The many faces of the AMA (NSW)... - Australian Medical ...

doctorThe official publication of the Australian Medical association (NSW)the nswThe Australian MedicalAssociation (NSW) LimitedACN 000 001 614Street address69 Christie StreetST LEONARDS NSW 2065Mailing addressPO Box 121ST LEONARDS NSW 1590Telephone (02) 9439 8822Outside Sydney Telephone 1800 813 423Facsimile (02) 9438 3760Outside Sydney Facsimile 1300 889 017Email enquiries@amansw.com.auWebsite www.amansw.com.auThe NSW Doctor is the monthly publicationof the Australian Medical Association (NSW)Limited and is published every month exceptJanuary.Editor Narelle SchuhDesigner Nikki ZacharatosAdvertising enquiries Narelle SchuhPrinting by A.R. Rennie Printers, Caringbah.Views expressed by contributors toThe NSW Doctor and advertisementsappearing in The NSW Doctor are notnecessarily endorsed by the AustralianMedical Association (NSW) Limited.No responsibility is accepted by the AustralianMedical Association (NSW) Limited, theeditors or the printers for the accuracy ofthe information contained in the text andadvertisements in The NSW Doctor.contentsfeatures6 Restructuring of NSW Health – opinion8 Future of general practice10 NDIS – getting closer11 National registration12 Our student councillors – where are they now?14 Health journalists speak out16 Balancing medicine and lifestyle30 Memorandum of Understanding with ASMOF32 Meet the AMA (NSW) Councillors35 Doctor’s Health Forum37 AAPM (NSW) Practice Manager of the Year41 Advertorial – Investec Medical Financeregulars2 President’s Word2 AMA (NSW) in action3 From the CEO3 Calendar of events4 Medico-legal – opinion19 Member profile – Dr Mark Parrish39, 43, 45 Events61042Executive Officers 2011 - 2012President Dr Michael SteinerVice President and Chair Ethics CommitteeDr Michael GliksmanChair of Council Dr Geoffrey WhiteTreasurer Dr Andrew ZuschmannChair Professional Issues CommitteeDr Saxon SmithChair Hospital Practice CommitteeA/Prof. Brian OwlerDirector Dr Kathryn AustinDirector Dr Pradnya DugalSecretariatChief Executive Officer Fiona DaviesMedical Director Dr Robyn NapierDirector, Financial Services and MarketingMark KellyDirector, Medico Legal and EmploymentRelations Sarah DahlenburgDirector, Policy and CommunicationsSim Mead46 Member services48 Classified advertisementscentre pull-outMembership of the AMA (NSW)…It’s worth it!Join the AMA (NSW)now for 2012 andget the rest of 2011for free.See insert in this issue of The NSW Doctor.

President’s wordA time for professionalism,leadership and choiceDr Michael SteinerPresident, AMA (NSW)There has never been a better timefor doctors to get involved. The recentrestructure of NSW Health marked a vitalstep in the gradual decentralisation of thebureaucratic decision-making processesthat have plagued our state health systemfor a number of years.As members of the medical professionwe have seen at ground level the impact ofdecisions made in a central governmentoffice completely removed from the dayto-dayprovision of health services andwithout the consultation of local clinicians.The AMA has been fighting for increasedclinician engagement for some time and thefurther devolution of responsibility to LocalHealth Districts through the restructuring,along with the removal of Clinical SupportClusters, shows that the NSW Governmenthas listened to what doctors and otherhealth professionals have been saying forseveral years.Giving greater responsibility to the HealthEducation and Training Institute, the ClinicalExcellence Commission and the Agencyfor Clinical Innovation while removingduplication with the Health Departmentis also a move in the right direction anda better use of resources. I hope thesechanges will bring with them the furthercapacity we need to better service our localcommunities.Now we all face the crucial taskof ensuring we do not squander thisopportunity to become more engaged inthe decision-making processes, functionsand activities of the health system. Thiswill become all the more important as thepressures on our health system steadilyincrease.The current political climate meansnow is also a time for choice. The AMA(NSW) has been lobbying hard for a changeto state industrial legislation that wouldgive doctors-in-training the right to jointhe union of their choice – whether it’sthe Health Services Union (HSU) or not –and we hope to have a positive result fordoctors-in-training in the not-too-distantfuture.The current rule of “HSU or no unionat all” is simply not good enough. Mostrecently the HSU has demonstrated it is notthe most appropriate union to represent ourjunior doctors and it is extremely limitingand unfair that these doctors feel they haveno choice in the matter even when theirunion is not doing a good enough job ontheir behalf.The AMA (NSW) has worked hardadvocating for the rights of junior doctorsand is hopeful doctors-in-training willsoon be able to join a union of their choiceto ensure their workplace rights areprotected and they get the best industrialrepresentation possible.AMA (NSW) in actionAugust 201111 AMA (NSW) Councillor, A/Prof.Brian Owler spoke to The SydneyMorning Herald about waiting listsfor elective surgery.11 AMA (NSW) Councillor, A/Prof.Brian Owler spoke to Radio 2UEabout waiting lists for electivesurgery.11 AMA (NSW) Councillor, Dr BrianMorton spoke to MX about thedangers of importing drugs on theinternet.2 I THE NSW DOCTOR I OCTOBER 201113 AMA (NSW) Councillor, A/Prof.Brian Owler quoted in The SydneyMorning Herald in a follow-uparticle about waiting lists foremergency surgery.13 AMA (NSW) Councillor, A/Prof.Brian Owler spoke to Radio 2UEabout waiting lists for electivesurgery.14 AMA (NSW) Councillor, Mr BenVeness spoke to The SundayTelegraph about a study on medicalstudents’ TV-watching habits.23 AMA (NSW) President,Dr Michael Steiner spoke to theThe Wentworth Courier about thedangers of Muay Thai kickboxing.24 AMA (NSW) President, Dr MichaelSteiner spoke to Radio 2GB aboutthe NSW Government’s plan torestructure NSW health.24 AMA (NSW) President, Dr MichaelSteiner spoke to Radio 2SM aboutthe NSW Government’s plan torestructure NSW health.26 AMA (NSW) President, Dr MichaelSteiner spoke to Radio 2UE aboutthe NSW Government’s plan torestructure NSW health.31 AMA (NSW) Councillor, Dr BrianMorton spoke to The SundayTelegraph about leave certificates.

featureLeaders of general practice talk about the futureThe AMA is continuously consulting withGPs to ensure its policies and positionstatements are in accordance with whatmembers want. From special events suchas Family Doctor Week to GP practicevisits by Federal AMA President, Dr SteveHambleton, to more formal events likeour Members’ Policy Dinner Meetings– the AMA wants to hear from its GPmembers.The NSW Doctor recently spoke totwo of the AMA’s more politically activemember GPs about what they see as thebest of general practice now and intothe future. Chair of the AMA Council forGeneral Practice, Dr Brian Morton says,“We’ve got a good system – we don’t needto reinvent it. We just need to enhance itand facilitate better care”.Dr Morton says the best of generalpractice can be summarised by threethings: the intellectual challenge ofdiagnosing a patient as the first doctor onthe scene, the relationships with patientsand their families and seeing people livelonger lives. “While surgeons might geta buzz from a quick fix – say removing acancer or repairing a fracture – becauseof preventative care we actually get to seepatients live longer, to live through to oldage. When I started in general practicethe age of 65 was old. These days it’sreally 80 years of age which is old.”Chair of the Royal Australian Collegeof General Practitioner (RACGP NSW andACT Faculty), Dr Liz Marles agrees. “Ithink it’s the whole person care we offer.I see GPs as being specialists in people– we treat people rather than diseasesor specific parts of the body. I think ourability to look after the whole person –in the context of their family, their lifeand over a long period of time – is whatmakes general practice really special.”With increasing numbers of chronicdisease and mental health patients andan ageing population, both doctors agreegeneral practice is changing and someof it is for the better. Dr Morton says theother specialties of medicine are gettingnarrower and more focussed but generalpractice is getting broader. “These aregood things because, actually, what wehave to cover from a medical healthcarepoint of view is becoming more complexand I think the status and recognition ofthat will improve.”Dr Marles says it’s something that’sbecoming increasingly important inmanagement of chronic disease. “It doestake us much more into managementof these kinds of conditions in generalpractice rather than always referringpatients to specialists and I think that’sa good thing,” she says. On the otherhand, “It certainly presents challengesin the time requirement and that’s wheretrying to coordinate a good team can beeffective”.Dr Marles says the emergence of theteam-based model of care seems to beworking well. “It’s great to be able to haveother people who can help look after thepatient. There’s always a bit of a risk offragmentation of care. As long as thepatient can still access the GP when theywant to, talk to the GP about problemsthey may not raise elsewhere withother people and have that continuingrelationship over time, team-based careworks well.”Dr Morton agrees that working aspart of a team is good but he says it hasopened up the potential for turf battleswith other professions. “I think it’s forgovernments and the community torecognise that the quality of care givenby general practice, by medical doctors,is paramount. The other parts of teamsshould act as a team but complement,not replace general practice.”Not all the changes however arefor the good. Both doctors agree redtape is becoming an increasingly largeproblem. Dr Marles says, “Sometimes Ifind the hoops we have to jump throughin order for our patients to get a prettysmall Medicare rebate to go and see apodiatrist, for example, to be frustrating.Personally I would like to be able to makethat decision myself as to whether apatient needs to see somebody else andwrite a referral letter much as we do forseeing a specialist”.“I think the red tape feels like it’sexploded. It is time consuming and I’dlike to see some evidence that all of thoseitem numbers have actually led to betterhealth outcomes as they’ve certainlybeen quite expensive and we haven’t hada corresponding increase in the otheritem numbers.”Dr Morton says, “The practical issuesof dealing with a patient in the consultingroom and the methods we’ve used overmany years to talk to our colleaguesand better manage patients are seen bygovernment as needing specific bits ofpaper or specific plans. The governmentseems to increase remuneration byspecific carrots or methods rather thanjust increasing the amount of moneywe get for seeing patients in regularconsultations.”Red tape and lack of governmentsupport is something that’s also affectingmental health patients. Dr Morton says30 to 40 per cent of his practice wouldrelate to different aspects of mentalhealth and the community at large hasradically changed its opinion of mentalhealth problems in recent years. “Itdoesn’t have the respectability of physicalillness and while there’s a dramaticchange in people’s willingness to talkabout it and accept mental health may beinvolved in some physical symptoms andillness, there’s still a stigma attached.”Even though there’s been a significantincrease in mental health consultationsthe Government’s support for GPs on thisissue is being reduced. Dr Marles says,“What we’re seeing, particularly with thecuts to general practice in terms of theBetter Access Program, is a shift of someof that money out of general practice andinto more specialty-based programs.”On the future of general practice DrMorton says two key concerns for him aremaintaining the high standard of care that8 I THE NSW DOCTOR I OCTOBER 2011

featureHundreds of members have called the AMA (NSW)with national registration issuesby Narelle Schuh“I will be joining the AMA which…clearly helps and looks after it’s members(and non-members!!!!) Thank you so much. You have made my month!”We are often asked what the value ofAMA (NSW) membership is. One of theclearest indications of the importanceof being a member in recent monthshas been the advocacy and assistancewe have provided over nationalregistration issues. Quite simply,hundreds of members can’t be wrong –but they can be helped.We have done our best to help getdoctors back to operating or seeingpatients as soon as possible. We’veensured policy was changed to recoverMedicare rebates for patients wherea doctor’s registration had lapsed. Wehave also worked with AHPRA and theMedical Board of Australia to keep ourmember doctors informed.This has been no mean feat howeverthe results achieved by our medicolegaland industrial department havebeen greatly appreciated by doctors.What is not common knowledge, orlost in the plethora of the profession’sissues, is that the AMA began workingtowards a fair deal for doctors morethan a decade ago. Federal and stateAMAs wrote a number of submissions,met with politicians and raised criticalconcerns. The eventual implementationvindicated a lot of the concerns raisedby the AMA in the consultation process– visit www.amansw.com.au for moreinformation.The AMA (NSW) has ensuredNSW was quarantined from manyaspects of the national scheme. Weare the only state in Australia to haveretained state-based legislation for allaspects associated with complaints,performance and impairment. This isone of the reasons NSW registrantspay a lower annual registration feethan other states. As part of retainingthe complaints, performance andimpairment system we also ensuredwe retained the state Medical Board,now known as the Medical Council andthe Association and College nomineeson the Medical Council.The nominee system is criticallyimportant to the AMA and theprofession. The system of nomineeson the NSW Medical Board wasestablished by the AMA during the1984 doctors’ dispute and providesthat colleges and the AMA (NSW)nominate doctors for consideration bythe Minister. The doctors are nomineesand not representatives but they bringto the Medical Council their experienceand collective wisdom. This nomineesystem is a fundamental part of aprofessional regulation system andgives a sense of trust, confidence andownership in the decisions made andprocesses followed. The AMA (NSW) orindeed the profession may not alwaysagree with everything the Board does,however it provides a good frameworkfor robust debate and clear resolutionof issues and concerns.For any assistance with nationalregistration issues please contactour medico-legal department on02 9439 8822.“Today I received a phone callfrom the legal team at the AMA(NSW) that my application forrenewal of registration has beenreceived by AHPRA. I have alsoreceived by email confirmationof the same from AHPRA. I wishto thank you and the AMA forhelping to facilitate this. It hassaved me a significant amountof time and worry. It is one of themany benefits of AMA (NSW)membership.”“I can’t thank you enough forcoming to the rescue of ourpractice and having Dr X’sregistration situation clarifiedwith the local office of AHPRA.”“My colleagues who are notAMA members should beencouraged to join.”“A big thank you for helpingout last week. It has restored myfaith in lawyers. It feels good tobe back at work as a doctor andnot as a farmer.”Views expressed via correspondence from doctorsthat the AMA (NSW) has assisted in 2011. www.amansw.com.au I 11

featureThe view from the other sideby Elyse CainThree recognised health journalists discuss theirperspectives on the state and federal health systemFor those who work within the healthsystem on a daily basis it is easy tooverlook those who watch from thesidelines and report on what they see.Health journalists are usually known forthe news stories they produce and notfor their perspective of – and interactionwith – the health system, doctors andtheir patients.Recently The NSW Doctor sat downwith Julie Robotham from The SydneyMorning Herald, Adam Cresswell fromThe Australian and Sophie Scott fromthe ABC to get a unique insight into theirperspectives and experiences of boththe state and federal health system overrecent years.The changes in both the NSW andfederal health systems witnessed bythe media during this time have beensignificant and wide-ranging. AdamCresswell has been writing about healthin Australia since 1996 and has seenthe system improve in areas such ascapital investment, while simultaneouslyincreasing demand continues tocontribute to a growing pressure on thehealth system. Now it remains to beseen whether the federal health reformswill address this pressure. “Howsuccessfully the Federal Government’shealth reforms are bedded-downstrikes me as the number one issuefor healthcare providers and patients,”Adam says. “Kevin Rudd set the highestof bars in terms of what benefits hebelieved the reforms would bring andthe current government has moderatedthat talk only slightly since the originalplans were scaled back.”This is the major issue Adam believeswill have a lot of media coveragein the coming years. “Individualelements of the reforms such as LocalHealth Networks, Medicare Locals,the improvements to emergencydepartments and elective surgeryaccess along with extra sub-acute bedsare coming on-stream over the nextyear or two. These are likely to receiveappropriate scrutiny from the media asto whether the benefits are measuringup to the promise.”On a state level, the recent restructuringof the NSW Health Departmentfurther contributes to the changes ingovernance observed by Julie Robothamduring her years as a health journalist.“In recent years there has been ahuge centralisation of resources anddecision-making – which the currentgovernment is trying to undo to somedegree – and which clinicians clearlyresented,” she says. “It was supposed tointroduce efficiency but in reality causedbottlenecks elsewhere in the system.”Julie describes a health system thatwas run by a government fixated onmeeting performance targets ratherthan improving outcomes for patients.“I have done a lot of reporting on thehealth system in western Sydney wherethere was a calculated misstatement ofelective surgery waiting times in orderto make the area of performance lookbetter than it actually was,” she says.“In health, data manipulation like thatmakes victims of the people who don’tget the fair access to waiting lists thatthey should.”The issue of access to services is amajor health talking point that has hada lot of media coverage of late and –according to Sophie Scott – will continueto do so. “There has been an increasedfocus on access to hospital servicesinparticular,” says Sophie. “At one pointthere were quite a few negative storiescirculating about hospital servicesbefore the Garling report was released,however I think now there has beena turnaround in that bureaucrats aremuch more willing to engage with andlisten to clinicians in order to improvethe hospital system.”Undoubtedly these are all changes andissues that have been widely reportedon due to their direct impact on mostdoctors and their patients. What istherefore interesting is where therehas been a rising trend in the media toreport on a topic completely removedfrom those mentioned above – geneticresearch. “There have been someastounding advances since the humangenome project about 10 years ago,”Adam says. “There are now manymore stories that follow from thosediscoveries – stories about gene linksto diseases, new tests that can detectpredisposition to disease or whether aparticular drug will work for a particularpatient – and of course drug discoveriesthat have been made possible by theability to analyse which genetic mutationa condition is linked to and to find amolecule that can address the anomaly.”14 I THE NSW DOCTOR I OCTOBER 2011

These are medical developments likelyto appear in the media more frequentlyas the years pass. “The increasingpersonalisation of medication throughthe development of sophisticatedgenetic tests has been quite an excitingtrend in medicine because it meansthat medications better suited to theindividual can now take the place of moregenetic treatments,” Sophie says. Thistrend is not without its own challengeshowever. “Unfortunately, medication isnot getting any cheaper and there arealready increasing conflicts about whogets what and for how much. This isan issue I believe will start to get moremedia coverage as times goes on.”Being on the receiving end of the newsmakes it easy to forget that reporting onhealth issues can go far beyond politicsand scientific development; broughtwith it is constant exposure to storiesof suffering and loss. The journalistsinterviewed described becoming closelyinvolved with the people whose storiesthey tell to the wider public. “Thereare just some stories that particularlyresonate with you as the journalist,”Julie says. “There was a case I wroteabout a long time ago concerning a littlefour-year-old girl who, unbeknown toher parents, developed a brain tumour.Rather than getting diagnosed whenshe was first taken to hospital fortreatment it was decided that she waspsychosomatic and the symptoms shedisplayed were a reaction to problems athome. She went undiagnosed for threeweeks and suffered horrendously as aresult of a prejudiced decision about hercondition. I’ll never forget her. She wasjust the most harrowing case I had evercome across and was an example of thetragic consequences of an avoidablemistake.”These sorts of stories are all toocommon in the media and can often leadto negative connections with certaininstitutions or individuals. While theimpression is that the media tends tomore frequently report on the flawsand tragic cases in the health system,health journalists regardless understandthe pressures on the system and theunfailing dedication of the doctorswithin it.“Sometimes because our role as themedia is to bring to the public’s attentionthe times when things go wrong itmay look like we’re constantly bashingdoctors and the health system,” Juliesays. “I don’t believe for a secondthat we don’t have an excellent healthsystem. The reason we do is notnecessarily because of the way thesystem is organised but because of thecommitment of individuals. The medicalprofession in general is full of the mostexcellent and dedicated people.”Sophie is also on the Board of the AMA(NSW) Charitable Foundation and knowsthe extreme time pressures doctorsare subject to. “Through my work I’malways talking to clinicians who areextremely dedicated to what they do, yetthey are always generous with their timeand willing to talk to the media,” shesays. “I think we are extremely lucky inAustralia – the quality of medicine andpractitioners here is just excellent.”Julie RobothamAdam CresswellSophie Scott www.amansw.com.au I 15

featureBalancing medicine and lifestyle Part 1In this issue of The NSW Doctor weintroduce the first in a three-part serieson organisations doctors can join thatoffer an opportunity for work-lifebalance with like-minded colleagues.Doctors’ lifestyles are as variable as thefield is divided into specialties – and asdissimilar as the eye is from the big toe.Doctors’ medical environments are alsohighly variable. Some doctors practicefrom home, others in small clinics,some in big hospitals or in research andadministration where it’s rare to see a”real” patient. Be you a family doctortaking night calls or day house calls ontopof a busy surgery list, a clinic doctorworking a rotating shift of an extendedhour clinic, a round-the-clock hospitalcare worker or an on-call specialist, it’snot uncommon for doctors’ lifestyles tobecome unbalanced.One way of improving that work-lifebalance is to find and engage in interestsoutside of the profession. While this maybe as simple as a round of golf, throwinga line in or taking an art class, there areseveral organisations in Australia thatoffer activities specifically for doctors tojoin with like-minded colleagues, rangingfrom the humanitarian through to thecreative and the downright unusual.This issue we introduce Doctors forthe Environment Australia (DEA) whichaims to utilise the skills of members ofthe medical profession to address theill health resulting from damage to thenatural environment at local, nationaland global levels.Doctors for the Environment Australia(DEA)The World Health Organisationestimates one-quarter of global diseaseand one-third of that in children is due tomodifiable environmental factors. DEAbelieves if humanity is to make progressin solving the major issues of our time,all sections of the community need tocontribute.A voluntary organisation of medicaldoctors in all Australian states andterritories, DEA believes climate changewill bring to Australia an increasedburden of heat stroke, injury from fireand storm, infectious diseases, socialdisruption and mental illness while in thedeveloping world it will bring famine andwater shortage. Part of a global networkof concerned medical professionals, DEAAustralia is a branch of the InternationalSociety of Doctors for the Environment(ISDE) based in Switzerland. There arenow branches in 35 other countries andISDE has significant achievements inEurope and established strong links,to and influence in, the Europeancommunity.AMA (NSW) member, Dr GraemeHorton is a member of DEA and joinedthe group in 2006 at which time he hadbeen a practising GP for 12 years and wascompleting a Masters of EnvironmentalStudies at the University of Newcastle.“I have always enjoyed visitingwilderness areas and had been amember of other organisations whichaim to protect the natural environment.From the late 1990s, when my wife and Ireturned to Australia from the UK duringthe hottest year on record at that time,the more I learned about climate changethe more concerned I was that so littlewas being done about it, especially inAustralia.16 I THE NSW DOCTOR I OCTOBER 2011

member profileDr Mark ParrishDr Mark Parrish has a Bachelor ofMedicine and a Bachelor of Surgery(MB ChB) from the University ofBirmingham in the UK. He undertookgeneral practice training with theBritish Navy which he joined during hisuniversity years.While in the military Dr Parrish choseto move into a healthcare managementrole rather than clinical care. Aftertravelling the world with the BritishNavy he secured an exchange positionwith the Australian Navy and enjoyedAustralia so much he transferred tothe Australian Navy and settled here in1996, managing the military hospitalin Balmoral, NSW. He joined the AMA(NSW) soon after.Dr Parrish moved to Hornsby Hospitalwhere he became General Managerand then onto North Shore PrivateHospital as CEO. Following this he tookon a healthcare consulting role withIBM Global Business Services. In 2006Dr Parrish moved to Microsoft wherehe became the Director of HealthSolutions for Asia Pacific and theMiddle East, leading a team of healthprofessionals across the region whowork with public and private healthorganisations to help them improveclinical and business outcomes withinnovative software solutions.Why did you join the AMA (NSW)?I joined the AMA (NSW) because I see itas a good organisation that representsthe views of doctors in all specialtiesand fields across Australia. It’simportant doctors have a way in whichthey can communicate.Why did you make the movefrom hospital administration intohealthcare consulting in IT solutions?What do you enjoy most about yourcurrent occupation?It wasn’t necessarily a deliberate move– it was a natural transition for me.As a clinician you can try to improvethe healthcare of a few individualsat a time, which of course is alwaysimportant. As a hospital manager youcan work on how a hospital runs toimprove the healthcare of more thana few individuals. As I’ve progressedthrough my career my interests havebeen in trying to have a reasonablylarge impact on a lot of people. In mycurrent role I think I can help do that.For me the interest lies in looking athow other industries work – how theyprovide systems, processes, strategies,policies and a whole myriad of otherthings that improve the way thosebusinesses operate. I think there isa lot of innovation in those industriesthat can and should be brought tohealthcare to help us with the bigissues such as costs, quality, risks andgovernance.What do you see as the majorbarriers to the development andimplementation of e-health?Over the last few years there hasbeen an increasing focus on e-healthand how it can improve healthcareoutcomes, however a lot of the barriersare around the changes that arebrought in with any new technology.The technology is pretty much alreadyavailable so the trick will be to makethe right decisions and use thetechnology in a way that healthcareunderstands and can work with.Healthcare generates a phenomenalamount of data every day and turningthis into information that is relevant toa clinician, whenever and wherever heor she needs it, means it is more likelyto improve outcomes. The technologyto do this is available now – the changemanagement required to implement itand use it will take a little longer butwe are making good progress with this.What would be the benefits ofe-health?One of the groups who wouldbenefit most from e-health is thepatient. Patients can gain a greaterunderstanding of what is happeningwith their healthcare and how itfits-in with their individual case.We realise the more patients havesome accountability, responsibilityand involvement in managing theircondition, the more likely they areto have that condition progress in arelatively smooth fashion.I think we will begin to see anincreasing awareness and acceptanceby clinicians to use this technology.The benefits of having specifichealth information follow a patientaround for ready access by cliniciansheavily outweigh the effort it takesto implement and get used to newsystems. Ultimately the outcomesfor clinicians and their patients willimprove greatly with e-health. www.amansw.com.au I 19

GPYR MDFT3691/TNSWDYOU ASK AND WE ANSWER. INSTANTLY.Whether you’ve applied for one of our Medicaland Health roles or are considering joining theAustralian Defence Force (ADF), we thought you’dbe interested in our upcoming live interactivebroadcasts. This is your chance to ask and gainfirst hand information from current officers inthe field about their job, life in the ADF and more.REGISTER TODAYBroadcasts will be held on a regular basis. To participate,register your details at broadcasts.defencejobs.gov.auBROADCAST WEBSITEThe broadcast website will allow you to participate in upcomingbroadcasts, watch replays, read the latest articles and learnmore about jobs in the Navy, Army and Air Force, including:Medicine, Dentistry, Nursing, Radiography, Psychology,Pharmacy, Environmental Health, Medical/Research Science,Laboratory and Physiotherapy.BROADCASTS.DEFENCEJOBS.GOV.AU

Membership of the ama (nsw)...It’s worth it!

From the AMA (NSW)Medical Secretary/ Medical Director,Dr Robyn NapierThe Medical Secretary of the AMA(NSW) is a requirement of the AMA(NSW) Constitution, appointed by theBoard of Directors and confirmed bythe AMA (NSW) Council. This positionis historically held by a medicalpractitioner and its role and duties areprescribed by the Board of Directorsas within the Constitution.Any complaints by AMA (NSW)members regarding the professionalconduct of other members of the AMA(NSW) should be addressed to theMedical Secretary of the Associationas stipulated in the AMA (NSW) By-Laws. These By-Laws also dictatethe complaint process the MedicalSecretary follows through to the EthicsCommittee. The Medical Secretaryprovides support necessary for theEthics Committee to reach decisions insuch cases.The Ethics Committee is appointedby each new Council of the AMA(NSW) and considers alleged unethicalconduct or any other matters deemedrelevant for its attention. This includesreview of legislation, codes of conductand social issues.The AMA Code of Ethics wasdeveloped by the profession prior toany imperatives driven by regulatoryauthorities and is referenced bymost regulatory authorities whenaddressing medical codes. The Code ofEthics is vital in defining the standardsof medical practice, supporting properclinical practice and proper standardsof behaviour.The Medical Director offers adviceon clinical issues and for the effectiverunning of the AMA (NSW) Council ofGeneral Practice wherever necessary.The Medical Director generallyalso provides advice on regulatorybodies of the profession includingrepresentation on the NSW MedicalCouncil, the NSW State MedicalBoard of the National Medical Board,Professional Services Review andparticipation on various advisorycommittees requiring input from theprofession.The Medical Director’s Division alsoprovides support for the AMA (NSW)Charitable Foundation, the Doctors’Health Advisory Service and the AMA(NSW) Golf Society.Having been Medical Secretary/Medical Director of the AMA (NSW)for 11 years and Director of GeneralPractice for six years prior to that,Dr Robyn Napier has a wealth ofexperience in this varied role.Robyn assists members withdisputes about medical records andperceived incorrect or overstatedadvertising by colleagues. The numberof enquiries regarding registrationcategories has drastically increasedfollowing the changes to nationalregistration. Robyn also answersethical questions regarding payment ofnon-clinical services and involvementwith patients while providing services.Complaints about standards ofbehaviour of colleagues as wellas other professional groups areaddressed by Robyn and in a broadersense she considers various areas oflegislation and policy including theprotection of children, euthanasia,refugee health and children indetention.AMA (NSW)charitablefoundationgala dinnerFRIDAY, 21 OCTOBER 20117:00PM ONWARDSPARLIAMENT HOUSE, SYDNEY$175.00 per person for three course dinner & beverages.Live and silent auctions to raise money for the AMA (NSW) Charitable Foundation.Parliamentary host and special guest for the evening –The Hon. Barry O’Farrell, MP, Premier of NSWGuest speaker: Professor Ron McCallum, AO Senior Australian of the Year 2011MC for the evening: Ms Sophie Scott National Medical Reporter, ABC TVPlease contact Events Manager, Janene Wardrop to buy your ticket today.Phone 02 9439 8822 or email events@amansw.com.auAMA (NSW) 2012 CLINICAL CONFERENCEGalapagos IslandsGuayaquil, EcuadorTuesday, 8 May – Tuesday, 15 May 2012AccommodationHotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil andGalapagos Explorer II luxury chartered shipPost conference tourCuzco and Machu Picchu, PeruFor more information contact Medical Tours Australia Pty LtdEmail info@medicaltoursaustralia.com.auWebsite www.medicaltoursaustralia.com.auPO Box 4109 Winmalee NSW 2777Phone 02 4754 5000 | Fax 02 4754 4000

From the AMA (NSW) Director,Medico-Legal and Employment Relations,Sarah DahlenburgThe first point of contact for themajority of AMA (NSW) members whoneed assistance will almost certainlybe the Medico-Legal and EmploymentRelations Division. Whether it is asimple query about a pay scale or acomplicated industrial dispute theDivision has expert staff to providesupport and assistance, including threesolicitors, two senior industrial advisorsand four paralegals. The Division dealswith more than 3,000 calls and lettersannually and talks to 40 per cent ofmembers one or more times a year.This highlights what is a mostimportant reason to join the AMA – theprovision of legal and industrial adviceand representation at no additionalcost. As a visit to a reasonable solicitorwill cost something in the order of$300 an hour, it’s easy to work out thatanything that requires more than a fewhours will cost substantially more thanyour annual AMA membership fee! Inthis sense AMA membership is similarto insuring your house – a relativelysmall annual cost enables you to avoidmassive legal costs that can arise froma major industrial problem.Occasionally we run across aperception that the AMA only provideslegal and industrial advice to GP andspecialist practices i.e. advice toemployers. It is true we have a lot ofexpertise in this area but we have anequivalent level of expertise availableto assist employed and contractedGPs and junior doctors. GPs who areconsidering joining a corporate orprivate practice as a contractor – orwho have joined and need help – cancontact us for expert contractual adviceand assistance with disputes.It is also perhaps not as widely knownas it should be that we can provideany level of industrial assistance thata junior doctor might need, short ofrenegotiating the award. There is noimpediment in legislation or in practiceto the AMA providing advice, assistanceand representation in relation topay issues, disciplinary matters orbullying and harassment. This includesrepresenting individuals or groups atthe hospital level and taking matters tothe Industrial Relations Commissionwhere necessary.In recent years Medical DefenceOrganisations have begun to offerthe option of employment relationsassistance and we occasionally getquestions from doctors about why theywould need to join both an MDO and theAMA (NSW). The fact is the AMA (NSW)complements MDO legal expensespolicies. We strongly recommend thatall members join an MDO howeverMDOs do not – and have no plans to -offer the same level of industrial adviceand assistance as the AMA (NSW) does.Good industrial advice starts withsomebody on the end of a telephonewho can provide expert advice nomatter the problem. It proceedsthrough to include representationat meetings, up to representation atindustrial tribunals if required. MDOpolicies will pay for legal representationin a serious industrial dispute howeverthey do not provide problem-solvingindustrial advice and services. MDOswill also typically contract-out legalrepresentation to a private legal firmthat may or may not have the expertisein medical industrial matters. Justlike in medicine, specialist knowledgeand experience is paramount andthat’s what the AMA (NSW) offers itsmembers.The Medico-Legal and EmploymentRelations Division doesn’t just provideindustrial relations advice it alsoassists many members with what mightbe termed “professional” issues e.g.training issues for junior doctors andregistration problems for all doctors. In2010 and 2011 we provided assistanceto hundreds of doctors who were at riskof deregistration or had in fact beenderegistered due to problems with themove to national registration – a serviceno other medical organisation provides.JOIN THE AMA (NSW) 2011

Vol2 - number 11- Deceecembembeer 2010/Ja0nuary 2011From the AMA (NSW) Director,Policy and Communications, Sim MeadIn the Policy and CommunicationsDivision we spend our days thinkingabout how we can improve the two-waycommunication between membersand AMA (NSW) decision-makers.In our ideal world members wouldspend several hours a week readingour communications, answering oursurveys and emailing us to let us knowin detail what they think about the fullrange of health issues. All these emailswould be collated to give us a crystalclearpicture of what the professionthinks and summaries provided to theAMA (NSW) and Federal AMA Councilsand relevant committees to informpolicy positions and media statements.Of course in the real world werecognise doctors tend to be busytreating patients and have to fitnumerous requests for informationand feedback inbetween much higherpriorities. Knowing this is the case wereally appreciate those members whotake the time to tell us what they think.We make every effort to walk the fineline between bombarding you withinformation and giving you informationyou need to be well-informed about themedico-political arena and welcomeyour views on how we can do this better.CommunicationsThe “Communications” part ofthe Division provides regularcommunications to members includingthe monthly magazine The NSW Doctor,a weekly news email to all membersand a monthly email to all memberswith information about events. We alsosend regular email news to differentsections of our membership e.g. thereis a fortnightly email to junior doctors,VMO News regularly goes to VMOsand we also send a newsletter to ourpractice managers network.The communications team is alsothe first point of contact for media,taking daily phone calls, writing pressreleases and briefing the President andother Councillors prior to print, radioand TV interviews. We do get mediarequests about issues that range fromthe very serious – such as emergencydepartment performance – to thedownright bizarre such as the use ofcryotherapy as an anti-cellulite beautytreatment. Needless to say, our dayto-daydealings with the media can getvery interesting!We have a strong onlinecommunications presence with aregularly updated website, evenproduce, shoot and edit videos on ourYou Tube channel. We encourage allour members to receive the latest AMA(NSW) news via email – if you haven’tdone so or would like to update youremail address, please send an email tosubscription@amansw.com.auThe NSW Doctor magazine is thePRINT POST APPROVED PP255003/00999THE NSWdoctorTHE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (NSW)Be clear, be vocal,be persuasive…• Putting health on the political agenda• Do doctors and politics mix?• Resource shortage for regional hospitalswinnerBEST PUBLICATION2010 AMAnational awardsofficial publication of the AMA (NSW)and sent to all members 11 times perannum and all registered practitionersannually as part of the AMA (NSW)communications strategy. Membershipof the AMA (NSW) entitles you to receiveevery issue of The NSW Doctor, whichwas voted “Best State Publication”at the 2009 and 2010 AMA nationalawards. Members are also entitledto five free three-line classifiedadvertisements in the magazine perannum – so if you’re looking to placea free advertisement simply email theEditor, narelle@amansw.com.auJOIN THE AMA (NSW) 2011

From the AMA (NSW) Manager,Commercial Services and Membership,Kerry EvripidouThe AMA (NSW) enters into a limitednumber of commercial partnershipsproviding benefits for membersand additional income, enabling theassociation to keep membership feesas low as possible. We do not enter intocommercial partnerships until we haveestablished a close relationship witha company and are confident they runa credible and trustworthy businessand can provide a useful service tomembers.Every commercial partnership isdifferent but typically commercialpartners will contribute to sponsorshipof AMA events, advertise in The NSWDoctor and in some cases forwardan agreed amount to the AMA (NSW)based on business received from AMAmembers. This contributes to revenuethe association can put-back intoproviding services to AMA members.Our primary concern is to look fordirect benefits for members, be theydiscounted rates or quality of serviceand preferably both.As well as the benefits that arisefrom formal commercial partnershipsmembership of the AMA (NSW) alsogives members access to a rangeof commercial services. A full listof commercial services available tomembers can be found at the back ofeach issue of The NSW Doctor togetherwith our annual membership rates.Members can take advantage of theAMA (NSW) member referral bonusoffer where as a financial memberof the AMA (NSW) if you persuade acolleague to join you will receive acheque equal to 25 per cent of the newmember’s subscription amount. There’sno limit to how many members youcan introduce! If your spouse is also adoctor and you both join the AMA (NSW)there is a special spousal discount of 30per cent off each membership.One of the biggest challenges inany member-based organisation ismaintaining an accurate databaseof member details. The AMA (NSW)has a small team of people who enterdetails for new members, organiseannual renewal processes, maintainthe integrity of the data and assistmembers with questions. Recentimprovements to this process includenew online joining mechanisms anda chance for members to pay by themonth at no extra cost.Every day we help doctors savemoney and get priority service byputting them in touch with our AMA(NSW) member service partners.Many members put in-touch withInvestec Medical Finance, for example,have been able to organise mortgagesto purchase practices extremelyquickly. After being referred to Investecone doctor contacted them in themorning, met with them that eveningand had the loan approved the next day!Investec’s sister company, ExperienInsurance Services (EIS) has similarlyassisted many AMA (NSW) members.One doctor booked an appointmentwith EIS to change his life insurancepolicy but before the meeting tookplace, survived a potentially lifethreateningillness. Although notcovered under his existing policyExperien helped the doctor achieve a$300,000 payout towards medical feesand compensation for loss of earning.Good accountants are invaluableand Cutcher & Neale saved a memberdoctor $20,000 a year by transforminghis low benefit, low financial structureinto a tax efficient one. Members ofthe AMA (NSW) have been known tobuy up to six cars through Action Fleet,which is really no surprise when theircustomer service team remembersyou even if your last purchase was 10years ago! Prosper Group was able totell a member that there was a majorissue with a property he was lookingpotentially for a practice, saving himfrom a costly mistake.Join the AMA (NSW) now for 2012 and get the rest of 2011 for free. “JOIN NOW” insert inside this issue.

of Understandingby Narelle SchuhThe role of ASMOF (NSW) – President, Dr Tony SaraASMOF (NSW) continues to be thelargest industrial organisation ofemployees representing the interestsof senior salaried medical practitionersin the country with steadily increasingmembership. It also aims to advocatefor health services, unusual for anindustrial organisation.ASMOF (NSW) sees their key focusrepresenting the interests of membersas new public health structures andservice delivery models are developedand implemented. This includes LocalHealth Districts replacing the “AreaHealth Service model” and clinicianinput becoming an essential ingredientin new decision-making processes.It will continue its involvement inthe National Health Reform processover the next several years, includinghow funding services provided arecalculated and allocated.A recent significant challenge forASMOF (NSW) was changes to theNSW legislative and policy frameworkfor negotiating public sector wages.Significant work needs to be done incoming months and years to preventunreasonable restraints to staffspecialist salaries in the NSW publicsector arising from a “one size fits all”model.COMMERCIAL PREMISES FOR LEASEkogarahThis strategically located commercial premises islocated within close proximity of Kogarah town centre,Kogarah train station and in walking distance toSt George public and private hospitals. The premisesare fitted out for immediate use as a medical practice/specialist. Approximately 166m 2 with 4 car spaces.Landlord will negotiate attractive terms & conditions.(GST and outgoings apply).Contact Eric Mastrullo 0418 265 965 or 9588 3455or email eric@montgom.com.auMedical DEBtscollected professionallyDon’t give up on your bad debts!Guardian Collection Agency has been servicing themedical profession for more than 20 years with anexceptional success rate.We offer a simple, commission-only fee structure anda reputation for integrity, efficiency and 100 per centpersonal service.Forget the large, run-of-the-mill impersonal agencies,we offer:: No cost to you unless we collect.: Wholly committed to debt collection.: Unique ‘counselling’ approach to debtors -we address patient’s problems.: Stable, professional and familyowned and operated.Phone 02 9488 8597Fax 02 9988 4207Email guardian@sydney.net www.amansw.com.au I 31

A/Professor Brian OwlerSurgeon classDr Jitendra (John) ParikhUnrestricted member(GP) classDr Barri PhatarfodUnrestricted GPmember classDr David Rivett, OAMRural Doctor classDr Tony SaraSouthern Metropolitanzone classDr Saxon SmithUnrestricted Generalmember classDr Tom StanleyPsychiatrist classDr Michael SteinerOphthalmologist classDr Brett ThomsonIllawarra and SouthCoast zoneMr Benjamin VenessStudent member classDr Geoffrey White, OAMNew England North Coastzone classDr Choong-Siew YongSalaried Doctor classDr Andrew ZuschmannObstetrician/Gynaecologist classDr Simon ZidarAnaesthetist class www.amansw.com.au I 33

See opportunities ina patchy propertymarket.We can provide the rightinformation to help you makethe right property decisions.Whether you’re thinking about upgrading your family home,investing or buying your rooms; being successful in propertyis about being informed so you make good decisions not badones. The property market in Sydney and NSW is made up ofhundreds of sub-markets. The media often draws “a long bow”when collating data and its comments imply that the propertymarket is one ‘big’ market.As property professionals that deal in the market daily, ProsperGroup knows that there can be vast differences from onesuburb to the next. Knowing these differences is the key toyour success.To assist you to keep up to date with the latest in yourparticular area, we have a special offer just for medicalprofessionals during the month of October.It’s what we call a “Suburb Snapshot Report”. We will prepare apersonalised Suburb Snapshot Report to help you understanda particular NSW or QLD suburb no matter whether you arecurrently investing, thinking of investing or maybe even whereyou live.Your particular Suburb Snapshot Report will cover:• Price movements over 20 years• Sales and rents in the last 12 months• What price band is selling best• Detailed demographic infoFREE SUBURBSNAPSHOT REPORTSee what’s happening in your preferred suburb.*Free for October only.To get your free copy call1300 664 373or visit www.prospergroup.com.au/amaoctoberHome Purchases | Investment Property Purchases | Business Premises Purchases | Property Management

featureWho will care for the doctors?by Elyse CainAs a patient you make an appointmentwith your doctor expecting him or herto have all the answers to your healthproblems. A doctor who, surprisinglyenough, can at times be no stranger tofeeling sick and miserable themselves. Sowhen the doctor becomes the patient wholooks after their health needs?Dr Jill Gordon, President of the Doctors’Health Advisory Service (DHAS) NSW saysdoctors are so busy looking after theirpatients’ health they often neglect theirown. “It’s extremely important for healthand support services to be available todoctors when they need it,” Dr Gordonsays. “Sometimes it isn’t easy for a doctorto admit they need help – particularly ifit’s a problem with alcohol or other drugsor an issue regarding their psychologicalwellbeing that they don’t feel comfortablerevealing. It can be difficult to findanother doctor they trust.”Dr Sandy Jusuf, member of the AMA(NSW) DIT Committee believes a doctor’shealth is essential to their work andwellbeing as an individual. “If a doctor issuffering from health issues but doesn’thave the support to deal with them thoseissues can become an impairment. Itbecomes harder for that doctor to workeffectively and look after the community.”Among other issues is the mentalhealth of junior doctors relating tonumerous factors including exhaustionfrom working long hours, shiftworkand the resultant isolation from friendsand family. “I think it’s important toshare experiences and explore possibleapproaches and solutions to the issues,”Dr Jusuf says. “Junior doctors’ mentalhealth is of concern to beyondblue andthe NSW Health Education and TrainingInstitute (formerly CETI and before that,IMET). RPA hospital is currently workingon a program to address the mentalhealth of its junior doctors internally.These are all important initiatives andones we can learn from.”The biggest issue facing doctors’ healthis the uncertain future of health programsfor doctors in NSW as the transitionto national registration has createdfunding concerns. Annual funding onceprovided by the NSW Medical Board hasceased and interim funds provided by theBoard – intended to cover doctors’ healthprograms until an alternative source offunding is found – will soon run out. TheAustralian Doctors’ Health Network (acoalition of DHAS providers in each state)has approached the Medical Board ofAustralia for assistance but it will onlyconsider funding programs in each stateif doctors agree nationally to an additionallevy. “As registration fees increase thisdoes not seem likely to occur,” Dr Gordonsays. “This is a pity when one considers asmall annual amount, say $50, could domuch to help colleagues in trouble.”Possible sources of support for doctors’health programs was discussed at the“Forum on the future of doctors’ healthand support services in NSW” held lastmonth at AMA House. Representativesfrom the NSW Medical Council, medicalschools, training colleges, the NSWInstitute of Psychiatry and medicalprotection organisations attended.Estate Planning, Trusts& Estate LitigationTressCox has over 50 years experience advisingclients on estate planning, business successionand wealth creation. Our estate planning team isone of the largest, most well connected groupsin NSW.Some of our areas of expertise include:Document preparation for Wills,Testamentary Trusts, SuperannuationDeath Benefit Nominations andMemorandum of WishesAppointment of Attorneys andEnduring GuardiansEstate and succession planning,administration and litigationPurchase and sale of real estateActing for Executors in upholdingthe intentions of the will makerOur professionals can advise you on estateplanning, succession planning, wills andprotecting your business because we have adeep understanding of the issues faced in thisregard.www.tresscox.com.au“This was a chance for the DHAS andbodies such as the AMA (NSW) and theMedical Benevolent Society of NSWto discuss opportunities for closercollaboration to maximise what we allhave to offer,” Dr Gordon says.In the face of funding concerns, DrJusuf believes there is a need for closercollaboration on projects concernedwith doctors’ health on a national levelto ensure the best use of resourceswithout replicating services. Likewise,Dr Gordon is certain that if organisationsare able to work together it could help tomake the provision of health services todoctors more efficient. “Forums are greatopportunities to keep doctors abreastof the work being done to support themand form more relationships betweenorganisations that will ultimatelybenefit the health of doctors throughoutthe state.”Michael HenleyPhone 02 9228 9206Fax 02 9228 9299Michael_Henley@tresscox.com.auChristine McPhillipsPhone 02 9228 9210Fax 02 9228 9299Christine_McPhillips@tresscox.com.auRaymond LimPhone 02 9228 9250Fax 02 9228 9299Raymond_Lim@tresscox.com.au www.amansw.com.au I 35

AMA (NSW) 2012 Clinical ConferenceGalapagos IslandsGuayaquil, EcuadorTuesday, 8 May – Tuesday, 15 May 2012AccommodationHotel Hilton Colon, Guayaquil andGalapagos Explorer II luxury chartered shipPost conference tourCuzco and Machu Picchu, PeruFor more information contact Medical Tours Australia Pty LtdEmail info@medicaltoursaustralia.com.auWebsite www.medicaltoursaustralia.com.auPO Box 4109 Winmalee NSW 2777Phone 02 4754 5000 | Fax 02 4754 4000

featureNSW Practice Manager of the Year 2011Jo-anne Bacon from Smith StreetPractice, Tamworth was namedthe Australian Association ofPractice Manager’s (AAPM)NSW Practice Manger of theYear at AAPM’s annual formalawards night on Friday,26 August 2011.Jo-anne was employed in 2005 by thethen-named Marius Street Practice, amove which her employers say was “thebest decision we have made during ouryears of practice”. The three femaledoctor practice owners say Jo-annebrought to the practice skills in financialmanagement, introduced new ITrequirements, liaised with governmentand training bodies, organised and teammanaged staff, coordinated activities foraccreditation and in 2009, facilitated amajor expansion of the practice.During the expansion Jo-annecontinued the smooth running of thepractice but also undertook a majorrole in organising the planning andimplementation of the new building.She liaised with the council andbuilder, organised financial and legalmeetings, addressed OH&S mattersand maintained communication withall involved parties. Jo-anne also had amajor responsibility in financial planningfor purchasing the new building as wellas new equipment and furnishings forthe practice.Jo-anne ensured the now quite largeand complex practice managementarea ran smoothly and managed theincorporation of another medicalpractice into the Smith Street Practice.The move to the new premises andincorporation of new doctors, receptionstaff and patients provided a challengingdimension to Jo-anne’s role which heremployers say she handled gracefullyand successfully, managing a cheerful,cooperative and dedicated team. www.amansw.com.au I 37

eventsTHIS MONTH – Join us for the Charitable FoundationGala Dinner on Friday, 21 October 2011The AMA (NSW) isencouraging doctorsfrom outside the Sydneymetropolitan area tojoin us for our annualfundraising dinner.Get your tickets now for the chance tomingle with The Hon. Barry O’Farrell,MP, Premier of NSW and HealthMinister, Jillian Skinner.As part of the Charitable Foundation’sefforts to raise money for cancercharity, Can Assist, there will be asilent and a live auction on the night.Items under the hammer include:• A 7-night holiday for six to SanctuaryCove, Port Douglas• A 7-night holiday for six toQueenstown, New Zealand• A 7-night holiday for six to Fiji• A dinner for 8 prepared by aprofessional chef in your home• Experiences including deep seafishing and 3-day Hunter Valley winetour for four peopleCall AMA (NSW) Events Manager,Janene Wardrop on 02 9439 8822for tickets or emailevents@amansw.com.auThe InterContinental Sydney and theAmora Hotel Jamison Sydney areoffering special accommodation ratesfor guests attending what will be awonderful evening for the profession.The InterContinental Sydney is justa short walk away from ParliamentHouse and positioned on the edge ofthe world’s most stunning harbour,overlooking the Opera House, SydneyHarbour Bridge and Royal BotanicGardens. Steps away are the CBD, thehistoric Rocks area, leading shopsand boutiques and some of the finestrestaurants the city has to offer.Located only 12 kilometres from SydneyInternational Airport and with easyaccess to the Sydney Harbour Bridgeand Tunnel, getting to the hotel is quickand easy.The InterContinental Sydney’scontemporary guest rooms and suitesoffer a pictureframe view of the cityskyline, Royal Botanic Gardens, OperaHouse or Harbour Bridge. For theultimate Sydney experience you canbook a Club InterContinental roomand enjoy access to the rooftop lounge.Built to capture panoramic viewsacross Sydney Harbour, it is the city’sonly rooftop lounge with wrap-aroundterrace. Club InterContinental guestsalso enjoy amenities such as deluxebreakfast and twilight drinks.AMA (NSW) Gala Dinner attendeescan contact the InterContinentalSydney’s reservations department on02 9240 1200 and quote AM7 whenrequesting your special rate for thisprestigious event.The InterContinental Sydney117 Macquarie StreetSydney NSW 200002 9253 9000reservations@interconsydney.comwww.intercontinental.com/sydneyThe Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney iscentrally located at 11 Jamison Streetand a short stroll from Circular Quay,The Rocks, Darling Harbour and theCBD. The hotel is an urban sanctuaryfor guests, combining the ultimate inluxury with Australian contemporarystyle. Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney isthe perfect hotel for both the businessand leisure traveler, offering everythingyou would expect from a 5-star premiumproperty and more.The hotel boasts 415 well-appointedguest rooms fitted with exceptionalfurnishings and detail. Some roomsfeature views of Sydney ‘s world famousharbour, while others offer amazingviews of Darling Harbour and Sydney ‘scityscape.The hotel will provide AMA (NSW)guests attending the Gala Dinner witha full range of leisure, conference andbusiness facilities including two bars‘Inbargo’ and ‘The Gallery’ and tworestaurants, Charr the hotel’s signaturerestaurant and The Gallery Restaurant.AMA (NSW) guests can enjoy a specialrate of $290.00 per room per night fora Deluxe Room and breakfast for twopeople.AMA (NSW) Gala Dinner attendees cancontact the Reservations Department on02 9696 2500 and quote A-AMA2110 forthis special rate, available for check-in21 October 2011 - check-out,22 October 2011.Amora Hotel Jamison Sydney11 Jamison StreetSydney NSW 200002 9696 2500res@sydney.amorahotels.com.auwww.amorahotels.com www.amansw.com.au I 39

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eventsAMA (NSW) Golf Society upcoming eventsBMA Challenge Cup –15 December 2011The Golf Society’s final and mostprestigious event of the year will be heldat Elanora Country Club, Sydney on15 December 2011 with all golferswelcome for tee-off at noon.Tucked away in the hilltopsoverlooking Narrabeen on Sydney’snorthern peninsula, Elanora CountryClub is a haven of tranquility andbushland charm. Established in 1928,Elanora is home to one of Sydney’spremier golf courses where members’underlying love of golf combinesseamlessly with the understated andcomfortable surroundings.The BMA Cup competition will beindividual par, scratch, 2BBB par,nearest the pins and longest drive.All golfers are welcome. Accommodationis also available at Elanora CountryClub, if interested please contact NicoleChambers on 02 9913 7336.Interstate weekend – 2-5 March 2012Accommodation for the 2012 interstateweekend will be at the 5-star RACVRoyal Pines Resort for three nights withfour rounds of golf.PRO/AM Charity Golf Classic –15 March 2012A key component of the AMA (NSW)Charitable Foundation’s fundraisingefforts, the PRO/AM Charity Classic for2012 will be held at Terrey Hills GolfClub with all proceeds going to supportthe Foundation’s projects which promotesocial advancement and healthcare ofdeserving community groups.The event will see a large field of prostesting their skill on this challengingcourse. Played in a team format,each sponsor is invited to enter threerepresentatives or guests. A PGAprofessional will join each team of threeand provide personalised attentionand expert instruction throughout theday. Free coaching clinics will also beconducted by PGA professionals priorto the event which will be a Stablefordcompetition – individual and team –over 18 holes, nearest the pin andlongest drive.For information on the AMA (NSW) Golf Society or to register for events contactKathy Thornton on 02 9439 8822 or email amagolf@amansw.com.auDiagnose Your RiskWant to discuss real life case studies witha panel of experts?Want to earn CPD points?Then ‘Diagnose Your Risk’ with Avant’smedico-legal workshop series.For more information about events in your city visitwww.avant.org.au/forumsAvant Mutual Group LimitedABN 58 123 154 898

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TAX, PROPERTY &FINANCE STRUCTURINGMASTERCLASSKey steps to wealthgeneration and preservationThursday, 24 November 2011Novotel Northbeach, WollongongThe AMA (NSW) – together with partners Investec Medical Finance,Cutcher & Neale and The Prosper Group – invites you to the tax,property and finance structuring masterclass. Attend and receive avoucher saving you $100 on next year’s AMA membership!Participants will learn:• The steps required in setting up an effective tax structure.• How to minimise capital gains tax.• How to tailor debt to the investment.• The key criteria to selecting an investment.This workshop takes the form of a panel discussion and you willbenefit from the speakers’ expert knowledge in their respectivefields. The evening will include a number of scenarios unique tomedical practitioners to show you how to make the most of yourearning power. This format allows for active audience participationand involvement.The Key Steps to Wealth Generation and Preservation will bepresented by our experienced panel:Stafford Hamilton – Investec Medical FinanceJarrod Bramble – Cutcher & Neale Accounting and Taxation ServicesChris White – The Prosper GroupTime | 6:00pm Drinks and canapes6:30pm Welcome6:40pm Presentation with questionsCost | AMA members $45 per seminarNon-members $75 per seminar(NB: If you are an AMA (NSW) member and bring a friendwho is a non-member you will receive a $20 discount on yourseminar fee and only pay $25 to come to this exciting event!)STARTING & WORKINGIN PRIVATE PRACTICESaturday, 5 November 2011Amora Hotel Jamison, Sydney10:00am – 5:00pmCostAMA (NSW) members – $100Non-members – $300Rebate of $200 if you join the AMA (NSW) on the day.This workshop is designed for:• Registrars who are finishing specialty trainingand considering their options.• Doctors (GPs and specialists) who are setting-upa private practice for the first time or becominginvolved for the first time in managing a privatepractice.Expert presenters provide attendees withinformation on:• Structuring your medical practice.• Considerations when buying your practice.• Financing your new practice or going into anexisting practice.• Employing, managing and terminating staff inyour practice.• Medical practitioners’ experiences in setting uptheir own practices.• Considerations in fee setting for GPs andspecialists.• The advantages and disadvantages of working fora corporate.• Medical practitioners’ experiences in setting-uptheir own practices.Medico legal & industrial relations seminarThe Coronial InquestWhat medical practitioners need to knowThursday, 17 November 2011 | AMA House, St Leonards | 7:00pm – 9:00pmCost | $20 AMA (NSW) members including a light meal, $50 non-membersFor further information and to register for any of these events contact the AMA (NSW) Events ManagerJanene Wardrop, phone 02 9439 8822 or email events@amansw.com.au

AMA (NSW) has the most comprehensive Medico-Legal and Employment Relations advice in Australia.Just some of the services that are available include awards advice and updates, court representation,mediation and human resource consulting. A comprehensive range of legal packages and draft contractsare available for members for a nominal fee. In addition, below are a list of our member service partnersto assist you whatever the need.member servicesAMA (NSW) Member Service PartnersAMA Auto Buying ServiceA free service specialising in theacquisition, funding and disposal of allmakes and models of motor vehicles.Investec Medical FinanceTressCox LawyersExpert legal advice for the medicalprofession. 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Administration feeCall AMA (NSW) member investment managers. services onAs the official car rental Significant partner savings for AMA, every year withTo take advantage applies.To take of your advantage benefitsInvestecof call your AMAExperienbenefits (NSW) Member call AMA Services (NSW) Hertz Member offers on (02) discounted 9439 Services participating rates 8822 and on restaurants, a range (02) 9439 hotels and02 9439 8822 or email services@amansw.com.au8822tourist attractions.or 1800 813 423 or (outside Prosper Groupof member benefits all year round.1800 813 Metropolitan 423 (outside Specialistareas)finance Metropolitan to meet4www.nswama.com.authe personal areas) 4www.nswama.com.auA property advisory (buyer’s agent)Foxtel BusinessVisit our websites | www.amansw.com.au and practice needs | www.ama.com.auof members. Finance Qantas Club American Expresswho can source, perform due diligenceFree standard installation of our business valuesolutions for practice requirements, motor Discounted rates for AMA Offering members. corporate affinity programs andand negotiate your home, investmentpackage, plus two months free on a 12-monthvehicles, commercial/residential property Save up to $365 on membership.special discounts to members for creditproperties or commercial premises,cards contract. and merchant facilities.Disclaimer: AMA (NSW) may financially benefit from and its relationship overdraft facilities.Fees as follows: Joining $200;with Preferred Partnerssaving you time and money.One year $265; Two years $465.Auscellardoor AMA (NSW) WineGow-Gates GroupSociety46OtherI THEbenefits:NSW DOCTOR I OCTOBER Complete 2011 insurance and financial servicesBoutique wines at specially negotiatedReceive automatic subscriptions to the following with publications: special packages for AMA members.prices for members every month.n n Services include: Wealth Creation, RiskAMA List of Medical Services and Fees BookManagement, Doctors’ Practice InsuranceCaltex StarCardOther benefits:Membership has its rewardsAMA (NSW) has the most comprehensive Medico-Legal and Employment Relations advice in Australia.Just some of the services that are available include awards advice and updates, court representation,mediation and human resource consulting. A comprehensive range of legal packages and draft contractsare available for members for a nominal fee. In addition, below are a list of our member service partnersto assist you whatever the need.MEDPRACSUPERANNUATIONAMA Auto Buying ServiceA free service specialising in theacquisition, funding and disposal of allmakes and models of motor vehicles.Assign MedicalAssists members to source competent,friendly and committed staff for yourbusiness or practice.Commonwealth BankOffering a special merchant facility at alow fee of 0.68% for most credit cards.Investec ExperienSpecialist finance to meet the personaland practice needs of members. Financesolutions for practice requirements, motorvehicles, commercial/residential propertyand overdraft facilities.Gow-Gates GroupComplete insurance and financial serviceswith special packages for AMA members.Services include: Wealth Creation, RiskManagement, Doctors’ Practice Insuranceand Superannuation.Medprac Super FundThe perfect super fund for doctors,with no entry fees. Have the option ofmanaging your fund using a range ofinvestment managers.Prosper GroupA property advisory (buyer’s agent)who can source, perform due diligenceand negotiate your home, investmentproperties or commercial premises,saving you time and money.Receive automatic subscriptions to the following publications:n n AMA List of Medical Services and Fees Bookn n The NSW Doctorn n The Medical Journal of Australian n Australian Medicinen n AMA Action (e-newsletter)AMA (NSW) Member Service PartnersTressCox LawyersExpert legal advice for the medicalprofession. Members are entitled to aunique duty solicitor scheme offeringone free consultation (referral required).Accountants/Tax Advisers PanelExperienced accounting firms whocan assist you with your personal andprofessional accounting and taxationneeds. Select the firm most suitable foryour requirements.AMA (NSW) Member Reward CardSignificant savings every year withparticipating restaurants, hotels andtourist attractions.American ExpressOffering corporate affinity programs andspecial discounts to members for creditcards and merchant facilities.Auscellardoor AMA (NSW) WineSocietyBoutique wines at specially negotiatedprices for members every month.Caltex StarCardConsolidate your vehicle fuel expensesonto one easy-to-read monthly statementwith access to the following fueldiscounts: 2.5cpl off unleaded, Vortex 95and Diesel and 1.5cpl off Vortex 98.HertzAs the official car rental partner for AMA,Hertz offers discounted rates and a rangeof member benefits all year round.Qantas ClubDiscounted rates for AMA members.Save up to $365 on membership.Fees as follows: Joining $200;One year $265; Two years $465.25 % REBATEIntroduce a new member to AMA (NSW) and receivea cheque equal to 25% of the new member’ssubscription via our Member Get Memberprogram. There are no limits.25 % REBATETo take advantage of your benefits call AMA (NSW) Member Services on (02) 9439 88or 1800 813 423 (outside Metropolitan areas) 4

classifiedsGP POSITION VACANTFountain Medical Centre, Potts Point requires GP. Percentagebased remuneration (75%+). Phone: 02 9319 4665 or emailinfo@fountainhealth.com.auMANLY, GP REQUIREDFor 2-4 days at friendly family practice. Accredited,computerised and with excellent nursing support. Mentorshipavailable. Phone: Janice 02 9948 3768.MONA VALE, GP REQUIREDRequired 2/3 days a week for friendly, accredited,computerised practice with supporting nurse. GP retiring.Phone: Margaret 02 9997 4266.GP FOR LAUGHTONDALE, NSWUnique opportunity to secure small residence-based practiceon large property. Huge potential. Beautiful location. Neg.terms. Phone: Nick Vargassoff 0409 821 843.DALE STREET MEDICAL SPECIALISTS, BROOKVALE,NORTHERN BEACHESWell appointed rooms for sessions. Full admin. support ifrequired. Phone: Patrick Coleman 0409 871 156.GP WANTED – MANLY VALEGP wanted for long established, friendly family practice.Accredited and computerised. Exc. nursing support.Mentorship available. Phone: Janice 02 9948 3768.SIGHT CHART FOR SALEBrown timber box 50cmx43cmx20cm with hooks forattachment to wall. Red and green globes. Offer?Phone: Karin 0400 417 796, Mon. to Fri. 9.00am - 5.00pm.NOWRA, CONSULTING ROOM FOR LEASEWell appointed, excellent location with park views, off streetparking, close to CBD. Contact Park Business Team.Phone: 02 4422 1210.SPECIALIST AGEING & MEDICINE CENTRE, RANDWICKOpen January opp. hospital. Suit specialist or allied healthprofessional. Reception, shared waiting room, kitchen andbathroom, blood collection on-site, X-ray nearby.Phone: 02 93993711 or 0409 151 317.FREESTANDING BUILDING – FREEHOLD PURCHASEIdeal for medical use, Crows Nest near Mater hospital.Parking, fit-out and opportunity to purchase freehold. Offersover $1,350,000. Phone: William Brown 0433 346 346.RAMSGATE BEACH - PROFESSIONAL AREA/ROOMS FOR LEASE165sqm plus 14sqm storage avail. October. Renovated, idealmedical practice or co-op with vision. Grnd flr. unlimitedparking, next to 28-year established pharmacy, 300 metresto aged care facility. Phone: Andrew 0406 733 903 or aak@netspace.net.au48 I THE NSW DOCTOR I OCTOBER 2011The rise of modernAustralian chardonnayby Andrew Wood, AuscellardoorI recently read with surprise that Chardonnay nowaccounts for more than half of Australia’s annual whitewine production. Whether you love it or loathe it there’s nodoubting its popularity in Australia.Chardonnay is an incredibly flexible grape variety andthe only variety produced in every major wine region ofAustralia. Given the diversity of Australia’s wine regionit’s no surprise Chardonnay comes in many forms.Traditionally Australian Chardonnay has been of a rich,bold style – dark yellow in colour with butter and peachflavours and a large oak influence. This style was wellsuited to warm climate viticulture and certainly gainedplenty of popularity with drinkers both at home andabroad.In more recent times many Australian winemakers haveembraced a ‘modern style’ of Australian Chardonnay.Generally from cool-climate wine regions these modernstyle Chardonnays are more elegant, leaner, with afocus on lively acidity and fresh fruit flavours rather thandominant oak. This modern style has helped introduce anew generation of wine drinkers to Chardonnay and reengagewith some who had given up on it.A fantastic exponent of this modern style Chardonnay isthe Hilltops-based Chalkers Crossing winery. Under theguidance of Paris-born and Bordeaux-trained winemaker,Celine Rousseau, Chalkers Crossing has emerged as arising star. The 2009 Chalkers Crossing ‘Tumbarumba’Chardonnay ($22.90/ 95 Pts – James Halliday) is theepitome of the modern Australian Chardonnay. It’s packedwith pristine, cool-climate fruit flavours of grapefruit andapple that is supported but not dominated by some classyrestrained oak.Another leading example is made by the highlyacclaimedPort Phillip Estate, one of the leading winerieson Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula and in good handswith expert winemaking from Sandro Mosele. The 2009Port Phillip Estate Chardonnay ($27.90 / 96 Pts – JamesHalliday) is a little more textural than Chalkers Crossingbut still has a modern feel about it. Bursting with coolclimatecharacters of citrus and lively acidity it has a touchof cashew and layers of flavours that evolve in the glass.While Chardonnay is not to everyone’s taste it remainsone of the great wine varieties of the world. If you’re oneof the many that dismissed Australian Chardonnay back inthe late 1980s now might be the perfect time to re-visit it!Auscellardoor is the preferred wine partner of theAMA (NSW), phone 1800 088 022.

Pick up a free dayRent a car for 5 days or more with Hertz and you’ll only pay for 4.Book now at hertz.com.au and quote CDP# 283826 and PromotionCode 161615 or call Hertz Reservations on 13 30 39.* Terms and conditions apply. Min rental period is 5 days, max 1 free day perrental. Offer available at participating domestic Hertz locations on Intermediate,Standard, Fullsize and Minivan vehicle groups until December 20th, 2011. Offerapplies to daily rate and applicable GST. Hertz standard terms, conditions andcredit qualifications apply.

While you builda career, we’ll helpbuild your wealth.You don’t need us to tell you how much dedication and commitment is requiredto build a successful career in medicine.But we can tell you how to build your fi nancial success and security.As specialists in accounting services for medical practitioners, we understandboth your unique circumstances and the opportunities available to you. By puttingthe right structure in place now, you can be confi dent of reaping the appropriaterewards in the future.And if you’re already well into a career, we can review your current structureto ensure you’re maximising the available opportunities.To start the conversation, simply contact Jarrod Bramble on freecall 1800 988 522.There’s no obligation and no charge for the initial discussion for AMA members.■ Freecall 1800 988 522cnmail@cutcher.com.au