Time for answers
Keeping the election focus on health
Finally, the new vmo agreement
24/03/12
acute primary care clinics
FREE TO AMA QUEENSLAND MEMBERS
new agreement with asmofq
MARCH 2012 . Vol 77
THIS ISSUE: The anatomy of Queensland Health’s new structure
CONTENTS
In this issue Current issues
business tools
12 new vmo agreement
38 Counting the cost of 2011
14 acute primary care clinic update
40 The do’s and don’ts of your practice income
18 leading the way forward in doctors’ health 19 the health of the health professional conference 19 we deserve better from a colleague: a response to dr tony webber 20 malawi - more than an elective 21 ASMOFQ and MOCA
42 How to make the right choice 44 Australia’s new super security register: how it could affect your practice 46 It’s time for your annual insurance check-up
FEATURE STORY
22 the anatomy of queensland health’s new structure
16 T IME FOR ANSWERS: Keeping the election focus on health’s big seven issues
Life 54 Travel - the wild man of borneo 55 Wine - are we ready for touriga? 56 investor confidence could lift market
FEATURE STORY
35 Road test - Lexus
aROUND THE REGIONS
58 the bold new face of lexus
24 Local medical association round up
60 Dendy cinemas
25 foundation news
61 culture
26 RDAQ update
62 In Print
MEMBER NEWS
REGULARS
28 AGM and election notice and nomination papers
4 FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK
32 member news
6 PRESIDENT’S REPORT
34 member profile: DR carl o’kane
8 CEO’S REPORT 10 in brief
conference
11 AMA Queensland news
36 amaq annual conference
people & events 30 calendar 50 social photos
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EDITORIAL
Michelle Ford Russ Doctor Q Editor Not surprisingly, the new year has brought us a new election to vote on and it seems state issues are the ones getting us hot under the collar. AMA Queensland has been working hard to keep important health concerns at the top of the agenda amid a sea of nonsense and poli-trickery. As for me, I’m leaving you in the capable hands of Heather Grant, who will be bringing Doctor Q to you for the rest of the year. I’ll be taking some time at home with our new baby, due 1 April. Enjoy, Michelle Ford Russ
Australia Day honours Congratulations to the following AMA Queensland members who received awards on Australia Day. Dr Robert Black OAM – For service to medicine, particularly in the field of otolaryngology. Dr Humphry Cramond MBE OAM – For service to medicine as a general practitioner and through the Australian Medical Association. Dr Cramond served as AMA Queensland President 1984-85 and continues to be a strong advocate for AMA. Dr David Sowden PSM - For outstanding public service to Queensland Health, particularly in the areas of infectious diseases and clinical education.
Obituaries AMA Queensland sadly wishes to advise the following members have recently passed away: Dr Eric Morris BATESON Diagnostic Radiologist Late of Hervey Bay Member for 24 years
Dr Philip Bryan ROBIN General Practitioner Late of Yeronga Member for 62 years
Dr Andrew John KELLY SBStJ Specialist Ophthalmologist Late of Noosaville Formerly of Maryborough Member for 62 years
Dr Max Henry WILLIAMS Specialist Physician Late of Broadbeach Waters Member for 14 years
Dr Harold Thomas DAY General Practitioner Late of Maroochydore Member for 60 years
Dr Dianne COLE Late of Calamvale Member for 6 years
Disclaimer – All material in Doctor Q remains the copyright of AMA Queensland andmay 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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Board of Directors Dr Richard Kidd President and General Practitioner Craft Group Dr Alex Markwell President-Elect Dr Sharon Kelly Chairperson Dr Larry Gahan Treasurer
Dr Sharmila Biswas Honorary Secretary Professor Philip Morris Elected Member Dr Kirsten Price Elected Member Dr Christian Rowan Elected Member
Council Dr David Alcorn Greater Brisbane Area Dr Sharmila Biswas Far North Area Dr Kimberley Bondeson Greater Brisbane Area Dr John W Cox Downs and West Area Dr Larry Gahan General Practitioner Craft Group Dr Noel Hayman Greater Brisbane Area Dr Wayne Herdy North Coast Area Dr Sharon Kelly Specialist Craft Group Mr Bavahuna Manoharan Medical Student Group Dr Deborah Mills Part-Time Medical Practitioner Craft Group Professor Philip Morris Gold Coast Area Dr Stephen Morrison Specialist Craft Group Dr John F. Murray Full -Time Salaried Medical Practitioner Craft Group
Dr Carl O’Kane North Area Dr Gino Pecoraro Immediate Past President Dr Kirsten Price Greater Brisbane Area Mr Matthew Roberts Medical Student Observer Dr Christian Rowan Greater Brisbane Area Dr Shaun Rudd General Practitioner Craft Group Dr Anil Sharma Capricorn Area Dr Jonathon Shirley Greater Brisbane Area Dr Mason Stevenson General Practitioner Craft Group Dr Jen Williams Residents and Registrars Craft Group Dr Chris Zappala Greater Brisbane Area
AMA Queensland Secretariat Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer Filomena Ferlan General Manager Corporate Services Neil Mackintosh Manager - AMAQ Foundation
Karen Fitzgibbons General Manager Member Relations and Communications Andrew Turner Manager - Member Services
Editor: Michelle Ford Russ Journalist: Stephanie Shield Graphic Designer: Rebecca Nathan Advertising: Rebecca Byrnes Doctor Q is published by AMA Queensland Contact Phone: (07) 3872 2222 Postal Address: PO Box 123, Red Hill QLD 4059 Print Post Approved PP490927/00049 Email: editor@amaq.com.au
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PRESIDENT’S REPORT 2012 State Election
AMA Queensland has been the leading voice for doctors and their patients during the state election campaign.
Dr Richard Kidd President AMA Queensland
To ensure health remains a priority right up until 24 March, AMA Queensland released its priority document outlining seven key issues most affecting our health system as well as seven solutions to address these problems. These urgent issues are in the following categories: public hospitals; clinician-led care; medical education and training; General Practice; rural, regional and remote health; Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander health; and mental health. The Seven Stitches to Heal Queensland Health document challenges candidates for government that proper long-term planning is essential to rebuild and sustain our health system. The days of public band-aid solutions, hidden cost-cutting and erosion of services must cease and each policy promoted by candidates and their parties must provide solutions that address the current financial constraints of the department and the need to deliver safe and quality care to our patients. The momentum generated from this campaign will continue after the election as we will hold parliamentarians and the winning party accountable for health policy decisions and their impact on doctors and their patients.
2011 Achievements
I am proud of AMA Queensland’s efforts last year including: advocating for clinicians to hold central roles on hospital boards and at every level of health services, ensuring clinical decisions are made by clinicians, not bureaucrats; and holding Queensland Health to account as they seek to cut costs in ways that impact on our members’ careers, training opportunities and patient safety. We have lead the charge against the roll-out of Acute Primary Care Clinics that threaten the viability of general practice, particularly in rural Queensland, and expose our members who are Queensland Health employees to the risk of Medicare/PSR disciplinary process. We continue to shine a spotlight on the increasing obstacles and frustrations patients and their doctors face when seeking public outpatient appointments. Only after AMA Queensland shamed and questioned the legality of the Queensland Health bureaucratic practices did the Minister for Health guarantee no category one or two patient would again be rejected from a public hospital. This fight goes on as we raise the profile for patients being rejected from public hospital outpatient clinics, such as more than 2,000 children with ENT referrals from the Logan region. These penny-wise, poundfoolish bureaucratic decisions condemn children with glue ear, often from homes where English is not the first language, to years of deafness or impaired hearing
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MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
during critical formative years of early education and socialisation. Similarly patients are being denied access to cataract and varicose vein surgery. Studies show timely cataract surgery prevents some 37 per cent of falls in this group. The cost to the state, to say nothing of pain and suffering for the patient, of preventable fractured hips, shoulders and skulls must be weighed in this equation. Grommets, cataract surgery and veins are not expensive procedures and exemplify the old saying ‘a stitch in time saves nine’. I was quoted to say the Premier lied and misled the public claiming we should be proud of “short waiting lists for elective surgery”. The real story is that we can’t get people onto the official waiting lists because they sometimes never get seen by the hospital specialist, having had their referral letters rejected out of hand because “they cannot be seen in a timely fashion”, or they sit waiting to be seen year after year. Why is this? Basically we don’t have enough beds, theatres, doctors and nurses! The launch of our Suicide Watch campaign was a huge success in 2011 and our video clip posted on YouTube received almost 3,000 views online. This campaign was generously supported by AMAQ Foundation. Further achievements include the pre-election campaign Time for Answers launched at the end of 2011 which saw AMA Queensland challenge candidates to think hard about health. As part of the campaign, AMA Queensland wrote to all major news directors to provide them with a series of questions for their local candidates. The questions were contributed by doctors on the frontline. I look forward to the challenges of the next six months, confident AMA Queensland will continue to bring to light and fight any process, policy decision or budget cut that adversely affects doctors or the care of their patients. Q
CEO’S REPORT election
With the 2012 State Election campaign well and truly under way, AMA Queensland has been vocal in calling for the major parties to release sound health policies. At the end of February we released our priority policy document themed The Seven Stitches to Heal Queensland Health which focuses on the top seven priority issues and proposed solutions for the major political parties to adopt.
Jane Schmitt Chief Executive Officer AMA Queensland
AMA Queensland continues to scrutinise any health policies that do not provide solutions that secure the long-term sustainability of our health system ensuring patients have improved access to services and receive care in an appropriate timeframe. Read more about the seven key health issues on page 16.
Proposed Queensland Health restructure
One of the final health announcements made by the Bligh Government before entering caretaker mode was the proposed restructure of Queensland Health. Pending the state election, the proposal may not be implemented however the current plan will mean on 1 July 2012, Queensland Health will be split into 20 different bodies, each with separate responsibilities for delivering public health care in Queensland hospitals. Local Health and Hospital Networks (LHHNs) will make up 17 of these bodies and will be responsible for delivering care directly to patients within a specified geographic area (based on current hospital service districts) – or in the case of the Children’s Health Service, to deliver healthcare to children state-wide. They will be run by a board of directors and a Chief Executive who are separate from Queensland Health. It is hoped that these smaller, more hands-on organisations will be more responsive to patients’ needs. For more details about LHHNs, read page 22. Health and Hospitals Queensland (HHQ) will work as a system planner developing health policy, working to help improve clinical standards and allocating funding. The Health Corporate Services Authority (HCSA) and the Clinical Support Services Network will provide corporate and clinical support services to the LHHNs. While the current political environment means some uncertainty over the restructure, AMA Queensland is dedicated to ensuring any restructure will give doctors a greater voice in the public health system.
Health Reform in 2012
This year the Federal Government’s National Health Reform will roll out some of its big ticket items. On 1 July the last of the Medicare Locals will come into existence. One of their major tasks for this year is to allocate government funding for after-hours services and aged care services. This is a process which AMA Queensland will be keeping a close eye on. On 1 July Personally Controlled Electronic Health Records will come online and be available for patients’
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to register. This is an exciting development in health care which will change the way that Queensland doctors care for their patients. Hospitals and hospital care will be undergoing a huge transformation nationally. From 1 July, the way hospitals are funded will change; a national health funding pool will be established and funding for hospitals will be a mixture of activity/fee for service and block funding. The Independent Hospital Pricing Authority will be established and will decide the prices to be paid to hospitals, and which hospitals will be funded partly or exclusively by block funding. Local Lead Clinician Groups will also be established to advise hospitals on clinical matters. On 1 July nationally all states will change the way their hospital systems are structured. Centralised state-controlled health departments will be broken up into Local Health and Hospital Networks which will administer hospital care for patients in a local area. It is hoped that decisions made ‘on the ground’ will be more responsive to the needs of patients and clinicians.
VMO Agreement Secured
I am pleased to advise the VMO agreement with Queensland Health has been signed which is a great outcome for our VMO members. The agreement is for three years commencing 1 January 2011 and concluding on 31 December 2013. To read a summary of the agreement from VMO Chairman Dr Ross Cartmill, turn to page 14.
2012 and beyond
I welcome members back to what will be an interesting year for health in Queensland and despite the current volatile political environment, AMA Queensland will maintain its strong presence representing your interests and the interests of your patients.
Floods
Our thoughts are with any of our members affected by the recent heavy rainfall and flooding in St George, Charleville, Roma and Mitchell. If members require any assistance please contact AMA Queensland on (07) 3872 2222. Alternatively if members feel they are not coping with recent events and would like to speak to someone confidentially, please contact Doctors’ Health Advisory Service Queensland on (07) 3833 4352. Q
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REGISTER TODAY Broadcasts will be held on a regular basis. To participate, register your details at broadcasts.defencejobs.gov.au
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DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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IN BRIEF
ama calls for government to strengthen health system pillars The AMA is calling on the Federal Government to use the May Budget to strengthen the ‘pillars’ of the Australian health system at a time when the world is entering a phase of economic uncertainty. AMA President Dr Steve Hambleton said in hard times it is important for governments to strengthen those parts of the health system that provide the greatest benefit to patients and the community. “There is every indication that this will be a frugal Budget across the board, but health funding must not go backwards,” Dr Hambleton said. “The ‘pillars’ of the health system – the parts that work well and which patients and communities rely on – must be recognised and funded accordingly in the budget. “General practice, public hospitals and the medical workforce must be looked after. “When people are sick or injured or need ongoing quality health advice, they want to see a GP. “When they have been involved in an accident or require surgery, they want the comfort of knowing that quality professional care is available at a properly staffed and resourced hospital. “Australia needs both a strong private sector and a well-funded public sector to deliver effective health care. “We need to provide the right care at the right time in the right place. This means that services for aged care, mental health, and chronic disease also need appropriate funding and well targeted policies. “People need to be encouraged to do more about their own health and wellbeing, particularly in regard to obesity, smoking and alcohol. Preventive health programs must be supported. Q
Dangerous drugs online The risks associated with self-medication have been amplified by the ability to buy prescription, non-prescription and complementary medicines as well as ‘recreational’ drugs online, according to an article by Dr Ben Davies in the February issue of Australian Prescriber. Prescription and non-prescription medicines can be bought legitimately online within Australia, and prescription drugs may be legally imported into the country as long as regulatory requirements are met. However Dr Davies, from the Institute of Medical and Veterinary Science in Adelaide, said some medicines ordered over the internet may be counterfeits or contain undeclared ingredients. “Some prescription medicines available online contain little, if any, of the active ingredient, meaning the product may not work as advertised,” Dr Davies said. “Meanwhile, some ‘herbal’, ‘traditional’ and ‘dietary supplement’ medicines sold over the internet may contain undeclared chemicals or prescription drugs.” The products most commonly marketed fraudulently on the internet include treatments for hair loss, impotence and obesity, while contaminated weight loss products and illicit recreational drugs are also of concern.Q
call to ban sunbeds in queensland Following a plan to outlaw solariums in New South Wales by 2014, the Cancer Council Queensland is urging Queensland politicians to follow suit. Research shows using a solarium before the age of 30 increases a person’s risk of developing melanoma by 75 per cent. In Queensland, more than 2,600 people are diagnosed with melanoma each year and nearly 300 die of the disease. Cancer Council Queensland spokeswoman Anne Savage said a total ban was the only way to stop Queenslanders from developing potentially deadly skin cancers linked to solarium use. “Evidence has shown a direct link between solarium use and skin cancer,” she said. It is estimated 16 per cent of melanoma cases in patients aged 1829 years and three per cent in patients aged 30-39 years would be prevented by avoiding sunbed exposure. New South Wales is the first state in Australia to implement a ban and Brazil is the only other country to outlaw solariums. Q
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AMA QuEENSLAND NEWS
Suicide Watch Campaign success
A
MA Queensland’s Suicide Watch campaign, which featured on TV screens throughout Queensland in December 2011 and January 2012, was applauded by both the profession and the public. The first phase of the campaign was originally launched over 12 months ago in response to concerns for the mental health of Queenslanders following last summer’s floods and Cyclone Yasi. The campaign
urged anyone having trouble seeing a way forward to see or phone their GP for urgent help. The emotive video clip and TV advertisement, which featured AMA Queensland members, not only highlights the value of the family doctor in our community, it also is an important step in enabling discussion about suicide and encouraging people to seek help when they are struggling.
AMA Queensland would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge AMAQ Foundation for generously funding this initiative as well as the original See the Signs campaign.
mentors wanted
A
MA Queensland is searching for medical practitioners to volunteer as mentors for the 2012 Mentor Scheme program.
same amount of effort in, however it is the student’s role to drive the relationship.
The program matches first year medical students at medical schools throughout Queensland with AMA members.
Register today to make a mark on tomorrow’s medical professionals.
Mentors will support, guide and provide advice to the students in their first year of medical studies. The success of the program relies on both participants putting the
Register online at www.surveymonkey.com/amaqmentor2012. The Mentor Scheme program will begin in mid April. For more information, please contact Thy Pham on (07) 3872 2201 or email mentor@amaq.com.au.
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CURRENT ISSUES
Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) Committee Chair Dr Ross Cartmill explains the new agreement with Queensland Health that’s taken three years of negotiation.
O
n behalf of all VMOs I recently signed a new agreement with Queensland Health. The agreement is for three years commencing 1 January 2011 and concluding 31 December 2013. Our original log of claims was submitted to Queensland Health in June 2008, eight months before the old agreement expired on 28 February 2009. During 2009 and 2010, and after an inadequate standard of negotiation, we allowed ourselves to be drawn into a process of conciliation, allowing the State Government and Queensland Health to avoid direct negotiations. As we have a non-certified agreement we did not have to undertake this process, but did so in good faith. We were rewarded by being taken to the Industrial Court with a hearing set down for May 2012. Following support from the media, terms and conditions were settled when I was able to enter direct negotiations with the Premier. We have therefore withstood enormous pressure to gain an agreement that maintains VMO professionalism as well as allowing us to offer leadership in commencing to address staffing problems in provincial city hospitals. We should all be proud of the achievement. A summary of the agreement is as follows.
REMUNERATION All VMOs An increase of 2.5 per cent per annum to the base rate back dated to 1 January 2010 Therefore 2.5 per cent increase 1 January 2010 to 30 June 2011 Then: 2.5 per cent increase 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 2.5 per cent increase 1 July 2012 to 30 June 2013 2.5 per cent increase from 1 July 2013 to the end of the agreement. Loaded Rate - remains at 46 per cent until 30 June 2011. Then: 47 per cent from 1 July 2011 to 30 June 2012 48 per cent from 1 July 2012 to the end of the agreement.
FUEL ALLOWANCE Payable in February each year beginning February 2012 according to the following formula.
From 1 January 2013 - yet unknown
COUNTRY VMOS Such VMOs will have the option of fee for service for all call back work at DVA rates. This applies to VMOs working in the following hospitals: Toowoomba, Bundaberg, Gladstone, Rockhampton, Mackay, Mount Isa, Maryborough, Cairns and Hervey Bay. Ministerial Task Force funding of $1.5million per annum Task force committee is to administer this fund Precise recipients will be determined by this committee.
OTHER BENEFITS - All VMOs a. Professional Development leave - can accumulate for a maximum of 10 years. Was four years in the old agreement. b. National President’s leave - unlimited. Was 10 days in the old agreement. c. Regular excess hours - employer and employee now share responsibility of correcting the contracted hours. Previously this was the responsibility of the employee alone. d. Professional Development Assistance - to be paid on the first pay cycle after 1 September each year. e. Protocol for negotiations of next agreement - this is now clearly defined to not allow the employer to prolong the negotiations. f. Part-time appointments - the employer is encouraged to advertise such positions with a choice for the employee VMO or part time salaried employee. g. Relieving temporary VMO - after 12 months service the VMO has the option of being a contracted VMO on the basis the requirements of the appointment remain temporary. This involves a 50 per cent loading in remuneration without any other entitlements. h. The precise terms of Annual Leave debit during the Christmas closure - this is to be resolved by October 2012.
NO CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS AGREEMENT a. Indemnity provision
Number of hours contracted per fortnight
Fuel Allowance per annum
b. On-call rate
Less than 6 hours
$580
d. Call back - South East hospitals
6 to 12 hours
$1,150
e. Leave entitlements
12 to 18 hours
$1,700
f. Free car parking.
More than 18 hours
$2,350
In my opinion the agreement is a satisfactory outcome. Fee for service is now introduced into Queensland however this needs to be extended in future agreements. The principle of back pay has been maintained with subsidy of the fuel allowance and there remains no justification for the delay in reaching this agreement. Q
OUTREACH PACKAGE To be increased by CPI: From 1 January 2011 - 3.6 per cent
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From 1 January 2012 - 3.1 per cent
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
c. Professional Development Assistance
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Have you ever wondered what hypnosis is all about and how it might be useful in your practice? Research has validated that hypnosis is a powerful and effective treatment for a number of common problems, including anxiety, sleep difficulties, pain disorders and depression. This course is designed to provide you with an invaluable tool which will significantly improve the outcomes you achieve and enhance the effectiveness of your patient management and intervention skills. In 2012 it will consists of 3, 4day blocks, Friday-Monday inclusive, providing 78 hours of didactic, experiential and practical tuition. Block 1: 20-23 April, Block 2: 29 June - 1July, Block 3: 19-22 October. It will include 15 hours of supervision in small groups, and introduction to experienced practitioners in your area to be mentors during the course. Course fees are $4110 incl. GST, which includes all course materials, teas and lunches for 12 days, and six months membership of ASH. The course focuses on the development of practical skills in the use of hypnosis as well as providing a sound coverage of the theoretical issues. Tuition is from experienced practitioners in various disciplines, and includes instruction in both traditional and utilisation approaches in hypnosis, including the work of Milton Erickson and Michael Yapko. The successful completion of all requirements (assignments, practical assessment, case studies & a viva) will lead to Full Membership of the Australian Society of Hypnosis and the award of the Society’s Diploma of Clinical Hypnosis. Places on this course are limited and will be filled in order of completed applications. Please contact us by any of the above addresses for further enquiries and course details. We also welcome enquiries for day registration. The ASH trains and accepts as members only those health professionals who hold a current registration with the AHPRA.
DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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CURRENT ISSUES
Over the past year AMA Queensland has lobbied both Queensland Health and the Department of Health and Ageing for clarity surrounding the legality of Acute Primary Care Clinics (APCCs). Policy Advisor Emily Cotterill gives us the latest news.
A
PCCs are bulk-billing clinics located within a Queensland Health hospital which are staffed by salaried medical officers. APCCs provide non-acute primary care to emergency department patients. Despite concerns raised by AMA Queensland, Queensland Health has continued to direct its salaried medical officers to participate in APCC schemes. If the doctors who staff these clinics provide their provider numbers to Queensland Health, they will be personally liable for its misuse in the event of a Medicare audit. Queensland Health doctors, whose provider number is used by the hospital or other staff, do not have the ability to closely monitor how it is used. The current situation makes it impossible for doctors to ensure they are complying with their Medicare obligations. In a letter to the Federal Minister for Health, AMA Queensland expressed concerns that the establishment of APCCs breached the National Healthcare Agreement and the Health Insurance Act 1973. APCCs are being set up in Queensland Health hospitals without the exemption required by ss19(2) Health Insurance Act 1973.
To date, AMA Queensland has received no written confirmation that Queensland Health will indemnify its salaried doctors for breaches of Medicare rules. In response, Parliamentary Secretary for Health and Ageing, the Hon Catherine King MP, replied: ‘the implications for APCC activity for ss19(2) of the (Health Insurance) Act depend on whether doctor’s rights of private practice are being properly exercised... The purpose of ss19(2) is to prevent ‘double dipping’, that is, where a single medical service is paid for twice – for example by a state through a doctor’s salary...and by the Commonwealth through a Medicare Benefit.’ However, the Commonwealth view is that it is possible for salaried medical practitioners employed within state hospitals to exercise rights of private practice whilst working within those hospitals, and to claim fees (Medicare benefits) in respect of those professional services. No breach of ss19(2) should occur as long as a clear demarcation exists between a practitioner’s public and private streams of work. If a medical practitioner is being paid by a state to exclusively deliver services to public patients during a particular practice session and then also delivers, and bills Medicare for, services to private patients, then, prima facie, this would appear to be not permitted under ss19(2). ’
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This letter contains a disclaimer that the above is not to be taken as legal advice. To date, AMA Queensland has received no written confirmation that Queensland Health will indemnify its salaried doctors for breaches of Medicare rules. Q In light of this, AMA Queensland must advise its members not to take part in the APCC scheme. If members do participate, great care must be taken with Medicare billing and these rules should be followed. If a Medicare benefit is claimed the following records must be kept in case of an audit: a) Patient’s name b) Item number – Medicare c) Date of service d) Full description of service e) The fee for each service Patients should receive a receipt with the name of the treating doctor on it. In order to qualify for a Medicare benefit, a medical service must be rendered by or on behalf of a medical practitioner (including clinical testing and radiology). Other services not actually rendered by, or directly on behalf of a medical practitioner do not. For instance, blood pressure measurement performed by a nurse does not qualify for a Medicare benefit, even if performed on the advice of a doctor. The same principle applies to doctors in training – supervisors may not claim Medicare benefits for services performed under their direction. Remember, you are personally liable to Medicare. If, you have more questions about your obligations to Medicare, please contact our policy team on (07) 3872 2222 or via email at policy@amaq.com.au. APCCs will form part of the upcoming Medical Officers Certified Agreement (MOCA3) which AMA Queensland and ASMOFQ are currently negotiating with Queensland Health; to give us your opinion on APCCs, or if you are being asked to participate in an APCC and would like advice, please contact our workplace relations team on (07) 3872 2222 or via email at a.turner@amaq.com.au.
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• State-Wide Clinical Service with Over 12 Years Experience in the Diagnosis & Treatment of Sleep Disorders • Free CPAP Education & Troubleshooting with our Nurse Consultant or Sleep Scientist in all Locations • Comprehensive Ongoing CPAP Patient Follow-up & Reporting to Referring Doctors • Vigilance Testing for Workplace & Driving Assessments
Ph 1300 559 116 Fx 07 3217 2523 W www.qsdu.com.au Locations: Mater Private South Brisbane • St Andrew’s War Memorial Hospital Spring Hill • Holy Spirit N’Side Chermside • Friendly Society Private Bundaberg • Mater Private Rockhampton • Cairns Private Cairns • Mater Private Townsville • The Friendly Society Private Hospital Bundaberg
DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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feature story
E
lection fever has well and truly hit with media in a frenzy, politicians stalking the pavement looking for a baby to kiss or a hand to shake and a large portion of Queenslanders wishing it was all over. Health must be the priority during this campaign. The health system is under strain with blown-out public hospital budgets, rejected outpatient appointment referrals and Emergency Departments under increasing pressure. Since the launch of the Time for Answers campaign in November last year, AMA Queensland has been calling for the major parties to reveal sound health policies which aim to improve access to clinical services and deliver health care in appropriate time frames, not just throw money at the issues.
Schools, churches and scout halls around the state are gearing up for polling day on Saturday 24 March where Queenslanders will make their final decision to either keep Captain Bligh at the helm or send her afloat and give Newman the novice deckhand a chance to prove he can sail the ship. Media and Communications Officer Stephanie Shield lays out the priorities for health.
The Time for Answers campaign encouraged journalists to approach their local candidates and ask them 10 questions about the health system in their region. While the campaign was successful in keeping health at the forefront of candidates’ minds, now the election is here the time for answers has morphed into a time for action. AMA Queensland will continue to scrutinise all health policy announcements during the election and will not tolerate short-term thinking or band-aid solutions. It is AMA Queensland’s responsibility to remind politicians to do away with the political sledging and introduce policies that will improve the health system ensuring it is sustainable into the future, not just for one political term. At the end of February, AMA Queensland released the 2012 Election Priority document themed the Seven Stitches for Healing Queensland Health.
1. PUBLIC HOSPITALS
Public hospitals in Queensland continue to reject outpatient appointment referrals for category two and three patients because they are unable to be seen within the clinically recommended time. If attending a private facility is not an option and a public hospital will not accept the referral, this leaves some patients with no other treatment pathways. Further to this, public hospitals are suffering from overcrowded emergency departments, access block, an insufficient number of inpatient beds and not enough staff. While reviewing and creating more efficient processes may alleviate some
AMA Queensland will continue to scrutinise all health policy announcements during the election and will not tolerate short-term thinking or band-aid solutions. 16
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
pressure, a serious strategy for Queensland’s hospitals is required to address these issues so in seven years time we are not still suffering from these problems.
2. CLINICIAN-LED CARE
Any decisions about how hospital health services are delivered or how resources for health services are allocated must have clinician input. Doctors need to be an integral part of the decision making process when it comes to allocation and use of hospital health resources. On 1 July 2012, regardless of who wins government in Queensland, Local Health and Hospital Networks (LHHNs) will be introduced across the country as a result of the COAG National Healthcare Agreement 2011. Queensland will have 17 LHHNs. AMA Queensland believes each and every one of these networks must have at least one local medical practitioner on the board. During this election and beyond, AMA Queensland seeks assurance that doctors will be the innovators and advocates for good patient care in Queensland and will not be overly hampered by political and bureaucratic requirements. Read more about LHHNs on page 22.
3. MEDICAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING
By 2015, 900 students will graduate from medicine which is almost a 50 per cent increase on the cohort that graduated in 2011. To ensure these students complete their training they must all receive intern positions, regardless of whether they are domestic or international students. Many junior doctors have voiced concerns over the quality of internship training being delivered - increased patient throughput, reduced lengths of stay, increased patient complexity and workforce shortages are threatening the ability of the medical apprenticeship model to teach junior doctors. Queensland has a clear shortage of doctors. This issue needs addresseding now to ensure the next generation of doctors are well trained and are not lost to another state, territory or country.
4. GENERAL PRACTICE
Despite general practice being the backbone of health care in Queensland, there remains an ongoing shortage of General Practitioners (GPs) that must be rectified. On average there is only one GP for every 1,040 Queenslanders, but in some regions the ratio is as low as one per 1,519. As public hospitals continue to struggle to meet the current demand of patients, it is general practitioners who are left to care for their patients. Further incentives need to be established at a state level to support our general practitioners.
5. RURAL, REGIONAL, AND REMOTE HEALTH
Of the 4.6 million people who live in Queensland, more than three million live outside Brisbane. Not enough doctors live and work in rural, regional and remote Queensland to meet the current population demands. Of those that do, many are International Medical Graduate doctors who represent 46.4 per cent of the rural and remote medical workforce but do not receive enough
support. Doctors working in a rural setting are under extreme pressure, with many often forced to work in isolation with little or no back-up. Another issue is the impact Fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) workers and Drive-in-drive-out (DIDO) workers have on the health services in rural Queensland. A report by a group of local doctors in Moranbah highlighted the serious impact the non-resident workforce had on their practice and local hospital facilities: 23 per cent of the patients seen in their practice in June 2011 were non-residents. This increase in patient load to an already overburdened GP is not sustainable, especially in areas like the Central Queensland Rural Division of General Practice continues to have the lowest GP-to-patient ratio in the state. As well as the impact on patients, this issue risks further jeopardising efforts to recruit doctors to rural, regional and remote centres.
6. INDIGENOUS AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER HEALTH
The life expectancy gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous Queenslanders is currently estimated at 10.4 years for men and 8.9 years for women. It is vital that Indigenous Australians have access to health services in order to drive this gap down. AMA Queensland wants more done to increase the number of Indigenous health workers in order to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. In 2009, 174 medical practitioners employed in medicine identified as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander. This represents about 0.2 per cent of employed practitioners, yet Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders make up 2.4 per cent of the Australian population.
7. MENTAL HEALTH
Mental health has been chronically underfunded at a state and national level for many years despite it being one of the most common illnesses in Australia. A number of issues need to be addressed including: improving access to better patient support services increasing the number of mental health care workers decreasing the high suicide rate in Queensland investing morem in the acute mental health sector. Queensland has the second lowest number of mental health acute beds (per 100,00 population). A commitment is needed from the Queensland Government to reduce the burden of disease from mental illness through public education, prevention, early intervention, and access to appropriate levels of treatment by properly funding and implementing the Queensland Plan for Mental Health 2007-2017. It is our hope that the major political parties will seriously consider and adopt the solutions proposed in the document all the while, working closely with AMA Queensland and clinicians on the ground to ensure access to services for patients improves and clinicians can continue to provide appropriate care to their patients. Q
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CURRENT ISSUES
Dr Margaret Kay from the Doctors’ Health Advisory Service (DHAS) explains how interest in doctors’ health has broadened over time.
D
octors’ Health conferences in Australia began in our own backyard – Queensland. The first two events in 1999 and 2001 were auspiced by AMA Queensland, driven by the personal energies of some dynamic individuals who simply believed that it was time to discuss doctors’ health openly. Initially there was input from a loose coalition of interested parties from other states, especially from the DHAS services in each state with the support of the AMA, and a healthy contingent from New Zealand. These voices are now found in the more formal organisation, the Australasian Doctors Health Network (ADHN). The DHAS(Q) is an active member of this independent organisation which holds a wealth of expertise in the area of doctors’ health, including clinical care of doctors, teaching about doctors’ health and research in this field. I suspect many of my colleagues are simply unaware the Antipodean community has contributed substantially to the international debates and research in the field
of doctors’ health for many decades. I have had the privilege of attending each of these conferences since 2001. Over the years, it has been exciting to see the interest grow and the focus of these conferences has changed from simply raising concerns about impairment to emphasising the maintenance of doctors’ well-being. Initially presentations focused on expert opinion and discussion. Now research into doctors’ health makes up a substantial percentage of the presentations. Over time the gaze of the researchers has extended to the issues facing the broader medical community, rather than focus only on mental health issues. I have found the conversations about these health issues invaluable. I personally hope the change in focus will encourage all of us to revisit our personal assumptions about doctors’ health and re-engage in these conversations, because they are about us. Doctors’ health is a part of every specialty. We all need to be comfortable treating our peers as patients and consulting our peers as patients. AMA Queensland has been actively involved in encouraging its members to mentor students and junior doctors, recognising the positive benefits of role-modeling. When we are involved in teaching and mentoring, we need to remember we are also rolemodeling how we personally approach our health – our meals, our hours of work, our attitudes to alcohol. It is very easy for us to inadvertently role-model poor behaviours. Just as we need to be mindful that we wash our hands between patients if we want students to practise this behaviour, we need to be mindful of those stories of bravado, often presented with a tincture of hyperbole, that imply that good doctors are never ill. We rarely tell stories that give doctors permission - to be tired and ask for help, to be hungry and have a break, or even to be sick and take some time off. In 2013, the Doctors’ Health conference will return to Queensland. DHASQ will be organising this conference on behalf of ADHN. Details will be released shortly. I invite all readers to consider participating. Your voice can be heard too. Doctors’ health is about us. Q
DHAS
Doctors’ Health Advisory Service
Help line: (07) 3833 4352 - 24 hour service Admin: 18
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(07) 3872 2222
CURRENT ISSUES
President-Elect Dr Alex Markwell gives us a wrap-up from the Health of the Health Professional Conference in Auckland.
I
n early November 2011, the Health of the Health Professional Conference- Surviving and thriving in the health workforce was held in Auckland, New Zealand. This conference was organised as the seventh biennial conference on doctors’ health which have been held since 1999 and are arranged by the Australasian Doctors’ Health Network (ADHN). Dr Peter Huggard from the Goodfellow Unit at University of Auckland organised the conference. This well-attended conference represented an expansion of previously held doctors’ health conferences, and included delegates from Australia and New Zealand in the fields of medicine, nursing, psychology, dentistry, vet science and other allied health professions. It was wonderful to mix with the impressive array of international speakers and
delegates from many corners of the world, including Canada, UK, South Africa and USA. Presentations addressed topics including the economic impact of ill-health in healthcare workforce, factors contributing to healthcare workforce health, developing resilience, and wellbeing as a missing quality indicator. Specific streams looking at doctor’s health and wellbeing were very well attended. They covered existing doctors’ health programs such as that in South Australia, as well as innovative programs such as the Health and Wellbeing of Junior Doctors website (www. jmohealth.org.au) developed by emergency medicine trainee Dr Sandy Jusuf in conjunction with the NSW Doctors’ Health Advisory Service. Concurrent
workshops
focused
on
developing coping strategies, building resilience, junior doctor and medical student health as well as problems and solutions in the workplace. The multi-disciplinary approach to this conference enabled healthcare providers across all fields to discuss and share ideas regarding this often-hidden issue that affects all involved in patient care. I would recommend a visit to their website to review the papers. www.healthworkershealth.co.nz www.fmhs.auckland.ac.nz/soph/centres/ goodfellow/cpe/hohp_presentations.aspx The next conference will be held in Queensland in 2013, and will continue the multi-disciplinary approach. Details will be announced in coming months in Doctor Q. Q
Former Director of the Professional Services Review, Dr Tony Webber took aim at the Medicare system recently, believing misuse of the system was costing Australians between $2 billion and $3 billion a year and was “ripe for abuse by unscrupulous practitioners”. Past AMA Queensland President Dr Bob Brown hits back on behalf of GPs.
I
must take to task the former Director of the Professional Services Review, Dr Tony Webber, for his ill-conceived and inaccurate attack on General Practice. In defence of GPs, I would like to quote directly from an article in the AMA GP Network News (20 January 2012): “In 2010-11, more than 319 million services attracted a Medicare rebate, at a cost to the taxpayer of $16.4 billion. Medicare identified $28.24 million in incorrect payments, well short of the expected revenues of $147.2 million per annum as predicted in the 2008-09 budget and well short of the two to three billion dollars of misuse estimated by the ‘modest extrapolation’ by Dr Webber”.
When I was on the AMA Queensland Council and Executive, and as AMA Queensland President, I was very happy and proud to be
able to represent the interests of all medical practitioners in Queensland. However, I stated on many occasions that I would take up the fight for General Practice when I finished my term as President. I did this for the following 10 years. During that time, with much hard work and especially with the support of the AMA, a small team was able to improve the lot of General Practice patient rebates, as well as General Proactive Incentive Payments. GPs were so far behind the eight ball because of the policies and ideology of some politicians, that it was impossible to bring parity and fairness to government payments. Nonetheless, some of the unpaid and altruistic work done by generations of GPs was at
least, in part, recognised by such item numbers as the Enhanced Primary Care rebates and some proactive payments. We do not want to go past the recent unilateral decision of the Gillard Government to slash GP (and patient) payments for mental health care plans and psychologist rebates. Now Dr Webber, who appears to be lashing out at his hard-working and honourable colleagues, says that these rebates and payments need to be reduced - perhaps ceased. In light of the above report, Medicare does not agree with widespread rorting. As Dr Webber’s Professional Services Review appears to have failed the Australian public, why not kick the GPs? After all, we are used to it! Q
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CURRENT ISSUES
As part of her medical training, Nikole Fry decided to volunteer at Beit Cure Hospital in Blantyre, Malawi, to experience a very different side of medicine.
T
his year as part of my medical electives I had the opportunity to visit one of the poorest countries in Africa – Malawi. Having never been to a third world country before, first impressions were, needless to say, a bit of a shock! The flight from Johannesburg to Blantyre was a bit of a ‘nail-biter’. At first I thought the passengers may need to get out and give the little plane a push to get started! After a bumpy arrival at Blantyre, I looked around to see what an international airport in Malawi looks like: a shed in the middle of a desert paddock. I was greeted by a hospital employee named Innocent and taken to the hospital and guesthouse that would be my home for the next five weeks. Awaking the next morning I decided to explore this small town. Instantly I realised how much I stuck out from the crowd. I was the only Caucasian amid a sea of African people. I found a small convenience store to buy some supplies and felt a little nervous by the beggars outside.
The next day was the start of work. I was at the Beit Cure International Hospital, a charity-funded paediatric orthopaedic hospital run mostly by British surgeons volunteering their time and services. The hospital was small but tidy, filled with children who loved having us visit each day. I will never forget their beautiful big smiles welcoming us each morning. The cases we saw were things I had never imagined. Angular limb deformities, chronic osteomyelitis, osteogenesis imperfecta, the list goes on. Although many of these conditions are also seen in developed countries, these children may not be diagnosed or treated until their late teens, which makes the problem all that harder to manage.
As you can imagine, transport is an issue with hardly anyone owning a car, plus the price and availability of fuel is ridiculous. So many of the staff at the hospital would drive several hours in their own time to pick up children from distant villages to bring them to hospital for treatment. Funding is very tight for Beit Cure, so they have developed an ingenious way of helping supplement their costs. They have built a private wing where adult private patients can pay for and receive orthopaedic treatment. The money paid from these private patients helps pay for the treatment of the children, so all their healthcare is free. Thanks to generous donations, I was able to contribute towards the surgery of a child with chronic osteomyelitis, which gave me the best feeling in the world. After five weeks working in Malawi, my perceptions of this beautiful country began to change. Although I still saw the poverty, I also saw the kindness and happiness in the local people. Their ability to be thankful and truly grateful for what little they had made a lasting impression on me. I fell in love with the children: they were always laughing and playing, even though their toys were only what they could find on the street. A popular one was the empty water bottle as a football. I still despaired for their horrific healthcare situation, but it made me more determined to return and make a real difference to this country. There is so much that can be done for the people of Malawi, and any help they can get is truly appreciated. I hope I can inspire more medical students to visit Malawi. It’s more than an elective; it’s a life-changing experience you will never forget.Q
Beit Cure has a fantastic club foot program that also involves allied health in the management of these children. The outcomes from this program have been very positive, and the dedication shown by the staff is nothing short of spectacular.
The AMAQ Foundation provided Nikole with a $300 donation to the Beit Cure Hospital towards the provision of medicine and health services to their patients. The Foundation also sent two copies of Dr Chris Schull’s Common Medical Problems in the Tropics, a textbook designed for health workers in developing countries. If you are headed to a developing country that could use the textbook, please contact Neil Mackintosh on (07) 3872 2267 or email neil.mackintosh@amaq.com.au
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CURRENT ISSUES
Manager, Member Relations Andrew Turner explains why AMA Queensland’s new agreement with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation Queensland (ASMOFQ) ensures members are represented in enterprise agreement negotiations.
W
e are pleased to announce a partnership with the Australian Salaried Medical Officers Federation Queensland (ASMOFQ). With this arrangement, all salaried medical officers will be represented in discussions with Queensland Health with the Medical Officers Certified Agreement (MOCA No3). The current agreement expires on 31 May 2012 with the new arrangements coming into effect 1 July 2012. When signed, the agreement will be operational for three years and regulates pay, job security and employment conditions. ASMOFQ (formerly known as Salaried Doctors’ Queensland) is the sole doctors’-only union in Queensland focusing only on doctors’ pay and conditions. Your membership with AMA Queensland provides you with joint membership to ASMOFQ with no additional charge. Members are encouraged to let AMA Queensland know what aspects of your pay and conditions you want us to focus on during the negotiations. ASMOFQ President Dr Nick Buckmaster and AMA Queensland Council member Dr Stephen Morrison will be leading the discussions. Queensland Health will be represented by District CEOs.
Current discussions also include increasing industrial literacy for Queensland Health management, classification level promotion to eminent and preeminent status and rebuilding trust with staff after the payroll tumult. However, this is not an exhaustive list and we welcome your input into the discussions. It’s important that as many doctors who wish to participate are given an opportunity to do so. After all, this is your agreement and the implications will impact on your work for years to come. Regular updates will be provided through the ASMOFQ website (www.asmofq.org.au) and a Queenslandwide hospital visit tour will take place across through the coming months to give you an opportunity to understand the implications of the new arrangements. If you wish to participate, please phone (07) 3872 2207 or email a.turner@amaq.com.au. Q
With Local Health and Hospital Networks (LHHNs) introduced on 1 July 2012, a key theme is if the industrial relations framework will change. While there is a commitment from Queensland Health that the MOCA will still cover all Medical Officers, the individual LHHNs will have the authority to implement changes and modifications, specific to the hospital or region. As these discussions are still in their formative stage, the implications of these decisions are not clear, but it’s crucial that ASMOFQ explains to members what this will mean come the changeover date. Other concerns which ASMOFQ will raise include: job security for all RMOs and ensuring all junior doctors have certainty of employment introducing a 38-hour week professional development assistance and/or leave including a definition of non-clinical time five weeks’ annual leave with removal of deducted public holidays.
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feature story
This issue Doctor Q is taking you back to medical school with an anatomy of the Queensland Health Restructure – due to take effect on 1 July 2012. By Emily Cotterill.
I
n December 2011, Premier Anna Bligh announced the end of Queensland Health as we know it.
Under the proposed new system, announced in January, Queensland Health will be broken up into 20 separate bodies – each with a different function. By splitting Queensland Health, the hope is there will be more clarity and accountability. The success of the system will depend on the ability of these entities to communicate effectively
with one another to respond to the emerging needs of the community. The creation of the new bodies Health and Hospitals Queensland, Clinical Support Services Network and Health Corporate Services Authority has not yet been legislated. After the election, this plan may be altered by a change in government. AMA Queensland will keep you up to date with new developments. We want to hear your thoughts - contact us at policy@amaq.com.au.
Health and Hospitals Queensland (HHQ) Will: plan when, where and which health services will be delivered in Queensland; make an agreement with LHHNs to purchase these health services from them. These agreements will specify the mix of services, target waiting times and quality standards required of LHHNs; monitor networks to make sure they deliver the agreed health services; set health policy and promote system innovation; deliver statutory public health services like vaccination and disease outbreak control; negotiate industrial employment agreements; have potential to direct LHHN’s actions and processes through binding ‘health service directives’.
The brains of the operation
Employment All clinical staf f will continue to be em ployed by the Di of the Departmen rector-General t of Health. Netw ork Governing Co will be appointe uncil members d by the Govern or in Council. Ne be appointed by twork Executives Network Govern will ing Councils; HHQ will negotia te industrial agre ements governin conditions of em g the terms and ployment for al l staff; LHHNs will need approval from HH Q to hire and fir Terms and cond e staff; itions of employ m en t for permanent Health staff, an Queensland d for the current contracts of tem remain unchange porary staff, will d; All clinical staf f should retain th eir Fringe Benefit Tax benefits. 22
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Health Corporate Serv ices Authority (HCSA)
Will:
c ontract to supply fin ance, human resources and IT servic es to LHHNs; manage capital pro jects, including new hospital developments ; have LHHN Chairs on its board of directors, allowing the users of the system to tailor it to de liver the most useful services.
Organ-isational support
eement eement on Health. This agr G National Partnership Agr COA the to nt sua pur n ake was undert wth funding. The restructure to LHHNs 50 per cent of efficient gro m 2014 – would provide 45fro – ent nm ‘efficient price’ ver Go l era ensured the Fed funding – where the fee, or ed bas y ivit act led cal – g en to cover a Network’s ways; fee for service fundin ere a fixed cost will be giv wh – g Funding will be given in two din fun ck blo and y; e urban hospitals will be lly by an independent bod ded by block funding; larg fun be l will be determined federa wil ls pita hos al g and research. Smaller rur costs, especially for trainin ding. nal services performed, funded by activity based fun the efficient price for additio of t cen per 50 45rks two funding negotiated under l, from 2014, give Ne will provide the balance of te The Federal Government wil Sta The s. vice ser all of increase in the price t price. plus 45-50 per cent of the igation to pay the full efficien s, ents. The State has no obl eem Agr vice Ser to help fund sub-acute bed alth He the ra funding to Queensland ext in lion mil 1.9 $74 ing giv vernment is In addition, the Federal Go elective surgery. and nts me Funding emergency depart
Hand-ling health care delivery 16 Local Health an
d Hospital Net
works (LHHNs) • Will care for patie nts within a specifi ed geographic area same boundaries . These areas will as existing Queens have broadly the land Health service bo undaries. Ch ildren’s Health Se
• Will provide terti
rvices Network
ary services for ch ildren throughout Queensland; s for paediatric ca re throughout Qu eensland.
• Will set standard
Both will: • decide ‘how’ to
treat patients; • be run by Networ k Governing Coun cils, with a Chief Ex ecutive, independe • make an agreem ent with HHQ to pr nt of HHQ; ovide health serv geographical area ice s to patients with – or, for the CHSN in their , to children. This the services the LH agreement will de HN will provide (in te rmine funding, clu ding teaching and services and spec research services), ific targets to be m quality of et eg. emergency department waiti • work with Medica ng times; re Locals to co-ord inate health care in their area; • consult with clinic ians and local com munities;
Organ-isational support twork (CSSN)
Clinical Support Services Ne Will:
and port services, like pathology contract to supply clinical sup radiology, to the LHHNs; ies of scale; ease quality through econom aim to save money and incr users of the rd of directors allowing the have LHHN Chairs on its boa the most useful services. system to tailor it to deliver DoctorQ MARCH 2012
23
AROUND THE REGIONS
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 Monthly dinner meetings are generally held on the fourth Thursday of each month. Venue: Maroochydore Surf Club Function Room, Alexandra Parade, Cotton Tree Time: 6.30pm for 7pm Convenor: Jo Bourke Phone: (07) 5479 3979 Fax: (07) 5479 3995 Email: jobo@squirrel.com.au For further information or to join visit www.sclma.com.au
Fraser Coast For information on meeting dates and how to join, contact Fraser Coast Local Medical Association President Dr Shaun Rudd. Address: PO Box 1347, Hervey Bay, Qld , 4655 Phone: (07) 4128 3644 Fax: (07) 4124 0660
Gold Coast
Toowoomba Members and non members can keep an eye out on the website for details on upcoming events and meetings or contact the Association on info@tddlma.org.au. Membership of the Toowoomba and Darling Downs Local Medical Association is just $50. To join go to tddlma.org.au/ membership.html and download an application form.
Redcliffe & District For information on upcoming meetings please contact Tracey Jewell, Meeting Convener on (07) 3049 4429, 0411 223 073 or email tracey.jewell@qml.com.au. Venue (for all but the last meeting): Renoir Room at the Ox, 330 Oxley Ave, Margate. Time: 7pm for 7.30 pm
Brisbane Northside Local Medical Association For upcoming meeting information or to join, please contact:
You will find all the latest news and information on the Gold Coast Medical Association (GCMA) at www.gcma.org.au. To join, simply visit the website and download an application. You can contact the GCMA on:
Michael Madden Meeting Convenor Phone: (07) 3121 4032 Email: Michael.madden@qml.com.au Website: http://northsidelocalmedical.wordpress.com
Phone: (07) 5575 7054 Fax: (07) 5575 7551 Email: info@gcma.org.au
2012 Meeting Dates 14 February 10 April 14 August 9 October
12 June 11 December
If your Local Medical Association does not appear above or your details are incorrect, please email Kathleen Latchford at k.latchford@amaq.com.au with corrections, contact details, how to join, web address, dates for upcoming meetings and who to contact for further information.
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FOUNDATION
amaq foundation delivers new equipment to royal childrens’ hospital
T
hrough the generosity of the Dr Stan and Maureen Duke Trust, AMAQ Foundation donated equipment worth $30,000 to the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2011. Included was a $24,000 Glidescope to the Anaesthetic Department and two observation cameras for the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit valued at $6,000.
Dr Susan King (left) and AMAQ Foundation Director Katharine Philp (right) with Paediatric Neurologist and Epileptologist Dr Stephen Malone.
Last December, Dr Susan King, daughter of the late Dr Stan Duke, and AMAQ Foundation Director Katharine Philp visited the hospital to see the new equipment in action. The Royal Children’s Hospital Staff Paediatric Anaesthetist Dr Brett Chaseling said the Glidescope provides a clear, realtime view of the airway and tube placement, enabling quick intubation. Dr Chaseling indicated the machine was ideal for difficult and unpredictable airways and a recording option helped confirm tube placement and facilitate teaching. In the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit, camera technology picks up subtle signs of change in patients being monitored that otherwise might have been missed. This becomes extremely important to clinicians trying to determine whether epileptic patients are good surgical candidates. Q
The late Dr Stan Duke commenced annual donations to the AMAQ Foundation on the condition the funds were used for equipment and educational toys for the Royal Children’s Hospital in 2007. His generosity continues to make a positive difference for the hospital and its patients.
Dr Susan King (right) and AMAQ Foundation Director Katharine Philp (centre) receive a Certificate of Appreciation from Director of Fundraising at the Royal Childrens’ Hospital Foundation Sommer Davies (left).
Dr Susan King (left) and AMAQ Foundation Director Katharine Philp (right) present the new Glidescope to Staff Paediatric Anaesthetist Dr Brett Chaseling.
AMAq foundation scholarship holder presentation MERCURE INN, townsville, 14 december 2011
Since 2004 the AMAQ Foundation, the charity arm of AMA Queensland, has offered at least one scholarship per year to a first year medical student at James Cook University who shows commitment to working in regional and rural health. The Foundation currently supports ten such scholarship holders. Congratulations to recent medical graduates Dr Brooke Davies, Dr Lincoln Dinh and Dr Christine Pirrone whom the Foundation supported. Q
President-Elect Dr Alex Markwell with AMAQ Foundation scholarship holders Dr Brooke Davies, Dr Lincoln Dinh and Dr Christine Pirrone.
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AROUND THE REGIONS
With a state election looming, Rural Doctors’ Association Queensland (RDAQ) President Dr Ewen McPhee sees 2012 as a chance to raise serious concerns about the inequality in rural health care.
T
he new year promises to be a year of change. The state election will highlight health as a key priority for whomever forms government in April.
The Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, accommodation remuneration and access to specialist services remain inadequate to meet the needs of rural families.
Predictably political solutions will be provided that aim to provide a panacea for the oft-voiced concerns about surgical waiting lists, the ongoing bungles in human resource management and the burgeoning level of non-clinical workforce.
Waiting lists to receive an appointment with a public specialist remain unpublished, while cost-shifting to private care hides the true hiatus between hyperbole and fact.
RDAQ is concerned that in all this white noise, the needs of rural and regional Australia will not be heard.
Disability services in rural and regional areas remain scant, with patients travelling several times a year to cities to receive care.
Doctors working in these locations are in a unique position to identify deficiencies in health access and service delivery.
The politicisation of health, and the manipulation of public health data, for the purposes of political gain is a major threat to the survival of rural communities.
Rural Australians demand and should expect equality of care with metropolitan populations.
In 2012, we have a chance to raise our concerns with our local communities through local media, our local members and through our vote. I encourage clinicians to do just that: tell the public how it really is.
At present, sick and injured patients have to travel further and stay away longer from home than ever.
RDAQ is concerned that in all this white noise, the needs of rural and regional Australia will not be heard.
RDAQ calls for a strong commitment to addressing the real needs of rural voters. RDAQ demands that there be a discrete rural voice in Government and an undertaking to maintain an overarching department responsible for rural health service delivery in this state. Q
RDAQ would like to announce the Keynote Speaker for this year’s conference… Dr Mark Loane This year’s conference focuses on the dynamic achievements of individuals who have achieved excellence in their field in rural medicine; hence we have the pleasure to announce Dr Mark Loane as this year’s keynote speaker! Dr Loane is an Ophthalmologist and a former Australian Wallaby captain. He is passionate about providing Ophthalmic services to rural, remote and especially Indigenous people. In 1999 he established the Cape York Eye Health Project which provides high grade eye services to 12 communities in Cape York Peninsula.
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Like Dr Fred Hollows he first started working as a volunteer Ophthalmologist in Indigenous communities in 1992. He specialises in Glaucoma, Cataract Surgery and general Ophthalmology and is currently on the board for Guide Dogs Queensland. Dr Loane was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia for his work with remote, rural and Indigenous people. For more information or to register for RDAQ 2012 please refer to the conference website conference.rdaq.com.au
8 - 10th June 2012 Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast
RDAQ 2012 – Register today! The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland 23rd Annual Conference (RDAQ 2012) will review and analyse the future innovations, government policies and management of rural medicine in Queensland. The conference will be held at Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast from 8 – 10th June 2012. It will be a unique and wide ranging forum for exchanging ideas and developing new skills.
REGISTRATION
Registration is now open for this innovative rural medical event! Please go to conference.rdaq.com.au to register online or to download the RDAQ 2012 Registration Brochure. To take advantage of the earlybird discounted registration rate book by 25th March 2012!
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation at Hyatt Regency has been negotiated at a special conference rate. To view all of the accommodation options please go to the conference website.
RDAQ 2012 PROGRAM
Running over two days along with two additional days of pre conference workshops, the program includes the latest updates in clinical practice and training, topical presentations, discussion forums and policy updates. The program will also feature RDAQ’s traditional medico-political forum to discuss issues vital to the survival of rural and remote healthcare services. Program topics will revolve around “achieving excellence” in rural and remote healthcare and include, Mental Health in General Practice, Paediatric Radiology, Dermatology, Sexual Health and workforce issues. To view the current RDAQ 2012 program please visit the conference website www.rdaq.com.au/conference
Event Management services for RDAQ 2012 provided by Health Workforce Queensland
PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS
As a part of the innovative pre RDAQ 2012 Educational Program there will be numerous workshops running. The Rural Doctors Association of Queensland will be running a STAR/RFDS Aviation Workshop on Thursday 7th June and a Musculoskeletal Workshop on Friday 8th June. Information on these two workshops can be found on the conference website. Health Workforce Queensland also will be running a series of preconference workshops on Thursday 7th and Friday 8th June 2012. For more information on these workshops please visit the Medical Education & Training section at www.healthworkforce.com.au. You can also register your interest in these workshops on the RDAQ 2012 registration form.
SOCIAL PROGRAM
The Gold Coast is one of the most iconic sights in Australia and in 2012 will host the RDAQ social program featuring four exciting social events. 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 2012 will also provide a Queensland Rural Medical Family Network (QRMFN) Family Program. All social information can be found on the conference website.
CONTACT DETAILS
Shell Brennan RDAQ 2012 Conference Manager Health Workforce Queensland GPO Box 2523, Brisbane, Qld 4001 Phone: 07 3105 7800 Fax: 07 3105 7801 Email: sbrennan@healthworkforce.com.au Web: www.rdaq.com.au/conference For more information on RDAQ 2012 please go to: conference.rdaq.com.au See you at the Gold Coast!
QUEENSLAND BRANCH OF AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION | ACN: 009 660 280 | ABN: 17 009 660 280
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: Tuesday 22 May 2012 Venue: Hunstanton 88 L’Estrange Terrace Kelvin Grove, Queensland
Election Notice 2012–2014 For election to the position of President-Elect or to the Council of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association.
President-Elect 2012 - 2013 For election as President-Elect of the Queensland Branch of Australian Medical Association. One representative required (Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member).
Criteria for personal statements for President-Elect Candidates for President-Elect may submit with their Nomination Paper: A short personal 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.
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/ AMAQ2012elections) or by phoning Andrew Turner on (07) 3872 2207 and must be received by 6.30pm 20 May 2012.
Notes
The Presidential Inauguration and presentation of annual AMA Queensland awards will be held on Friday 15 June 2012 at the Tattersall’s Club 215 Queen Street Brisbane where the following business will be conducted: 1. Installation of Dr Alexandra Markwell as President 2012-2013; and 2. Presentation of Awards and Prizes.
Annual Report
*The 2011 Annual Report will be available online from 20 April 2012 at www.amaq.com.au.
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Councillor of the Queensland Branch of the Australian Medical Association 2012 - 2014 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 or Craft Group.
Craft Group Representatives required One (1) General Practitioner Craft Group Representative; One (1) Specialist Craft Group Representative; and One (1) Medical Student Group Representative.
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) Gold Coast Area Representative. Postcodes: 4200 to 4299 inclusive; One (1) North Area Representative. Postcodes: 4799 to 4850 inclusive; and One (1) North Coast Area Representative. Postcode: 4550 to 4601 and 4619 to 4675 inclusive. (Any two (2) ordinary members may nominate another member provided all members belong to and are registered in the same Geographical Area).
Criteria for personal statements for Council Candidates for Council may submit with their Nomination Paper: A short personal 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.
You can access this nomination paper online at www.amaq.com.au/AMAQ2012elections
Nomination Paper
Nominations must be received at AMA Queensland by 5pm Thursday 19 April 2012.
Nomination forms can be either faxed to (07) 3856 4727, emailed to a.turner@amaq.com.au or posted to: The Returning Officer, C/- AMA Queensland PO Box 123, Red Hill Qld 4059.
We hereby nominate_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________(FULL NAME) as a candidate for the position of PRESIDENT-ELECT OR COUNCILLOR (please circle)
Craft Group or Geographical Area______________________________________________________________________________________________ (FOR COUNCILLOR NOMINATION ONLY)
Nominator’s details x 2:
Name 1:_____________________________________________________________________
Name 2:_____________________________________________________________________
Craft/Area:__________________________________________________________________
Craft/Area:__________________________________________________________________
Telephone number:________________________________________________________
Telephone number:________________________________________________________
Residential address:_______________________________________________________
Residential address:_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Signature:___________________________________________________________________
Signature:___________________________________________________________________
Nominee’s details: I hereby consent to the nomination as above. Craft/Area:_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Date of birth:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Telephone number: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Primary practice address:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Residential address:__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature:______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Candidates are NOT eligible to nominate in both their Craft Group and Geographical Area, nor can they nominate for a Craft Group or Geographical Area position as well as President-Elect. Where nominating representative/s for Craft Group or Geographical Area, both nominators must be registered in the same Craft Group or Geographical Area (whichever applies) as the person being nominated.
For more information and additional copies of the nomination form, please contact Andrew Turner at a.turner@amaq.com.au or (07) 3872 2207. DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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PEOPLe & EVENTS
Women in Medicine lunch Motherhood and medicine: Getting with the times! 17 March
The Greek Club, South Brisbane Hear from women in the profession who will share their stories on the balancing act of career and family. Topics include Fairness in the Work Act – your entitlements, The Pregnant Career Pause, Don’t be a Superhero – outsourcing options and Returning, Rosters and Routine. Finishing the lunch with a touch of inspiration is our keynote who will close on the importance of Motherhood and medicine: Getting with the times. Register: www.amaq.com.au/events or Bec Byrnes (07) 3872 2269 or r.byrnes@amaq.com.au
Investing in property 21 March
Brisbane Topics will cover how to structure your investments for maximum advantage, tax implications for overall strategy, finance and lending options, how to add value to your investments, how to choose a suitable investment residential or commercial property. Register: www.amaq.com.au/events or Bec Byrnes on (07) 3872 2269 or r.byrnes@amaq.com.au
The Business of Private Practice and Medicine: Marketing, communications, IT and social media within your practice 21 April Brisbane This educational seminar will show ways of utilising marketing, communications, IT and social media within your practice to maximise productivity and profitability. Register: www.amaq.com.au/events or Bec Byrnes on (07) 3872 2269 or r.byrnes@amaq.com.au
The Business of Private Practice and Medicine: The business skills workshop 19 May Brisbane These intense intimate workshops are hands-on professional development training days and will include role play, scenario-setting and skills-based workshops limited to only 20 participants. Register: www.amaq.com.au/events or Bec Byrnes on (07) 3872 2269 or r.byrnes@amaq.com.au
Date Savers Women in Medicine: Looking after you Breakfast – Wednesday 6 June Men in Medicine: Looking after you Breakfast – Wednesday 18 July
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Visit www.amaq.com.au/events for more information.
WOMEN IN MEDICINE LUNCH
d o o h r e h t o M e n i c i d e M ES! d an HE TIM
Saturday 17 March 2012 • 10am – 2pm The Greek Club, South Brisbane
ITH T H M W G N I GET T TE FRO KEYNO
RN WITH OCKBU C Y L L DR SA OOD” G L E E F “DR
President-Elect Dr Alex Markwell will open our first lunch. Hear from experts in the profession who will share their stories on the balancing act of career and family. Topics include: 1. Fairness in the Work Act – your entitlements (Andrew Turner, Manager Workplace Relations) 2. The Pregnant Career Pause (Dr Eleanor Chew) 3. Balancing the mother’s guilt (Dr Kirsten Price) 4. Don’t be a Superhero – outsourcing options (Dr Gino Pecoraro) Finishing the lunch with a touch of inspiration is our keynote Dr Sally Cockburn - “Dr Feelgood”. • $75 per person for AMA Queensland & AAPM members • $65 per person for AMA Queensland’s DITs & Students • $85 per person for non-members Price includes two-course meal with drinks
To register and pay online, (members only): • www.amaq.com.au, use your membership log-in • Click on AMA National > Events • Click on Register and follow steps
OR
your name:
Phone, email or fax registration details to: rebecca Byrnes Phone: (07) 3872 2269 fax: (07) 3856 4727 Email: r.byrnes@amaq.com.au
Member number:
Practice: your contact phone, fax, email: Invoice address: PAyMENt dEtAIls*:
*A tax invoice receipt will be issued on the day.
Cheque enclosed for $
(payable to AMA queensland)
direct deposit amount $
Receipt number:
Exp date:
/
This lunch is proudly sponsored by:
visa
Mastercard Amount: $
American Express Cardholders name:
Card number: signature: Supporting women in the profession:
date: AMAQ 9617
Credit card:
To make payment by direct deposit, the details are: Bank of Queensland BSB: 124 104 Account: 10 032 949
MEMBER NEWS
2012 Membership renewals reminder Are you a financial AMA member for 2012? Members who have not yet renewed your membership for 2012 are strongly encouraged to do so as soon as possible to ensure you continue to receive support and representation from AMA Queensland and also utilise the many benefits membership provides.
You can pay your 2012 membership fees by: Pay online at www.amaq.com.au and follow the prompts to the ‘members only’ login
2012 membership fees were due on 1 January 2012!
Contacting the membership team on phone (07) 3872 2222
Not sure what your fees are?
Please email membership@amaq.com.au to request a copy of your 2012 tax invoice.
October
Dr Matthew Gray
Junior Doctors
Dr Nicolette Roux
Dr Kenny Parra Guasca
Dr Maureen Shuttlewood
Dr Nasar Ahamed
Dr Antony Arumairaj
Dr Andrew Clark
Dr Anitia McNamee
Dr Kolade Abolarinwa
Dr Alfredo Aiello
Dr Rebecca Levy
Dr Penelope Foreman
Dr Sujata Pradhan
Dr Ulla Gerich-McGregor
Dr Sudipta Sinnya
Dr Christopher Layton
Dr Eileen Tan-Gore
Dr Stuart Parker
Dr Boominathan Chinnapillai
Dr Kirsten Patterson
Dr Mark Garden
Dr Khushmer Singh
Dr Dayna Law
Dr Aleksandar Stankovic
Dr Lenon Mandikiza Dr Liza Siebuhr
Member Benefits 2012....coming soon! AMA Queensland will be launching the 2012 Member Benefits Guide to ensure you know all the services, support and added benefits you get as part of your membership. 2012 membership cards will also be issued as the same time.
your association. your say.
2012
MEMBER BENEFITS
www.amaq.com.au/memberbenefits
If you need any further details about a member benefit in the interim please contact the membership team on (07) 3872 2222.
New Intern member Prize winners
General Practitioners
General Practitioners Dr Richard Akporhonor Dr Reggie Ba-Pe
Dr Saeed Reda
Dr Marc Hempling
Dr George Mitov
Dr Salas Katticaran
Dr Tam Tran
Dr Philip Levine
Dr Shahram Youssefi Nejad Kardooni
Dr Ala Melati-Rad
Dr Alexsander Zajkowski
Dr Arun Rao
Dr Jan F Casey
Dr Rose Ruiz
Dr Jane Poggio
Dr David Yunus
Dr Derek Bell Dr Steven Lai
Specialist Practitioners
Specialist Practitioners Dr Peter Devadason Dr Jason Stone
Congratulations to our new intern members who won intern prizes as part of the AMA Queensland intern recruitment campaign. Prizes consisted of 32Gb wifi iPad2 provided by AMA Queensland or a 42” LCD LG TV provided by the amazing team at Investec Medical Finance.
Dr Emanuel Svoboda
Winners of the LCD TVs
Dr Benjamin Woolven
Dr Rebecca Wild
Dr Amelia Stephens University of Queensland Dr Brigid Flanders Griffith University Dr William Peverill Bond University Dr Tiarna Ernst James Cook University
salaried practitioners
Salaried Practitioners
Winners of the iPad2s Dr Matthew Marino Griffith University Dr Tatum Bond James Cook University Dr Mandy Wu University of Queensland Dr Wei-lynn Chong Bond University Once again we extend our congratulations from AMA Queensland and Investec Medical Finance.
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Dr Richard Hargreaves
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Dr James Chenoweth Dr Mo Diqer Dr Kylie Hall Dr Benjamin Hope Dr Peter K Reid
Dr Neville Bailey Dr Michael Kalamaras Dr Umayal Lakshman
Part-time Practitioners Dr Matthew Warburton Dr Mandy Taylor Dr Katrina F Forster
Dr Bhavesh Bhandarker Dr Carolynne Darby Dr Alister Darveniza
Dr Katie Lomidze
Dr Murali Rajaratnam
Dr Valli Manickam
Joint Practitioners
Dr Frank Thomas
Dr Sangeetha Mony
November
Dr Manjula Denkanikota
Junior Doctors
Dr Claire Harrison
Dr Joseph De Luca
Dr Ian Kerr
Dr Mahadeva Prasad
MEMBER NEWS
Get more value from your membership
For a full list log into the members only page on our website to download all contact details and specials for these benefits or contact the Membership Team on (07) 3872 2222 or membership@amaq.com.au
Advocacy, representation and support Member support, services, policy and workplace relations Member Services
Adventure and recreation activities
car discounts
cable access
Travel lounge
Advertising after hours Medical support
assisting impaired medical professionals
professional training and development
legal representation
personal health insurance
PROFESSIONAL TRAINING and DEVELOPMENT courses
ABCs OF HEALTHY LIVING
life insurance
travel lounge
Council of Residents and Registrars supporting DITs
Doctors’ Health Advisory Service
car hire
Business Services
AMAQ Foundation supporting rural medicine
DHAS
investment
Events and conferences AMA Queensland organises and designs events to satisfy educational and professional development needs as well as social networking opportunities among your peers. events + training newsletter
administrative support
community aid for children
EFTPOS merchant facilities
schools education program
BUSINESS SERVICES
Publications and medical resources 2012
DIRECTORY OF MEMBERS GENERAL PRACTITIONERS | SPECIALISTS
SEE THE
SIGNS
manuals, fact sheets and Publications for your practice
see the signs suicide watch
it solutions
e-connect DOCTORS’ ONLY UNION
clinic connect
CLINIC CONNECT
Entertainment, leisure, automotive and travel
Insurance brokers
corporate and leisure travel
property brokers
ENCORE
credit card and merchant facilities
wine provider
taxation, Accountancy and business advisory services
AMA List of Medical Services and Fees books, DVDs and software Magazines and e-newsletters
clinic connect
Accounting, finance, investment and insurance
Directory of Members
Supported by:
IPHONE APP AND WEBSITE aLL ABOUT YOU MAGAZINE ONLINE
gym membership Cinema
financing
DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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MEMBER PROFILE
A personal highlight was winching into Wallaman Falls to pick up a base jumper whose parachute didn’t open correctly.
Q: We’d love to hear an anecdote about something funny or bizarre that has happened to you along the way?
Getting a call from a GP out west who had a patient with a fractured “personal member”. He then went on to explain that the patient was actually the GP himself… and this episode hadn’t happened with his wife. I spent ages trying to sort out a cover story for him and work out a way to transport him to definitive care in Brisbane. Turned out to be a group of my friends pranking me. I can’t repeat the words I said over the phone when I found out.
Q: What aspects of medicine would you like to be involved with in the future?
I would love to maintain my involvement in teaching. Seeing a learner have that light bulb moment is a real thrill.
DR carl o’kane AMA Queensland’s newest council member, Dr Carl O’Kane represents members in north Queensland. As Postgraduate Medical Education Council of Queensland’s 2010 Clinical Educator of the Year, Dr O’Kane is passionate about youth culture and enjoys seeing great potential, enthusiasm and passion from the new doctors at Townsville hospital. Q: What are your qualifications?
I got my MB, BS, Bsc (Med) from the University of NSW, my Masters in Education from Flinders University and I have a FACEM.
Q: What do you get up to outside of work?
Xbox, movies and television. I love movies or series that allow you to make your own judgements and don’t beat you about the head with the plot, like Homeland.
Q: Why did you decide to join AMA Queensland?
I wanted to see how a lobby group works and to try and contribute to making a difference to the problems I see every day in health care in Queensland.
Q: why do you think it’s important to belong to ama queensland?
Change is the only constant, and belonging to an organisation that can give you a voice in that change is crucial. Q
Q: What is your current position?
I’m a Staff Specialist at the Townsville Emergency Department and I am also the Director of Clinical Training for The Townsville Hospital. That is a fancy title to say I ensure the junior doctors get a well-rounded experience.
Q: What other roles have you held?
I have been a member of the Prevocational Education Oversight committee for Queensland Health. I am still a surveyor for the Postgraduate Medical Council of Queensland.
Q: what are the highlights of your career to date?
Seeing junior doctors and registrars growing into more responsible roles. It gives me faith for the future of medicine.
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As AMA Queensland’s North representative on council, Dr O’Kane congratulates Dr Lincoln Dinh, a recent James Cook University graduate and AMAQ Foundation scholarship holder.
LIFE
To celebrate the Lexus of Brisbane Group/AMA Queensland partnership, Dr Larry Gahan took the RX350 SUV for a test drive. It turned out to be an ideal choice for the Australia Day pseudo long weekend with its forecast of heavy rain and flood warnings.
T
he RX Series of SUVs includes the RX350 and RX450h. We road tested the RX350 Sport version with its claimed 10.8L/100km, 3.5L V6 with 204kw and 346Nm. Its stablemate is the RX450h, which complements this V6 with two electric motors, providing 220kw/382Nm with an amazing 6.4L/100km. It achieves this by using the electric motors only, instead of petrol, when suitable and recharging the serving batteries with regenerative braking and other innovative techniques.
We decided on a loop from Brisbane through the Darling Downs, via friends of ours who run Hoffey’s Coffee, a boutique stone fruit farm with coffee shop at Dalveen near Stanthorpe, and back via Tenterfield, Casino, Lismore, Byron Bay and Gold Coast. The forecast heavy rain made the various ranges on this journey more treacherous than normal, especially near Casino where it was bucketing down.
All Wheel Drive
The RX350 is endowed with a ‘Constant Active Torque’ All Wheel Drive system which can be augmented with a centre diff lock at the push of a button at speeds of up to 40km/h. This enables serious AWD capability with emphasis on technology rather than brute mechanical hardware. This allows the RX series to run relatively low vehicle mass of 1,975kg to 2,200kg compared to other heavy weight 4WDs (which can weigh up to 2,900kg). The AWD system provides up to 100 per cent of power to the front wheels under normal driving conditions to variable split of up to 50 per cent drive to rears as traction varies to a locked 50/50 torque split via the centre diff lock button.
Performance and handling
For those of you familiar with the previous RX versions, this latest model has been endowed with significant suspension upgrades which have improved both on and off road behaviour. The six-speed auto with the option of using tiptronic clutchless gear changes was a delight to use over the ranges, transforming the vehicle dynamics to sports car mode plus four wheel traction surefootedness over the twisty, slippery bits. The 204-220kw power range of the RX series Lexus provides more than adequate performance. It has also achieved the maximum rating of five on the Euro NCAP safety score, assisted by its 10 SRS Airbags.
luxury, but at no stage is functionality compromised. Driver’s seat is eight-way power adjustable with three-position memory, but most conveniently the exit assist moves the seat back and steering wheel out of the way to allow easy egress. The functionality theme continues with the rear seat, having 60/40 split with individual slide fore and aft of up to 30cm, and remote release for folding flat. You can’t get much more versatile than that! Underfloor in the rear compartment is a space saver spare, but this can be optioned to a full-size spare. This is a much more sensible scenario for an SUV suitable for long distance travel than some luxury car marques with no spare at all and run flat tyres which are of sizes difficult to replace in country Australia. The reversing camera with park assist, augmented by automatic dipping of exterior mirrors makes parking a breeze, and really should be a safety standard for the 4WD wagon group.
Gripes
I have two gripes. The Interactive Radar (Active) Cruise Control and Pre-collision System which senses potential dramas, makes for relaxed intuitive cruising in the Lexus RX350 Sports. However, the Active Cruise stops working in the rain, leaving the driver at the mercy of the ever-present speed camera. My Lexus LS460 allows me to swap, when needed, to ‘ordinary’ cruise control which most vehicles use. I stopped and read the owner manual of the RX350 but it only seemed to have Active Cruise or none at all in this model. Second, the Sat Nav system is ever-improving, but from a safety point of view, it won’t let programming occur when on the move, in case the driver is distracted. However, I suggest the passenger should be able to provide input to the Sat Nav. The seat belt warning system and air bag release system already sense whether a front seat passenger is present. If said passenger is noted, then the Sat Nav system should ask if the passenger is supplying instructions and, if so, allow instructions for destination to be registered.
Prices
RX350 prices range from $82,900 to $109,481 depending on model, while the RX450h petrol/ electric hybrid models are $7,000 extra for each variant. Q
Features
The Lexus Remote Touch interface (an intuitive joystick) for the multimedia infotainment system – accesses the GPS Sat Nav, Bluetooth, trip computer and sound system with six disc CD stacker, USB and MP3 capabilities. For the school run, the rear tailgate has convenient electric open and close function. The sport version we drove also included the 19” chrome alloy wheels, sunroof and the adaptive radar cruise control. Interior appointments with plenty of leather, wood and chrome give an ambience of cosetting DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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conference
Hola AMA Queensland Conference goers! Madrid awaits. Conference coordinator Neil Mackintosh outlines plans for this year’s event.
P
revention is better than cure. From this well-worn adage hangs the theme of this year’s conference, being held in Spain’s capital Madrid: Prevention is better than cure—preventive health care strategies for the 21st century. Conference delegates will hear and learn from world renowned Australian and international speakers on medical topics affecting doctors and patients: oncology (what you need to know about a diagnosis you never want to miss) infectious diseases injury prevention and treatment evidence-based medicine patient safety and how to reduce medical error global health challenges and solutions doctor health and well-being. Recognising that the business of medicine can be as trying (if not more) than the practise of medicine, business sessions are also planned, covering: risk management business development financial security afterhours medical services practice management skills. Conference sessions are tailored for medical practitioners, practice managers, registered nurses and industry professionals.
Where will you stay?
Conference accommodation is at the newlyrestored Westin Palace Madrid, recently ranked one of the world’s best hotels. King Alfonso XIII commissioned the hotel in 1912. It is known for its spectacular stained glass dome. Centrally located, Westin Palace Madrid is close to many famous sights, including the
Art Triangle, Royal Palace and Opera House, and fabulous tapas restaurants. Q For more information on this year’s conference or to request a brochure, contact Neil Mackintosh on (07) 3872 2267 or email n.mackintosh@amaq.com.au
The Westin Palace Hotel
5 things to know about Madrid 1. Spain’s capital enjoys more cloudless days than any other European city. 2. Madrid has more trees and green spaces per inhabitant than any other European city. 3. Modern infrastructure sits with preserved historic neighbourhoods. 4. The average daytime temperature in September is 26C. 5. It’s one of the 10 most liveable cities in the world.
SPONSORS
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conference
Madrid
SPAIN • 23 – 29 SEPTEMBER 2012
During our panoramic tour we will see such sights as the Plaza de Neptuno, Atocha, Puerta de Toledo, San Francisco el Grande, Bailén, Plaza de España, calle Bailén, calle Mayor, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Oriente, Gran Vía, Cibeles, Serrano, Alfonso XII, back to Plaza de Neptuno. Following this orientation we will visit the magnificent Royal Palace of Madrid which is located in the famous Plaza de Oriente. It is one of the most outstanding palaces of Europe, and contains the artistic treasures of Spanish history. Several wings of the palace are visited, where the finest examples of porcelains, tapestries, furnishings, armour and paintings are on display. The Royal Palace also contains a large collection of clocks (over 2,000), which are all still in perfect working order. The origins of the city of Toledo are lost in the mists of legend, the first written testimony being that of the historian Tito Livio who describes Toletum as a “small fortified town”. Given the strategic importance of its location, on the crossroads of the most important routes of the Spanish peninsula, Toledo has always been highly sought-after as a prize by the different civilisations that have occupied Spain through history. During the Roman conquest, Toledo was a centre of great strategic value. It minted its own money and had an important circus and an aqueduct. Numerous Roman remains bear testimony of the importance of the city at that time. During the middle of the sixth century the Visigoth kings installed their court in Toledo.The city became the political and religious capital of Spain under the title of “The Royal City”. King Alfonso VI of Castile reconquered the city in 1085, converting it into the capital of his kingdom and initiating a new stage of enrichment which was to flourish over the following centuries and reach its most glorious moment of plentitude during the last quarter of the 15th century and the first half of the 16th. As early as the 13th century, the School of Translators of Toledo had brought classical and Arabic culture to the western world; and Toledo was the capital offering the most favourable convivial atmosphere for the blending of the Arabic, Jewish and Christian cultures. During the 15th century, the Catholic Kings showed their predilection for the city by building the temple of San Juan de Los Reyes, with the idea of being buried there, and it was in the Cathedral of Toledo that Juana la Loca and Felipe el Hermoso were proclaimed successors to the Spanish throne. No other city possesses a series of architectural monuments as splendid as those found in Toledo, or covering such a wide span of history. This richness makes the whole city a marvellous museum, which has been declared in its entirety a part of Heritage of Humanity.
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BUSINESS TOOLS
After 2011’s natural disasters, a 15 per cent increase is expected in home insurance premiums. Scott Stewart from AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions explains why the rise is best tackled with the help of an insurance broker.
L
Scott Stewart AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions 1300 883 059 scott.stewart@amaqis.com.au
ast year was a very turbulent year with a spate of natural disasters resulting in a staggering number of claims and even larger payouts. The final catastrophe figures for 2011 are as follows: Queensland floods - 58,463 claims totalling $2.4 billion Cyclone Yasi - 72,203 claims totalling $1.33 billion Perth bushfires - 410 claims totalling $35 million Victorian floods - 7,952 claims totalling $122 million
Given the complexities of business insurance, the most efficient and cost-effective way of doing this is by contacting an insurance broker that understands your industry and knows your potential claims exposures and can match your requirements to a competitively priced policy. Most people would not consider tackling a complex electrical job around their home without using a qualified expert to avoid costly mistakes and insuring your business is no different.
Margaret River bushfires - 392 claims totalling $52.3 million
Avoiding the advice of a trusted insurance broker as a cost-saving exercise could leave your business open to significant financial risk, particularly if you offer unique services that require specialised and expensive equipment or resources.
In addition, the tsunami in Japan and the earthquakes in New Zealand added another $101 billion (USD) in claims.
By securing the services of a broker, you will receive qualified advice on obtaining the right insurance at the right price.
So how does this affect the average policy holder? The costs of all these disasters will inevitably have an upward effect on all private and business premiums.
Insurance brokers choose to remain independent, meaning they work for the client and use multiple insurers.
The Insurance Council of Australia said every household nationwide can expect a rise of around 15 per cent in home insurance premiums with the estimate of increase for business insurance being not much better.
Good insurance brokers are in a position to offer their clients numerous options with variations in coverage, service levels, and pricing, all in consideration of the specific needs of each individual business.
Victorian severe storms - 49,396 claims totalling $412.3 million
A broker can help indemnify both yourself and your business from sudden and paralysing damages, while saving you time and money. If the unexpected does happen, we all understand insurance is vital for cushioning the financial blow which follows a significant claim, and when that claim occurs the only thing more important than having insurance is having the right kind of insurance. So, in light of the above, and keeping in mind the importance of the need to consistently review your insurance, make sure you have adequately covered the replacement value of your assets and be sure that your insurance both meets your needs whilst still providing value for your money.
A broker can help indemnify both you and your business from sudden and paralysing damages, while saving you time and money. Your time is best applied to consolidating and expanding what you have built in your own profession rather than spending hours sourcing insurance that may not actually be meeting your requirements. Our staff at AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions specialise in insurance for the medical sector and we have tailored insurance solutions designed to meet the needs of individual practitioners through to the largest medical centres. We welcome any and all enquiries so please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your requirements. Q
AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions is a joint initiative of AMA Queensland and Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Limited ABN 81 072 343 643 AFS Licence 240549. AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions is a Corporate Authorised Representative of Insurance Advisernet Australia Pty Limited, Authorised Representative No: 320115. Please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before purchasing any insurance product.
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MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
www.amaqis.com.au
Insurance renewal time getting you down? Let’s face it insurance is boring. But necessary. 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 taking the yawn out of renewal time, contact AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions.
All insurance needs covered for all members through AMA Queensland Insurance Solutions.
AMA Qu eenslan d Insuran ce Solution Your Ins s urance Speciali sts
For more information phone: 1300 883 059
BUSINESS TOOLS
Julie Smith from William Buck demystifies the tax issues.
M
y colleagues say they split their income with their spouse – that does not sound right? Can I do that?
Julie Smith William Buck (07) 3229 5100 julie.smith@williambuckqld.com.au
As a medical practitioner, a key part of your practice is the generation of income from your efforts in seeing patients. This income is known as Personal Services Income (PSI) and there are specific taxation rules that govern how it must be treated for tax purposes. We often see confusion regarding how these rules work and how they may apply in certain circumstances. The purpose of this month’s article is to help demystify these rules to assist in ensuring your practice complies.
What are the rules?
PSI is income generated primarily through the personal efforts or skills of an individual. Under general taxation principles, this income is taxable to the person who exerted the effort or exercised the skills. The PSI rules were introduced to ensure that the tax on this income could not be reduced simply by diverting the taxation to another taxpayer through the use of entity structures such as partnerships, companies
and trusts. In these circumstances, the PSI rules may operate to ‘look-through’ the entity and attribute the entity’s income directly to the individual who is performing the work. In addition, the PSI legislation may operate to limit the tax deductions that are available for someone receiving personal services income, to effectively limit them to those that would have been available if they were an employee. If affected by the provisions, expenses such as superannuation and wages paid to spouses may not be deductible. Due to the nature of the work undertaken by professionals such as doctors, dentists, lawyers, accountants and so on, almost all will be subject to the provisions of the personal services income legislation. There are some exemptions to the PSI provisions, which will depend upon the type of income you receive and the way in which your affairs are structured. How these exemptions may apply to your circumstances is best determined by your taxation advisors. In general, the provisions can best be summarised by the flowchart below.
Step 1: Personal services income Does the taxpayer receive income that is mainly a reward for personal efforts or skills?
Step 2: Results test
YES
Is the taxpayer engaged to produce a result - as opposed to an hourly or consultative basis?
Step 3: The 80% rule YES
NO
NO
Does the taxpayer satisfy one of the following tests: Unrelated clients; or Employment; or Business premises NO The personal services legislation applies unless the taxpayer obtains a personal services business determination. MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
YES
Does 80% or more of the individual’s personal services income in an income year come from one client?
Step 4: Other tests
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NO
(Australian Master Tax Guide, p30-660)
YES
NOT SURE The taxpayer may wish to apply to the ATO for a determination that the personal services income legislation does not apply to them.
NOT SURE
The personal services income legislation does not apply. The anti-avoidance measures in Part IVA may still apply.
BUSINESS TOOLS How might the rules apply to me?
As the purpose of the rules is to ensure that entities are not used to reduce tax, how they specifically apply will depend upon your individual circumstances. Let’s consider some of the common trading models within the medical profession. Locum A locum who contracts to a medical centre through an entity will generally be subject to the PSI income attribution rules, to ensure that they pay tax on the PSI generated. This is because: They generally will not meet the results test as they do not provide all of the plant and equipment necessary to carry out their work. They earn the majority of their income from one source (being the medical centre at which they work) which means they may not meet the requirement to earn less that 80 per cent of their income from one source
They will generally not meet the Employment or Business Premises tests. Medical Practitioner in Practice or Using Serviced Rooms In contrast, a medical practitioner (that is a medical professional whose income is in the form of patient fees) who operates through an entity will likely meet some of the exemptions as they will be considered a personal services business. This is because they will not earn more than 80 per cent of their patient fees from one single patient and most of their patients will be unrelated.
What about tax avoidance?
It is critical to note that regardless of whether or not the PSI provisions apply, the general anti-avoidance rules must still be considered in relation to personal services income. Why? Because if you generate income through your personal exertion, you must pay the tax on that income, regardless of
your structure. The PSI provisions were enacted to ensure that this happens in certain circumstances, but it does not mean that you do not have to comply with general tax principles if the PSI rules don’t apply to you. You must ensure that you are paying tax appropriately, or harsh penalties may apply, not to mention the cost of seeking assistance to resolve the matter.
What should I do?
If you are concerned about how the PSI or tax avoidance provisions may apply to your circumstances, it is time to have an experienced advisor review your affairs. Ensure that things are correct so that you can focus on the more important things – looking after yourself and your patients. Q The information contained in this summary is general in nature and should not be applied or relied upon without seeking additional professional advice. William Buck has a dedicated team of superannuation and taxation experts who are happy to speak with you regarding your self managed superannuation fund or any other issues regarding superannuation you may have.
Feel like your accounting and finances are in a mess? We can help. At William Buck, we have one simple goal - to simplify, clarify and systemise your finances and take the stress out of your life. We’re more than just a leading accounting and advisory firm. We become true partners with our clients and work hard to keep you one step ahead.
williambuck.com
CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS & ADVISORS DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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BUSINESS TOOLS
Barry Lanesman from Investec Medical and Dental Finance takes us through all the payment options available for equipment in your practice.
Y Barry Lanesman Investec Medical and Dental Finance 1300 131 141 www.investec.com.au/ medicalfinance
ou need equipment for your practice, that’s a given. So you research the available equipment and, after assessing its suitability, reliability and cost, you make your purchase decision. Often, the next decision involves how to pay for your new equipment. This is where it pays to research the various funding options and understand the impact that each can have on your bottom line before you make your purchase. New equipment varies in cost from a few hundred dollars to many thousands of dollars. Sometimes, the expense can be a deterrent to making the purchase, but it is important to remember that the purchase cost is not necessarily the real cost. You can benefit financially by potentially treating more patients with the new equipment, and so earn more income, but you can also maximise your financial return by selectively choosing your method of purchase, thereby increasing the commercial benefits of your purchase. If we look at new equipment worth $100,000, we can assess its real cost after considering your chosen payment method.
Buy outright: Cash
Saving enough to purchase this piece of equipment outright seems like a logical approach. You don’t need to enter any finance arrangements, make monthly payments or understand complex tax implications. The downside is that you could get further with your cash by investing in growth assets and potentially receive a broad range of commercial benefits by entering a finance agreement for your business equipment.
Finance: Chattel mortgage or asset purchase agreement
You can save your cash and instead finance your purchase with a chattel mortgage or asset purchase agreement. These are common financing arrangements that have different tax treatments and when correctly structured, can put you ahead. For example, with a chattel mortgage, financing $100,000 over five years with no deposit and no residual at 8.5 per cent pa would mean that your monthly commitment is $2,037.22, but you may claim the interest portion of your payment in your tax return throughout the entire loan period. After five years, your total repayment of $122,233.20 ($24,446.64 for each year) includes a total of $22,233.20 in interest expense which is tax deductible, plus you may also claim equipment depreciation on
the goods for the life of the asset, and not just the loan term. As a guide, the total depreciation claimed over the four years varies between $23,000 and $25,000 if the diminishing value depreciation method is applied. The exact depreciation amount claimed each year depends on your self assessment, tax advice and chosen depreciation method.
Finance: Lease
Lease payments on the equipment would be about $1,718.63 before GST each month for five years, assuming a 8.5 per cent residual remains payable at the end of the term and there is no option to purchase. Rather than claiming depreciation as an expense, the entire lease rental (principal and interest) becomes tax deductible. This amounts to a total of $124,429.40 over five years. The $1,718.63 pre-GST residual would not be tax deductible. It is also important to note that the treatment of GST varies for lease, chattel mortgage and hire purchase, and it should be considered when assessing the most appropriate structure for your circumstances.
Find the right finance for you
To get the best deal for you, discuss your needs with a specialist in the industry who has already assisted many practitioners to set up, and who understands your profession and your financial circumstances. Investec Medical Finance offers up to 100 per cent finance for owner-occupied commercial and residential premises with no ongoing fees, fixed variable and line of credit financing, interest only or principal and interest payments – and all with no other security required. We can also fund your fit out, equipment and vehicles to get you started in your own business. Barry Lanesman from Investec Medical Finance is a registered dentist with private practice experience and over 20 years involvement in financing dental and medical practices. He has played a key role in the development of specialist finance for the medical and dental professions. Q
Investec Professional Finance Pty Ltd ABN 94 110 704 464 is a subsidiary of Investec Bank (Australia) Limited ABN 55 071 292 594 (Investec Bank). This editorial includes information of a general nature only in relation to the potential commercial benefits of asset financing. Taxation is only one of the matters that taxpayers should consider in making business decisions. This editorial does not constitute taxation advice and cannot be relied upon as such. The individual circumstances of each taxpayer may affect the specific tax implications of asset financing to that taxpayer. We recommend that independent professional tax advice is sought to confirm the specific tax implications of asset financing based on the particular circumstances of each taxpayer. Investec Professional Finance is not offering financial or tax advice. All finance is subject to our credit assessment criteria. Terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Information is current as at February 2010.
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If you’re a doctor in training interested in a research placement, would $25,000 or $50,000 help? Avant is delighted to announce the launch of the Avant Doctor in Training Research Scholarships Program. Each year we will award two full-time scholarships to the value of $50,000 each and four part-time scholarships of $25,000 each. Let us help turn your dream of that elusive research placement into a reality.
As a recipient of grants in the past, I would encourage you to put as much detail as possible into the application, it’s worth the time and effort to get it right. Dr Gareth Crouch Cardiothoracic Registrar (SA) Member, Avant’s Doctor in Training Advisory Council
Applications open at 9am on 13 February 2012 and must be received by 5pm on 31 May 2012. For more information or to download the application form, please visit www.avant.org.au/scholarship
Australia’s Leading MDO
BUSINESS TOOLS
The PPS Register commenced on 30 January 2012 and a basic understanding of it is now essential for anyone doing business in Australia. Alex Moriarty from TressCox Lawyers explains what it could mean for medical practitioners.
T
he Personal Property Securities Register (PPS Register) established under the Personal Property Securities Act 2009 (Cth) (PPSA) is the most significant reform to Australia’s business landscape since the Trade Practices Act, which established the ACCC and unfair trading laws, was passed in 1974. Firstly, a primer on the concept of security. All readers will be familiar with the purpose of mortgages, which are given as security over your house to protect your lender in the event you are unable to repay your home loan. The key commercial imperative for any type of security is that it protects the lender in the event they are not repaid, by providing them with another means to get their money back, eg by selling your house. The reason for the PPS Register is that many businesses, not just lenders, take security over things other than land. Medical practitioners who are used to having to purchase on credit or lease medical equipment to run their practice will be familiar with the concepts of chattel mortgages, and also company charges, when making large financial commitments. Until now Australia has never had a single register for such securities. Instead, there has been a confusing patchwork of some 40 state and national registers operating under approximately 70 separate Acts, including ASIC’s Company Charge Register and REVS (Register of Encumbered Vehicles). Lawyers and the courts became involved in the resulting disputes over who got paid from what assets and in what order.
Under the new system, ‘security interests’ now include contractual arrangements that were not previously regarded as security, including leases, supply on retention of title terms and hire-purchase arrangements.
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MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
The PPSA replaces all of that with a single online register available to the public 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The PPSA does not apply to land and certain statutory licences. It applies to most other tangible and intangible property, including motor vehicles; household, commercial and industrial goods and equipment; business inventory; intellectual property rights, financial instruments and company shares. Under the new system, ‘security interests’ now include contractual arrangements that were not previously regarded as security, including leases, supply on retention of title terms and hire-purchase arrangements. When you lease, borrow, or purchase any type of goods on credit, whether for your practice or for domestic purposes, it is likely a security interest will arise. Registration on the PPS Register is now essential to protect one’s security. If they have not been already, it is likely medical practices will be approached by suppliers and lenders about documenting new terms of supply and registering their security interests on the PPS Register. If you wish to learn more about the PPS Register, we suggest consulting the Government’s PPSA website, (www.ppsr.gov.au), and your lawyer or accountant for any business or transaction specific enquiries. Q
Leave the hardwork to TressCox, giving you more time for the pleasures in life ...
TressCox has over 100 years experience representing Medical Practitioners in various areas of Health Law. Our Health Services Group is one of the largest and most experienced in Australia. We are well connected to the health industry, its peak bodies and key professionals, so we offer a deep understanding of the issues. When professional, ethical and commercial issues compete, our legal advice is sensitive to every nuance and reality for one particular reason: our health team has specialist expertise gained through long term relationships with the industry. We connect. That’s what makes the difference. Katharine Philp Phone 07 3004 3536 Mobile 0409 586 785 Katharine_Philp@tresscox.com.au
Leo Hopsick Phone 07 3004 3535 Mobile 0409 625 538 Leo_Hopsick@tresscox.com.au
Alex Moriarty Phone 07 3004 3533 Mobile 0459 400 500 Alex_Moriarty@tresscox.com.au
Stephen Tonge Phone 07 3004 3502 Mobile 0408 987 669 Stephen_Tonge@tresscox.com.au
www.tresscox.com.au
t w i t t e r.c o m /Tr e ssC o x linkedin.com/company/tresscox-lawyer s
BUSINESS TOOLS
Anthony Brown from Medico Legal Insurance Group explains why it’s important to regularly review your insurance portfolio.
Anthony Brown Medico-Legal Insurance Group P: (07) 3007 7800 F: (07) 3007 7822 info@mlig.com.au
I
t is the New Year and time to hit ‘Ctrl+Alt+Delete’ on 2011 and focus on 2012. While most of us make New Year’s resolutions (some more successful than others) it is also a good time to focus some attention on personal matters like your personal insurance portfolio. By personal insurance, I am referring to your income protection, life and trauma insurance. Your personal insurance is not necessarily organised as a once-off and filed away in the hope that nothing will ever happen to you. It is a part of your overall financial planning that requires ongoing adjustment and maintenance as your circumstances change and insurance policies improve. With advancements in medical technology and diagnosis, insurers will continue to improve their policy definitions. The question you should ask yourself is … does my insurance portfolio upgrade in line with these improvements? As medical professionals, you have seen firsthand the devastating effect that suffering a major illness or injury can have on an individual’s or family’s financial situation. Suffering a serious medical condition or an injury can affect your most valuable asset - which is your ability to earn an income.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN REVIEWING YOUR POLICIES
1. Are you paying too much on your premium? You might find that premium rates have reduced in more recent years. 2. Do your policies automatically update when the insurer improves definitions and features? If not, you could be left with policies that are out-dated. 3. Are the policy definitions specific to your occupation? 4. Are the policy ownership structures still appropriate to your situation? 5. Do your policies include additional needlestick cover? 6. Have you had any change in circumstances since you first organised your insurance? (ie taken on more debt, had any children etc). It is essential to have your existing insurance portfolio reviewed by an adviser to ensure your cover is appropriate so there are no surprises if you ever need to make a claim. Alternatively, if you do not have any personal insurance in place, I urge you to speak to an adviser sooner rather than later to arrange a personalised plan for you. Q
What plans do you have in place to ensure the continuity of income for your family in the event of your death? This is why it is important to set up a personalised insurance strategy and consistently review this portfolio with your adviser to ensure if tragedy strikes, you are adequately insured.
Please be advised that we have recently moved: Our new office address is: Level 5, 217 George Street Brisbane Qld 4000
Our new contact numbers are: PHONE (07) 3007 7800 FAX (07) 3007 7822
OUR EMAIL AND POSTAL ADDRESS REMAINS THE SAME 46
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
“Our bills cannot wait for James to recover�
If you were seriously disabled through illness or accident, what would you do for an income? After years of study and hard work getting where you are today, surely the most important priority is to protect your income? If you are unable to work due to illness or injury, an Income Protection policy will ensure you have an ongoing monthly income to provide for your ongoing living costs. For more information on how you can structure a personalised protection portfolio, contact us for advice specific to your needs.
FREE CALL 1800 552 555 Medico Legal Insurance Group Pty Ltd is an Authorised Representative of Millennium3 Financial Services Pty Ltd Australian Financial Services Licence Number 244252
www.mlig.com.au Phone 07 3007 7800 Facsimile 07 3007 7822 Email info@mlig.com.au
Take the stress out of buying your home “Prosper group can help you find your home. Once briefed they can take care of the sourcing and negotiations.”
Call
1300 664 373 to find out how we can help you.
How Prosper Group can help with your next property purchase
Save money
As your independent property buyer’s agent, we will find your ideal property and then negotiate on your behalf, potentially saving you as much as 5% to 10% on the purchase price. Plus you’ll avoid the unnecessary costs associated with buying a “problem property”.
Save time
We do all the searching and evaluation for you, taking you straight to the short-list stage, so you don’t waste your valuable time looking at properties that don’t meet your criteria
Access to unadvertised property
For many reasons many of the best properties are not advertised. In fact, half the properties we purchased last year were off market. As our client, you will have access to these properties.
Reduce your stress and risk
We remove the stress of dealing with pushy selling agents. And each property we short-list for you must pass our rigorous 42-point due diligence checklist. This reduces your risk by ensuring that the property has no hidden problems.
Professional advice and support
As your independent property buyer’s agents, we work for you and support you through every step of your purchase. We can liaise with your financier and solicitor as well as arrange the pest and building inspections, strata reports and even renovations for you.
FREE
pest and building report
(valued at $550.00) when you engage us to source a property
For more information go to
for you.
www.prospergroup.com.au/ amaqldpropertybuyers
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www.prospergroup.com.au
PEOPLe & EVENTS
T
he AMAQ Foundation celebrated its eleventh Annual Charity Golf Day on Thursday 3 November 2011, at the Indooroopilly Golf Club. An enthusiastic field of 107 players took to the course, which was in perfect condition, playing a four-ball ambrose event for lots of fabulous prizes.
Dr Larry Gahan (centre) with the winning team (L to R): Daniel Rich, Dr Peter Pfaender, Adam Lowe and Jeff Lowe.
This annual event is a major fundraiser for the AMAQ Foundation, the charity arm of AMA Queensland. The Foundation is dedicated to assisting in the delivery of medical care and services to those less fortunate throughout Queensland and parts of South East Asia. The event attracted generous member and corporate support. A special thank you to our loyal major sponsors, Austral VW and Data #3, and to all our hole sponsors. During the presentation ceremony one of our most loyal supporters, Professional Investment Services, was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for their continuous sponsorship over the past 10 years.
Simon Hughes accepts his Long Drive prize from Michael Niven (Austral VW).
A big thank you also to all prize sponsors and donors of other prizes: Austral VW, Grant James International, Brisbane Lions, Brisbane International Tennis, Smart Supplies, QPAC, Dendy Cinemas and Indooroopilly Golf Club. Q
Garry Cooper receives his Long Drive prize from Michael Niven, of Austral VW (Major Sponsor).
The winners
Hole winners
1st Dr Peter Pfaender, Jeff Lowe, Adam Lowe and Daniel Rich.
Each received a gift pack from MDA National.
2nd John Neilson, John Martin, Greg Maher and Alan Rogers.
Each received a gift pack from Wine Direct.
3rd Simon More, Bill Dale, Brian Pert and Al Coughlan (Investec team).
Each received a golfer’s gift pack from Medico Legal Insurance Group.
4th Ian Walsh, Scott McGregor, Trentan Clarke and Warwick Hawthorne (MEDFIN Team). Each received a gift voucher from Indooroopilly Golf Club.
This event would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors:
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AMAQ Foundation President Dr Steve Hambleton presents Dr Alan Stocks with his raffle prize.
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Major Sponsors
L ong Drive Hole Green 1
Lyn Barker (Australian Medical Placements) receives her NTP prize from Steve Nahuysen, representing Major Sponsor, Data #3. Left: Dr Steve Hambleton, Foundation President, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Brett Dalton, for 10 years of continuous support by Professional Investment Services.
2 nd Shot Hole Blue 4
Daniel Rich
Roy Colghoun
Bottle of premium wine from AVANT
One dozen golf balls from the AMAQ Foundation
L ong Drive Hole Green 5
N TP Hole Green 2
Garry Cooper
Adam Lowe
Bottle of wine (Penfolds RWT 2004) from AVANT
Golfer’s gift pack from the AMAQ Foundation
L ong Drive Hole Blue 3
N TP Hole Green 7
Troy Hose
Frank Ramsey
Golfer’s gift pack from Grant James International
French champagne from MEDFIN
L ong Drive Hole Blue 9
N TP Hole Blue 5
Simon Hughes Autographed cricket bat and golf
Tony Coyne and Lyn Barker
balls from Grant James International and Austral VW
Each received a champagne pack from Wine Direct
2 nd Shot Hole Green 3
N TP Hole Blue 7
Steve Williams
Iain McLean
One dozen golf balls from the AMAQ Foundation
Gift pack (wine and golf balls) from AMAQ Foundation
Sponsors
PEOPLe & EVENTS
Intern Workshops university of queensland, brisbane, 28 october 2011 GRIFFITH UNIVERSITY AND BOND UNIVERSITY, gold coast, 21 october 2011 JAMES COOK UNIVERSITY, townsville, 14 december 2011
AMA Queensland held Intern Workshops in Brisbane, Gold Coast and Townsville to help prepare graduating medical students for their internship. Topics the workshop covered included prescribing, paperwork and peer advice; ward call and emergency situations and general career advice. A special thank you to the following presenters that made this event possible: Dr Vanessa Grayson, Dr Saul Felber, Dr Ross Fowler, Dr Rachel Collings, Dr Allan Davies, Dr Rob Mitchell, Bav Manoharan and Matt Roberts.
Dr Jen Williams (far right) with new interns from the Gold Coast Hospital.
New interns from the Gold Coast Hospital check out the benefits of AMA Queensland membership.
Interns from the Brisbane intern event. Interns from the Brisbane intern event.
New interns from James Cook University.
These events were proudly sponsored by:
New interns from James Cook University.
New Intern member Prize winners
member survey Prize winners
Congratulations to our new intern members who won an intern prizes as part of the AMA Queensland Intern recruitment campaign. Prizes consisted of 32Gb wifi iPad2 provided by AMA Queensland or a 42� LCD LG TV provided by the team at Investec Medical Finance.
Congratulations to Dr Deryck Charters and Dr Beryl Turner, who won a 32Gb wifi iPad2 in our member survey giveaway.
ama house, brisbane, 17 december 2011
ama house, brisbane, 17 december 2011
Top right: Dr Matt Marino from Griffith University won a new iPad2. Right: Dr Amelia Stephens from University of Queensland checks out the classics on her new LCD TV.
Dr Deryck Charters with his new iPad2.
DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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PEOPLe & EVENTS
member milestone event
kelvin grove, friday 2 december 2011
A
MA Queensland honoured members who achieved 50 years of continuous membership in 2011 with a morning tea celebration on the verandah at AMA Queensland in Kelvin Grove. Other members who had reached significant membership milestones, including continuous membership with AMA Queensland for 45 years, 40 years, 35 years, 30 years, 25 years, 20 years, 15 years, 10 years and 5 years were also recognised. Congratulations again to members on achieving these significant membership milestones and our heartfelt thanks for the continued support and loyalty shown to AMA Queensland over the years. Q
Chocolate cake to celebrate.
President Dr Richard Kidd with Past President Dr Rodney Morris (celebrating 40 years).
Dr Eleanor Chew (celebrating 25 years) with Dr Abbas Hussein (celebrating 10 years) and wife Daisy.
President Dr Richard Kidd presents Dr Gus Galea with his 50 year plaque.
Dr Robyn Cooke with Dr Denis Campbell (both celebrating 50 years).
Dr Lionel Hartley (celebrating 50 years) and Dr Barry Appleton.
Congratulations to the following members who reached a significant membership milestone in 2011.
50 years Dr Denis Campbell Dr Kerry V Casey Dr Judith AR Cominos Prof Robin Cooke Dr Graham Entsch Dr John L Fothergill Dr Lionel CJ Hartley
Dr Frank Bennett Dr Noel Cassels Dr Emanuel Cassimatis Dr Ian N Colledge Dr Allan E Cook Sir Llewellyn Edwards Dr William T Fifoot
Dr David A Beardwood
40 years Dr Eric M Bateson Dr Joseph K Blaszczyk Dr Michael M Cervenak Dr Dennis Costigan Dr Barbara E Craig
Dr Rodney J Morris
Dr John Kearney
Dr David P Palethorpe
Dr Kenneth M Kwong
Dr Ross Taylor
Dr William E Lang
Dr Perce Tucker
Dr Robert AC Leggett
Dr Graeme Turner
Dr Gordon J Lulham
Dr Stephen Waite
Dr Russell MacDougall
Dr Photene Weber
Dr Derek McGregor Dr Andrew D Mercer
Dr Tony Fitzgerald
Dr Jon Douglas
35 years
Dr Dennis L Fitzsimmons
Dr Giles Earnshaw
Dr John Aloizos
Dr Michael Geraghty
Dr Evan S Fraser
Dr Esther EG Andrews
Dr William ES Hasker
Dr Robert V Garsia
Dr Alison E Bruce
Dr Alan F Hilton
Dr Graham R Hall
Dr Greig Chaffey
Dr Robert AL Vickers
Dr Graham P Isbell
Dr Roy GAE Horchner
Dr John Earwaker
Dr Vernon Jannusch
Dr Philip Esdale
45 years
Dr Graeme R Jensen Dr Bill Lindsay
Dr Albert P Jones
Dr David J Finden
Dr Ron Adam
Prof Errol J Maguire
Dr Howard Kingston
Dr Roscoe W Foreman
Dr Robert Adam
Dr John D Mayze
Dr Michael W Lanigan
Dr Frank R Golik
Dr Barry Appleton
Dr Barry K Moore
Dr Charlotte Lip
Dr Peter Harvey
Dr John E Arnold
Dr Andrew G Orr
Dr John Lodge
Dr Catherine Heathwood
30 years
Dr David Bates
Dr David F Yeates
Dr Leonard V McKeering
Dr Garth Hockly
Dr Robert I Balmain
Dr David Hishon Dr Donald E Jobbins Dr Brian V McDonnell Dr James G Pyle Dr Noel MT Reid
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Dr Barrie H Bennett
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Dr Jillian M Newland Dr David E Nunn Dr John D Pyle Dr Peter Rossberg Dr Venera C Russo Dr Graham O Solley Dr Patricia Stuart Dr Leslie C Thompson Dr Kay M Tierney Dr John Walters
PEOPLe & EVENTS Dr Paul Bartels Dr Gregory TH Beak Dr Ruth A Best Dr Bob Bierman Dr Emile Brands Dr Kim Bulwinkel Dr Eileen M Burkett Dr Lillian Cameron Dr Alex TB Chi Dr Judith IM Chittenden Dr BelindaE Clarke Dr Bill Cockburn Prof David M Colquhoun Dr John W Cox Dr Mark Craig Prof Alex Crandon Dr Frank Crimmins Dr Edward Dauber Dr Andrew A Davidson Dr Julien P De Jager Dr Philip J Dubois Dr Peter BP Duffy Dr Mary L Dunne Dr John Eldershaw Dr Ron Ewart Dr Andrew J Field Dr Noel F Fraser Dr Alan H D Freed Dr Bernard C Gerber Dr Patricia A Godbolt Dr Malcolm I Godfrey Dr Philip L Goldston Prof Ian Gough Dr Amanda H Greaves Dr Philip A Hilford Dr John S Howland Dr Phillip F Keller Dr Mark Kluver Dr Piyoosh KH Kotecha Dr Richard Lim Dr Simon Locke Dr Christine M Lonergan Dr Graham C Loy Dr Warren S Lun Dr Narelle F Martin Dr Michael R Martin Dr Barry RK McKeon Dr Peter J McMeniman Dr Stewart A Miles Dr Vernon Moo Dr Maria EL Moon Dr Peter J Moran Dr Robert W Morgan Dr Thomas M Mullins
Dr Neville J O’Connor Dr Tony O’Loan Dr Michael J O’Sullivan Dr Stuart Paige Dr Geoff J Pandy Dr Patricia E Pease Dr Steve Phillips Dr Krish Prasad Dr Roger L Prentice Dr Jill G Reddan Dr John B Robertson Dr William N Robinson Dr Roger Rosser Dr Malvern B Shinn Dr Geoffrey P Smith Dr Judith E Spurling Dr Gloria GC Teoh Dr Mark S Thompson Dr Elizabeth A Thorne Dr Ian Truscott Dr Tim Warnock Dr Michael J Weidmann Dr Philip E Wignall Dr Kenneth Wilkie Dr Keith M Woodhead Dr Robert G Wright
25 years Dr Roger WG Allison Dr Camilla A Andrews Dr Andrew Apel Dr John G Armstrong Dr Patricia M Baker Dr Jules Black Dr Peter A Borzi Dr Philip D Boyle Dr Andrew Bryant Dr Mark S Byrne Dr Andrew L Byth Dr Robert Campbell Dr Scott Campbell Dr Terence M Casey Dr Eleanor Chew Dr Tommy Chung Dr Wayne Chung Dr Roderick J Conrad Dr James R Curtis Dr Neville G Davis Dr Guy T D’Mellow Dr James A Fardoulys Dr Edward Foley Dr Marsh Godsall Dr Elizabeth A Hampson Dr Daryl J Hewson Dr Peter J Hodgkinson
Dr Geoffrey W Holt Dr Lakshman Jayasinghe Dr Ian G Johnson Dr David M Kanowski Dr Terence Knight Dr Guy Lampe Dr Daniel A Lane Dr Ian Le Fevre Dr Ian M Linton Dr Paula V Marlton Dr Phillip Marshall Dr Peter McLaren Dr Ewen LD McPhee Dr Brendan M Meagher Dr Michael Miros Dr William J Morcom Dr Mark I Morris Dr Taka Okada Dr Roger Parkington Dr Diana M Petrey Dr Andrew Russell Dr Neville L Sandford Dr Roslyn A Seeney Dr Gregory M Siller Dr Amanda S Siller Dr David J Spain Dr Drew J Speight A/Prof Charles Steadman Dr Peter J Storey Dr William J Storie Dr Unis Suliman Dr Lian Tan-Brehon Dr Eugene Toker Dr Andrew N Whittle
20 years Dr Colin J Ades Dr Farook Ameer Dr Janet Bayley Dr Craig Bond Dr Gerard JA Byrne Dr Francis V Carmody Dr Kevin A Chamberlin Dr Khai-Yuen Choong Dr Paul T Cook Dr Catherine J Curson Dr Kerrin P Curtin Dr Russell M Domrow Dr John K Falconer Dr Steve Fanning Dr Michael Fleming Dr Clive Fraser Dr John-Paul Ganter Dr Rosemary A Geraghty Dr Andrew R Hallam
Dr Philip Hayden Dr Noel E Hayman Dr Peter Hengstberger Dr Elizabeth A Justo Dr John T Kastrissios Dr Margaret Kilmartin Dr Jonathan Kuhnemann Dr Michael Mackay Dr Malcolm Miller Dr Beth Molnar Dr Maree P Mungomery Dr Gary VL Nielsen Dr Paul Pincus Dr Stephen J Rashford Dr Marguerite Robertson Dr Leigh F Rutherford Dr Vagish Singh Dr Hugh R Skelly Dr Rod Smith Dr Malcolm B Stumer A/Prof Owen Ung A/Prof Marianne Vonau Dr Beres Wenck Dr Rob Whitehouse Dr Grant A Withey Dr Guy R Wright-Smith Dr John Yaxley
Dr Paul Patane
15 years
Dr Andrew E Southee
Dr Christopher Jackson Dr Gregory S Euston Dr Ruth Duncan Prof Julia Fleming Dr David C Little Dr Buff Maycock Dr Chris Richardson Dr Liana G Tanda Dr Ron W Chang Dr Christopher Price Dr Peta Higgs Dr Shiri Dutt Dr Sean P Rothwell Dr Mark Walker Dr Denise M McLaren Dr Scott Ferguson Dr Jane A Hutson Dr Mark Stickley Dr Martin J Hines Dr Eddie Cassidy Dr Craig J Russell Dr Robert D Craig Dr Sue Fraser Dr Angelo Marcolin Dr Tim Davidson Dr Adelle M Addison
Dr Kerry Patane Dr Alison M Scandrett Dr Jocelyn M Keogh Dr Catherine McGarvey Dr Arehalli M Srinivasa Dr Susan Jordan Dr Mohammed S Hussain Dr Ian R Cheong Dr Allan Deed Dr Angela Voita Dr Stephen A Geoghegan Dr Mee-Ling Khoo Dr Edward B Heffernan Dr Michael J Likely Dr Nicola G Stephens Dr Jonathan J Reinders Dr Martin Masterson Dr Zhen Y Yang Dr Matthew Marrinan Dr Paul D West Dr Chin A Lim Dr Louise M Carey Dr Trisha O’Moore Sullivan Dr Victor Lim Dr Spencer M Toombes Dr Andrew A Wong Dr Patrick J Ryan Dr Mark Stretton Dr Andrew M Cotterill Dr Liane R Lockwood Dr Peter Jones Dr Judith M McEniery Dr Claire AM Barrett Dr Raymond L-M Chuk Dr David J Howkee Dr Ian Young Dr Hong Shue Dr Sarah Marshall Dr Kirsten N Price Dr John R Whittle Dr Mohammed T Hussain Dr Nicholas J Musgrave Dr Robert Pennisi Dr Janet D Kencian Dr Joseph A Triscott Dr Lora A Medoro Dr Gilda Kert Dr Dan Black Dr Kevin JX Huang Dr Michael J Fish Dr Blair K Bowden
DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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Finding that elusive destination which offers a little something for everyone is a traveller’s keen intent! Offering white sandy beaches, wild jungles, a rich culture and great food, Ros Bulat from AMA Travel explains why Sabah has it all.
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urrently flights are not offered direct into Sabah’s capital city, Kota Kinabalu, however it’s not a difficult destination to reach. Several Asian airlines connect into Kota Kinabalu without much delay. Known to the locals as KK or Api Api, Kota Kinabalu has much to offer, all within a close proximity. Apart from many tourist attractions, the city forms quite a commercial hub in East Malaysia. The city area isn’t very large and you can easily access most places on foot or by inexpensive transport. They have the much-loved water park, museums, beaches and golfing whilst also offering some special cultural areas in which you and your family will see the real Sabah! For more than 100 years, people have flocked to the Gaya Street markets (formerly known as Bond Street). Every Sunday morning the street is closed to traffic, making way for crafts, clothing, food and even pets! Entire families visit together in order to explore and enjoy the event. Home to more than 8,000 species of plants and trees, Kipandi Butterfly Park is known as one of the most important sanctuaries for biodiversity in the world. The park includes a collection of no less than 28 species of carnivorous plants. Many butterflies come to the gardens to suck on the nectar and more than 100 species have been identified. The best viewing of the butterflies is between 9am and 11am. One of the best-known spas is Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa. Known as CHI, the spa specialises in taking locally inspired therapies and combining these with the most indulgent spa services.
Please contact Stephanie or Ros at AMA Travel Queensland for more information on this and other wonderful travel experiences.
PHONE: 1800 262 885 FAX: (07) 5556 7200 EMAIL: travel@amaq.com.au WEB: www.amaq.worldtravel.com.au
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Inspired by the Bobohizans (Borneo Island’s native healers), the Borneo Therapy starts with a relaxing herbal footbath ritual to remove negative energy. A special body massage incorporating firm palm and thumb pressure follows – have we got your interest yet? Most people travel to Sabah to get up close and personal with the orangutans. Just a short flight to Sandakan, you can visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which was set up in 1964 to help orphaned babies. Feedings can be viewed twice a day and by taking the walkways you can see adult orangutans in their natural state of play. As an added bonus, feeding time also attracts the long-tailed macaques. Just 40km north off Sandakan in the Sulu Sea is the Turtle Island Park. The park is a safe haven for the endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles. They lay their eggs throughout the year, with the best time to visit being between July and October. If you stay overnight you can observe the turtles landing and the release of the baby turtles back into the sea. The famed Shangri-La Rasa Ria Resort is soon to complete a major renovation. With easy access to the Poring Hot Springs, Kota Belud Tamu Open Markets and some exhilarating white water rafting on the Kiulu River, the Rasa Ria is a great location. Play a round on the 18 hole championship golf course and see the iconic orangutans all in the same day. A great place for all of the family with the inclusion of the kids’ club facilities. If you’re after a destination that is close and offers more than just a beach, then consider Sabah for your next holiday destination. Q
LIFE
Matt Wallace from Wine Direct explains why the challenging touriga is worth the effort.
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Matt Wallace Wine Direct 1800 649 463 matt.wallace@winedirect.com.au
here’s a decent argument that anyone planting significant quantities of touriga nacional has rocks in their head. It is a challenging beast to grow and market and in the vineyard it is both vigorous and difficult to ripen. It has a high skin-to-juice ratio, so the harvest seems to shrink as it passes through the crusher. Also, Australia is already blessed with grenache and shiraz, each of which can produce exceptional examples of rose, red and fortified. Happily, drinkers are embracing new flavours and textures. Old Mill Estate is listening, fashioning cutting-edge pink and black wines from the variety. Evidence from the recent vintages also suggests that touriga has good potential as a climate change variety. At the very least, Old Mill has demonstrated that touriga is ready for us!
getting fired up for Touriga
Old Mill Estate’s Peter Widdop told me: “There was no bolt from the blue - Stuart (Blackwell) from St Hallett wanted us to plant a bit for him - about five acres, but we put in 15. I tasted their first touriga rose in tank and thought ‘beauty!’ I could have sat there drinking out of the tank all day.”
Branching out
“With a few vintages of rose under our belt, we thought we’d have a go at making a red. Early results are very promising. Touriga tends toward massive fruit and tannin weight but can equally be supple and approachable as a young wine so long as it is not excessively oaked,” he said. Old Mills’ touriga is an excellent wine. In spite of the big tannins it’s light on its feet and quite graceful.
On the nose it offers an explosion of Chinese spice and blueberries - quite unlike any other Australian red I’ve encountered. As the wine crosses your tongue it tapers and refines slowly as though the wine’s strident nature is changing as it slides across your palate. This wine is a pleasure to drink now and suits a range of dishes, particularly antipasto and chargrilled meats.
As a fortified – Touriga ‘the contender’
I asked Peter about his next release, a fortified currently brewing in barrel. “Quite a lot of Aussie winemakers have experimented with using Portuguese varieties in fortified wine production,’ he said. “The most profound of these is touriga nacional, which is what we’ve got in the ground at the moment. We’re considering planting a bit of touriga francesca too; it’s a bit lighter bodied and has even more exaggerated aromatics.” The Old Mill Fortified is more restrained than most Aussie VP styles but also exceedingly generous. The nose offers a hint of the spicy aromatics on offer in the dry red, along with a whack of reduced blackcurrant bolstered by spindles of aristocratic spirit. It is intense, long and refined – quite beautiful already but should age very well too.
Climate change - a hot cultivar?
In its homeland of Portugal’s Douro Valley, the variety produces exceptional fruit in an extremely hot climate. Add the rocky ‘schistous,’ which captures and re-radiates heat into the fruiting zone, and you have very challenging growing conditions to which the variety is obviously naturally suited. To complement the vine’s natural synergy with rugged conditions, Peter splits the canopy, trellising most of the canes upward, with around 20 per cent trellised outward from about a foot above the fruiting zone. “This acts much like a roof over the toolshed, protecting the fruit from direct sunlight, preventing the canopy from choking itself and allowing enough green growth to perfectly ripen the fruit.” The furnace-like conditions of the 2008 and 2009 growing season definitely put vineyards through their paces. Heat punished vines, stalling flavour development while sugar levels raced ahead. While there were plenty of good wines made, many carry the double albatross of excessive alcohol and minimal fruit intensity even after reverse osmosis had been employed. Old Mill’s touriga suffered relatively little damage and ripened at a comparatively sedate pace. Fortunately it also performs well in more traditional vintages. Q DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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LIFE
T Ross Noye Wilson HTM (07) 3212 1068 0438 77 99 55 ross.noye@wilsonhtm.com.au
Ross Noye is an executive shareholder and senior financial and investment adviser at Wilson HTM Investment Group and a licensed representative of Wilson HTM Ltd. Readers should seek their own advice.
he January surge in share prices coupled with a raft of positive economic data out of the US and China has boosted investor confidence and the anticipation of a better year ahead. The market ended down 14.5 per cent for the year to 31 December, following the second consecutive year of negative performance. The last time the share market fell two years in a row was 1981-82, which was followed by a 20 per cent plus performance in the following year.
2011 was peppered by financial and political shocks and natural disasters which destroyed investor confidence leading to a 20 per cent drop in the market PE, which is now at its lowest level since 1991 (excluding the GFC). A small change in confidence can make a material difference in market prices. For instance, if investors were as confident now as they were in December 2010 level, the ASX200 would currently be around 5,000 or over 16 per cent higher.
While few investors will hold the view that we are in for a 20 per cent return in 2012, if financial markets see merit in any proposal by the Europeans to address the debt issues of the region then we will see investor confidence return and a likely sharp bounce in share prices. The first step in the process has been taken with the approval of the austerity measures by the Greek parliament.
Over 2011 the trailing PE de-rated by 20 per cent and equities are looking cheap compared to government bonds. Other episodes like this in the past 40 years have seen the market rise 15-20 per cent over the following year.
Investor confidence is largely reflected in market Price Earnings ratios or the market PE, which is calculated by dividing the price of the share by the earnings or profit per share (EPS). A high PE suggests investors are confident of future profit growth continuing and a low PE indicating a more pessimistic view. In bull markets, investors are prepared to pay more because they believe profits will continue to grow, so the PE will be higher. When investors are pessimistic they will not pay as high a price for future earnings so the PEs can drop even though earnings are on the rise. However, as we all know, profit growth is the long-term driver of share price appreciation and sentiment can turn very quickly.
If there was no PE de-rating throughout 2011, the ASX200 would be 5,000.
ASX200 performance 5500
Index
4500
4000
ASX200 ASX200 if Dec 2010 fwd PE continued ASX200 if Dec 2010 trailing PE continued
3500
Jul-09
Jan-10
Jul-10
Source: Datastream, IBES, WHTM portfolio analysis
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Resource stocks to outperform, buoyed by Chinese growth Commodity prices have corrected substantially relative to the slowing in global growth, taking resource stock prices with them. With Chinese growth close to bottoming, we are overweight resources. In the last cycle commodities and resource stocks bottomed as Chinese growth did – not after. With inflation pressures in China slowing, we see scope for policy easing. Amongst industrials, cyclicals look cheapest but caution required Cyclical businesses appear to be trading cheaply compared to defensives but we advise being selective given a range of sectors have ongoing challenges. Consumer spending is growing at normal rates, so it is not a reluctance to spend that is hurting retail and related sectors, it is a preference for services over goods. We see this as a structural trend with probable flow-on to retail property. We continue to favour companies with exposure to resource capital spending. While the pipeline of work has been evident for some time, it is only recently that projects have begun to ramp up. We also see opportunities in offshore cyclicals (solid US growth, though tempered by the Australian dollar strength) and stocks with financial market leverage.
5000
3000 Jan-09
We forecast the ASX200 to reach 4,700 by year end with risk to the upside, but much will depend on the Eurozone outcome. The 4,700 target is predicated on earnings being downgraded by as much as 10 per cent, and the forward PE re-rating to 12x earnings, but performance will not be uniform across the market:
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Jan-11
Jul-11
Jan-12
Banks look okay – low earnings risk, high dividend yield Credit growth is likely to remain moderate as households and small business continue to deleverage, but with solid cost control banks should be able to hit consensus forecasts of ~5per cent earnings growth. Funding costs have clearly risen, but can be passed on to borrowers in time. And given we see a solid, if uneven, domestic economy going forward, bad debts look more likely to fall than rise as the consensus expects. Q
We are pleased to welcome officially our latest corporate partner for investment and financial advisory services, Ross Noye, Executive Shareholder and Senior Investment and Financial Adviser at Wilson HTM Investment Group. Many of you may already be familiar with Ross and his team from regular article contributions in Doctor Q, keynote speaking at personal development events, or as an active Director of the AMAQ Foundation and proud supporter of AMA Queensland’s Annual Conference for over 11 years. With more than 27 years in the investment and finance industry, Ross brings an impressive wealth of knowledge and experience for our members to utilise including: • Stock broking • Retirement planning • Self managed Super Funds establishment and portfolio management • Super fund investment strategy development, documentation and implementation • Personal investment portfolio management and asset allocation advice
Benefit for members: As a member of AMA Queensland, this partnership provides you with an initial consultation by teleconference or in person at no cost. AMA Queensland has also negotiated attractive fee reductions across all services including brokerage rates, investment management, retirement and financial planning advisory fees. We encourage you to take advantage of the comprehensive services package provided by Ross and his team, which includes: • Investment portfolio review and restructuring • Retirement strategy review and restructuring • Developing a zero tax retirement strategy or reviewing your current retirement strategy • A special low $450 fee for establishing your Self Managed Super Fund • Margin lending without margin calls (exclusively for doctors) • Access to managed direct share portfolios with $22.50 trades • Strategies to protect your investment capital from losses • Moving from managed funds to Exchange Traded Funds
How to contact Ross: Go to ama Queensland website and click on his logo
Phone: (07) 3212 1068 mobile: 0438 779 955 Email: ross.noye@wilsonhtm.com.au
LIFE
AMA Queensland’s newest member partner, Lexus, gives us the lowdown on the New Generation Lexus GS Line. Peter Thomas Lexus Concierge (07) 3327 1777 0449 253 094 peter.thomas@lexusofbrisbane.com.au
F
rom the very beginning, the quest of Lexus engineers has been to create the ultimate luxury sports sedan. The New Generation Lexus GS takes this quest a dramatic step forward, displaying advanced driver technologies within a vehicle that rekindles the absolute joy of driving. The New Generation GS line-up is made up by the GS 450h, GS 350 and the GS 250. Lexus’ unique design language ‘L finesse’ has taken an emphatic step forward. Yet as striking as the New Generation GS appears on the outside with its bold, spindle-shaped grille, its true strength lies on the inside as every technology radiates around the driver more spacious, more luxurious, more refined and more rewarding.
To join the AMA Queensland motor enthusiast group please contact Rebecca Byrnes on (07) 3872 2269 or email r.byrnes@amaq.com.au
Headlining the range will be a new 252kW, direct and port injected, Atkinson cycle quad cam 3.5L V6 hybrid in the GS 450h, which is expected to be 20 per cent more fuel efficient than the outgoing hybrid*. It is expected that the GS 450h will sprint from zero to 100km/h in just 5.9^ seconds and consume just 6.2L of fuel per 100km*. Figures like these make this car a ‘high performance hybrid’. New to the range, the GS 350 replaces the 183kW 3.0L V6 with a new 3.5L quad cam V6 featuring direct and port injection developing 233kW which delivers performance with poise. The all new GS 250 model will accelerate to 100km/h in just 8.6 seconds and feature an electronically controlled six-speed sequential transmission with paddle shift and throttle blipping on downshift in manual mode, providing an engaging drive.
All models will be available in the ‘F Sport’ guise, offering greater dynamic and visual enhancements over standard models. “The new GS range will cater to a wide variety of customers: those looking to enter the luxury sports sedan market with GS 250, all the way to those who don’t wish to sacrifice performance for economy with the GS 450h,” said Tony Cramb, Chief Executive for Lexus Australia.
F stands for Sport
Lexus performance engineers have created a dedicated F Sport model in the New Generation GS line-up. F stands for Fuji Raceway, the breeding ground for Lexus’ F Sport performance division. The GS F Sport range’s performance is supported by a raft of unique styling and design features. Kicking off the external features is an exclusive front bumper design incorporating enlarged side grilles. Combined with an exclusive upper and lower grille mesh design, this reinforces the new GS’s more aggressive appearance, wider track and sporting stance. To the rear, the GS F Sport features a grey metallic paint finish to the bumper diffuser, which for the GS 450h F Sport is a combination of grey metallic paint with a chrome-plated moulding to the lower section of the bumper. All F Sport models benefit from a rear spoiler and exclusive, dark premium metallic 19” alloy wheels with unique front and rear widths for greater traction. The interior features matching door and seat upholstery (also available in Garnet, a grade-exclusive colour) combined with aluminium ornamentation, 16way electrically adjustable F Sport front seats, a black headliner and pillar finish, a dimple perforated leather steering wheel and gear knob, aluminium pedals and dashboard trim, exclusive black logo scuff plates and F Sport badging to the steering wheel. The all-new GS range will launch in Australia in the second quarter of 2012. Get ready to stimulate your senses. If you would like any further information on the New Generation GS or any other vehicle from the Lexus range or the exclusive benefits available for AMA Queensland members, phone Peter Thomas, Lexus of Brisbane Group Concierge on (07) 3327 1777. Q
*Fuel consumption will vary depending on driving conditions/style, vehicle conditions and options/accessories. Source of fuel consumption data: ADR81/02 combined cycle. ^GS 450h figures (including performance data) based on pre-production model. Information based on overseas model, final vehicle specification may be subject to change. Images shown are of overseas preproduction model.
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MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Overseas model shown
New GeNeratioN GS. Arriving eArly 2012. For information on the new generation gS or to discuss the lexus Corporate Programme and all the benefits afforded to you as an AMA Queensland member please contact Peter Thomas, lexus of Brisbane group Concierge on (07) 3327 1777.
www.lexusofbrisbane.com.au Cnr Moggill rd & rennies rd, Indooroopilly
www.lexusofbrisbane.com.au Cnr ann & James St, Fortitude Valley
www.lexusofmaroochydore.com.au
www.lexusofsouthport.com.au
63 Maroochy Boulevard, Maroochydore
161 Ferry road, Southport
DENDY MOVIES Café de Flore Opens: 25 April Cast: Vanessa Paradis (Heartbreaker) Café de Flore is first and foremost an epic love story between a man and woman. And between a mother and her son. Two people from two different eras who live two extraordinary moments of passion that shake their lives. A mystical and supernatural odyssey on love.
Coriolanus
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
Opens: 8 March Cast: Gerard Butler, Ralph Fiennes, Jessica Chastain
Opens: 22 March Cast: Judi Dench, Maggie Smith, Peter O’Toole, Tom Wilkinson, Bill Nighy, Dev Patel
Caius Martius Coriolanus, a revered and feared Roman General, is at odds with the city of Rome and his fellow citizens. Pushed by his controlling and ambitious mother to seek the exalted and powerful position of Consul, he is loath to ingratiate himself with the masses whose votes he needs in order to secure the office. When the public refuse to support him, Coriolanus’s anger prompts a riot which culminates in his expulsion from Rome. The banished hero then allies himself with his sworn enemy Tullus Aufidius to take his revenge on the city.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel tells the story of a group of misfit British pensioners who are enticed to retire to a fabulous hotel in Jaipur, India, where they are promised to live a life of luxury for a bargain price. Upon their arrival, they are dismayed to find that restoration of the once elegant Marigold Hotel has stalled. The hotel’s eager manager, a young Indian entrepreneur, is quick to tell them that his ambitious renovation is going to turn the place around. Surprisingly, the retirees find themselves settling into this strange new world and creating bonds with each other. What their new life lacks in luxury they come to find is plentiful in adventure, stunning beauty, peace and love.
Hysteria Opens: 5 April Cast: Maggie Gyllenhaal, Hugh Dancy, Rupert Everett, Johnathan Pryce Director Tanya Wexler Maggie Gyllenhaal and Hugh Dancy star in this offbeat and very amusing romantic comedy about the invention of the vibrator in Victorian England. Based on a true story, Hysteria is set in 1880, and follows Mortimer Granville (Dancy), a disillusioned young doctor working for Dr Dalrymple, who treats cases of the female ailment commonly known as hysteria by offering them intimate manual relief. To keep Mortimer working, Dalrymple promises him his business, and the hand of his beautiful young daughter. But when Mortimer falls for Dalrymple’s older and most unconventional daughter, the feisty feminist Charlotte (Gyllenhaal) who runs a women’s refuge in east London, his future looks doubtful.
WIN MOVIE TICKETS FOR TWO Name: Postal address: Portside Wharf, Remora Road, Hamilton Ph: (07) 3137 6000 www.dendy.com.au 60
MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
Phone:
FAX BACK TO (07) 3856 4727 or email editor@amaq.com.au by 30 March
CULTURE Annie From 7 April, Lyric Theatre, QPAC The timeless tale of little orphan Annie is back giving a whole new generation the chance to experience this classic musical about never giving up hope. Boasting one of Broadway’s most memorable scores, including It’s the Hard-Knock Life, Easy Street, N.Y.C. and the everoptimistic Tomorrow, Annie is one of the most awarded and loved musicals of all time.
Heston Blumenthal Live 4 May, Concert Hall, QPAC
© Clive Booth
This enthralling evening will focus on Heston’s unique philosophy and approach to cooking, exploring taste and flavour, and his passion for the multi-sensory experience of eating and drinking. The chef of the three Michelin starred Fat Duck Restaurant in the UK and star of Heston’s Feasts and the Mission Impossible TV series will demonstrate his philosophies through live scientific experiments on stage.
Songs for Nobodies 16 - 27 May, Cremorne Theatre, QPAC This wonderful new play by Australia’s renowned playwright Joanna Murray-Smith, was written especially to showcase the extraordinary talents of Australian singer and actress, Bernadette Robinson. In this critically acclaimed one-woman show, directed by Simon Phillips, Robinson plays five ordinary women and five iconic singers, Judy Garland, Patsy Cline, Billie Holiday, Edith Piaf and Maria Callas. Each nobody recounts an intimate tale of how her life was transformed by an encounter with one of the icons.
The Magic Flute © Cory Weaver - Metropolitan Opera 2009
26 May - 8 June, Lyric Theatre, QPAC Leave your cares behind and immerse yourself in our world: a world of glamour and passion, spectacle and fantasy, where everything is big, bold and beautiful. Be carried away by the bright, storybook ‘family friendly’ version of Mozart’s The Magic Flute filled with vivid costumes, sets and inventive puppets. The stage is set, the champagne is on ice, the wigs, costumes and hats are lined up and a fabulous array of artists are ready to entertain you.
WIN DOUBLE PASSES TO SONGS FOR NOBODIES
Name: Postal address:
Phone:
FAX BACK TO (07) 3856 4727 or email editor@amaq.com.au by 30 March DoctorQ MARCH 2012
61
IN PRINT
A Piece of My Mind
Professor Gordon Parker ao Professor Gordon Parker AO, founding Director of the Black Dog Institute, is one of Australia’s foremost clinical psychiatrists and known for his strong and provocative views. He has been a tireless pioneer for advanced study in the field of depressive and bipolar disorders, and a major contributor to their understanding and treatment.
views – informed by experience, research and respect for human resilience – on what is ‘good psychiatry’ and its rewards. A Piece of My Mind is published by Pan Macmillan Australia and retails for $32.99. Q
To go in the draw to win a copy of this book, simply fill out your details in block letters on the form below and fax it back to Doctor Q on (07) 3856 4727.
He records his concerns about the current models for diagnosing and managing mood disorders, and their weighting to often politically driven clinical guidelines. He offers his
Name:
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Telephone:
FAX TO: (07) 3856 4727 or email editor@amaq.com.au by 30 march
Competition winners qpac WINNER Dr PM Johnson and Dr Noel Saines won tickets to Pygmalion at QPAC.
BOOK WINNER The winner of last edition’s In Print giveaway was Dr Nelson Gonzalez. Dr Gonzalez won a copy of John Murtagh’s Cautionary Tales.
annual conference vearly bird winner Congratulations to Dr Jon Steinberg, of Brisbane, who has won the early bird prize for registering for the AMA Queensland Annual Conference in Madrid. He has won a private walking tour for two people through Old Madrid, including lunch at a traditional Spanish Restaurant.
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MARCH 2012 DoctorQ
DENDY WINNERS Double pass winners: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.
Christine Lonergan Henry Douglas Charles Chabert Arnold Dela Cruz Jeffrey Forgan-Smith
6. Camilla Andrews 7. Cecilie Lander 8. Wendy Bourke 9. PM Johnson 10. Michael Tuch
Winners for the exclusive premiers for the eVENTS+Training newsletter: The Women on the 6th Floor:
Shame
The Skin I Live In
Buck
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
S Thurgood W Bodetti C Lucas S Sojan C Ingram K Chatterjee T Trinh B Malisano A Marega A Melloy
P Jauncey T Robertson R Laidlaw M Nolan K Cichocki J Blaszczyk J Bowman B Brown D Wong C Kilcawley
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
P Levine M Dickfos M Scarr R Hall P Stickler A Ellis T Purnell G Antoce D Clark D Dhupelia
V Jogia J O’Loan J Thiang S McMahon A Overland S Cruice R das Gupta R Hodge P Margrie S Yeoh
Late Bloomers 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.
M Wallace A Hume M Tuch K Tran E Molnar W Christie G Pearse A Overland V Singh M Smyth
CLASSIFIEDS
GP Practice available - non DWS position Metro Market Shopping Centre, 33 Hollywell Road, Biggera Waters, Northern Gold Coast Modern premises specifically designed and fitted out 2006. Available to be taken over as doctor recently retired for health reasons. Existing patient list. In a centre well established since the 1970s, with cafes, supermarket, pharmacy, pathology, beauty, physio, psychiatrist, butcher, baker and call centre, etc. 400 cars under cover and open. 82.8m2 area. Rent negotiable.
Contact: John Peters Phone: 0412 138 252 Email: john@jpeters.com.au
HOLLAND PARK FAMILY MEDICAL PRACTICE
FOR RENT / LEASE
GENERAL PRACTITIONER - VR, NON DWS AREA
SPECIALIST MEDICAL ROOMS (with balcony) available to share with Clinical Geneticist on either a full-time or sessional basis in Chermside Medical Complex. Separate reception areas, kitchen, smaller consulting room (suitable for procedures /Psychologist / Dietician). Secured car space. Other services in complex include Premion Radiotherapy, HOCA, Southerex Imaging, S & N Pathology, Day Surgery, General Practice and Pharmacy. CONTACT Therese Gattas 0414 854 793 or
email@brisbanegenetics.com.au
Imagine this as your view in the morning…
Full time / Part time hours available now Busy, well equipped, GP owned family practice Computerised, accredited, full RN support Mixed billing, excellent working environment Friendly staff, no after hours roster For more information please contact Lenore on: (07) or email your resume to: lmhall@hpfmp.optusbiz.com
3324 1677
Few places in the world can match this magnificent mountaintop retreat combining unsurpassed scenery and superior comfort to create a lifestyle enjoyed by a privileged few. Commanding a dramatic private elevated setting in exclusive Tallai, this unique property encompasses more than 12 acres with truly breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the entire Gold Coast, Pacific Ocean, and the Mountain valley. A rare offering yet only minutes away to every local amenity. The renowned "The Grand" Golf Club is only about 5 minutes from the home. For shopping, culture, unforgettable sights, and the famous sandy beaches of Broadbeach and Robina Town Centre approximately 10 - 12 minutes. While the Coolangatta airport is approximately 20 minutes away.
Contact Amalia Zabusky
Mobile: 0410 321 372 Email: amalia@zabusky.com
FOR LEASE: Commercial Office
Medical specialist or professional consulting Suite 10, Level 1, 238 Robina Town Centre Drive, (corner of Laver Drive and Robina Town Centre Drive), QLD 4226 Fully and luxuriously fitted suite (164m2), prestigious landmark building walking distance to Robina Hospital (250m), Pacific Highway, Robina Train Station, Robina Twon Centre, Robina High School and Robina Skilled Stadium. Enjoy great passing traffic and exposure. Secure basement parking and ample visitor parking. 24/7 CCTV surveillance. Fibre connected to the suite. High profile tenants, including Queensland Health.
Contact Amalia Zabusky Mobile: 0410 321 372 Email: amalia@zabusky.com
THE GOLDEN TRIANGLE 283 Elizabeth St Brisbane CBD In prime condition; complete empty floor of Level 3 - 365m² metres. Well-proportioned for executive medical suites with your own outdoor balcony. Right in the golden triangle with public transport at the door; parking station opposite; restaurants and shopping within a few metres.
Owner Dr John Corbett Phone: (07) 5557 0005 Mobile: 0438 400 400 admin@corbett.com.au
A busy, fully computerised Accredited Practice in the beautiful Canungra Valley requires a full-time/part-time VR Doctor. Flexible hours, excellent nursing support and friendly atmosphere.
Please email to: drdave@canungravalleymedical.com.au Or Phone 07 5543 5688
Consulting rooms to let McCullough Specialist Centre, Sunnybank Half day sessions, $100/session +GST
Phone (07) 3345 7117 for details DoctorQ MARCH 2012
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