The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

"We are seeing people unfortunately half their medication, so drop the dosage down, or miss alternate days. That is a real problem" says RACP President, Professor Jennifer Martin to Channel 7 News.

The RACP is calling for urgent action to address medicines shortages that can put lives at risk and leave patients without effective substitutes.

MEDIA RELEASE: https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/media-releases/we-can-t-let-patients-suffer-racp-calls-for-government-strategy-to-tackle-medicines-shortages

CARE LEAVER SUPPORT EXTENDED TO AGE 21 IN THE ACT
The ACT Government has issued a media release today that care leaver support has been extended to 21-years-old in the ACT. Young people leaving statutory out of home care will have a right to access support until their 21st birthday under legislation passed in the ACT Legislative Assembly today.

The RACP welcomes this news, which we called for in our Health Care of Children in Care and Protection Services position statement, which was launched last year:

'Must implement a nationally consistent framework for young people leaving care up to the age of 21 years to ensure they have access to the health and services they need, including mental health outreach and substance use support programs.'

MEDIA RELEASE: https://www.cmtedd.act.gov.au/open_government/inform/act_government_media_releases/rachel-stephen-smith-mla-media-releases/2024/care-leaver-support-extended-to-age-21
OUR POSITION STATEMENT: https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/advocacy-library/health-care-of-children-in-care-and-protection-services-australia-position-statement.pdf?sfvrsn=6325d21a_4

DONATE TO THE RACP FOUNDATION THIS TAX TIME
Make a tax deductible donation to the RACP Foundation to help support physician researchers make medical breakthroughs.

This year alone, 48 aspiring researchers got their ‘breakthrough’ and were able to commence their research endeavours – early-stage initiatives that often won’t attract Government funding.

FIND OUT MORE: https://www.racp.edu.au/foundation/support-us

Nau mai, RACP Māori members, you are invited to attend the Inaugural Trainee Wānanga (Māori trainees) or Māori Health Hui (Māori Fellows) on Friday, 30 August from 9.30am to 6pm in RACP’s Wellington office. Both events are fully catered and complimentary. https://www.event.racpevents.edu.au/maoriwnangaandhealthhui/maoriwnangaandhealthhuireg

Both events have an exciting speaker line up and are dedicated to fostering whakawhanaungatanga within the Māori caucus and nurturing tuakana teina relationships among trainees and Fellows.

The Inaugural Trainee Wānanga is supported by the New Zealand Resident Doctors' Association AND Specialty Trainees of New Zealand. Attendance at the Māori Health Hui can be counted towards Category 1 Educational Activities under RACP’s MyCPD Framework.

Register by Friday, 16 August to book your spot.
REGISTER NOW:
https://www.event.racpevents.edu.au/maoriwnangaandhealthhui/maoriwnangaandhealthhuireg

More information and the programs are available on the event website: https://www.event.racpevents.edu.au/maoriwnangaandhealthhui

If you have any patai or would like to find out more, please contact the Hauora Māori team via email [email protected]

We hope to see as many of you there as possible.

Noho ora mai,
The Hauora Māori Team

"Balance problems and falls increase as we get older, affecting approximately one third of people aged 65 and over every year" says Professor George Razay.

"Falls are a major threat to health, leading to fractures, hospitalisation, institutionalisation and death, costing the Australian healthcare system $2.3 billion each year."

Professor Razay recently presented at and his presentation won the best poster prize in adult medicine.

Hope after a fall get up and go for a walk Balance problems and falls increase as we get older, affecting approximately 1/3 of people aged 65 and over...

THE SOUTH AUSTRALIAN INFANT MENTAL HEALTH WORKSHOP
South Australian paediatricians and paediatric trainees, you're invited to the Infant Mental Health Workshop. This two-part workshop will be held at the SA/NT Regional Office from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday, 21 August 2024 and Wednesday, 4 September 2024.

Supporting both physical and emotional infant development and attachment with caregivers is crucial in paediatrics. This free seminar is presented by four experienced clinicians and will cover topics relevant to paediatric practice, in acute and everyday settings.
REGISTER NOW: https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/all-events/event-details?id=c082bcaf-bbb2-61c2-b08b-ff01001c3177

OPPORTUNITY FOR RACP MEMBERS
The Australasian Faculty of Rehabilitation Medicine are forming a working group with the Rehabilitation Medicine Society of Australia and New Zealand to develop a Bi-National Rehabilitation Position Statement.

We're seeking members with knowledge of adult medicine and paediatrics and child health rehabilitation. We are also looking for people who understand Australian and Aotearoa New Zealand healthcare systems, as well as regional, rural, and/or remote settings. Your ability to represent First Nations people and medical rehab trainees would also be helpful.

Interested? Check out the position overview and submit your application by 28 June. Your input will guide the future of rehabilitation medicine.
https://www.racp.edu.au/expressions-of-interest/bi-national-rehabilitation-position-statement-working-group

The RACP supports the Federal Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Mark Butler MP, calling for a review of the Chiropractic Board of Australia new guidelines regarding manipulation of babies’ spines. The health and wellbeing of children is important to our paediatricians and physicians.

Health minister intervenes in chiropractors’ decision to allow spinal manipulation of babies Mark Butler is seeking an urgent explanation from the Chiropractic Board of Australia after its controversial decision to allow practitioners to recommence spinal manipulations on babies.

THE 2024 NEW FELLOW SURVEY IS NOW OPEN
* Share your experience as an early career physician *
Did you complete an RACP Advanced, Faculty or Chapter training program between 1 April 2022 and 31 May 2023? If so, you are invited to complete this year’s New Fellow Survey to share your experience as an early career physician. The survey is open until Sunday, 14 July 2024 at 11.59pm AEST.

The 15-minute anonymous online survey asks you how your RACP training program has prepared you for Fellowship.

Feedback from previous surveys has helped identify areas for improvement in training programs and highlighted resources to better support members as they transition out of training. We thank those who have contributed to past surveys and encourage all eligible early career physicians to participate this year.

FIND OUT MORE: https://www.racp.edu.au/fellows/becoming-a-fellow/new-fellow-survey

DO YOU NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO?
Sometimes life can feel like a challenge. Whether it's a bad day at work, the stress of studying, or balancing work and home life, our mental wellbeing can be impacted. This is a reminder that it's okay to not be ok.

If you need someone to talk to, you can reach out to the RACP Support Program. It's a free, 24/7 and completely confidential support service that is delivered externally through Converge International. Whether you have something worrying on your mind, are finding getting out of bed to be a struggle, or just feel like talking to someone for helpful, judgement-free advice, this free support service may be just what you need.

FIND OUT MORE:
https://www.racp.edu.au/fellows/wellbeing/i-need-support/racp-support-program

CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF RURAL TRAINING MODELS
We are seeking expressions of interest from Fellows, Basic and Advanced Trainees with regional, rural or remote experience to contribute to the development of Rural Training Models Project.
https://www.racp.edu.au/expressions-of-interest/fellows-basic-and-advanced-trainees-with-regional-rural-or-remote-experience-for-rural-training-models-projec

In collaboration with four other colleges, RACS, RANZCO, ANZCA, and RACMA, Rural Training Models project aims to support quality specialist training in regional, rural and remote Australia. The RACP will focus on the research and design of a Rural Training Network Model to identify key requirements for establishing successful rural training networks.

Based on the research findings, a draft model proposal will then be developed. To ensure consensus, representatives from each project partner will review and provide feedback on the proposed model in a workshop to be held in Darwin on Sunday,13 and Monday,14 October 2024. Further workshops will take place in Q1 and Q2 2025 to adjust these models to the RACP’s needs.

Participation is anticipated to span 14 months. Travel and accommodation cost will be covered and Continuing Professional Development (CPD) hours can be recorded against project activities.

To be part of this exciting initiative, please review the expression of interest before Friday, 14 June 2024.
FIND OUT MORE: https://www.racp.edu.au/expressions-of-interest/fellows-basic-and-advanced-trainees-with-regional-rural-or-remote-experience-for-rural-training-models-projec

POMEGRANATE HEALTH PODCAST– EP109: CULTIVATING A RURAL WORKFORCE
Listen: https://www.racp.edu.au/pomegranate/view/ep109-cultivating-a-rural-workforce
Australia is a big continent and sparsely populated continent. Twenty-eight per cent of Australians live in areas classified regional, rural or remote and their access to healthcare services is much more limited. It’s estimated that between 2009 and 2011 there were 19,000 excess deaths in regional and remote areas as compared to the major cities.

Socioeconomic disadvantage is factor in that mortality gap, but inequitable access to healthcare is also a major driver. In this podcast we focus specifically on the shortage in health practitioners in the regions. Even in regional centres, the density of physicians by population count is two thirds what it is in the major cities. By the time you get to large rural towns it’s just over a third that baseline. In this podcast we discuss opportunities to lift recruitment and retention. This means improving the experience for trainees and the esteem for rural medicine in the eyes of the profession at large.

RACP Evolve and the Gastroenterological Society of Australia recommendation 5: Do not perform a follow-up endoscopy less than three years after two consecutive findings of no dysplasia from endoscopies with appropriate four quadrant biopsies for patients diagnosed with Barrett’s Oesophagus.
https://evolve.edu.au/recommendations/gesa

Gastroenterological Society of Australia The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) sets, promotes and continuously improves the standards of practice, training and research in gastroenterology and hepatology in Australia.

RACP Evolve and the Gastroenterological Society of Australia recommendation 3: Do not continue prescribing long term proton pump inhibitor (PPI) medication to patients without attempting to reduce the medication down to the lowest effective dose or cease the therapy altogether.
https://evolve.edu.au/recommendations/gesa

Gastroenterological Society of Australia The Gastroenterological Society of Australia (GESA) sets, promotes and continuously improves the standards of practice, training and research in gastroenterology and hepatology in Australia.

RACP Evolve and the Australian and New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine recommendation one: Do not use antipsychotics as the first choice to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia.
https://evolve.edu.au/recommendations/anzsgm

Australian & New Zealand Society of Geriatric Medicine The Australian and New Zealand Society for Geriatric Medicine is the professional society for geriatricians and other medical practitioners with an interest in the medical care of older people . The society acts to represent the needs of its members and the wider community in a bid to constantly rev...

RACP Evolve recommendation: Avoid unstructured multiple daily glucose self-monitoring in adults with stable type 2 diabetes on agents that do not cause hypoglycaemia. https://evolve.edu.au/recommendations/esa

Endocrine Society of Australia The Endocrine Society of Australia (ESA) is a national non-profit organisation of scientists and clinicians who conduct research and practice in the field of Endocrinology. The society was founded in 1958 and incorporated in 1986 in the State of Victoria. The Society is governed by the eight members...

During remember to . reminds clinicians not to prescribe testosterone therapy to older men except in confirmed cases of hypogonadism

SEEING A NON-CLINICAL ETHICIST TO JOIN THE ETHICS COMMITTEE
We are looking for a non-clinical ethicist with expertise in ethics, professional development, education, and the healthcare systems of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. This is for a non-RACP member, so please share with your networks. Hurry, closes this Friday, 14 June 2024.

Expressions of Interest The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

EVOLVE CASE STUDY: Ali is a 68-year-old man with peripheral vascular disease, hypertension, dyslipidaemia. He presents with a chronic left plantar foot ulcer for the last four months and has optimal diabetes control. Explore this Evolve case study to understand why it is recommended to avoid multiple daily glucose self-monitoring in adults with stable type 2 diabetes on agents that do not cause hypoglycaemia.
http://evolve.edu.au/resources

RACP Evolve and the Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine recommendation 5: Do not prescribe testosterone therapy to older men except in confirmed cases of hypogonadism.
https://evolve.edu.au/recommendations/achshm

Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine The Australasian Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine (AChSHM) was formed in 2004 when the Australasian College of Sexual Health Physicians (ACSHP) signed an agreement with the RACP to create a Chapter of Sexual Health Medicine within the College. The Chapter sits within the RACP Adult Medicine Divisio...

THE RACP MEMBER WELLBEING FRAMEWORK IS NOW AVAILABLE
The RACP has developed the Member Wellbeing Framework to raise awareness about the importance of prioritising your health and wellbeing while supporting your professional journey. It sets out overarching domains of wellbeing, provides links to relevant resources for each domain and includes a link to an evidence-based self-assessment tool, plus so much more.
READ THE FRAMEWORK: https://www.racp.edu.au/docs/default-source/fellows/physician-health-and-wellbeing/wellbeing-framework.pdf?sfvrsn=503fdb1a_4
FIND OUT MORE: https://www.racp.edu.au/wellbeing

CONTRIBUTE TO THE DEVELOPMENT OF AN EDUCATIONAL PACKAGE ON QUALITY USE OF MEDICINES AND DIAGNOSTICS FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONALS
Consumers Health Forum of Australia (CHF) has secured a grant from the Department of Health and Aged Care to create and promote an education package to aid health professionals to confidently engage in shared decision making with their patients.

RACP Fellows are invited to express interest to join CHF’s steering committee as the RACP representative. The steering committee will guide and oversee the development, implementation and uptake of the education package.

Find out more and submit your expression of interest

Expressions of Interest The Royal Australasian College of Physicians

In her first President's Message, Professor Jennifer Martin reflects on this year's convocation and RACP Congress and also discusses her plans for her Presidency. She meets with Professor Lisa Stamp to discuss the importance of research in training, Associate Professor Matt Doogue, to discuss the future of assessment at the RACP, and Dr Hamish Anderson, to talk about our workforce strategy.

READ MORE AND WATCH MEMBER VIDEOS: https://www.racp.edu.au/news-and-events/presidents-message/the-presidents-message-june-2024

Studies show higher antibiotic prescribing rates in virtual consultations compared to in-person visits. Telehealth care may be contributing to antibiotic overprescribing and overuse. Find out more: https://thehealthcareblog.com/blog/2024/05/20/a-call-for-responsible-antibiotic-use-in-the-era-of-telehealth/

This highlights the importance of Australasian Society for Infectious Diseases recommendations on low-value practices to reduce antibiotic use that is of low-value and prevent antimicrobial resistance:

⚫ Do not use antibiotics in asymptomatic bacteriuria
⚫ Do not take a swab or use antibiotics for the management of a leg ulcer with no indication of clinical infection
⚫ Avoid prescribing antibiotics for upper respiratory tract infections (with the exception of sore throat in populations at high risk for complication of group A strep infection, such as acute rheumatic fever or post-streptococcal glomerulonephritis)
⚫ Do not investigate or treat for faecal pathogens in the absence of diarrhoea or other gastrointestinal symptoms
⚫ In a patient with fatigue, avoid performing multiple serological investigations without a clinical indication or relevant epidemiology

For further information refer to the ASID recommendations on the Evolve website: https://evolve.edu.au/recommendations/asid

Home | Evolve As part of a global movement, Evolve is a flagship initiative led by physicians and the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) to drive high-value, high-quality care in Australia and New Zealand. Evolve is a founding member of Choosing Wisely in Australia and New Zealand, with all Evolve ....

Today is Day. RACP President, Professor Jennifer Martin, is wearing some fun socks to help break down the stigma of doctors experiencing mental health struggles.
Find out more: https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au/

IT'S OK TO NOT BE OK, BUT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE
The stress of daily life, work and personal life can take a toll on our mental wellbeing. As healthcare workers who dedicate our lives to helping others, it’s important to take the time to care for ourselves.

This is a reminder that it's okay not to be ok.

If you need someone to talk to, you can reach out to the RACP Support Program. It's a free, 24/7 and completely confidential support service that is delivered externally through Converge International. Whether you have something worrying on your mind, are finding getting out of bed to be a struggle, or just feel like talking to someone for helpful, judgement-free advice, this free support service may be just what you need.

FIND OUT MORE:
https://www.racp.edu.au/fellows/wellbeing/i-need-support/racp-support-program

SEEKING A NON-CLINICAL ETHICIST TO JOIN THE ETHICS COMMITTEE
The RACP Ethics Committee is looking for a non-clinical ethicist with expertise in ethics, professional development, education, and the healthcare systems of Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.
https://www.racp.edu.au/expressions-of-interest/non-clinical-ethicist-ethics-committee

Evolve recommendation one: Don’t routinely order a thyroid ultrasound in patients with abnormal thyroid function tests if there is no palpable abnormality of the thyroid gland. In partnership with: New Zealand Society of Endocrinology

National Volunteer Week 2024

Thank you to everyone who generously provided your time, expertise and extensive voluntary services to the College. From committee and specialty society members through to facilitators, supervisors and reviewers, our volunteers have shared information, fostered participation, and built relationships for common goals.

Thank you to each and every one of you!