, including discounted member early-bird rates will be available on the AMA Queensland website shortly in April. Visit: www.amaq.com.au To register your interest in the meantime, please email registrations@amaq.com.au or phone (07) 3872 2222 RACGP points available
Feature story
Queensland Election 2015
With asset sales, the economy and bikie laws taking up so much focus, AMA Queensland was disappointed that issues important to the health sector were given such short shrift.
From the snap election announcement in the early days of the new year through to its long drawn out conclusion, the 2015 Queensland election result was anything but expected. While most pundits expected the incumbent Liberal National Party to be returned with a 10 per cent swing against it, few had predicted that the Labor Party would be able to overcome the biggest majority in Australian political history within a single term on the Opposition benches. But that is precisely what happened. Although it took two weeks longer to get a final result, the 2015 Queensland General Election saw the ALP returned to power in a minority Government with the backing of independent MP Peter Wellington. And Premier Campbell Newman has lost his seat of Ashgrove, becoming only the second Premier in Queensland’s history to do so. The first was Digby Denham back in 1915. Although the result may have excited political aficionados, the election campaign itself was particularly boring, especially
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september 2014 DoctorQ
insofar as health was concerned. With asset sales, the economy and bikie laws taking up so much focus, AMA Queensland was disappointed that issues important to the health sector were given such short shrift. Both the LNP and Labor promised extra doctors and nurses, as well as addressing some preventative health measures, and we welcome this. But both parties comprehensively failed to deal with some of the bigger picture issues that affect our members, their patients, and the community each and every day. Early in the campaign, AMA Queensland wrote and released an election platform (available on our website) which we provided to both parties for their response. The platform made a number of recommendations including; Banning fast-food outlets from opening with 1km of schools and subsidising fruit and vegetables for `at-risk’ communities to help Queensland fight its obesity epidemic
Additional funding to improve end of life care in Queensland and Investing in a world-class IT system for Queensland hospitals to help our public hospital doctors do their job more easily and more efficiently Sadly, these issues were not addressed in any substantive way during the campaign. AMA Queensland released a score card just prior to election day indicating how the major parties fared. AMA Queensland will be following up on these issues with new Health Minister Cameron Dick, and we will advocate strongly on these issues and many more over the course of the next three years. We encourage and value feedback from our members on our advocacy issues. Please contact policy@amaq.com.au if you have any questions about AMA Queensland’s advocacy. Q
Feature story
LNP SCORE
AMA Queensland recommendations
ALP SCORE
OBESITY AMA Queensland called for a ban on new fast food outlets within 1km of schools, a subsidised healthy food trial, tax breaks for bicycles, and greater investment in public transport. We believe that both the LNP and ALP have made some announcements that address some of these initiatives, but neither party has offered enough to address Queensland’s obesity crisis.
ALCOHOL FUELLED VIOLENCE We called for health education diversion programs, banning the sale of alcohol mixed with energy drinks after 10pm, and prohibiting alcohol sponsorship at sporting events. The LNP’s Safe Night Out Strategy is a good start at tackling this issue. However, the ALP’s stated commitments to changing the culture of alcohol fuelled violence is to be commended.
END OF LIFE CARE AMA Queensland wants to see Queensland become a world leader in end-of-life care, with greater funding to support this. During the previous term of Government, the LNP made some progress towards this goal, but so much more remains to be done.
WORLD CLASS HOSPITAL ICT AMA Queensland believes that Queensland Health’s ancient ICT system and paper files are stalling good healthcare. Neither the LNP nor the ALP have adequately addressed AMA Queensland’s proposals for improving these systems.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH STAFF AMA Queensland welcomes the announcements from the LNP and the ALP for more nurses for our hospitals and schools, and the promise of more public doctors.
OTHER SERVICES We welcome commitments to increased funding for regional hospitals to support diabetics, boost immunisation and extend mental health services across the state.
Good progress or completed
Some concerns
Major concern, either no or insignificant progress, or actions contrary to recommendations
queensland’s new health minister : Cameron Dick
The Honourable Cameron Dick MP is the Labor Candidate for Woodridge. He is married with two young sons and has previously worked as a barrister. He studied at the University of Queensland. He has worked as a lawyer in both the public and private sectors.
Cameron Dick served as a minister in the Labor Government from 2009 to 2012. As a first term Member of Parliament, he served as a Cabinet minister, holding office as Queensland Attorney-General and Minister for Industrial Relations and later as Minister for Education.
With a Labor win in the recent State election, Cameron Dick has been appointed Queensland’s new Minister for Health and Ambulance Services. Labor have discontinued the post of Assistant Health Minister. Queensland’s former Minister for Health, Lawrence Springborg is now Opposition Leader, while Mark McArdle is the Shadow Health Minister. Q
DoctorQ september 2014
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CURRENT ISSUES
MOCA: negotiating change
With the Medical Officers Certified Agreement up for negotiation on 1 May, AMA Queensland’s Council of Doctors in Training, with union partner ASMOFQ, is ready to represent Residents and Registrars.
Dr Tom Arthur Chair, Council of Doctors in Training The AMA Queensland/Australian Salaried Medical Officers Queensland (ASMOFQ) partnership works to represent our junior doctors during Award negotiations, industrial disputes and issues of public health policy. We fight to improve and maintain the working rights and conditions of doctors employed in the public health system.
So now that senior doctors are on individual contracts, only doctors in training will be covered by the next agreement? Yes, which provides us with an excellent opportunity to negotiate an agreement that better serves the interests and needs of junior doctors. Like what?
The Medical Officer Certified Agreement is the agreement with Queensland Health that sets the working hours, wages, leave allowances, and more for doctors in Queensland Health. It sets the framework for the contract between hospitals and their doctors.
Well, Queensland is rapidly falling behind in terms of Professional Development Assistance provided to junior doctors compared to the other states. We will be advocating strongly in the next agreement to see that doctors in training here are more supported in regards to their professional development - both financially and in the provision of leave. We will also be looking at many other issues - such as provision of overtime and compensation for phone calls whilst on call.
Who does it apply to?
When are negotiations set to take place?
Up until June 30 2014, all doctors within the public health system in Queensland were covered by MOCA. Legislation introduced by the State Government in late 2013 enabled Queensland Health to place highincome public servants (earning >$114,000) onto individual contracts, which is what happened to our senior medical officers.
The nominal date of expiry for the current agreement is 30 June 2015. Negotiations are slated to begin around 60 days prior to this.
What is MOCA?
An enterprise agreement consists of an industrial agreement between an employer and their employees including trade unions acting on behalf of employees. What is enterprise bargaining? Enterprise bargaining is the process by which employers, employees, and their bargaining representatives (unions) negotiate wage and working conditions. This includes regular hours of work,
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Only doctors in training will be covered by the next agreement.
How do I get involved? AMA Queensland’s CDT will be consulting widely to ensure the issues which matter
Enterprise bargaining : a resident medical officers guide What is an enterprise agreement?
most to you and other junior doctors are addressed in the next agreement. We will be out and about visiting hospitals in April canvassing for your opinion. You can also get involved by contacting your local hospital AMA Queensland CDT representative, or letting us know via email at amaq.cdt@gmail.com. Q
hourly pay rates, leave entitlements (annual leave, parental leave, sick leave, long service leave), overtime rates, fatigue provisions, and professional development entitlements. This ensures that both employers and employees bargain in good faith to produce an enterprise agreement. Once the enterprise agreement has been reached, it is sent to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission for certification. Once established, this agreement is legally binding on both employers and employees for the stipulated duration.
For more information contact the Workplace Relations team on (07) 3872 2207 or email worplacerelations@ amaq.com.au
What is a log of claims? The log of claims is a list of all proposals that the employer, employees, and their representatives are requesting to be included in the collective agreement. CDT/ASMOFQ will compile their log of claims based on discussion and feedback received from its members. The log of claims provides a focus around which the negotiations can take place. The log of claims acts as an agenda for topics of ongoing discussion, deliberation and negotiations.
DoctorQ March 2015
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Feature story
co-payment chaos: Medicare’s big freeze
The government campaign on Medicare Funding Cuts has less resembled good policy and more a rendition of the ‘hokey pokey’. With two models for co-payment now “dead, buried and cremated”, the Medicare rebate still remains in the deep freeze until 2018
While AMA Queensland is not, in principle, opposed to a co-payment it should be evidence, not ideologically, based. As AMA President Dr Brian Owler commented on the concept of showing a price signal: “I don’t agree that the price signal has a place in general practice or in primary care. You actually want to encourage people to see a doctor.” The process kicked off with the announcement, in May 2014, that the Government was introducing a mandatory $7 co-payment where the patient is bulkbilled for general practice, pathology and diagnostic imaging. It was also reducing the rebate by $5 for these same services, and a two year freeze on the indexation of Medicare schedule fees. If doctors refused to collect the co-payment, then they would lose access to the bulk-billing incentives and, as a result, be up to 34 per cent out of pocket for each service.1 The Government viewed the introduction of a price signal on Medicare as an imperative given, in their view, a 130 per cent increase in spending on the Medicare Benefits Schedule over the past decade.2 The Health Minister at the time, Peter Dutton, couched the introduction of the co-payment as a 22
september 2014 DoctorQ
measure to make Medicare ‘sustainable’ for future generations. This language was consistently used despite evidence indicating that Australia’s healthcare spending, as a percentage of GDP, was a comparatively low 9.5 per cent.3 AMA was immediately concerned about this ideologically based policy and the unfair impact that it would have on vulnerable patients. We were also concerned about the punitive measures put into place, through the removal of bulk billing incentives, if the co-payment was not collected. After vigorous advocacy the government decided to change tack on its policy in December 2014. The mandatory $7 copayment for general practice, pathology and diagnostic imaging was removed. The rebate cuts for pathology and diagnostic imaging were out, and finally, the $5 rebate cut for general practice too. While co-payment has been taken off the table, a sizeable splinter in the form of Medicare Rebates freezes will remain until 2018. And, more worryingly, the government tried to sneak in monumental changes to the rebate structure. Under the proposed changes General Practice Medicare rebates were no longer
based on complexity. The new yard stick was simply time spent with the patient. Instead of focusing on the actual complexity of the service provided, the government wanted to judge the value of a consult based solely on how long the patient was in the chair. These changes meant that a complex nine minute consult,
To match these rising cost pressures the General Practitioner is expected to ‘make do’ with a frozen level of revenue.
Feature story
where it had previously been considered a Level B standard consultation attracting a rebate of $37.05, would now be considered Level A (less than 10 minutes) and attract a rebate of only $11.95. Even worse, these changes were snuck in on the 9 December 2014 for implementation on the 19 January 2015. The government’s rationale for these changes was that this was a ‘quality’ measure aimed at cutting down the proliferation of ‘Six-Minute Medicine’ and to ‘encourage’ doctors to spend more time with their patients.4 AMA saw through this as a cost-cutting mechanism designed to strip funds from Medicare given evidence demonstrating that six-minute medicine was largely a myth.5 The Medical community immediately responded to these drastic changes. Concerted advocacy by the AMA helped convince the new Health Minister, Sussan Ley, to scrap the changes on the 15 January 2015. The Health Minister, to her credit, also gave a firm commitment to engage in a greater level of collaboration with the medical community in the development of policy.
However, there still remain significant concerns. The Government has kept the planned freeze on MBS indexation until 2018. The model, as it currently stands, seems designed to force doctors to collect a co-payment or risk going out of business. Terry Barnes, the original proponent of the co-payment, has also backed away from the model as a distraction to larger issues of health policy.6
If you would like to make your thoughts known on the co-payment policy, please send them to policy@amaq.com.au. Q
The bruising debate over the introduction of the co-payment and the freeze on rebates until 2018 would seem to indicate that the Government lacks a clear understanding of the pressures facing medical practices. The local general practice is, year on year, hit by increasing costs. The cost of keeping the lights on increases every year. The cost of medical supplies increases every year. The cost of practice staff increases every year. To match these rising cost pressures the General Practitioner is expected to ‘make do’ with a frozen level of revenue.
4 http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/politicalnews/new-20-gp-fee-abbott-governments-healthcharge-changes-explained-20150113-12n32h.html
1 https://ama.com.au/ausmed/medicare-co-paymenteconomics 2 https://ama.com.au/ausmed/medicare-co-paymenteconomics 3 http://theconversation.com/australiasunsustainable-health-spending-is-a-myth-26393
5 http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/politicalnews/new-20-gp-fee-abbott-governments-healthcharge-changes-explained-20150113-12n32h.html 6 http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/politicalnews/gp-copayment-architect-calls-for-5-fee-fordoctors-visits-to-be-dropped-20150209-139w59.html
Such situations are inconsistent with the concept of high quality general practice. The AMA believes that well-supported general practice is the cornerstone of the health system that Australians deserve.
Rally for General Practice In the words of AMA President Dr Brian Owler, it takes a lot to get GPs angry. GPs rallied in Brisbane and around the country in February to fight the proposed co-payment. The forums were a critical part of the AMA’s campaign to support general practice, and were an important opportunity for GPs to share ideas and inform the AMA’s discussions with Health Minister Sussan Ley. AMA President Dr Brian Owler made, and heard, some important points during the rally. It became clear that governments underestimate the political power of GPs, who share a closer relationship with patients than most health professionals. Many GPs felt that attempts to save money at the primary care level were misguided and likely to cause far more advanced problems for the patient and the government in the long run. Q
Dr Laurence Nge
AMA President Dr Brian Owler
Dr Geoff Harding
DoctorQ september 2014
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CURRENT ISSUES
Clinical images and the use of personal mobile devices
Workplaces are changing at a rapid speed owing to increasing digitisation, with some comparing this era to Guttenberg’s invention of the printing press or the industrial revolution. While time will ultimately determine the validity of these assessments, the increasing integration of technology in the workplace is having a profound impact.
Andrew Turner
Workplace Relations Manager, AMA Queensland
In medicine, the use of personal mobile devices and collection, capture and storage of clinical images has been at the forefront of legal change, with uncertainty around privacy, confidentiality and informed consent. Finally, the question arises of whether or not the clinical image form part of the health record: who owns the copyright of the image? An image may be a photo, video recording or audio recording. A clinical image may be of the patient’s body, such as skin, skin lesion or body fluid, or it may be an image of a pathology report, diagnostic image or medication. Clinical images are health information and must be treated with the same sensitivity and confidentiality as any other record. They should only be taken with
To assist, the AMA and the Medical Indemnity Industry Association (MIIAA) have developed a guide to the use of clinical images and the use of personal mobile devices which can be accessed from www.ama.com.au Consent to collection, use, and disclosure of clinical images taken with a personal mobile device Before taking a clinical image, consider the purpose for which you require the image and obtain appropriate consent. Make sure the patient understands the reasons for taking the image, how it will be used and to whom it will be shown. Document the consent process in the health record. Check what your health service/hospital requirements are for written consent. Never send a clinical image to anyone else unless you have the patient’s consent to do so, or the patient would
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March 2015 DoctorQ
the appropriate informed consent, stored securely, and only disclosed in accordance with the consent given, or if there is a legal obligation to do so. Like all health information, use or disclosure should be in accordance with the Australian Privacy Principles, and any other internal reference protocol. Patients have the right to consent or indeed refuse the use, collection and disclosure of clinical images. In as much the doctor should provide the following information to the patient: the purpose for the clinical image, how it will be used, who will have access to the image and whether it will be disclosed to third parties. Increasingly, hospitals, health departments and medical clinics are implementing policies regarding collection, capture and storage of clinical information. Medical officers are required to be familiar with and work within these policies. There is evidence that not all doctors are aware of or follow these policies. Q
reasonably expect you to send the image for the purpose of their clinical management or you are otherwise permitted by law to do so. If the clinical image is sent to the wrong person, patient privacy has been breached. In these circumstances you should seek advice from hospital management or your medical defence organisation. Storage and security of clinical images Find out what your health service/ hospital policy is for storing clinical images, and what systems your hospital has in place to facilitate the storage of digital images. Make sure clinical images do not auto upload to any social media networks or back up sites. Delete any clinical image after saving it onto the health record. Have controls on your mobile device to prevent unauthorised access
Finally, the question arises does the clinical image form part of the health record: who owns the copyright of the image?
What do you see when you look in the mirror? REAL TIME
You
Your(800km colleague away) Sharing critical hi-resolution imagery in real time with others miles away is no longer a fantasy. Contact Datacom today to find out how we turn fantasy into reality. 07 3842 8888 qldsales@datacom.com.au
CURRENT ISSUES
Warring parents and vaccination consent THE ETHICS AND MEDICO-LEGAL COMMITTEE COME TO THE RESCUE IN ANOTHER ETHICAL DILEMMA : WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN PARENTS GO TO WAR WITH EACH OTHER ON VACCINATION?
Dear Dr Stuckinthemiddle, While it may seem that you’re in an ethical pickle you’re not the only doctor to face this situation. First and foremost, except in life threatening emergencies, a medical practitioner must obtain the consent of the patient before conducting an examination, investigation, procedure or treatment. Failure to do so leaves the medical practitioner open to allegations of assault. This requirement is equally present where children are involved. Consent for medical treatment of minors is typically provided by the parents. While there are recognised exceptions to this given the young age of the daughter they would not be applicable here. Both parents have the authority to consent to treatment. Even where the parents have legally separated they each retain the responsibility, and the ability, to make decisions in the best interests of the child. The major exception to this is where the Family Court has made a parenting order removing that ability from one parent.
The Family Court has a broad jurisdiction to override the decisions of parents if it is required to protect the best interests of the child. Dear Agony Aunt. I’ve got a dilemma. I’ve been treating a family for the last decade. Throughout this time they have consistently refused to have their young daughter vaccinated. While I have comprehensively explained the benefits of vaccination, and provided them with all the relevant information, they have continued to conscientiously object. Recently, however, the parents have separated and have been sharing care of their daughter. There is no parenting order on each party. Now the mother informs me that she wishes for the daughter to be vaccinated, while the father remains stridently opposed. How can I balance my ethical obligations? Sincerely, Dr Stuckinthemiddle
do you have an ethical issue? The experts from our Ethics and Medico-Legal Committee answer your ethical dilemmas. Send your ethical dilemma to policy@amaq.com.au. 26
March 2015 DoctorQ
In your situation, with the mother consenting to vaccination and the father objecting, you need to be careful about placing yourself in the middle. Failure to do so could lead to allegations of, at worst, assault or unprofessional conduct. It is important that you discuss the issue with both parents and set clear ‘rules of engagement’ to mitigate disputes. In this case it may mean involving both parents in every consultation through telephone, or refusing to perform a procedure until the consent of both parents is obtained. While it may feel frustrating to be stuck in the middle it is a matter for parents or, failing that, the Family Court to decide. The Family Court has a broad jurisdiction to override the decisions of parents if it is required to protect the best interests of the child. In determining the best interests of the child the Family Court will consult with a relevant expert, generally a medical practitioner with a specialist in immunology, in satisfying an extensive criteria that, among other things, considers the likely long-term physical, social and psychological effects on the child. Recent cases within the Family Court have set a precedent which shows vaccination is in the best interests of the child, especially given the overwhelming weight of scientific evidence, and will generally allow the parent in favour of vaccination to provide consent. Q
Expressions of Interest 106 Anzac Avenue, Redcliffe, Queensland, Australia
Moreton Bay Integrated Care Centre
This state of the art medical facility is seeking community focused medical practitioners and allied health service providers. Situated adjacent to the Redcliffe Hospital, the Moreton Bay Integrated Care Centre (MBICC) is complete and ready for occupation. Our community requires specialist medical disciplines and allied health providers such as: Paediatricians
Obstetrics
Exercise physiology
Physiotherapy
Pathology
Diagnostic Imaging
Dietetics
Podiatry
Endocrinologists
Diabetes
Mental health
Psychology
Oncologists
Audiology
Occupational therapy
Speech Pathology
Come and engage with the Moreton Bay Region in this community capacity building. For further information and expressions of interest contact
LEVEL 5/410 QUEEN STREET, BRISBANE 4000
07 3231 9777 www.bne.mcgees.com.au
MCG5548
Gavin Moore 0422 222 978 gmoore@bne.mcgees.com.au Justin Clarke 0419 704 412 jclarke@bne.mcgees.com.au
FOUNDATION Foundation Director Ross Noye, Rosies Chair John Scoble, President Dr Shaun Rudd, Rosies General Manager Andrew O’Brien, Foundation Executive Director Jane Schmitt and Foundation President Dr Steve Hambleton.
Doctors doing good
New wheels for Rosies’ Cairns branch Thanks to all our incredible donors who gave to last year’s Tax Appeal, a brand new, specially out-fitted van will be hitting the streets of Cairns very soon. The new van will be able to carry more Rosies volunteers and amenities safely, which means their Cairns branch outreach program can grow to cater for the rapidly increasing number of homeless, providing them with desperately needed food, beverages, emergency clothing, blankets and support. Without your help this vital service would not have been able to continue, with their
Contact The AMA Queensland Foundation: Phone: (07) 3872 2222 Email: amaqfoundation@amaq.com.au Website: www.amaqfoundation.com.au
current 20 year old van about to be forced off the road. Check out the touching ‘thank you’ clip on the Foundation’s YouTube channel. “It’s just not something a small organisation like us is able to do – raise the amount of money that was raised so quickly by the AMA Queensland Foundation,” said Andrew O’Brien, General Manager of Rosies. “More than 100 volunteers in Cairns will be very happy to see a brand-new, fitted out van go on the road by the end of March,” he said. Q
2014 Christmas appeal results Time and again we are overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters and our recent doctors doing good Christmas Appeal was no exception. A great big THANK YOU to everyone who donated, raising an incredible $33,485 for the Foundation’s general fund. Since its inception in 2000 the AMA Queensland Foundation has strived to improve medical conditions in our 28
March 2015 DoctorQ
community, by raising funds and sourcing corporate support. This money will go a long way towards helping us fulfil our charter doctors doing good, assisting those with genuine needs and causes that don’t fit into the neat boxes of other health-specific charities or government funding criteria, and supporting financially disadvantaged students undertaking medical studies. Q
FOUNDATION
Meet our Patron Pastoralist Tim Fairfax is well recognised for his philanthropic endeavours.
Regional Renewal, and Chancellor of Queensland University of Technology.
Last year, he was made a Companion of the Order of Australia for his service to business and the community, including as a major supporter of rural and regional development programs.
“My philanthropy stems from a passion for helping those who are less fortunate however I can,” he said. “I was brought up on philanthropy, it’s in my DNA. We’ve all got the ability to give.”
It was his love of the bush that spurred Mr Fairfax to become Patron of the AMA Queensland Foundation in 2003.
Mr Fairfax grew up in Sydney’s eastern suburbs but left the city in 1973 to run a cattle property outside Monto near Rockhampton.
“I was flattered and very honoured to be invited to be the Foundation’s Patron,” Mr Fairfax said.
“I remember our GP doing house calls in Sydney; the doctor would come to your house and I think that still happens in some cases, but less frequently,” he said.
“I accepted because I am very passionate about rural and regional Australia, and in particular Queensland. The Foundation’s efforts in those areas resonate with me; I’ve witnessed the work that a sole doctor has to undertake in a small country town.” Mr Fairfax and his wife Gina own cattle properties in Queensland and New South Wales producing grass-fed beef for the European market. However, most of his time is committed to non-profit work. As well as Chairing the Vincent Fairfax Family Foundation, Tim Fairfax Family Foundation and Salvation Army Brisbane Advisory Board, he is Deputy Chair of the National Gallery of Australia Council, President of the Queensland Art Gallery Foundation, Director of the Foundation for Rural and
I would urge AMA members to give back to their community in whatever way they can and I know lots already do
“I didn’t have the academic results to be a doctor however my grandfather was a doctor specialising in rheumatology. I was interested in the surgical side, repairing things always intrigued me.” Mr Fairfax is a keen advocate for the benefits of working in the bush and making the most of telemedicine. “A lot of rural and regional doctors are isolated and have to be a jack of all trades; it is a good learning experience for young doctors to do a stint in a rural practise, even though it can be quite stressful.
Supporting the resilience and wellbeing of doctors in training The Foundation is excited to announce its support of AMA Queensland’s new Resilience on the Run program, funding the development and delivery of a health and wellbeing pilot training program for young doctors in 2015. The program will be delivered by experienced presenter, Dr Ira van der Steenstraten. AMA Queensland is currently in discussions with Rockhampton Base Hospital, with a view to rolling the program out for their 2015 interns later in the year. The program is aimed at improving awareness of resilience and mindfulness for interns and to reduce stressors and burnout of young doctors. Upon a successful pilot program, AMA Queensland would seek to publish the findings with a view to extending this valuable program to interested hospitals throughout Queensland. Q
“Telemedicine means GPs can usually talk to a specialist and get the support they need. It’s great that patients aren’t necessarily forced to travel into metropolitan hospitals and can in many cases be treated where they are.” The AMA Queensland Foundation has gone from strength-to-strength since restructuring in 2012 and last year launched its Thank You Doctor campaign, encouraging patients to donate to the Foundation in lieu of a gift to their doctor. Mr Fairfax believes the culture of giving is growing. “Remember we have an extraordinary number of volunteers,” he said. “They’re not giving money but they’re giving service, their own time and their knowledge. “I would urge AMA members to give back to their community in whatever way they can and I know lots already do.” Q DoctorQ March 2015
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Feature story
Father of General Practice Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AM is considered by some as the father of Australian general practice. Voted a medical hero by Medical Observer readers in 2012, named a Member of the Order of Australia and author of a best-selling textbook that’s been translated into 13 languages, Professor Murtagh is an exciting addition to the Junior Doctor Conference lineup.
When interviewing the father of General Practice, the first question would have to be what makes a good general practitioner. I presume that as members of a proud and noble profession we strive to be first class professionals, respected by our patients, colleagues and society. Sometimes the ideal is too difficult to attain under the pressures with which we work, including the high expectations and the human problems of fatigue and stress. Various focus groups have concluded that the key attributes of the good doctor are caring and responsibility and that optimal practice stems from these classic qualities. Other attitudes that are considered fundamental include empathy, interest, concern, competence, knowledge and keeping abreast of developments, confidence, sensitivity, perceptiveness, diligence and availability. Apart from these basic characteristics, it is very important for us in our busy world to be diagnosticians with a skill to recognise life-threatening problems and then be able to deal with the situation with optimal therapeutic solutions and emergency management skills when appropriate.
What do you think are the biggest challenges in general practice? The content and nature is still the same with the same general presenting problems as existed 50 years ago. Changes that have occurred reflect the secular and increasing violent society with changes in infectious diseases related to sexual promiscuity, fast international travel and the drug explosion. Interference from government dominated by bureaucracy and the encroachment on our turf from allied health professions has diluted our work and made general practice more challenging and perhaps less attractive. Why did you start to write medical textbooks? How did that come about? Thirty years ago I ran a course for GPs on back pain and spinal manipulation, which a publisher suggested could be converted into a book. This was done and was only modestly successful. Around this time I was Medical Editor of Australian Family Physician and to make the journal more interesting and relevant, I serialised several small features which were popular, according to readership surveys. The same publisher approached me to collate them into books so Practice tips, Patient Education and Cautionary Tales came
How to be a good doctor:
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Develop rapport with good communication skills
Develop your own management guidelines
Ask the right questions
Know essential therapeutics
Be astute and observant
Develop basic procedural skills
Develop optimal ethical and professional standards
Be prepared for basic emergencies
Have a fail-safe diagnostic strategy
Develop expertise in special areas of care
Develop supportive networks
Know yourself and your limitations
september 2014 DoctorQ
Key attributes of the good doctor are caring and responsibility and that optimal practice stems from these classic qualities. out as books. The same person tried for three years to persuade me to write a text book for GPs as his market surveys indicated a need. I eventually wrote a limited pilot which the American based company rejected. However the Sydney based person wanted to go it alone here and the rest is history. The concept of presenting problems/symptoms rather than general disease topics was successful. Eventually a companion handbook was written. What do you think are the biggest challenges in general practice? Becoming more proficient and genuinely generalised to overcome the problems of super-tunnel vision specialisation and the threat of government encouraged other health professionals. As in, be much better doctors - strive for excellence. Why did you choose general practice in particular? What else provides the opportunity to practice all the many exciting disciplines simultaneously, first contact medicine, flexibility, creative minor procedures, interpersonal medicine, family medicine and continuing care? Q
Be extraordinary Making the most of your medical career 2nd AMA Queensland junior doctor Conference Saturday 27 - Sunday 28 June 2015 BRiSBANE CBD
ABSTRACT SUBMISSION PROCEDURE Abstract submission guidelines are available on the AMA Queensland website (see the Junior Doctor Conference page on the Events Calendar). Research Presentations: Word count of 350 words plus a 100-word biography in sentence format to be emailed in a single word document. Best Moment in Medicine: Word count of 250 words plus a 100-word biography in sentence format to be emailed in a single word document.
The conference is exceptionally wellpriced, with student/intern early-bird rates available for $275 (two days + cocktail party ticket), and years 2 – 5 junior doctor earlybird rate at $320 (two days + cocktail party ticket). Senior doctors are also encouraged to attend, with great member earlybird rates on offer. Early-bird prices are available until 1 May 2015. Don’t know your roster yet? Register now on early-bird rates and you can transfer or cancel your registration without penalty should your final confirmed roster not permit attendance.
SATURDAY 27 JUNE
sundaY 28 JUNE
The discovery of the cervical cancer vaccine and the latest steps towards a Herpes vaccine
Providing medical care in conflict
Professor Ian Frazer AC, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Research, Translational Research Institute
Dr Rowan Gillies, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Prince of Wales and North Shore Private Hospital, VMO - Plastic Surgery at Royal North Shore Hospital
My best moments in medicine
Lessons in leadership from the front line
Dr Kellee Slater, Liver Transplant Surgeon, Princess Alexandra and Greenslopes Private Hospital
Dr Jenny Stedmon, Clinical Director of Anaesthesia, Redlands Hospital
How to become a good doctor
Chair: Dr Tom Arthur, Surgical Registrar, RBWH, AMA Council of Doctors in Training Chair, JDC Conference Chair and Convenor
Emeritus Professor John Murtagh AM, Department of General Practice, School of Primary Health Care, Faculty of Medicine Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University Optimism: Reflections from a life of action Dr Bob Brown AM, Environmentalist and former Leader of the Australian Greens Medical professionalism - values and practices to survive and thrive in medicine, leadership, politics and life Dr Chris Davis, Director of Geriatrics, Prince Charles Hospital, Former Member for Stafford Care stream: Caring for indigenous patients and what you need to know as a junior doctor Speaker: Dr Noel Hayman, General Practitioner, Inala Indigenous Health Centre for Excellence Career development stream: Super charging your CV and interview skills Speakers: Jane Anderson, Career and Executive Coach/Personal Branding Expert and Kylie Chown, Resume Consultant/Personal Branding Expert
AMA Queensland Doctor in Training Forum
Career development stream: College Training Panel - Tips for successful applications in Surgery + O&G+ Radiology Panelists: Dr David Mitchell, General Surgery Registrar, Dr Will Milford, O&G Consultant, Mater Hospital, Dr Chris Arthur, O&G Registrar, Redcliffe Hospital, Dr Fallon Cominos, Radiology Registrar Career development stream: College Training Panel –Tips for successful applications in Medicine + Critical Care + Paediatrics Panelists: Dr Alex Markwell, Staff Specialist, DEM, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Dr Vanessa Grayson, ED Registrar, Caboolture Hospital, Dr Melanie Jackson, Paediatrics Registrar, Royal Children’s Hospital, Dr Malcolm Forbes, Registrar, Rockhampton Hospital QIMR Berghofer research stream: Getting started in Research Dr Steven Lane, Clinical Scientist, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute
Care stream: Fostering a culturally sensitive environment for refugees Speaker: Dr Margaret Kay, General Practitioner and Hon Secretary of the Doctors’ Health Advisory Service Queensland Career development stream: What other career options does an MBBS open up? Panellists: Dr Jennifer Schafer, Director, MBBS/ MD Program, University of Queensland, Dr Michael Bonning, GP Registrar, Royal Australian Navy, Dr Eric Richman, Ipswich Hospital
register before 1 may 2015 at www.amaq.com.au
Premium sponsor
What I would tell my 25 year old self? Associate Professor Michael Steyn, Director of Anaesthesia and Perioperative Medicine, RBWH
Early Bird offer
Platinum sponsor
JDC Cocktail party Proudly sponsored by:
Major sponsor
People & EVENTS
For more information or to register for an event, visit amaq.com.au
Why you should attend industry events
With industry event invitations piling up in your inbox it can be tempting to bulk-delete the lot, if it wasn’t for those CPD points and accreditations. Stop and reconsider before avoiding another networking event or conference. Here are reasons to take the plunge and attend an event in 2015.
Build strong relationships Networking events offer like-minded professionals a forum to get together, talk business and build ties that will lead to strategic alliances, joint ventures, referrals and employment opportunities. Post-event make sure you do the follow up as it is key to solidifying those new relationships.
Keep abreast of issues affecting you and your patients AMA Queensland runs a number of events that keep members at the forefront of the medico-political landscape. We recently ran the Rally for General Practice to give members a voice and to join together to fight proposed changes to bulk-billing for GPs. Many of our events aim to keep you up to date on any issue that will affect you and your patients on a larger scale.
Be motivated and learn from powerful speakers AMA Queensland’s Secretariat and committees have put a lot of research and thought into catering a program to best suit your interest and professional needs. We have engaged several professionals at the cutting edge of their specialty to teach, inspire and prompt action.
Find suppliers and solutions Events and conferences are a great place to find professional services and suppliers that can support your career and business. AMA Queensland has a range of corporate partners that can assist you in everything from banking, finance, accounting, legal representation and insurance to discounts on wine, travel and cars. It’s always worth visiting the trade area to see what new information could be relevant to you.
Socialise Although it may not be high on your priorities and online social media may seem to fill this gap, human beings are social animals and need the type of stimulation available when interacting face-to-face with others and not just in the familial or patient-to-doctor format. It has become increasingly important for us to socialise, recharge our batteries, and preserve our sanity. Gather a couple of your colleagues and attend an event together – it will feel less like work and you will get more out of the event in the long run. So keep an eye on the AMA Queensland Events Calendar and on our emails for all the latest events and training opportunities and be prepared to make the most of 2015. Q
2015 events Students/DITs/Registrars Junior Doctor Conference
27-28 Jun
Intern Readiness Workshop Brisbane
14 Oct
Resume Writing Workshop
26 Nov
Intern Readiness Workshop Gold Coast
3 Dec
Intern Readiness Workshop Townsville
15 Dec
Private Practice Private Practice Series 1
Feb - Mar
Transitioning To Private Practice
25 Mar
Private Practice Conference Brisbane*
3 - 4 Jul
Private Practice Conference Cairns*
17 Oct
Private Practice Series 2
Aug - Sept
Private Practice Series 3
Nov - Dec
All Members AMA National Conference Financial and Estate Planning Women in Medicine Breakfast AMA Queensland Annual Conference - New York
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29 - 31 May 29 Aug 9 Sep 20-26 Sep
Medico-Legal Conference*
31 Oct
Bancroft Oration
19 Nov
* These events will be eligible for RACGP points. March 2015 DoctorQ
events calendar
27-28 june
2nd annual
junior doctor Conference Brisbane Exhibition Centre This year’s theme is ‘Be extraordinary: making the most of your medical career’. Junior doctors will be inspired to reach their potential by exposure to world-leading, widely respected orators from medical and non-medical fields, including Professor Ian Frazer AC, Professor John Murtagh AM and former Greens leader Dr Bob Brown AM. Early Bird ends 1 May.
what’s on
To view the full events calendar
25 MArch
Transitioning to Private Practice AMA House, Kelvin Grove Join our Workplace Relations team, along with our esteemed corporate partners, for coordinated insight into the key elements to consider when moving to private practice, such as tax and business structure, risks and legal issues, banking and financial considerations, insurance, human resources and workplace relations matters.
Or to register for an event, visit amaq.com.au or contact the AMA Queensland Membership team on (07) 3872 2222 or email registrations@amaq.com.au
3-4 July
20-26 September
Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre
New York City With the theme “A BIG Apple a Day keeps the doctor away – Strategies for a healthy and happy life,” this conference will focus on the importance of enjoying and maintaining good health, with discussions on mental health, obesity, doctors’ health and wellbeing, work/life balance and preventative health.
Starting and working in Private Practice conference
Featuring renowned General Practitioner advocates and past AMA Presidents Professor Kerryn Phelps AM and Dr Steve Hambleton, the Annual Starting and Working in Private Practice Conference has got you covered for all aspects of practice start up and existing practice growth and expansion for medicine in the twenty-first century.
AMA QUEENSLAND State conference
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Rural Doctors Association of Queensland
AQ 2015 RD
conference.rdaq.com.au
Treasuring our icons
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RDAQ 20I5 – Register today! RDAQ 2015 is our 26th annual conference. This year’s theme Legends, Lecturers & Locums – Treasuring our icons will recognise senior clinicians and celebrate their contribution to rural health. The conference offers comprehensive clinical and health policy sessions with expert speakers. Come along, engage with key decision makers and continue your professional development journey. The conference will be held at the Pullman Cairns International on 5th – 7th June 2015.
About Cairns Tropical Cairns boasts two of the truly beautiful natural wonders of the world – the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree Rainforest. Cairns is renowned for its relaxed, tropical climate with an average temperature of 260C in June. Cairns is a regional city with stylish restaurants and shops. Its location makes it the perfect adventure playground.
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Join us in Cairns for the unique RDAQ conferencing experience The RDAQ conference will return to tropical Cairns in 2015. I look forward to embracing the theme of Legends, Lecturers & Locums as we embark on our second quarter-century as an organisation in Queensland. The conference will allow us to celebrate past achievements and look towards future challenges while learning about current innovations in rural medicine. I invite you to join us in Cairns for RDAQ’s 26th annual conference which will deliver unique educational and collegiate experiences and offer excellent clinical content, with plenty of networking and social opportunities. Prof Tarun Sen Gupta President RDAQ
Pullman Cairns International The Pullman Cairns International is a five star hotel which is conveniently located in the heart of the city. It comes complete with a day spa and luxurious rooms overlooking the Cairns harbour, lush mountains or city lights. Facilities include a tropical pool, gym, sauna, guest laundry and a business centre.
Announcing RDAQ 2015 keynote speaker RDAQ proudly welcomes Professor Richard Hays as the keynote speaker for the 2015 conference. With an esteemed and diverse career encompassing both academic medicine and clinical general practice including appointment as Foundation Dean of the James Cook University School of Medicine, Professor Hays epitomises the impact one individual can have on the medical landscape. In this address, Professor Hays will share his reflections on his career and inspire those who are seeking to broaden the scope of their own professional legacy.
For more information on RDAQ, 2015 please go to: conference.rdaq.com.au
Rural Doctors Association of Queensland
conference.rdaq.com.au
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RDAQ 2015 Program The RDAQ 2015 program runs from 5th – 7th June with two additional days of pre-conference workshops. Topics will include: l Succession planning Intro to Cardiology l Advanced Musculoskeletal l Industrial literacy l Paediatrics l Mental health l Rural workforce l And many more! l Community advocacy and leadership To view the current RDAQ 2015 program, please visit the conference website conference.rdaq.com.au l
RDAQ will offer three pre-conference workshops: l
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RDAQ pre-conference workshop 1: Dermatology workshop, 4th June 2015 RDAQ pre-conference workshop 2: Ultrasound for rural practitioners’ workshop, 5th June 2015 RDAQ pre-conference workshop 3: Rural clinical skills – students, interns and registrars, 5th June 2015
If you have any questions about the RDAQ pre-conference workshops, please email conference@rdaq.com.au
Networking and Family Programs In 2015, RDAQ will host a networking program featuring seven exciting networking events with two new informal networking breakfasts. The program will give delegates the opportunity to take a break from the academic side of the event and enjoy the company of old friends and make new contacts. RDAQ will also feature a Queensland Rural Medical Family Network (QRMFN) family program. More information on the family program can be found on the conference website.
CONTACT DETAILS
Event Management services for RDAQ 2015 provided by Health Workforce Queensland
Tracey Lowe & Renee Dobbin RDAQ 2015 Conference Managers Health Workforce Queensland GPO Box 2523, Brisbane, Qld 4001 Phone: 07 3105 7800 Fax: 07 3221 3748 Email: conference@rdaq.com.au Web: www.rdaq.com.au/conference
For more information on RDAQ, 2015 please go to: conference.rdaq.com.au
MEMBER NEWS
Congratulations to the following doctors who are now elected members of AMA Queensland. OCTOBER 2014 doctors in training Dr Naomi Jess Dr Ryan Taylor Dr John De Laat Dr Geeth Weerasooriya Dr Samarage Pathmaperuma Dr Admire Matsika Dr Tahir Shah Dr Mohsen Habibian Naeini Dr Mohamed Ahmed Elsaid Dr Chui Ming Tham Dr Johnny Liu Efendy Dr Nimalan Subramaniam Dr Champi Premaratne Dr Elizabeth Jackson Dr Shye Shian Miller
General Practitioners Dr Naveen Kumar Thalluri Dr Ma Celeste Castaneda Dr Karen Joyce Dr Patricio Gordillo Dr Uthayakumar Kumaresu
specialists Dr Rajarajan Selvarajan Dr Jennifer Susan Grew Dr Nicholas Hall Dr Kathryn Maree De Ambrosis Dr Davin Lim
part-time Practitioners Dr Andrew John Mallett Dr Janka Paprckova Dr Debra Anne Nichols
SALARIED Dr Paul Gaston Van Buynder Dr Jacqueline Mary Montwill Dr Huba Laszlo Brezovsky Dr Imogen Patterson
part-time Practitioners Dr Paul Cleary Dr Faye Jordan
MATERNITY LEAVE Dr Tara Marsh
DECEMBER 2014 doctors in training Dr Christina Popovic Dr Gemma Hayman Dr Patricia Clark Dr Eashan Tambimuttu Dr Kevin Jenkins Dr Ruchi Bedi Dr Lakshmi Sompalli Dr Katherine Curtis Dr Ian Verrall Dr Eshini Perera Dr Craig Fairley Dr Sandra Williams
General Practitioners Dr Antony Bayliss Dr Mark Foreman Dr Satish Prasad
specialists Dr Ross Warner Dr Melvin Malte Dr Andrew Aboud Dr Kara Forde
part-time Practitioners Dr Catherine Maussen Dr Sheri Newman
SALARIED Dr Rhyanon Murray
JANUARY 2015
RETIRED
doctors in training
Dr Sreedevi Pabbati
Dr Jonathan Chan Dr Kent McDonald Dr Sean Sullivan Dr Lana Fernandes Dr Nicholas Rosoman
NOVEMBER 2014 doctors in training Dr Fanghua Liu Dr Jon Anderson Dr Keith Potent Dr Adhiraj Chakrabarty Dr Stephanie Buckby Dr Nanda Kumar Sakaleshpura Chandrashekar Dr Mehr Shaikh Dr Jim Yen Dr Eric Richman Dr Khaled Bhuiyan Dr Josh (Po-jen) Tsai Dr Mei Lee Dr Pankaj Jha Dr Anusha Lazzari Dr Samantha Williams
General Practitioners Dr Arshi Lakdawala Dr Latika Verma Dr Ayush Srivastava Dr Behnaz Khosravi
specialists A/Prof Ryan Kohler Dr Venkatesh Govindaiah Dr Luke Reid Dr Kong Goh Dr Tibor Konkoly Dr Andrew Shearer Dr Daelyn Cullen
General Practitioners Dr Andrew Ganter Dr Graham Wright Dr Joseph Somers Dr Tim Aung Dr Brett Fordyce Dr Syed Adnan Dr Luze Jewaskiewitz Dr Peter Haron Dr Nicola Larwill Dr Tariq Hayat Jamaldini Dr Ali Issapour Dr Guy Fielding
specialists Dr Simon Elix Dr Richard Barr Dr Manish Kumar Dr Nick Hughes
part-time Practitioners Dr Anne Buchanan Dr Raylea Parkes Dr Uma Kumar
SALARIED Dr Veenu Mubarak Dr Nile Allaf
RETIRED Dr Henry Glennie
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March 2015 DoctorQ
congratulations to our new interns Dr Jerry Alex Dr William Alexander Dr Thiruverni Ananthanathan Dr Kellen Armour Dr Jason Averay Dr Charles Beames Dr Natasha Behrendorff Dr Douglas Bell Dr Harrison Bennett Dr Sean Blackall Dr John Blundell Dr Emma Borg Dr Daniel Bower Dr Kara Boyle Dr Kimberley Bradshaw Dr Michael Breitkreutz Dr David Briggs Dr Thomas Brouard Dr Michael Brown Dr Richard Browning Dr Jack Callum Dr Miriam Cameron Dr Amender Campbell Dr Kathleen Capehart Dr Shaun Chandler Dr Ming Chen Dr Patrick Chen Dr Jeffrey Cheng Dr Siu Wai Cheung Dr Sheng Giap Chia Dr An-Me Chin Dr Pei Yee Chong Dr Alex Choo Dr Rakin Chowdhury Dr Kimberly Chung Dr Aaron Coutts Dr Joshua Crothers Dr Annika Cruickshank Dr Jining Dai Dr Raka Datta Dr Emma Davis Dr Jonathan Day Dr Sachithra De Silva Dr Alexis Dermedgoglou Dr Sunny Dhadlie Dr Jasryn Dhaliwal Dr Jordan Dick Dr Thomas Dickson Dr Sheala Doig Dr Michael Donaldson Dr Kyle Dunlop Dr Jacques Eastment Dr Paul Edgecumbe Dr Samuel Edwards Dr James Elliott Dr Emma Ferguson Dr Julie Fergusson Dr Nicholas Fern Dr James Fielding Dr Anna Fleming Dr Shenae Fletcher Dr Gerard Forrest Dr Andrew Frazer Dr Wan Xin Gan Dr Logan Gardner Dr Lucy Gebbett Dr Ronik Ghosh
Dr Stephanie Giddy Dr Emma Gillmore Dr Tony Girgis Dr Marco Giuseppin Dr Brendan Goodwin Dr Richard Goodwin Dr Lucy-Anne Gray Dr Timothy Griffiths Dr Cameron Grigg Dr Reynder Hagen Dr Sachintha Hapugoda Dr Kate Hawke Dr Tara Hillier Dr Amanda Holford Dr Ming Yu Huang Dr Andrew Hughes Dr Seira Ikeuchi Dr Chintaki Jayasekera Dr Maha Jegatheesan Dr Divita Jhaveri Dr Kathryn Johnson Dr David Johnston Dr Matthew Jones Dr Sajith Karunasena Dr Pushkar Khire Dr Youn Kim Dr David Kim Dr Carmen Knowles Navarro Dr Yung Howe Koh Dr David Koochew Dr Joel Krahn Dr Cathryn Kube Dr Siddhartha Kusukuntla Dr Natasha Lamb Dr Daniel Lancini Dr Kathleen Lanigan Dr Benjamin Law Dr Natalie Lawrence Dr Binglong Lee Dr Xiang Wen Lee Dr Iris Lee Dr Samuel Lee Dr Amy Leung Dr Kiarna Lindstrom Dr Rebecca Liong Dr Kathleen Lockhart Dr Robert Looke Dr Eugene Lubarsky Dr Geoffrey Luk Dr Dianna Luong Dr Lauren Macivor Dr Simone Mackrill Dr Jane MacLennan Dr Ethan MacMinn Dr Johnathan Mah Dr Garrett Malayko Dr Ganeev Malhotra Dr Timothy Manzie Dr Marta Matic Dr Alexander Matthews Dr Edwin McBride Dr Cameron McClure Dr Ella McGrath Dr Felicity McIvor Dr Bryan McManus Dr Belinda McMullen
Dr David McTaggart Dr Claire Mellick Dr Eugene Mitnovetski Dr David Mogg Dr Rashmi Mohan Dr Samuel Moore Dr Patricia Mulholland Dr Keri-Anne Murray Dr Disha Mysore Dr Arun Nadarajah Dr Suny Nakajima Dr Kristy Nash Dr Kostyantyn Naumenko Dr Samuel Neller Dr Monica Ng Dr Melisa Ng Dr Sandra Nguy Dr Skye Nissen Dr James Nolan Dr Joseph Noye Dr Alexander O’Donnell Dr Laura Panizza Dr Francesco Passantino Dr Francesca Paterson Dr Trent Pattenden Dr Ekta Paw Dr Anastasia Pearce Dr Ryan Pickels Dr Sophia Pincus Dr Lilian Pu Dr Hannah Querin Dr Rachele Quested Dr Matthew Randell Dr Michael Rankine Dr Tamin Rezwani Dr Farrah Rhemtulla Dr Zachary Robinson Dr Julia Rollston Dr James Rowland Dr Sahba Sabeti Dr Ivan San Dr Anthony Saponara Dr Karin Sekhon Dr Naren Selvalogan Dr Jessica Shapiro Dr Carling Simmons Dr Archee Singh Dr Anneliese Slack Dr Alexandra Slater Dr Tahae Song Dr Chris Soo Dr Casey Steele Dr Sean Stephens Dr Lauren Styan Dr Andrew Sun
Dr Andrew Symes Dr Andrew Tanoto Dr Clare Thiele Dr Rhys Thomas Dr Alisha Thomson Dr Nadine Thorburn Dr Erich Ting Dr My Co Tran Dr Sienna Tran Dr Belinda Tran Dr Christina Travers Dr Talia Trigger Dr David Tsai Dr Amy Van Dalen Dr Susan Wachtler Dr Ashleigh Walker Dr Emma Wallace Dr Chuan Wang Dr Joanna Wawrzuta Dr Priscilla Wee Dr Sophie West Dr Semini Wickramatunga Dr Nipuna Wickremaratne Dr Isuravi Widanapathirana Dr Shaun Williams Dr Christopher Williams Dr Ario Wilson-Pogmore Dr Joel Wright Dr Eriko Yamashita Dr Garry Yang Dr Anna Yaxley Dr Jacelyn Yeo Dr Dennis Yeow Dr Jessamine Yong
MEMBER NEWS
2015 member renewals We’d like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to all of our members who have placed their 2015 renewal on time and we’ve had some great feedback on the convenience of our new BPAY payment option. AMA Queensland could not undertake our vital member representation without your support. In what has been an unprecedented time for the profession in Queensland, we’re proud of our recent win on the Medicare rebate cuts for GPs, our strong advocacy for members through our recently released 2015 State budget platform and our crucial work in negotiating a fairer contract for SMOs last year. With our affiliate Union partner ASMOFQ, AMA Queensland will play an important role in the oversight of the newly established SMO Contracts Advisory Committee going forward.
We’re also very pleased to announce our lucky early-bird and online renewals prize winners:
1 Night Stay at the Emporium, Courtesy of Lexus Winner: Dr John Wilson
Early-bird prize
2 Night Stay at Qualia Hamilton Island, Courtesy of AMA travel
Together with our affiliate Union partner ASMOFQ and the AMA Queensland Council of Doctors in Training we will be taking the lead on the Medical Officers Certified Agreement (MOCA 4) negotiations, to ensure the rights of our RMOs are protected and a fair agreement is reached on behalf of our members. With the support of the AMA Queensland Foundation, we have also developed a free intern resilience and well-being program that will be piloted for interns at Rockhampton Base Hospital in August 2015. Following our sold out AMA Queensland Inaugural Junior Doctor Conference, our second annual Junior Doctor Conference on 27 - 28 June will be delivered for student and doctor in training members at a subsidised, affordable price. Again thank you for your support and we look forward to serving you throughout 2015. Your renewed member pack including your membership card and 2015/2016 Member Benefits Guide will be mailed by early April. Q
The prize included; Overnight accommodation in a King Spa Suite Valet parking 2 cocktails in Emporium’s famed ‘Cocktail Bar’
Winner: Dr Marissa Daniels Your prize included:
Early-bird prize
Return Economy airfares for two Two nights at Qualia, Hamilton Island Daily breakfast for two people Sunset cruise for two including canapés and drinks
1 of 5 - $500 Coles/Myers Gift Cards, Courtesy of AMA QLD and AMA Federal Switch to or renew by monthly payments prize
Dr Mark Kluver Dr Andrew Basaglia Dr Henry Aghanwa Dr Bayden Sales Dr John Lamb
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Feature Featurestory story
A day in the life of an AMA Queensland President What exactly does AMA Queensland’s top job involve? We sat in on a day with Dr Shaun Rudd to find out exactly what is involved in running a practice, serving as President, providing good patient care and tackling the big issues.
The day begins at 5.30am sharp with a walk and breakfast, with the phone at the ready to schedule media calls for the day. Most days I’ll have a chat to Rachael Finley, our Media Advisor at AMA Queensland and she generally will field the calls, set up interview times and chase up facts and figures. We get some key messages sorted. I’ll also be checking emails and scanning the papers for any relevant medical and political stories that have come up. The Productivity Commission has released their Report on Government Services for the year with a few peculiarities, so we’re expecting to take some calls on that. The study shows 5.8 per cent of Queensland’s population aged over 15 – more than 200,000 people – delayed seeing their doctor because of costs on at least one occasion in 2013-14. Around 80 per cent of GP visits in Queensland are bulk billed, which is slightly less than Victoria and New South Wales. 4BC are the first up to bat on this topic and there’s obvious concern for the surprising rate of people not seeing a doctor. No doctor wants to have a patient putting off health concerns due to cost. This one is certainly a case of trying to get the message out that if a patient is concerned about the cost, they should raise it with their doctor. 38
March 2015 2014 DoctorQ september DoctorQ
Going from a radio interview to a patient consultation within a few minutes and having your head around both...
Feature story
Checking on emails, there is an update on AMA’s Rally for General Practice to be held on Sunday at AMA House. AMA President Dr Brian Owler is flying to Brisbane to give a voice to local GPs about the proposed changes to Medicare, which could see many practices become unviable. The last time we held a rally it was for the salaried doctors and it showed what a great big public show of support can do to change bad policy. Numbers are not looking good and we can only make our point with member support. The membership team send me the new run sheet and the key messages we need to make on the day. So with emails responded to, interview times locked in and an understanding of the big issues for the day, I start morning surgery at my practice in Hervey Bay. One of my first patients tells me she went to the ER two weeks ago following vomiting, diarrhorea and passing blood. She tried to explain what tests they had run, but I had no paperwork from the hospital whatsoever. It’s really hard to care for her as her GP when I’m not sure what they are following up on – what am I supposed to do for her now? While continuity issues like this are not as bad they used to be, they still exist and create a barrier to good patient care. It reminds me we have more work to do. One of my other roles is improving primary and secondary interface healthcare at a local level. After seeing patients in the morning, I go home for lunch, as I’ve done for the past 27 years. It helps me get out, relax, prepare for
Each day reminds me of the great pleasure and honour it is to make a difference in people’s lives... the afternoon. Have some time alone. I take an hour to read a book, take some time, catch up on some journals.
few minutes and having your head around both. It is a challenge to give each patient enough time but still stick to schedule.
I take some time to read over the agenda and get up to speed on the issues for the Council of General Practice (CGP) teleconference at AMA Queensland that evening. We are discussing if GPs should be engaging with private health insurance and if we should, how should we do that.
After my walk, I sit down to dinner with my wife. We usually have more time together, but it’s a teleconference tonight so time is cut short. We split our time between Hervey Bay and Brisbane and work hard to keep weekends free for family time (my children are mostly in Brisbane) and I take my wife with me wherever I can (at our expense, of course).
After lunch, we do an interview with Vicki Thompson from ABC Toowoomba about surgical waiting times. The surgical wait times issue is an important one for regional communities and I really hope that the guarantee will mean less waiting times for people outside Brisbane. I would ultimately like to see public patients treated in a timely manner in our public hospitals. I see my last patient at 4.30pm and head home by 5pm to take a one-hour walk around the block. It gives me a bit of time to think about my patients that day and their continuing treatment, get my head around some issues but also let my brain have a bit of a rest. My greatest challenge is to go from one thing to another – going from a radio interview to a patient consultation within a
I phone in on a video conference for the CGP at 7pm. Video conferencing makes life so much easier when you can see and understand the meeting better. We sign off at 9pm and it’s off to bed. Usually a pretty strict bedtime for me – I just don’t think I could do it all otherwise. It’s important to start and finish on time. I even bowed out of watching the Australian Open this year because the games just ran too late! A bit of time to reflect is good. Each day reminds me of the great pleasure and honour it is to make a difference in people’s lives and to be a part of their life. My motto for myself and my patients is all about a good quality, enjoyable, happy, healthy life. Q DoctorQ september 2014
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QUEENSLAND BRANCH OF AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | ACN: 009 660 280 | ABN: 17 009 660 280
Election Notice 2015–2017 Annual General Meeting The Annual General Meeting of the Members of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association will be held at:
Time: 6.30pm Date: Friday 15 May 2015 Venue: AMA Queensland 88 L’Estrange Terrace Kelvin Grove, Queensland Business
The business of the Meeting will be: 1. To receive and consider the accounts, balance sheets and reports of: (i) The Board of Directors; (ii) Any committees instructed to report to the meeting; and (iii) The Auditors. 2. The declaration of the results from the election of; (i) The President Election and Council members. 3. The appointment of the Auditors and approval of the remuneration (if any) to be paid to the Auditors; 4. The President’s address; and 5. To deal with all business which any statute, the Constitution, or the By-laws requires.
Proxy Notice
A member who is entitled to attend and register one vote at the Annual General Meeting is also entitled to appoint another member as a proxy to attend and vote in his or her place. Proxy forms can be downloaded from the AMA Queensland website (www.amaq.com.au) or by phoning Andrew Turner on (07) 3872 2207 and must be received by 6.30pm 13 May 2015.
Notes
The Dinner for the Profession, incorporating the Presidential Inauguration, will be held on Friday 12 June 2015, where the following business will be conducted: 1. Installation of Dr Chris Zappala as President 20152016; and 2. Presentation of Awards and Prizes. Annual Report *The 2014 Annual Report will be available online from 31 March 2015 at www.amaq.com.au.
Nomination forms are to be either faxed, emailed or posted to Andrew Turner: Phone: (07) 3872 2207 Fax: (07) 3856 4727 Email: a.turner@amaq.com.au Post: AMA Queensland, PO Box 123, Red Hill Qld 4059
The Returning Officer invites nominations and will hold an election for the positions of VicePresident and Council of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association.
Vice-President 2015-2016 For election as Vice-President of the Queensland Branch of Australian Medical Association. One representative required (Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member). Candidates for Vice-President may submit with their Nomination Paper: A short statement of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded; A passport-sized head and shoulder photograph; A brief CV of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded; and A video statement of no more than three minutes. This will be filmed at AMA Queensland.
Councillor of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association 2015 - 2017 Nominations must be in writing and signed by the nominee, and two (2) nominators. All persons must be financial members of the Queensland Branch of Australian Medical Association. Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member provided all members belong to and are registered in the same Geographical Area, Craft Group or other position. Craft Group Representatives required: One (1) Specialist Craft Group Representative; Two (2) General Practitioner Craft Group Representatives; One (1) Full-time Salaried Medical Practitioner Craft Group Representative; One (1) Part-time Medical Practitioner Craft Group Representative. Other Positions required: One (1) International Medical Graduate Representative; One (1) Retired Doctors Representative; One (1) Doctors in Training Representative; One (1) Medical Student Group Representative; One (1) Medical Student Observer. Geographical Area Representatives required: Three (3) Greater Brisbane Area Representatives Postcodes 4000 to 4199, 4300 to 4349, 4500 to 4513, 4514 to 4549 inclusive; One (1) Far North Area Representative Postcodes 4799 to 4850 inclusive; One (1) Capricorn Area Representative Postcodes 4676 to 4798 inclusive; One (1) Downs and West Area Representative Postcodes 4350 to 4499 and 4602 to 4675 inclusive. Candidates for Council may submit with their Nomination Paper: A short statement of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded; A passport-sized head and shoulder photograph; and A brief CV of no more than 250 words. Any words in excess will be discarded. What is required of a Councillor? Availability to attend Council meetings five times per year, and relevant AMA Queensland events/ functions such as the Presidential Inauguration. Actively contribute to setting policy for the Association; Actively support membership retention and growth strategies; Provide a written report (template provided) for council meetings; and Availability to attend and contribute to AMA Queensland Committees.
If you need to make changes to your craft group, geographical area or other position in the register of members for the purpose of the election this must be done by 5pm Tuesday 14 April 2015. Return completed nomination forms by 5pm Wednesday 15 April 2015 to the Returning Officer. Further nomination forms can be obtained at www.amaq.com.au. Time Frames 14 April, 5pm: Final changes to register of members 15 April, 5pm: Nominations close 27 April, 5pm: Ballot opens 11 May, 5pm: Ballot closes 15 May, 6.30pm: Annual General Meeting
Nominations close 5pm Wednesday 15 April 2015
You can access this nomination paper and the position description for the role of the VicePresident online at www.amaq.com.au
Nominations close 5pm Wednesday 15 April 2015
Nomination Form Nomination forms are to be either faxed, emailed or posted to:
Time Frames
Contact: Andrew Turner
15 April 2015, 5pm: Nominations close
Phone: (07) 3872 2207
14 April 2015, 5pm: Final changes to register of members
Fax: (07) 3856 4727
27 April 2015, 5pm: Ballot opens
Email: a.turner@amaq.com.au
11 May 2015, 5pm: Ballot closes
Post: AMA Queensland, PO Box 123, Red Hill Qld 4059.
15 May 2015, 6.30pm: Annual General Meeting
We hereby nominate
(FULL NAME)
as a candidate for the position of vice-president OR COUNCILLOR
(please circle)
Craft Group/Geographical Area/Other Position
(FOR COUNCILLOR NOMINATION ONLY)
Nominee’s details: I hereby consent to this nomination. Full name:
Member number:
Craft/Area/Other Position: Date of birth:
Telephone number:
Primary practice address: Residential address: Signature:
Nominator’s details x 2: Full name 1:
Full name 2:
Craft/Area/Other Position:
Craft/Area/Other Position:
Telephone number:
Telephone number:
Residential address:
Residential address:
Signature:
Signature:
Candidates can only nominate in either a) Craft Group, b) Geographical Area, or c) Other Position. They cannot nominate for a Craft Group, Geographical Area or Other Position as well as Vice-President. Where nominating representative/s for Craft Group, Geographical Area or Other Position, both nominators must be registered in the same Craft Group, Geographical Area or Other Position (whichever applies) as the person being nominated. Nominations close 5pm, Wednesday 15 April 2015. For more information, please visit the AMA Queensland website or contact Andrew Turner.
Conference
New York, New York Conference Coordinator Neil Mackintosh has locked in radiation oncologist and author Dr David Schlect for AMA Queensland’s Annual Conference in New York. His topic, Health, Hope and Human Progress is the conference’s keynote presentation.
Dr David Schlect is proof hope can spring from unlikely places. For the past 30 years, Dr Schlect has been at the forefront of radiation oncology, mostly helping patients with difficult tumours. He has seen people at their worst: sick, sad, frightened, angry, vulnerable. What lessons could be gathered from decades of seeing patients run the cruel roulette of cancer? Dr Schlect, with good friend and colleague Damian Mason, share an interest in the psychology involved in the common element that helped patients fight the disease and live well during treatment. Together, they agreed hope was the secret ingredient. Rather than focus on cancer or depression, they looked on the upside. What was it that had improved people and made them feel better? Together, they created the book Hope: a cancer doctor’s life secrets. “Our job is a privileged one: we feel honoured that our role is to care for cancer patients. We have direct access and exposure to the essence of the human spirit and witness the tremendous struggle and focus on patients as they strive to overcome this terrible disease. We are constantly reminded of the importance of perspective: what is important and what the focus needs to be each day.” (Excerpt from Hope: a cancer doctor’s life secrets)
“The secret really is the ordinary things of day-to-day life – live, laugh and enjoy. Enjoy the day, enjoy the moment – they call that mindfulness nowadays. Look to the strengths around you. “We found that just reminding people they had done well to this point in their life, that they’d managed to conquer all manner of difficulties in the past, would help them. Who should attend? The AMA Queensland Annual Conference is tailored for medical practitioners, practice managers, registered nurses and industry professionals. As a conference delegate you will learn from world renowned Australian and international speakers and develop a better understanding of the medical issues that will affect you and your patients. A BIG apple a day keeps the doctor away Strategies for a healthy and happy life. Topics for discussion include: Prevention Alcohol and drugs Mental health Sport, exercise and recreation Obesity Doctors health and wellbeing
“The psychological issue is crucial. If people are hopeful and optimistic and approach their day with some joy, they have the capacity to fight the disease and the capacity to live well while they’re doing it. We think people who have hope actually get through their treatment much better, they live much better, and there’s some evidence they may even live longer.
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NOVEMBER March 2015 2014 DoctorQ DoctorQ
Importance of family Work/life balance Q
Dr David Schlect is a consultant radiation oncologist at The Wesley Hospital in Brisbane. He taught high school in Western Queensland then studied medicine at the University of Queensland. He trained in Sydney then at the Royal Marsden Hospital, London. David has been involved in specialised forms of radiotherapy, including brachytherapy, and has introduced stereotactic radiosurgery to Queensland. His interests centre on difficult tumours, including brain tumours, and he has been involved in research activities concerning support of patients and families. David is a public speaker in support of cancer patients and awareness in the community.
EMPIRE STATE BUILDING MANHATTEN TIMES SQUARE NEW YORK YANKEES Conference
BROOKLYN BRIDGE LONG ISLAND
CENTRAL PARK BROADWAY THEATRE
MUSEUM OF MODERN ART QUEENS AMA Queensland AnnualConference 20-26 September 2015 REGISTER NOW AT: WWW.AMAQ.COM.AU
DoctorQ March 2015
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health vision
Health Vision
The AMA Queensland Health Vision is almost here! After almost two years of consultation with members and other stakeholders, AMA Queensland has crafted a document which will guide its advocacy goals over the next five years. With the release of the first part of the Health Vision imminent, we thought we’d give you a preview of what’s to come.
Part One: Public Health and Generational Disadvantage Queensland is struggling with numerous public health crises. Obesity, smoking, alcohol and mental health are all taking a toll on Queenslanders and placing an immense burden on our public health system. And behind it all sits the problem of generational disadvantage, which is contributing to all these health problems and more. Our members already know this; they deal with it every day! That’s why their feedback was so important to finding the real solutions detailed in this section of the Health Vision. Part Two: Workforce and Training An engaged, well-trained and appropriately planned medical workforce is vital to the success, efficiency and effectiveness of Queensland’s health system into the future. But with workforce shortages already placing pressure on our health system’s capacity to provide the services Queenslanders have come to expect, action is needed now. This part of the Health Vision will offer Government ways in which they can address medical workforce and training issues while ensuring that our junior doctors, general practitioners and clinicians are happier and more effective while doing their jobs. Part Three: Reprioritising Health Funding All too often we hear that the Australian health system is in crisis. We are told by Government and other policy makers that the Australian health system needs to be
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sustainable, and that if action isn’t taken to make our system sustainable now, the entire system generations of Australians have come to rely on to deliver quality health care will collapse. this chapter of the AMA Queensland Health Vision will consider how to reprioritise care in response to changing demand. Rather than suggesting quick fix policy solutions to complex problems, we have consulted with our members and drawn on international research to propose a number of targets that will help eliminate waste and inefficiency within our health care system. Part Four: Unifying the Health System Australia currently has, in effect, eight different state and territory health systems. The distribution of responsibilities for health between different levels of government is blurred and unclear, resulting in duplication, cost-shifting and blame-shifting. The relative financial contributions of different levels of government to hospital services are fiercely disputed, especially when hospital funding arrangements are negotiated. Unifying the health system would help to alleviate this problem, but this is easier said than done. There is a complex division of responsibility for health care services in Australia, with many types of providers and a range of funding and regulatory mechanisms. With the help of our members, AMA Queensland will propose a series of targets that could help end the blame game and make our patients journey through the health system less complex and practically seamless.
Part Five: End of Life Care Our society is ageing and this means more Queensland families face heartbreaking choices about how their loved ones spend their dying days. People want to honour the wishes of the dying person, but the low numbers of people who have a formal ‘advance care plan’ mean doctors often face frustration and confusion about the level of care to provide. AMA Queensland wants to see Queensland become a world leader in end-of-life care. In this chapter of the Health Vision, we will examine what Queensland needs to do to make this happen. Q
07 3833 2500 07 3833 2511 www.brizbrain.com.au
More than just a neurosurgery and spinal surgery practice, BrizBrain & Spine has partnerships with various organisations to help provide the best patient care possible. Our partners
Our surgeons Dr Francis Tomlinson NEUROSURGEON & SPINAL SURGEON
BrizBrain & Spine’s partner clinic on the Sunshine
The Fortus Health Group provide executive management, business advice, accounting, marketing and IT services to the health industry.
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BrizBrain & Spine is committed to undertaking and supporting research to better treatment and post-operative care to patients with brain and spine conditions. We are proud supporters of the Newro Foundation. newrofoundation.com.au
OPERATING HOSPITALS
Dr Terry Coyne
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PAEDIATRIC & ADULT SPINAL SURGEON
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Mater Children’s Private Hospital South Brisbane Mater Children’s Hospital South Brisbane
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Dr Steven Yang
Spring Hill
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professional services
Reporting season highlights benefit of overseas earnings Australian companies profit results continue to point to stronger growth for overseas earnings in a polarised Australian market. Asset allocation and stock selection will continue to drive performance. Ross Noye
The S&P/ASX 300 Accumulation Index returned +6.9% in February, its strongest monthly performance since October 2011. After a difficult six months, Resources (+11.3%) outperformed the Market ex-Resources (+6.1%) for the first time in 6 months led by Metals & Mining (+12.2%).
global growth an important focus has been the relative performance of companies dependent on domestic growth and those with a broader international exposure. A large proportion of companies that missed earnings expectations are concentrated within the domestic industrials.
Australia performed strongly relative to most other equity markets, although the ECB’s launch of full-scale QE in January saw European equity markets outperform (Germany +6.6%, France +7.5%, Italy +8.9%, Spain +7.5%). The S&P 500 lagged modestly (+5.5%) with ongoing speculation around whether the US Fed will raise rates in the coming months and some slippage in corporate earnings growth expectations weighing on sentiment.
The US is seemingly the only developed country that continues its trajectory of modest but consistent improvement overall economic growth. The European Central Bank’s full embrace of quantitative easing measures during January is the most recent in a line of “whatever it takes” policies to revive the European economy.
Companies are currently operating in an environment where Australian growth remains lacklustre but US growth expectations in particular continue to improve. The $A has fallen more than 10% against the $US over the past 12 months but has seen a slight appreciation against the Euro and Yen when both economies embarked on their own Quantitative Easing (QE) programs. The December half year reporting season was the key focus for investors with overall growth expectations for the market finishing broadly intact although companies generally highlighting that operating conditions remain challenging. Some companies clearly disappointed while an equal number met or exceeded expectations with the uplift in their share prices reflecting this success. Given the dislocated nature of domestic and
Macquarie Private Wealth (07) 3233 5805 0438 779 955 ross.noye@macquarie.com Ross Noye is a stockbroker and financial advisor at Macquarie who specialises in investment and retirement planning.
Resources companies have borne the brunt of recent global developments and while earnings expectations for FY15 have improved marginally this slight improvement is largely driven by cost cutting initiatives at BHP and RIO. The bounce in the resources sector and the forecast earnings improvement are positive developments, but we continue to counsel caution. In the absence of an improvement in a broad range of commodity prices, earnings for resource companies may again disappoint. Looking ahead, earnings per share growth (EPSg) for the industrials stocks is expected to be 9.7% for FY15, with domestic industrials earnings growth of 4.6% compared to the forecast international industrials earnings growth of 11.8%. Macquarie provides clients with access to award-winning global research and a wide range of international share, property and fixed interest investments listed on the Australian and international stock exchanges as well as wholesale managed funds. Q
Resources versus industrials important information: This information is provided by Macquarie Equities Limited ABN 41 002 574 923 (MEL), participant of Australian Securities Exchange Group, Australian financial services licence 237504, 1 Shelley St, Sydney NSW 2000. This information has been prepared by MEL and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice you should consider whether it is appropriate to your situation.Except for Macquarie Bank Limited (Australian Credit Licence 237502) ABN 46 008 583 542 (MBL), any Macquarie entity referred to on this page is not an authorised deposit-taking institution for the purposes of the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). That entity’s obligations do not represent deposits or other liabilities of MBL. MBL does not guarantee or otherwise provide assurance in respect of the obligations of that entity, unless noted otherwise.
Source: IRESS and MWM Research, March 2015
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professional services
Will your restraint provisions survive judicial scrutiny?
Eye Institute Ltd & Anor v Kitchen & Anor [2014] QSC 260 illustrates how restraint provisions need to be carefully drafted not only to protect your business when former employees begin working for a competitor but to also survive judicial scrutiny if you find yourself in Court. Katharine Philp Partner (07) 3004 3536 Katharine_Philp@tresscox.com.au
Restraints of trade are included in employment contracts to protect an employer’s confidential information and customer connections by restricting an employee’s activities after they have left employment. On 23 October 2014 Justice Applegarth of the Supreme Court of Queensland, gave judgement in favour of Vision Eye Institute Ltd (Vision) and Icon Laser (Australia) Pty Ltd (Icon) who had sued Dr David Kitchen, an ophthalmologist, and Mrs Kitchen, in their capacity as Trustees of the MDK Trust, with respect to a contractual dispute. While Justice Applegarth found that Dr Kitchen had not validly terminated the contracts as he had purported to do, he also found that most of the restraint provisions in the contracts were unenforceable by Vision and Icon. The Facts Dr Kitchen was an ophthalmologist practicing in Central Queensland. Until April 2006 his practice was owned by Icon, a wholly owned subsidiary of Swordfish Nominees Pty Ltd (Swordfish), the sole share in which was held by the MDK Trust. Dr Kitchen and his wife were the trustees of that trust.
Justice Applegarth found that Dr Kitchen had not validly terminated the contracts as he had purported to do.. 48
In April 2006 Dr Kitchen sold his practice to Vision. Vision purchased the share in Swordfish (thereby acquiring the practice) by agreeing to make certain payments, assume certain liabilities and issue shares in Vision. The Kitchens, as sellers, agreed to restraints on participating in a competing business, canvassing business and enticing a client away from Vision’s business. A service agreement between Icon and Dr Kitchen for an initial term of five years imposed a similar restraint on Dr Kitchen. In 2009 Dr Kitchen attempted to renegotiate new terms for his service agreement, but no agreement was reached. He resigned as a director of Vision on 17 August 2009. In September 2009 Dr Kitchen purported to terminate the service agreement on the basis of alleged breaches of that agreement by Vision. On 4 November 2009, Vision and Icon issued Supreme Court proceedings seeking damages for breach of contract and sought to enforce the restraints contained in the service agreement. Dr Kitchen and his wife (as trustees) made a counterclaim, alleging that prior to agreeing to sell
March 2015 DoctorQ
the practice, certain representations made to them had been misleading. The Trial and Findings Numerous witnesses were called. Complex loss and damage issues were addressed by experts who prepared a joint report. Each of the opposing parties had multi-million dollar claims against the other. After weighing the evidence and the terms of the contractual documents, Justice Applegarth found Dr Kitchen did not have a right to terminate the service agreement and this amounted to repuditatory conduct by him. Consequently Icon was entitled to accept that repudiation and terminate the agreement, as it had, on 13 September 2009. However, most of the (Queensland-wide) restraint provisions were unenforceable as they exceeded what was reasonable for the protection of the legitimate interests of Vision and Icon as buyers of Dr Kitchen’s practice, and as Dr Kitchen’s employer. Justice Applegarth found that as a result of Dr Kitchen’s wrongful termination and repudiation of the service agreement, Icon suffered loss and damage, yet to be assessed, consisting of: 1. The costs incurred in closing a clinic in Rockhampton; 2. Lost earnings from Rockhampton for the period ending 31 March 2011 (ie the end of the initial five year term of the service agreement); 3. Lost earnings from Rockhampton for the period ending 31 March 2012 under a likely compromise agreement which would have provided for Dr Kitchen to work for Vision for an additional year under a 65 per cent remuneration package, and thereafter been free to compete with Vision/ Icon; 4. The loss of the opportunity to earn a profit in Rockhampton after 31 March 2012 if it had been able to recruit a doctor to replace Dr Kitchen after 31 March 2012 (the value of which it was acknowledged would be relatively small given that it was not likely that Icon would be able to recruit a new doctor to replace Dr Kitchen). The defendants failed to prove their counterclaim for misleading and deceptive conduct. At the date of writing this article, damages were yet to be assessed. This case is an important reminder to regularly review your contracts. Q
, Partner
Simon Harrison, Partner Phone 07 3004 3535 Mobile 0449 533 315 Simon_Harrison@tresscox.com.au
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We can help you with: Purchase and sale of medical practices Medical indemnity claims IR & Workplace Safety Registration issues Business structuring and contracts Corporatisation
Employment Contracts General practice and specialist practice issues Dispute resolution and litigation Regulatory investigations and proceedings Medicare Australia investigations Estate Planning and Wills
professional services
Medicare scare an urgent warning for GPs Julie Smith, Director, William Buck Chartered Accountants and Advisors, explains why Medicare’s recent health scare serves as a warning for some practices to change their mindset on bulk billing.
Julie Smith William Buck (07) 3229 5100 julie.smith@williambuck.com
Julie Smith is Tax Services Director at William Buck Chartered Accountants and Advisors.
GPs and patients Australia-wide breathed a collective sigh of relief in January when the Federal Government scrapped plans to cut the Medicare rebate on short visits by $20, followed by the scrapping of the unpopular GP co-payment. While it has given ground on the rebate cuts for short visits, the Government has not withdrawn the freeze on the level of Medicare rebates paid until 2018. The freeze to the level of Medicare rebates paid until 2018 has the potential to cause significant pain for many general practices, particularly those with a high percentage of bulk-billed patients. Flatlining revenue, rising costs The major issue is that the proposed freeze on Medicare rebates will, in effect, halt the revenues of practices that bulk-bill a large percentage of patients. At the same time, costs including wages and rents will continue to increase over the same period, ultimately leading to decline in profits. In fact, a number of practices I’ve been working with have estimated the proposed rebate freeze could essentially halve their profits if it is introduced.
Practices can no longer afford to bulkbill patients who do not need it.
DISCLAIMER: This article has been prepared by Julie Smith of William Buck. The article is intended to be general in nature and should not be relied upon by any person without seeking advice concerning their own circumstances.
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For practices, the message is simple. If these changes are introduced and if you continue to bulk-bill a large proportion of patients over the next three years, you are going to suffer. That means there needs to be a mindset shift, as practices can no longer afford to bulk-bill patients that do not need it. With the heart of the profession being all about service, this is going to be a difficult transition for many businesses. Change the conversation The question of whether to bulk-bill or private bill patients is a major dilemma for every practice I’ve ever worked with. Part of the reluctance to shift someone to private billing is a fear of losing the patient, or even worse, that they will not seek medical advice when they need it. While this is an understandable position, the simple fact is that with that if the Government introduces its proposed changes, a business that bulk-bills a large percentage of patients is unlikely to be sustainable in the long term. Quality medicine is too costly and a practice will not be viable unless some of those costs are shared with patients that can afford to contribute.
We are encouraging GPs to start having a different conversation with their patients and explain the reasons for a shift towards private billing for patients who can afford to pay. Our experience has highlighted that with careful planning and analysis, a practice is able to make the transition to a higher percentage of private billed patients with relative ease. There will always be patients who cannot afford the cost of healthcare, and we would never propose taking away bulk-billing in these circumstances. But there are ways of finding a balance that will ensure your revenues continue to increase in order to meet the cost demands of the business over the coming years. How to begin? The reprieve from the immediate crisis has provided an opportunity for practices to get ready for the changes that are coming. Not only is it time to have a different conversation with patients, but also a different conversation with your practice advisors. Getting specific information about how your practice is placed to weather the next few years will be critical to answer the ‘what if’ questions. We recommend that every practice embark on a review of your practice to cover the following key areas: Review of your business structures to ensure that they continue to be appropriate for the new business conditions Benchmark the financial performance of your practice with industry experts to highlight where there are hotspots, costs overruns and examine where your income is going. Consider further consulting and analysis with your practice to review your current billing practices and help make important decisions about private billing versus bulk-billing with the goal of being able to transition to private billing a greater portion of your patients. We are assisting many practices with this transition and if you are seeking advice to help your practice navigate the uncertainty that the proposed Medicare changes may bring, please contact Julie Smith at Julie.Smith@williambuck.com. Q
HOW WILL CHANGES TO
MEDICARE AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS? WITH A DEDICATED HEALTHCARE PRACTICE, WILLIAM BUCK IS HELPING MANY PROFESSIONALS NAVIGATE THIS UNCERTAINTY AND FUTURE-PROOF THEIR BUSINESS. We’ve developed a model that provides structure and certainty around these important changes and helps you work through the issues at hand. Our process includes: — A review of your business structures to ensure that they continue to be appropriate for the new business conditions . — Benchmark the financial performance of your practice to highlight where there are hotspots, costs overruns and examine where your income is going. — Consulting and analysis with your practice to review your current billing practices and help make important decisions about private billing versus bulk-billing with the goal of being able to transition to private billing a greater portion of your patients. CONTACT JULIE SMITH FOR A CONFIDENTIAL & COMPLIMENTARY CONSULTATION Phone: + 61 (7) 3229 5100 Email: Julie.Smith@williambuck.com
professional services
Sole traders, service trusts and other entities Chris Mariani from AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions explains why all your entities need public liability insurance
Chris Mariani AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions 1300 883 059 chris.mariani@amaqis.com.au Chris Mariani is a medical indemnity specialist at AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions.
Dr Bill Smith, like many practitioners, has a number of entities encompassed as a part of his business and financial affairs. On his accountant’s advice, Bill: Is a sole trader in respect of billing patients Also has a service entity ‘Bill Pty Ltd’, which employs the staff, pays practice expenses etc Has a family trust which owns his rooms ‘Bill Smith as trustee for Bill Smith Family Trust’ If this is your structure, or you have a similar structure, review your insurances to ensure you have the right entities listed on the right insurance policies. For example, every business should hold public liability insurance and in Bill’s case, he should be ensuring all three entities above are named on his public liability policy. This can be achieved under a single policy which is usually the most cost effective structure (sometimes the accountant prefers to separate the insurances of the trust so two public liability covers would be needed).
In Bill’s case, any one of his entities could be subject to a public liability claim. Some hypothetical examples: Dr Bill Smith – is a VMO at a local hospital and leaves his doctor bag in the corridor and a person trips over it. Bill Pty Ltd – is the tenant of the medical rooms and a child of a patient falls off a chair in the waiting room and injures themselves. Bill Smith as trustee for Bill Smith Family Trust – during a damaging storm, a roof tile is blown off the roof and injures a pedestrian walking by. If it is appropriate to name the trust on your insurance policies, it is important to also name the trustee (as it is the trustee that can be sued and needs cover under the policy). Having the right insurance policies to protect your assets and liabilities is only half the battle. There is little point holding the right insurance policy, if the insured name is wrong or incomplete. Q
Having the right insurance policies to protect your assets and liabilities is only half the battle.
DISCLAIMER: AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions is a trading name of KSLR Pty Ltd, a Corporate Authorised Representative of Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Limited, AFSL 240549. Corporate Authorised Representative No: 366807. The information provided in this article is of a general nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing any insurance product.
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www.amaqis.com.au
Complimentary insurance health check with your Association’s Insurance Advisors
Make sure you are fully covered at the right price We know doctors have a busy schedule, and while it may be easy to renew your insurance each year without proper revision, changes may have occurred for which you may not be fully covered and premiums need competitive comparison.
For peace of mind and an insurance healthy practice, contact AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions on 1300 883 059.
All insurance needs covered for all members through AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions.
How the MBAQ can help you The Association provides financial assistance to help medical practitioners through crises. If you find yourself in a financial crisis, then make contact with the MBAQ to receive the application forms for assistance.
How you can help the MBAQ You may contribute to the Medical Benevolent Association of Queensland in several ways: • By becoming a member of the Association: Subscriptions - Ordinary Annual membership $30 p/a - Life membership $50 one sum • By making a tax-deductible donation to the Association. • By making a bequest in your Will. • By naming the Association as the beneficiary where there is a surplus following functions such as Year Reunions or LMA Dinners.
Tragedy is unpredictable and may strike at any age in the life of a medical practitioner...
Donate or subscribe today!
Medical Benevolent Association
More Information Further information can be found on the MBAQ website at www.MBAQ.org.au. All donations are tax deductible.
of Queensland
AMA Queensland Business Support Services
Saving you valuable time Our professional team can help you with: Book-keeping
Marketing and communications
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Customised services
Membership needs Who do we help? Private practices, committees, associations, societies and colleges. Find out today how AMA Business Support Services can save you valuable time! P: (07) 3872 2222 W: www.amaq.com.au E: bss@amaq.com.au
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As a new client you will receive a free award subscription update!
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professional services
BOQ Specialist unveil new banking package BOQ Specialist recently unveiled its new banking package for medical professionals. Jeff Miller explains how they have put together a number of products with the goal to make banking as simple and straightforward as possible for its professional clients. Jeff Miller BOQ Specialist (07) 3018 8119 jeff.miller@boqspecialist.com.au
The banking package combines a home loan with a credit card and an everyday bank account, as well as some optional extras, all under the single annual fee of $395pa. It also allows clients to manage their finances in one place with the help of a dedicated financial specialist. The launch of the banking package is a milestone in the bank’s commitment to improve everyday banking. The package delivers our clients a comprehensive banking offering, complementing the strong commercial offer that we already provide to them. As experts in the medical finance industry, we have a unique understanding of our clients’ needs. We are bringing much needed competition, providing an everyday banking solution that for the first time offers a true alternative to the major banks for healthcare professionals. There really is no reason to bank anywhere else.
Features of the BOQ Specialist banking package Choice between fixed or variable rate home loans The ability to borrow up to 100 per cent Loan to Value ratio (LVR) saving clients money by not having to pay lender’s mortgage insurance (LMI) Optional offset account for variable rate home loans A Platinum credit card with premium rewards andbenefits, with the option to upgrade to Visa Signature Up to five loans in the one package Everyday banking with the One Account, providing a competitive interest rate on credit balances and an optional overdraft should you need it (subject to credit approval) 24/7 assistance via BOQ Specialist’s Client Service Centre. Q
The information contained in this article (“Information”) is general in nature and has been provided in good faith, without taking into account your personal circumstances. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure that the information is accurate and opinions fair and reasonable, no warranties in this regard are provided. We recommend that you obtain independent financial and tax advice before making any decisions. The issuer and credit provider of these products is BOQ Specialist. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and lending and eligibility criteria apply. All BOQ Specialist Banking Package benefits are subject to the BOQ Specialist Banking Package Terms and Conditions. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice. Any advice is of a general nature only. We haven’t taken into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs when preparing it. Before acting on this advice you should consider if it’s appropriate for your situation. You should obtain and consider the BOQ Specialist Banking Terms and Conditions from www.boqspecialist.com.au/banking before making any decision about whether to acquire the product. BOQ Specialist is not offering financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice as appropriate.
Disclaimer: Financial products and services described in this document are provided by BOQ Specialist Bank Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234975 (BOQ Specialist). BOQ Specialist is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ). BOQ and BOQ Specialist are both authorised deposit-taking institutions in their own right. Neither BOQ nor BOQ Specialist guarantees or otherwise supports the obligations or performance of each other or of each other’s products.
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professional services
Choosing the right premium for your insurance Craig Wright
When applying for personal insurance - whether life insurance, income protection, total and permanent disability (TPD) or trauma - you usually need to choose between stepped or level premiums. Craig Wright from Experien explains which premium could work best for you.
1300 796 577 craig.wright@experien.com.au Craig Wright is a risk specialist for Experien Insurance Services. He has substantial knowledge and a comprehensive understanding of the insurance needs for doctors.
Stepped premiums tend to be more common. This is where the premium increases with the age of the person insured because as people get older, they become a higher risk to the insurance company. Level premiums, on the other hand, are fixed at a flat amount to age 651. Premiums are not increased until after this age, which is when they revert to a stepped premium. The key advantage of a level premium is that you know what the premiums will be in advance without the risk of discovering later that you can’t afford the cover when you need it most. In the early
The earlier you commence cover on a level premium, the cheaper the total cost of premiums will be in the long term. Disclaimer: This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain a copy of the product disclosure statement and also obtain independent professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. Life Insurance services are provided by Experien Insurance Services Pty Ltd (ABN 99 128678 937). Experien Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 99 128 678 937 is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 320626) of ClearView Financial Advice Pty Limited ABN 89 133 593 012 AFS Licence No. 331367.
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years of a policy, level premiums tend to be more expensive than stepped premiums, but if the cover is held over the medium to long term, the savings can be significant. The earlier you commence cover on a level premium, the cheaper the total cost of premiums will be in the long term. This example shows how a 29-year-old male medical professional, a non-smoker, can significantly benefit by paying a level premium to age 65 for both life insurance (including trauma and TPD) and income protection.1
Type of cover
Benefit
Cumulative premiums to age 65: Stepped
Cumulative premiums to age 65: Level
Saving
Life linked with Trauma and TPD
$750,000 lump sum
$443,660
$87,579
$356,081
Income Protection
$10,000 per month
$145,844
$65,478
$80,336
Some points to consider when choosing between stepped and level premiums include: 1. How long will you hold your policy? You may need to hold an income protection policy for at least seven years before becoming better off with level premiums. Level premiums can offer considerable savings if your policy is held for longer periods.
3. Will you need the same level of cover in the future? While your current level of cover might suit your present situation, you need to consider whether you may require more or less cover in the future. Q
2. What pattern of cash flows suits you best? If you are presently comfortable with your cash flow, you may prefer to pay a higher level premium now so that future payments are not a burden. Level premiums can help keep the cost of insurance affordable and allow the cover to be maintained until at least age 65.
1. Level premium does not mean your premiums are guaranteed or do not change. Level premium rates may increase over time due to rate increases, CPI increases and policy fee increases. However, unlike stepped premiums, a level premium (excluding CPI and the policy fee) doesn’t go up by age-related increases. All insurance premiums quoted are from leading Australian Life Insurers. Premiums are current at 10 July, 2014 and are for illustration purposes only. Insurance premiums quoted do not include policy fees or stamp duty; they assume a monthly payment frequency, non smoker rates and white collar occupational classification – Medical Professional; and all stipulated insurance cover has been medically underwritten and accepted by the Insurer at Standard Rates. Actual rates may vary depending upon a person’s individual circumstances (ie. health, occupation, hobbies, etc) and are not guaranteed until underwritten by the insurer. TPD insurance premiums quoted are based on the any occupation definition.
Did you know 83% of Australian’s say they have insurance for their car?
Yet only 31% have income protection. For the equivalent of an average annual car insurance premium you can insure your cumulative loss of income to age 70 (in excess of $2,000,000).* Experien is the preferred life insurance provider to the AMA Queensland and one of the few national brokers that specialise in the medical sector. Speak to Craig or Justin for a complimentary consultation or review. P 1300 796 577
Life Insurance services are provided by Experien Insurance Services Pty Ltd ABN 99 128 678 937. Experien Insurance Services Pty Ltd is a Corporate Authorised Representative (No. 320626) of ClearView Financial Advice Pty Limited ABN 89 133 593 012 AFS Licence No. 331367. General Insurance services are provided by Experien General Insurance Services Pty Ltd trading as Experien Insurance Services ABN 77 151 269 279 AFS Licence No. 430190. This information is of a general nature only and has been prepared without taking into account your particular financial needs, circumstances and objectives. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information, it is not guaranteed. You should obtain a copy of the product disclosure statement and obtain independent professional advice before acting on the information contained in this publication. *Based on an average annual car premium of $900.00. Comparison based exclusively on Male, non smoker, age 28, $5,500 monthly benefit and accurate as of 02/02/2015. Statistical source: lifewise.org.au
E info@experien.com.au
lifestyle
BONUS OFFER As a special exclusive BONUS OFFER, any AMA Queensland member booking with AMA Travel Queensland for a stay at the One&Only Hayman Island resort will also receive a $50 massage voucher (per booking). This is valid for booking made by 30 April 2015 for stays before 31 December 2015.
As a member of Virtuoso, we can offer our clients additional exclusive benefits: Upgrade on arrival (subject to availability) Daily breakfast for two in-room guests in Pacific One Island Escapade per person per stay (Includes a boat trip off to a nearby island, mask and snorkel) Early check-in/Late check-out (subject to availability)
Note: Some restrictions may apply but our consultants can check that for you.
Hayman island QLD
Hayman Island has long been acclaimed as an Iconic Australian Resort, but wow, look at her now! Celebrating Hayman Island’s grand relaunch, Ros Bulat from AMA Travel explains why Hayman Island needs to be the next place you’re dreaming about.
One&Only Hayman Island launched in July 2014 after a total transformation that is nothing short of spectacular. New to Australia, One&Only Resorts are well known internationally for hand picking the most magnificent locations and adding world-class service, facilities and inclusions.
The iconic One&Only Hayman Island pool area offers a renewed energy, complete with cabanas and day beds. One&Only Hayman Island also offers an impressive range of world-class cuisines overseen by internationally acclaimed chefs. The resort offers seven restaurants and bars catered to satisfy the most discerning of palettes.
Located in the heart of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef, One&Only Hayman Island is surrounded by spectacular beauty and a diverse marine life; an unrivalled natural canvas. You will access via Great Barrier Reef Airport on Hamilton Island on luxury yacht, seaplane or helicopter of your choice.
As with all One&Only properties, One&Only Hayman Island will cater for couples and families alike: preserving privacy and serenity for those who seek it, while offering engaging activities for all ages. Exclusive kids and teens clubs are offered complimentary to families and cater for each age group specifically. Not only for the young ones in ‘KidsOnly’ but the teenagers are well catered for in the dedicated ‘Teens Club’. Q
One&Only Hayman Island offers a variety of room types that cater for couples and families in spacious luxury. This includes direct pool access suites, family rooms, one and two bedroom suites and magnificent beach villas.
For more in AMA Tra formation call o r email R vel Quee os at nsland.
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PHONE : 1800 26 2 885 FAX: (0 7) 5556 72 00 EMAIL: travel@ amaq.co m.au WEB: www.am aq.world travel.co m.au
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AROUND THE REGIONS
Local Medical Association round up
Stay connected with colleagues and up to date with the latest health news and issues affecting your local area. Don’t stand on the sidelines —join your Local Medical Association today and make a difference.
Sunshine Coast Contact: Jo Bourke Phone: (07) 5479 3979 Cairns Contact: Dr Sharmila Biswas Phone: (07) 4036 4333 Townsville Contact: Dr Carl O’Kane Phone: (07) 4433 1111 Central Queensland Contact: Dr Harley Wilson Phone: 0419 277 611 Email: harleywilson00@gmail.com Toowoomba and Darling Downs Email: info@tddlma.org.au Web: www.tddlma.org.au
Bundaberg Contact: Dr Daud Yunus Phone: (07) 4152 2888 Email: daud.yunus@gmail.com Brisbane Northside Contact: Dr Graham McNally Phone: (07) 3265 3111 Web: www.northsidelocalmedical. wordpress.com Redcliffe and District Contact: Margaret McPherson Phone: (07) 3121 4043 Web: www.rdma.org.au
If your Local Medical Association does not appear or your details are incorrect, please email amaq@amaq.com.au with corrections, contact details, how to join, web address, dates for upcoming meetings and who to contact for further information.
Gold Coast Phone: 0419 780 505 Email: info@gcma.org.au Web: www.gcma.org.au
can’t find your local area?
Ready to combine work with pleasure? The Gold Coast Medical Association, in collaboration with the Fiji College of General Practitioners, is running a medical conference in Fiji. Based around the annual meeting of the Fiji College of GPs, it will be held at the gorgeous five star Sofitel Hotel and Resort in Denarau Island, from Friday 26 June to Sunday 28 June. The conference theme is ‘General Practice - The Gateway to Treatment of Non-communicable Disease’. Our chief keynote speaker is Professor Stephen Leeder, medical epidemiologist and public health specialist and editor of the Medical Journal of Australia. Conference topics will cover the treatment of non-communicable disease in both general practice settings and in specialist practice and include plenary and parallel sessions as well as workshops. The presenters are clinical leaders from Australia, and senior physicians from Fiji and the Pacific. Accreditation of the meeting by the Royal Australian College of GPs for professional development points is being obtained. All doctors are welcome, whether you are a GCMA member or not! Registration fee - $380 Excellent concessional room rates (equivalent to AUD$140 per night) Visit www.gcma.org.au for more information and to register, or email info@gcma.org.au
Do not delay. This will be a great meeting you will not want to miss!
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Good health... can we afford it? Based on the award winning ABC television program, Q&A
Q&A
WITH TONY JONES
will bring GPs and specialists together to thrash out the big issues in primary care in Queensland today. Hosted by the master of Q&A,
13 JUNE 2015 BRISBANE CONVENTION CENTRE An initiative of UnitingCare Health hospitals:
Tony Jones, GPs from the audience will ask a panel of experts the hard questions. To book your place contact Maria Caputo on 3232 6025 or events@uchealth.com.au
Vigilans provides business management services for surgeons, physicians, anaesthetists, surgical assistants and the allied health industry. Vigilans assists with administration from financial reporting to theatre bookings and reception functions. Vigilans’ fees work on a sliding scale so can be structured around your individual requirements and to be affordable. Vigilans manages all administrative processes so medical professionals are able to focus on patient care.
Ph: 1300 729 581 E: enquire@vigilans.com.au W: www.vigilans.com.au 60
March 2015 DoctorQ
Dedicated telephone, facsimile number and email address Dedicated hosted environment log in with 24/7 access and support Patient enquiries handling Appointment and diary managing Management of theatre bookings Informed financial consent Patient complaint handling Debt collection Typing Back-office accounting Business activity statement (BAS) Business statistics and analysis Financial reports
VIGILANS
lifestyle
Food with wine
In this edition, Phil Manser from Wine Direct shares some of the top tapas he’s championed over the years and the fermented grapes they go with. Cardiologists, avert your eyes!
Naughty Chorizo
Naughty Mushrooms
Chorizo
Olive oil
3 cloves garlic
6 or 7 Swiss Brown mushrooms or 15-20 button mushrooms
2-3 tsp honey Spice vinegar/sherry I love the name, it could be the bad guy in a poorly shot western movie but instead it’s yet another recipe from yours truly that the Heart Foundation has tried to censor. Really good chorizo is a food group in its own right (as I see it), so how can you make them taste better? Inspired by a recent dining experience at a tapas bar in Sydney, I went back to my kitchen and had a crack. Here’s what I came up with... Take two chorizo and remove the skin, cut into chunks and start frying on medium heat on a non-stick pan. Grab three cloves of garlic, bash with the flat part of your knife and throw in the pan, skin on. As the fat in the chorizo starts to melt onto the pan drizzle honey over the top and continue cooking. When the juice starts to stick to the pan, de-glaze with sherry or spice vinegar and put in a bowl to serve. Wash this down with a glass or three of 2014 Chalk Hill Vermentino, the lifted tropical fruit and cutting acidity of this wine is the perfect match for this very naughty yet satisfying snack…
Butter, the real stuff, none of this salt reduced or spreadable rubbish, 3 or 4 slices from a standard size stick Soy sauce, you can use Worcestershire if no soy 3-4 cloves garlic White vinegar Chives, any greenery will do, even basil but I prefer chives Recklessness Halve or quarter the mushrooms depending on size and add to fry pan on medium-high heat. As you sauté the mushrooms, add butter (in slices so it works in quicker, three or four slices off a standard stick) and garlic (crushed). As the butter integrates add a splash of soy so that the mixture in the pan becomes light brown. I say ‘splash’ because it is better to be conservative with this flavour as it can dominate if used too liberally. Of course by now you’ll be saying “geez, that smells good” as you rescue a mushy or two from the pan for quality control, at this point you’ll note a very rich flavour which for me was enough for years but recently I’ve
found the addition of vinegar at this point helps to balance this dish and cut through the butter… again, add a splash only and taste again until you’re happy there’s balance. Like so many wines ‘balance’ is in the palate of the beholder. When the juice reduces further (no more than five minutes here on med-high heat) empty into a serving bowl, grab a hand full of chives and snip into small pieces and toss in with the mushrooms and serve. If you forgot the vinegar at this point grab a fresh lime (or lemon) and squeeze over the top. What I like about this dish is that the chef de jour can add a new chapter and honestly, trying to format this into a ‘recipe’ was quite challenging. You’ll find the more you play with this combo the more they will become your own Naughty Mushrooms. Wash them down with the 2014 Geoff Hardy hand Crafted Eden Valley Riesling (my new Riesling of the moment, love it!) or 2013 Hamilton Burtons Vineyard Grenache, a long time favourite food wine. Q
Phil Manser Wine Direct 1800 649 463 phil.manser@winedirect.com.au DoctorQ March 2015
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lifestyle lifestyle
$8 Family Films at Dendy
Take the kids along to Dendy Portside for family films commencing the 19th of March. Tickets are $8 for children and accompanying adults with a free large popcorn to share. Keep an eye on the Dendy website for more family friendly events this school holidays.
Swan Lake
Van Gogh – A New Way of Seeing Great Art On Screen
Bolshoi Ballet
Les Contes d’Hoffmann Met Opera
29 March 1pm, 2 April 10am
18 April 10am, 19 April 1pm
11 April 10:30am, 12 April 1pm, 16 April 10am
At the palace, the royal family and their guests are gathered for Prince Siegfried’s birthday celebrations. In a majestic ceremony, Siegfried is made a knight; young girls try to attract his attention, as he must choose a wife during the ball. Overcome by the sudden awareness of his future responsibilities, he escapes into the night and meets a strange flock of swans by a magical lake. White swan by day, human by night, the beautiful Odette awaits an oath of true love to break the curse. The great legend of the enigmatic swan/woman is one of the most romantic classical ballets, appropriately set in the era of courtly romance and characterised by elegance, style and harmony.
Enjoying complete and unprecedented access to the treasures of Amsterdam’s Van Gogh Museum, this is a brilliant new film about one of the world’s most fascinating and beloved artists. The film marks both a major re-showing of the gallery’s collection and a celebration of the 125th anniversary of Van Gogh’s death. Experience the wonder of seeing Van Gogh’s legendary masterpieces on the big screen, while specially invited guests, including world-renowned curators and art historians, offer their interpretations and explanations of his work. With exclusive new research revealing incredible recent discoveries, the Van Gogh Museum has helped craft a cinema experience like no other. Not to be missed.
Vittorio Grigolo takes on the tortured poet and unwitting adventurer of the title of Offenbach’s operatic masterpiece, in the Met’s wild, kaleidoscopic production. Soprano Hibla Gerzmava faces the operatic hurdle of singing all three heroines — each an idealised embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann’s desire. Thomas Hampson portrays the shadowy Four Villains.
hold your Staff or Corporate Party at Dendy!
We love hosting corporate film nights and group bookings at Dendy. It is a great way to thank clients or staff – or perhaps you have a favourite charity that you would like to raise some money for? We have a functions pack and cinema package to suit all requirements. Please contact Dendy Portside Events at portsideevents@dendy.com.au for a free quote!
COMING FILMS 26 March
A Little Bit of Chaos Shaun the Sheep Infinitely Polar Bear Cinderella
2 April Samba X+Y 9 April
Black Sea
16 April
While We’re Young Age of Adeline
23 April
Avengers: The Age of Ultron Testment of Youth
*Movie titles/release dates subject to change
WIN MOVIE TICKETS FOR TWO Name:
Member No:
Postal address: Portside Wharf, Remora Road, Hamilton Ph: (07) 3137 6000 www.dendy.com.au 62
March 2015 DoctorQ
Phone:
FAX BACK TO (07) 3856 4727 or email competitions@amaq.com.au by 31 March
CULTURE
Dirty Dancing From 27 May 2015, Lyric Theatre
An unprecedented live experience, this worldwide smash-hit explodes with heartpounding music, passionate romance and sensationally sexy dancing. Featuring hit songs, including Hungry Eyes, Hey Baby, Do You Love Me? and the heart stopping (I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life, Dirty Dancing is e Mor for ation an unforgettable live rm experience. info com.au . c a 46 qp 36 2 or 1
Brisbane
Queensland theatre Company 11 April to 3 May 2015, Playhouse
A QTC world premiere drawing on true stories from the leafy streets of Brisbane in the middle of wartime, Brisbane is a life affirming coming-of-age tale, with moments of sublime comedy amid a heartfelt tale of a family fragmented by tragedy. A living, breathing postcard from a time that could have been the making or breaking of a city.
La traviata
Opera Queensland 7 - 16 May 2015, Lyric Theatre
Love, passion, an overprotective father and a life cut short are the ingredients in La traviata, Verdi’s greatest romantic tragedy. Rising star Emma Pearson sings the role of Violetta, a coveted courtesan trapped in a life of pleasure for payment. When she unexpectedly falls in love with Alfredo (Aldo di Toro) their brief affair soars, only to be torn apart and ultimately end in Violetta’s death.
Win a double pass to Expressions Dance Company’s The Host
Name:
the host
expressions dance Company 1 - 9 May 2015, Cremorne Theatre Combining gripping dance theatre with a touch of explosive fun, The Host will take you on a thrilling ride through the tenacious lifestyles of the power hungry. You will be struck by the luscious design on stage, including striking costumes by Brisbane-based fashion designer Gail Sorronda, and the enduring story told by multiple award-winning choreographer, Natalie Weir.
Member No:
Postal address:
Phone:
FAX BACK TO (07) 3856 4727 or email competitions@amaq.com.au by 31 March DoctorQ March 2015
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all about you
booklovers
club
Looking for a new read?
Put that work down for a minute and check out these great titles. Q
Useful fiction
Debra Oswald
APP SNAP Gratitude Journal
Not for glory non-Fiction
After an exhausting day, it’s really easy to miss the small moments through the day for which you are grateful. The benefit of using an app as your gratitude journal is that you can add photos to it, tag friends and locations and get reminders to update it each day. The ability to keep your photos as part of your journal can keep you on the look out for the positives each day instead of the sometimes overwhelming negatives. Try it out for a week and realise all the great stuff you may have been missing. Q
Sullivan Moss is useless. Waking up in hospital after falling the wrong way on a rooftop, he comes to a decision. He shouldn’t waste perfectly good organs just because they’re attached to his head. After a life of regrets, Sully wants to do one useful thing: he wants to donate a kidney to a stranger. As he scrambles over the hurdles to become a donor, Sully almost accidentally forges a new life for himself. But altruism is not as easy as it seems. Just when he thinks he’s got himself together, Sully discovers that he’s most at risk of falling apart. From the creator of Offspring comes a smart, moving and wry portrait of one man’s desire to give something of himself.
Susan Neuhaus and Sharon Mascall-Dare From the trenches of the Western Front to the rice fields and jungles of South-East Asia, Australian women have served as doctors and medical specialists from World War I until the present day. This book tells their stories of adventure, courage, sacrifice and determination as they fought to serve their country. Included in the book are distinguished doctors from Queensland such as Dr Eleanor Bourne, Dr Lilian Cooper, Major Mabel Mackeras and others.
scandal
Classified: M Genre: Drama Starring: Kerry Washington, Columbus Short, Darby Stanchfield, Katie Lowes, Guillermo Diaz Olivia Pope, a former media consultant to the president, is ready to move on with her life and opens her own crisis-management firm, but she can’t seem to shake ties with her past. Olivia’s staff includes opinionated investigator Abby and hacker extraordinaire Huck. It becomes clear that, while her staffers may specialise in cleaning up the lives of other people, they can’t seem to do the same for themselves. Created by Shonda Rhimes, who brought you Grey’s Anatomy, Scandal is said to be based on George H.W. Bush’s press aide. While hardcore West Wing fans will cringe at the sometimes soap opera like relationships, it’s still pretty hard to stop watching. 64
March 2015 DoctorQ
Channel 7 Tuesday nights at 11pm
ocker doctor
Head west young man A recent holiday disaster led to some reminiscing about country service for our Ocker Doctor.
Dr Matt Young General Practitioner
My recent holiday started very badly. As I drove my wife, four and two year old to visit Pop on his Yarra Valley farm, disaster struck. The car’s air conditioning had already packed it in and as the mercury hit 37 degrees things, simmered from unpleasant to unbearable. The cricket was on the radio but as we cruised through Tenterfield, the reception became erratic and died. As the heat and frustration approached boiling point, the car filled with the enchanting aroma of the clutch grinding to its demise. As I pulled over in the middle of nowhere, with a plague of flies engulfing the car through the open windows, life reached a fairly low ebb. With one bar of mobile phone reception, my wife managed to call the NMRA and gave the fella our coordinates (fifty eighth gum tree to the west of Tenterfield Town Hall just near the fourth dead kangaroo and directly under the now circling crows). In no time our fortune turned. Steve arrived with his tow truck. My little boy scored the honour of pulling all the levers on the truck to hoist our stricken vehicle onto the tray. He kept that smile for a week. Back to the mechanics shop in Tenterfield, Steve made a bleak prognosis. The receptionist made us a cuppa, commiserated sincerely and then phoned the local taxi service and several hire car places. She even cranked up the cricket on the TV. In no time at all we were on our way again. The whole saga set me to thinking about country life and country hospitality. I read recently about the latest scheme to attract doctors to the bush and I reflected back on my own time as a young doctor in Dalby. I spent two sensational years out there and loved every second. Just like the good people of Tenterfield who gallantly resurrected my family holiday with a dollop of country hospitality, the people of Dalby were amazingly welcoming. As a single bloke at the time, I cherished all the home
cooked meals that no end of little old ladies would deliver to me. I had home cooked stews and casseroles and pies coming out of my ears. I must admit I milked things a bit. Whenever one of the practice’s best cooks would see me I would always give one of her cohorts a big compliment and stir up a little bit of competition. I even had a couple of them try to line up dates with their granddaughters. I never really got to the bottom of the ethical dilemma of going out with your patients’ granddaughters. As a country doctor I really felt like an integral part of the community, especially the cricket and footy teams. I rode the various plagues with the locals. First there was a bat plague, then the mice swarmed. lEvery morning I’d open the Weetbix box, tip a mouse out and then put a few Weetbix in the bowl. It really was quite biblical. If it got much worse, I’d have considered building an ark. The local pubs had character and such a relaxing feel. There were some quintessential Australian characters in those pubs. The sorts of blokes that Banjo Patterson would have written poems about. Within a few weeks everybody knew me and vice versa. Besides the social side of things, the medicine was outstanding. I was doing a session of anaesthetics every week, doing ward rounds on my private patients, delivering babies and getting stuck into plenty of emergencies. I even cured a few crook pigs and dogs. I remember one old farmer who had a stroke but still finished off his day of harvesting. He even walked through the doors himself. I reckon all he wanted was a band aid and he would have been back on the harvester the next morning. Country life was an awesome chapter of my life. If the universities think sending medical students out for a taste of it is a good idea, then I totally concur. From a medical education point of view it was the best experience I ever had. But the memories of the people are what I will always cherish fondly. That and the mouse plague. Q
There were some quintessential Australian characters in those pubs. The sorts of blokes that Banjo Patterson would have written poems about.
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IN lifestyle PRINT
Beneath the Surface: Medical imaging, radiotherapy, nuclear medicine and children’s healthcare A Queensland Chronology This book acquaints us with the fascinating early history of Röntgen’s discovery and the way in which the “new kind of ray” became, in only a few years, an indispensable tool for medical diagnosis and treatment.
Doctor Q has a copy of Beneath the Surface to give away. Simply fill out your details in block letters on the form and fax it to (07) 3856 4727 or email editor@amaq.com.au.
Within two decades of Rontgen’s discovery, radiology had become the specific diagnostic tool employed widely Entries close in provincial centres, in base hospitals and in military 31 March hospitals caring for Australians both overseas and in the Nation’s capital cities. The two Children’s Hospitals in Brisbane were fortunate in having the services of technicians and medical staff who, many with their further inventive improvements, kept these hospitals in the forefront of the diagnostic and therapeutic worlds of radiology and radiotherapy. The value of the related discipline of nuclear medicine is also given deserved prominence in this book. Beneath the Surface is published by Amphion Press (Department of Paediatrics and Child Health Publishing Unit). Q
win this book! Name: Postal Address:
check for your name!
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March 2015 DoctorQ
competition winners
Telephone: Member No:
DENDY WINNERS
QPAC winners
Book WINNER
Double pass winners
Dr James Kang won a family pass to Giggle and Hoot.
Dr Vicki Naumann won a copy of Behavioral Medicine: A Guide for Clinical Practice.
1. Dr Ashton Reeve 2. Dr Peta Margrie 3. Dr Glen Pearse 4. Dr Jan Head 5. Dr Caron Forde 6. Dr Marjorie Busby 7. Dr PM Johnson 8. Dr Gerard Meijer 9. Dr Christopher Que Hee 10. Dr R Boyle
CLASSIFIEDS
Medical/Dental office for lease - 186 Moggill Road, Taringa • 102sqm of quality air conditioned space • Ground level
• High visibility • Good signage • Carparks
Call 0404 884 914, or email rand.australia@gmail.com
Picture Perfect
Peregian Beach
!
Your new day starts today live the lifestyle you dream of at beautiful Peregian Beach, Sunshine Coast.
A position is available for a GP VR or Non VR, 3-4 days per week, fully Accredited and computerised, Practice Nurse and full reception support. DWS available. Great remuneration.
Email Practice Manager: julie@peregianfamily.com.au
SPECIALIST ROOMS FOR LEASE
Sunshine Coast General Surgeons have modern specialist rooms available for lease on the ground floor of the Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital. They are available on a full-time basis or for sessional times. Included in the lease are electricity and cleaning. We are able to offer full secretarial services if required.
Please contact our practice manager, Robyn Blackmore, for further information on 07 5493 7018, or reception@scgensurg.com.au
P: 07 5437 9788 F: 07 5345 5276 Suite 20, Sunshine Coast University Private Hospital, 3 Doherty St, Birtinya www.sunshinecoastgeneralsurgeons.com.au
PSYCHIATRIST REQUIRED FOR PRIVATE PRACTICE IN CAPALABA We are looking for a Consultant Psychiatrist to join our team in a well supported private practice. We will provide not only a consulting room but the equivalent of at least five to eight sessions with patients to fill your initial private practice needs.
Minimum requirements: Applicants must have FRANZCP and specialist registration with AHPRA. Our practice is well established and has been providing services in Capalaba for the last five years and offers both Psychiatric and Psychology services.
The centre has ample parking, is close to public transport and major shopping centres. The position has excellent potential to be both personally and financially rewarding.
!
Please contact principle psychiatrist Dr Yasin by email: yasinps@outlook.com !
!
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Is your equipment finance getting you all tangled up? It’s time for a second opinion. As you well know, running a practice involves balancing a myriad of priorities. Purchasing equipment is high on the list, but it’s often devilishly complicated – it takes specialist expertise to put together a simple, cost-effective solution. This is where BOQ Specialist comes in. We’re experts in providing financial solutions for medical professionals, so our team thoroughly understands the pros and cons of different methods of funding your equipment. Whether it’s buying outright or leasing, you can rest assured we’re on the ball when it comes to your needs.
Visit us at boqspecialist.com.au/medical or speak to our financial specialists on 07 3018 8100.
Equipment and fit-out finance / Credit cards / Home loans / Commercial property finance / Car finance / Practice purchase loans SMSF lending and deposits / Transactional banking and overdrafts / Savings and deposits / Foreign exchange Financial products and services described in this document are provided by BOQ Specialist Bank Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234975 (BOQ Specialist). BOQ Specialist is a wholly owned subsidiary of Bank of Queensland Limited ABN 32 009 656 740 (BOQ). BOQ and BOQ Specialist are both authorised deposit-taking institutions in their own right. Neither BOQ nor BOQ Specialist guarantees or otherwise supports the obligations or performance of each other or of each other’s products. BOQ Specialist is the credit provider. Terms and conditions, fees and charges and lending and eligibility criteria apply. We reserve the right to cease offering these products at any time without notice. BOQ Specialist is not offering financial, tax or legal advice. You should obtain independent financial, tax and legal advice as appropriate. BOQS001163 01/15