Members briefing
An exclusive e-newsletter for members of the AMA in Tasmania
Go to www.amatas.com.au at least twice a week to keep up to date.
Annual Report Now on AMA Tas Website
The Annual report is now available for members.
AMA Members are invited to go to About Us and select Annual Reports to view the 2010 report showing a very good result and increased activity across the board.
The AGM is being held this Saturday at Cascade Visitors Centre South Hobart. All members are invited to attend the Forums and the AGM starting at 11.30am.
We also thank Aequis for their generous sponsorship of the events on Saturday.
HEALTH POLICY AND RESEARCH
Discovery of glaucoma genes
An Australian research team has discovered two new genes linked to open angle glaucoma in the only study of severe glaucoma cases in the world, published in the international science journal, Nature Genetics.
“Although open angle glaucoma is the most common form of the disease, it is poorly understood and difficult to diagnose in its early stages. Many cases still remain undiagnosed until irreversible loss of vision has occurred,” Dr Craig said.
Lindisfarne Clinic
Dr. Susan McKenzie, Prof. Mark Nelson, Prof. Richard Hays, Dr. Sue Cherry, Dr. Eric Colquhoun and Dr. Bob Walker Invite expressions of interest from AMA members to join them at their new practice at 30 Lincoln Street Lindisfarne in Hobart. Enquiries to Dr. Bob Walker 0418 574 070. GP and Specialist rooms available.
The Federal President of the AMA Dr Andrew Pesce will open the clinic on Friday night at a special function hosted bt Dr Bob Walker. All AMA Members are invited. RSVP to 0418 574 070.
Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR), Tasmania.
The Australian Society for Medical Research (ASMR), Tasmania, has an exciting event happening in Launceston on June 2nd.
It is a lecture by Prof Barry Marshall, Australia’s Nobel Laureate known for his ulcer discovery.
Launceston’s own Dr Frank Madill will be the MC for that event at Hotel Grand Chancellor, Launceston.
Please see the www.amatas.com.au for a copy of the invitation and booking form the event.
We are also looking for a NW Divisional Assistant:
Members: ask your staff if any of them are willing to act as the AMA North West Division Assistant Secretary.
The job is the same as the role Ald. Rosemary Armitage performs in Launceston for the Northern Division, and Ms. Ngairi Pirere for the South. Both Rosemary and Ngairi are available to talk to anyone who expresses an interest. Please call me and I will pass on their numbers to you. Subject to revenue we are able to pay $300 per month or up to $3000 PA as an honourium.
The role entails the following:
1. Recruiting sponsors (usually drug companies, but doesn't have to be. $400 to $500 per month)
2. Preparing the agenda in MS word and circulating it.
3. Writing the minutes.
4. Liaison with the venue and catering (Both Hospitals) Allison Beswick is the contact at the Mersey. Stan Hutchison is the contact at the NWRH.
5. Providing drinks or organising them from the caterer.
6. Attending the meeting once a month between 6pm and 7.30pm 1st Tuesdays of the month or other agreed date.
7. Liaising with myself at AMA State Office along with my assistant.
8. Liaising with “Telehealth” organising the video conferencing at both hospitals and the CEO in Hobart.
9. Recruiting members for the AMA
10. Some other smaller tasks
The role should take about 8 to 10 hours a month. Call the CEO on 0409 219 368
Changes to the AMA List
Twelve new attendance items have been included on the AMA List of Medical Services and Fees for Sport and Exercise Medicine, Addiction Medicine and Sexual Health Medicine Specialists, which takes effect on 1 May 2011.
If you have previously ordered a CD of the 1 November 2010 AMA List you will receive a copy of the new items.
If you need a copy please contact Sophia at the Federal AMA on (02) 6270 5452. You can also view an online version of the AMA List, as well as a summary of changes, in PDF and .csv format, in the member area of the Federal AMA website.
Planning for Lead Clinicians Groups
As part of the health reforms, the Australian Government is to establish National and Local Lead Clinicians Groups. A much-criticised discussion paper - Lead Clinicians Groups: enhancing clinical engagement in Australia’s health system – was published by the Government in January. Consultation with the medical profession is under way, with clinicians and the CEO Tony Steven at a recent workshop expressing their concern that the Government has provided very little detail on how both the National and Local LCGs will operate.
It is expected that the first National and Local Lead Clinicians Groups will be phased in from July 2011, with the remaining Lead Clinicians Groups phased in by July 2012.
NEW RESEARCH BACKS AMA PUSH TO BAN ENERGY DRINKS
New research that shows that young people are attracted to alcoholic energy drinks because they allow them to keep drinking for longer periods adds weight to the AMA’s push for a ban on energy drinks, especially pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks.
AMA Vice President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that the research from the University of Wollongong Centre for Health Initiatives shows that a significant proportion of 12-to-17-year-olds are more likely to drink alcoholic drinks if they contain caffeine or guarana.
“This is especially alarming because these products are becoming popular with under age-drinkers, some as young as 12,” Dr Hambleton said.
“These kids are making the jump from energy soft drinks to alcoholic energy drinks.
“It is irresponsible and dangerous for the alcohol industry to make and market alcoholic products that are particularly attractive to young people, including those barely in their teens.
“The industry is using marketing tactics that put the health and lives of young Australians at greater risk.
“Consuming a stimulant along with alcohol only reduces the ‘feeling’ of being drunk, but the physical and mental impairments that alcohol causes remain the same.
“A reduced feeling of being drunk can lead to increased risk-taking among teenagers, and greater potential harms.
“The younger that people start drinking alcohol, the more likely they are to become problematic drinkers later in life.
“Pre-mixed alcoholic energy drinks should be banned,” Dr Hambleton said.
The AMA’s youth health brochure, Alcohol and Your Health: Make Informed Choices, can be found on the AMA website at http://ama.com.au/youthhealth/alcohol. For information on the brochure, call 02 6270 5452.
