Careers

CareersMJA

continued on page C2

Because the camera on the iPhone doesn’t allow a separation of the focus and exposure, Dr Thompson and his colleagues have been using an app called Camera Awesome, which gives him more control over the way the image is taken. They then transfer images to the clinic’s electronic medical record using another app on their iPhones called PhotoSync and a program on their computers called PhotoSync Companion for Windows.

“The main advantage the iPhone has over traditional methods is that it’s cheap, portable and always with me”, Dr Thompson explains. “Its wireless communication enables transfer of images easily without plugging in any cables or transferring memory cards.”

Apps are playing an equally useful role in the Western Sydney practice of occupational physician and e-health consultant, Dr David Allen. Dr Allen uses an app on his smartphone to view and modify his appointments calendar as well as to manage emails.

“This makes it easier to be more fl exible in handling my schedule as well as communicating with staff and other professionals at suitable times. Videoconferencing is now possible on smartphones and I often use my phone to take part in international meetings, sometimes spanning three continents, using Microsoft Lync”, he says.

“I also use a PubMed app to do quick literature searches when I am away from my PC. I have several texts on Amazon Kindle which I can access whenever I need to.”

It seems that mobile phone apps, whether they are designed for medical use or not, are becoming an important part of daily life for doctors.

Are there benefi ts?Monash University medical lecturer and e-health expert, Juanita Fernando, says there are real, practical advantages in using smartphones.

“The evidence clearly shows there are real gains to be made using the apps and they can empower clinicians and patients alike”, she explains.

“Doctors can not only gain in terms of time management but also by having access to the latest information, journals and, importantly, evidence-based data.”

It seems their capabilities are endless but are they reliable?

What can go wrong?“The use of these applications is a medicolegal minefi eld”, Dr Fernando warns.

In this section

C1FEATURE

World at your fi ngertips

C2

NEWS & REVIEWS

Training program revamp

C5

MEDICAL MENTOR

Professor Flavia Cicuttini on her career in research and rheumatology

C5

STUDENT Q+A

Sanduni Fernando

C6

ROAD LESS TRAVELLED

Dr Greg Downey

C7

MONEY AND PRACTICE

Until debt do us part

Smartphones and their apps are adding a new dimension to medical care, bringing information to doctors’ fi ngertips and connecting them to the world at the bedside

At the Port Macquarie practice of ophthalmologist Dr Colin Thompson, camera phone

technology has become a useful clinical tool in helping to track patients’ eye health.

“We’ve been able to use iPhones in the clinic to assist in documenting patients’ conditions and pre- and postsurgical states, such as pre- and postblepharoplasty”, he explains.

“We have used the phone camera directly and also with an adapter to take photos through our slit lamp microscope for more detailed pictures of the eye. The photos enable us to determine if a condition, such as a pterygium or a corneal abscess, is changing with time.”

World at your fi ngertips

Dr David Allen

Dr Colin Thompson

Editor: Karen Burge • kburge@mja.com.au • (02) 9562 6666

Careers

C2 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

“There are few standards supporting smartphone devices for medical purposes in Australia and there is no certainty that, should a patient care error occur, doctors using these apps and devices (which are not licensed for medical use) will not be held accountable for their use”, she says.

“This is a shame because there is a plausible benefi t of these tools to clinicians and to patients regardless of geography, income level and access to an electrical grid.”

From a privacy perspective, there are also issues to be mindful of, including the type of information you store and share and the potential impact of theft or loss of an unprotected device.

“Many clinicians advise me that physicians sometimes use the mobile devices to photograph patients’ injuries, without consent, for diagnosis and consultation with colleagues — the patient may be unconscious during the process”, Dr Fernando explains.

“In some instances, Freedom of Information requests from patients have resulted in removal of these pictures from clinician-owned devices, but what about those that patients do not know about? It’s a bit of a time bomb really, yet we have the expertise and technology to rectify most privacy concerns.”

News & Reviews

continued from page C1

Training program revamp

The Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) will kick off 2013 with a revised curriculum designed to refl ect the expanding role of anaesthetists in practice.

ANZCA president Dr Lindy Roberts said the college wanted to ensure its program was contemporary, in terms of clinical content as well as its teaching, learning and assessment methods.

“ANZCA’s revised curriculum will be the fi rst in the world to break the nexus between anaesthesia training and surgical procedures”, she said.

“Where other countries’ training programs are linked to surgical subspecialties — for example, anaesthesia for burns, cardiac surgery or neurosurgery — our curriculum will be based on anaesthesia clinical fundamentals, which defi ne an anaesthetist’s scope of practice.”

The seven clinical fundamentals are airway management; general anaesthesia and sedation; pain medicine; perioperative medicine; regional and local anaesthesia; resuscitation, trauma and crisis management; and safety and quality in anaesthesia practice.

Dr Roberts said these refl ected the growing role of anaesthetists and ensured the college produced specialists with broad experience across all areas of anaesthesia practice.

“This revision is also part of our ongoing commitment to ensure we produce anaesthetists who provide high-quality, safe care to patients.”

Dr L

indy

Rob

erts

Apps that add value

PubMed — Gives you mobile access to the United States National Library of Medicine.

iMIMS — A comprehensive list of Australian Government-approved medicines, including product information and drug interactions.

QRisk2 — An app useful for cardiovascular risk profi ling.

Evernote — Useful for storing

notes, articles and photos or

webpages, and is accessible and

can be synchronised across any

number of devices.

PhotoSync — Allows wireless

transfer of your photos or videos

from/to your computer as well

as to your iPad, iPhone and iPod

touch.

Getting technical

With any computer device comes an array of technical issues that can cause grief — data that don’t sync, apps that fail, internet connection issues and applications that don’t perform as expected.

Dr Allen believes that if doctors are going to use smartphones to help carry out medical work, then there needs to be sound information technology support available to them.

“When starting to use these devices — which are relatively cheap, accessible and easy to use — things can come unstuck when it comes to activities such as syncing. For instance, using iTunes to sync an iPhone to a PC is no mean feat for beginners”, he says.

“Care is needed to do regular offsite backups of PCs, servers and devices. I have come across many clinicians who still do not do this. It needs to form part of everyday practice and should be audited regularly and tested to see whether data can be restored. Loss of all your records or calendars can of course be catastrophic.”

Looking ahead

Dr Allen says today’s smartphones and tablets have the processing power of PCs from some years ago but with the obvious advantage of almost always being with the clinician. This has enormous potential when it comes to remote medical record access in the future.

“Over the next few years, many medical record systems will be accessible remotely, particularly as tablets and smartphones become more widespread, useability improves, and wireless internet speeds increase. The advent of 4G wireless will make a dramatic difference to the ease of accessing records when mobile.”

Karen Burge

Juanita Fernando

“Physicians sometimes use the mobile devices to photograph patients’ injuries, without consent

’’

Careers

C3 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

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Careers

C4 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

Careers

C5 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

Medical mentor

From bench to bedside Professor Flavia Cicuttini discusses her well-rounded career in research and rheumatology

I knew that I wanted to be a doctor, but I really didn’t have a clear vision of where I would end up. I suppose I viewed medicine as a journey. The further I travelled, the clearer it all became. I graduated from Monash University in 1982, and then worked as a resident medical offi cer (RMO) at Prince Henry’s Hospital, Melbourne, which no longer exists. I trained in rheumatology then did a laboratory-based PhD at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, which was a very exciting place to work in.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the bench but decided to combine clinical and research work. To that end I did my postdoctoral training in London in 1994 and undertook a Master of Science in Epidemiology at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine. In 1995, I joined Professor John McNeil’s department of epidemiology and preventive medicine at Monash University as a senior lecturer.

I have the privilege of working with really great people at Monash University and at The Alfred. Our successes and supportive spirit mean we attract many students who want to experience both clinical work and research.

Medical students in general are incredibly enthusiastic, intelligent and committed to making the world a better place. They quickly see what a major contribution they can make and, once allocated a task, they are off and running before you know it. I have great confi dence that our future is in good hands.

My medical mentors are Professors Geoff Littlejohn and Peter Ryan. They were the heads of rheumatology at The Alfred hospital and Prince Henry’s Hospital respectively when I was a medical student and RMO. They were excellent

clinicians, great communicators and highly respected by staff and students alike. They were great role models for rheumatology. Two other people I would like to mention are Professors Gus Nossal and John McNeil. Both are eminent Australian researchers who have achieved great success and who surround themselves with this incredibly positive attitude, particularly in their dealings with staff. This is very infectious and a great way to lead a team.

When I started work measuring cartilage volume from magnetic resonance images, as a more sensitive method for assessing joint damage in osteoarthritis, I was told this would not work. I remember collecting amputated legs from The Alfred operating theatres, getting MRI scans of these and measuring the cartilage from the image. I would take a dissection off the cartilage also to ensure it was in fact cartilage we were measuring. I am very proud that, based on this method, we have now been able to turn around many theories present at the time about the causes of osteoarthritis and what can be done about it. For example, we now know obesity affects joints, such as the knee, not just via loading of the joint but also through meta-infl ammatory processes because fat produces chemicals that damage the joint. This, and a lot of other new ideas, emerged from this work.

Rheumatology is fascinating. There are now interesting and effective biological treatments for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. And in the next 10 years, we are also going to see new treatments and better ways to manage osteoarthritis. Signifi cant inroads are being made in the research of these diseases which will translate into the clinical area.

Interview by Karen Burge

Professor Flavia Cicuttini is head of both the Rheumatology Unit at The Alfred hospital and the Musculoskeletal Unit in the School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine at Monash University. Much of her work focuses on using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to understand factors that aff ect joint cartilage. Here, she shares some of highlights of her fulfi lling career.

Student Q&A

Sanduni Fernando is a recent medical graduate of Monash

University, where she studied at Gippsland Medical School. She has worked at the Musculoskeletal Unit at The Alfred hospital under the tutelage of Professor Flavia Cicuttini.

What was your area of study at university?

I have just completed an MB BS from Monash University. Prior to that, I completed a BBMedSc (Immunology and Biochemistry) and BSc (Honours) degree, both at the University of Melbourne.

What makes Professor Cicuttini a good mentor?

Working with Flavia has been fantastic. She is very easygoing and has this amazing sense of direction when it comes to research. From day one she made it her priority to ensure that whatever project I was working on, I had her utmost attention, commitment and ideas each time we discussed my progress.

Is there a key learning area Professor Cicuttini has instilled in you that you won’t soon forget?

I think sometimes we go so far into research that we forget the bigger picture. Flavia has taught me that medical research requires “the telling of a story” and it is this story that will draw readers into what is really happening at the root of the research that we do.

Are there any projects you have worked on that you are particularly proud of?

I’m extremely proud of my Honours project — titled “The role of beta cell specifi c fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase over expression on glucose tolerance” — at the University of Melbourne, which gave me my initial insight into medical research.

What’s next for you?

I will be interning at Peninsula Health in 2013 and continuing my research with Professor Cicuttini. For now, I’d like to follow infectious diseases, general medicine or paediatrics. All three are very diff erent specialties and each has its own appeal.

Careers

C6 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

Road less travelled

Being a keen runner eventually took its toll on Greg Downey’s knees. Now the anaesthetist sticks with

cycling when he participates in the Westmead Hospital Triathlon, an event he has not missed in 14 years.

Although he doesn’t run any more, Dr Downey is part of a close-knit group of anaesthetists based at Westmead who not only take part in but also organise the annual event held adjacent to the hospital.

Dr Downey has competed twice as a solo entrant, but more recently it’s been as part of a team, and twice his team has won. And now his son, Ryan, also an anaesthetist at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, is following in his father's footsteps — not only professionally — but has also joined him in competition as part of the triathlon team.

And the prizes are hotly contested. They include a box of Nutri-Grain cereal and a wooden spoon. A more traditional trophy shield sits in Dr Downey’s offi ce after his team’s win at the most recent triathlon.

Each team or individual must complete a 500 metre swim, 16 kilometre bike ride and 64 kilometre run, with the swim event being the toughest one for most participants.

“For a mini-triathlon, it’s quite challenging”, he said.

Next door to the hospital is a pool, along with extensive cycling paths, located within historic Parramatta Park. Dr Downey says although they enjoy proximity to these facilities for the event, the triathlon has remained small as the swimming leg is constrained by the pool’s capacity.

“It’s either that or we swim with the eels in Parramatta River.”

The Westmead Hospital Triathlon is more than a sporting event for Dr Downey and his colleagues. It provides an excuse to have regular cycling training sessions together. The social aspect is crucial, as is the chance to unwind after

pressured working days.“The triathlon started as a way of

keeping people fi t and sociable. It was informal at fi rst, but there is an element of strong competition among some competitors”, he said.

As the event has grown, participants now come from many parts of the hospital. They include surgeons, physiotherapists, nurses, staff from obstetrics and the transport team, as well as the strong ongoing representation of anaesthetists.

A member of the transport unit has twice won the individual event, but the most recent winner was Dr Julie Howle, a surgical oncologist who has her sights set on the World Triathlon Championships in Auckland this year after beating the team entrants.

Dr Downey doesn’t limit his cycling to involvement with the triathlon, but also enjoys holidays where he rides sections of the Tour de France route, particularly the hills. He also commutes by bike. He says cycling is a life passion and he likes nothing more than the sensation of sweeping down a good hill.

He is also heartened by the growth in cycling and is pleased it’s replaced golf as one of the most popular recreation options offered at conferences.

Dr Downey also windsurfs, up to three times a week, and sails a 20-foot yacht, fi tting this around his two-day-a-week role as visiting medical offi cer at Westmead. He also does private work, and has been a consultant for 16 years. Dr Downey also spent a decade in general practice before realising he wasn’t cut out for it.

“I was a bit of a slow learner. It took 10 years to work that out. Now I really enjoy my job. It’s a vast improvement for me on being a GP and a less stressful existence.”

Dr Downey has also been involved with a program to provide eye surgery in Northern India. With Vision Beyond AUS, a charity supported by Rotary Clubs, he visited Rishikesh in the foothills of the

Himalayas in October 2008 and 2010, as part of a team to assist in an eye surgery clinic on the banks of the Ganges.

The camp, a 6-hour journey from Delhi on roads congested with everything from human-drawn carts to livestock, was indicative of the social contradictions of India. The ashram where they were based had many elaborate religious shrines and statues among the complex of buildings by the fast fl owing river. Dr Downey and his team had brought almost all their equipment, and worked amid power disruptions and equipment complications to deal with the long line of patients waiting on their fi rst day.

Recently, Dr Downey and his team also visited Fiji to treat adults and children with cataracts and other vision problems.

Dr Downey’s interests extend to those of fellow anaesthetists. He is involved with the special interest group, Welfare of Anaesthetists, as part of the executive committee that meets on medical education to promote the personal and psychological wellbeing of its members. He is also the coordinator of a mentoring program for anaesthetic registrars.

Linda Drake

Healthy pursuit

“The triathlon started as a way of keeping people fit and sociable

’’

It began as a fun way to keep fi t and unwind, but it seems the annual Westmead Hospital Triathlon has a way of bringing out the competitive streak in its athletes. Anaesthetist Dr Greg Downey shares why this health challenge is so addictive.

Dr Greg Downey pictured with winner Dr Julie Howle,

surgical oncologist, Westmead Hospital.

Careers

C7 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

“ It’s easy to fall into that pattern of spending and very hard to get out

’’

or even 100% of the purchase price of a house to doctors because of their reliable incomes.

“Doctors may be quite conservative about borrowing for establishing themselves in private practice; we see that in the seminars we run. But personal debt is far more of an issue. Doctors tend to be much more inclined to borrow for their residence”, Mr Schoof says.

“And because banks lend so generously to doctors, they have not had the same pressures as others to save a deposit, nor has it been possible during their long training period.”

Ms Haddan also cites this problem, but suggests: “When you are ready to borrow to buy a home, do projections to see if can have your mortgage cleared by the time you are 50. If not, borrow less. You should not take out a mortgage then actually take 30 years to pay it off.”

Life stages have an impact on debt accumulation. Early in a medical career, there will often be one income because of young children, combined with rising costs as families establish themselves, then school fees. Debts grow almost as inevitably as kids’ feet.

Getting back on trackCan doctors solve their own debt problems or do they need professional help? It depends, but either way the principles of reducing debt are the same. There are, however, generational

Money and practice

Could your fi nancial health be in need of a lifestyle prescription? While doctors traditionally carry a high level of debt, it’s often the personal, not business, decisions that block the way to a debt-free future. Here, experts explain how to overcome your debt hurdles.

Until debt do us part

“I can sit with a client and tell them they’re spending $5000 a month more than they can afford and

they tell me, quite seriously, that there is nothing they can cut back on”, says Yves Schoof, director of Perth-based fi nancial planning group Maxim Private Offi ce.

Having many doctors on his client list, Mr Schoof knows all too well the issues that impact the fi nancial health of medical professionals. In his experience, it seems that one standout issue comes into play time and again. Doctors, it seems, fi nd peer pressure hard to resist.

When it comes to overspending, Mr Schoof says it’s the main reason many end up with considerable debt. The desire to maintain a lifestyle consistent with their peers, combined with banks all too willing to lend, means creeping debt often becomes an uncomfortable burden as time goes on.

Suddenly, a doctor can fi nd they’re in their 50s carrying more than $1 million in debt, with no clear idea how they will repay it, despite earning a good income.

“Doctors talk to their colleagues as they work and discuss their expensive cars, twice-a-year overseas holidays and skiing trips. It’s easy to fall into that pattern of spending and very hard to get out. Peer pressure is considerable”, Mr Schoof explains.

“I see it particularly among those in private practice.”

Put simply, it’s excessive consumption of easy credit.

Surprisingly, it’s rarely loans related to setting up or running a private practice, or investment borrowings that lead to debt problems. It’s almost always lifestyle.

This view is shared by managing director of BFG Financial Services

Suzanne Haddan, who says doctors’ relatively high incomes can give them a false sense of security.

“Banks will readily top up any loans as expenses rise over time. And doctors are often not concerned about how to get that debt down until, one day, there is the realisation: ‘Hello, this is not going to go away’ ”, Ms Haddan says.

What then?Whether it’s a slow dawning or a shock awakening, doctors usually need to come to grips with their true fi nancial situation, according to Mr Schoof.

“People often have no idea what they spend. That’s the fi rst step for them to deal with. They need to look at what’s coming in and what’s going out. Is there a surplus? Many just don’t know at all”, he says.

Both Mr Schoof and Ms Haddan agree it’s often sizeable mortgages that are the root cause of debt problems. Doctors tend to buy expensive houses in desirable areas because it’s expected by their peers.

“In Perth, they want to live in prestigious suburbs and will easily spend $1 – $1.5 million early in their careers. If paying down this debt is not planned for, they will carry it for a long time, and often want to upgrade again too”, Mr Schoof adds.

Banks will readily lend up to 95%

Yves Schoof, director of Maxim Private Offi ce.

continued on page C8

Careers

C8 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

portfolio of managed funds.His goal was to reduce debts quickly

and get into a strong fi nancial position for asset accumulation. So, Mr Schoof implemented a debt “recycling” strategy to gain tax advantages. This is where non-tax-deductible debt is turned into deductible debt. The portfolio, which Mr Schoof believed was “not ideal”, was sold — $200 000 was paid off the mortgage with the proceeds. Then Dr X drew down $200 000 on his mortgage and invested that amount.

The loan facility kept interest payments for the investment separate so they could become tax deductible. The result? A $14 000 tax deduction for Dr X and a $7500 increase in cash fl ow.

At the same time, an offset account was attached to the mortgage, reducing the interest to be paid when funds were in the account.

“We sought advice from the client’s accountant fi rst, and then did the refi nancing through a mortgage broker. We saved money on his mortgage too. These steps can be thought of as fi nancial engineering”, Mr Schoof explains.

A debt recycling strategy that increases cash fl ow can be successful if the money freed up is then committed to increased mortgage repayments or paying off other debts. However, this means there is less to spend elsewhere.

“It’s not what you earn, it’s what you spend”, Mr Schoof says.

He warns that offset accounts need to be used with caution. “Offset accounts can be very effective but it can be hard to be disciplined and control your cash fl ow. Often there is lifestyle creep, where if you have more cash available, you simply spend more.”

However, Mr Schoof fi nds that once doctors have refi nanced, restructured and set up an offset account, most stick with it. Some become highly motivated as they see debt reduction accelerate.

“Know that debt reduction is a long-term process. Be more mindful. Don’t wait for pain before you react”, he says.

Mr Schoof strongly advises that you seek tailored, individual advice for your own fi nancial circumstances as there is no one-size-fi ts-all solution. These are just examples of strategies that can be applied with appropriate advice on your personal circumstances from a professional, he says.

Linda Drake

differences. Younger doctors — those in their 30s and 40s — tend to seek help earlier.

“Some doctors try to manage their own affairs, but most realise they don’t have the required time or money management skills”, Mr Schoof says.

The older generation has traditionally been more determined to manage their own fi nances, but there will often come a stage close to retirement where affairs are complex — with a mix of family trusts, companies and self-managed super funds — leaving many doctors wondering what they should do.

“While they are working, money is plentiful, but they come to realise they will not be working forever, or at this pace” , Mr Schoof says.

“In their 50s they often fi nd they need to sort themselves out. It might be because a colleague becomes ill or they see their peers getting ready for retirement. There will often be a greater sense of urgency.”

While the maximum impact can be achieved with professional input, because sophisticated fi nancial modelling and strategies are used, some fi rst steps are necessary no matter what:

Document your debt: What do you owe on credit cards, mortgages, equipment, cars? What is the interest rate? Is it competitive or can you do better? Is the interest tax deductible? What if you pay out your debt early — are there fees?

Get a grip on cash fl ow: What is coming in and what is going out? How much do you spend? Is there a surplus?

Educate yourself: Financial literacy among doctors is generally poor, as with the general population. It’s important to understand basic concepts like the power of compound interest, the difference between “good debt”, which is tax deductible, and “bad debt”, which is not.

Putting strategy into practiceMr Schoof’s client, Dr X, was in his early 40s, single, had fi nished specialist training in the public system and was starting in private practice. He had a $600 000 mortgage and had been diligent in saving, accumulating $200 000 which was invested in a

Tips to regain control

Suzanne Hadden’s top debt-reduction tips:

• Isolate debt that is tax deductible — business and investment debt. This is “good” debt because it’s tax deductible. Pay interest only on deductible debt until consumer debt is cleared. Consumer debt — mortgages, personal debt and credit cards — is “bad” debt because it costs about twice as much as deductible debt as it is being paid for out of post-tax income. Clear these debts fi rst, starting with the one with the highest interest rate.

• For any borrowing, always have a plan for complete repayment, normally within 15 years.

• Beware of having a high income yet failing to accumulate assets. Doctors need fi nancial discipline like everyone else.

“ Debt must be looked at in the context of an overall plan

’’

• Do a budget. Boring, but essential to work out what you can sensibly spend.

“Debt must be looked at in the context of an overall plan. What impact does any loan have? If you borrow to spend, the opportunity cost needs to be considered. Even if you borrow to invest and use tax deductible debt, it’s so you ultimately have an asset to sell off ”, Ms Haddan says.

“If an asset doesn’t grow, then it’s a waste of time. When you borrow for investment, you must do so with a profi t motive in mind. Even if you borrow for investment in a practice, it’s important to make sure it’s not disproportionate to the return you will ultimately get. The principles don’t change.”

Suzanne Haddan, managing director of BFG Financial Services.

Careers

C9 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

Continuing Medical Education

Dunedin Revision Course for Candidates sitting the RACP Written ExaminationUniversity of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand, 11 – 22 November 2013This revision course is for trainees who are intending to sit the FRACP Written Examination in 2014.This is an intensive 2-week residential programme for individuals intending to sit the written component of the RACP examination, and comprises of 11 days of specialty-based revision with updates on “Leading Edge” topics and includes a half-day MCQ Mock Examination. Each day is fully structured with presentations given by senior specialty consultants. There are comprehensive handouts for each specialty. Check out our website for testimonials.Social events are scheduled. This includes a dinner and dance at Dunedin’s famous Larnach Castle.Register early via our website to ensure a place.

Queenstown Course in Internal MedicineMillbrook Resort, Queenstown, New Zealand, 15 - 18 August 2013This course is designed to cater for the practicing specialist in Internal Medicine. The meeting is held biennially at the spectacular Millbrook resort, on the outskirts of Queenstown. The Resort hosts one of the fi nest golf courses in New Zealand. Queenstown is serviced by an International airport.Places for the 2013 course are limited to 60 and early registration is encouraged. Registration for this conference is available on our website.The proposed programme includes Rheumatology, Dermatology, Haematology, Oncology, Respiratory Medicine, Gastroenterology.

Basic Physician Training on DVD, 2013The Department of Medicine based at Dunedin Hospital, Dunedin, New Zealand, produces a weekly DVD specifi cally aimed at basic physician trainees, but is also suitable for physicians wanting up to date continuing medical education. Each session runs for up to 2 hours. All medical specialties are covered. The sessions provide an update/review of the particular medical specialty and are sometimes followed by review of MCQ’s in that specialty.For those interested in subscribing to this DVD Lecture Series we will commence supply of the DVD’s in early March 2013.

Excerpts of lectures can be viewed on our website. Please check out our website for testimonials.

Enquiries:Linda Cunningham, Postgraduate Education CoordinatorDepartment of Medicine, Dunedin School of MedicineUniversity of Otago, NEW ZEALANDEmail address: linda.cunningham@otago.ac.nzTelephone: 64 3 474 0999 ext: 8520 Fax: 64 3 4709916

Website: www.otago.ac.nz/dsm/medicine/postgrad

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Careers

C10 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

Training in Clinical HypnosisEnrolments now open for 2013

Clinical hypnosis has been shown to be a valuable adjunct to the practice of medicine and psychology, particularly in the management of pain and anxiety.We invite you to join us for 13 full days of training, exploration and discovery from 22nd March to 10th November (Fridays and Saturdays)The course focuses on the development of practical skills, as well as providing a sound coverage of theoretical issuesSuccessful completion of all course requirements leads to a Diploma in Clinical Hypnosis and full membership of the Australian Society of Hypnosis, the only professional hypnosis association in AustraliaTraining is conducted by experts including hospital doctors, general practitioners, psychologists and leading researchers in, and practitioners of clinical hypnosis.Assessment is continuous and includes case reports, active supervision, written assessments and an enlightening self-change project.The course will be of particular interest to medical practitioners, psychologists, dentists, midwives, nurses and other health practitioners registered with APHRA or ARCAP.The course includes informative and entertaining presentations, practical work and small group supervision.Lunch and morning and afternoon tea is included.

Please visit our website or contact Patricia Barrett, Director of Studies for more information.

www.sash.ash.au, studies@sash.asn.au, 0419 826 200

Continuing Medical Education

Great place to work, Great earnings, Mount Isa Hospital

Deputy Director Emergency/ Staff Specialist Emergency/ Rural Generalist Emergency

You will work with a friendly team of 7 SMOs or Specialists and 14 other Medical Offi cers and experienced nursing staff. Your duties will comprise of an interesting mix of clinical emergency department work, clinical education, remote supervision including occasional site visits, telehealth and more.The department offers 24 modern treatment spaces including central monitoring for 9 treatment spaces, modern diagnostic and procedural Ultrasound equipment, and much more.A university attachment including research is possible.Typical annual salaries will range from approximately $ 300,000 for junior SMOs to over $ 600,000 for a senior Staff Specialist.

PHOs and future Registrars / Rural Generalist Trainees

Will be working in the emergency department and will be offered rotation with a rural location. You may qualify for training in DRANZCOG Advanced, JCCA Anaesthetics, AST Emergency, GEM, or Aboriginal Health. Typical annual salaries on rotation will be $ 60,000 above the standard PHO/Registrar salaries.

Please contact the Director of Emergency at Mount Isa Hospital:Dr. Ulrich Ordaulrich_orda@health.qld.gov.auPhone: 07 4744 4444 (Mount Isa Hospital Switchboard)The North West Hospital and Health Service

c/o Ulrich Orda, ED Director PO BOX 27, Mount Isa, QLD 4825

Medical Specialists

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Careers

C11 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

ZO

241141

The Convenor of Medical Panels is seeking expressions of interest from medical practitioners who wish to be appointed as a Panel Member to the panel by the Governor in Council. Appointments are for a three year term commencing 1 July 2013.

The Medical Panels are constituted under the Accident Compensation Act 1985 and the Wrongs Act 1958 to provide independent and conclusive medical opinions on medical questions pertaining to medical disputes.

Opinions are provided by an individually constituted Medical Panel, comprising members selected by the Convenor or Deputy Convenor to respond to a medical referral.

Panel members must be qualified medical practitioners who are able to provide independent, high quality medical assessments, conjointly (in cooperation with other Panel members) and develop a comprehensive Medical Panel opinion and reasons.

Fees payable to Panel members reflect the responsibility and professional standing of the appointment.

For further information or to submit an expression of interest please contact the Medical Panels office on 8256 1555 or see www.medicalpanels.vic.gov.au/EOI

Dr John MaliosConvenorMedical PanelsGPO Box 2709Melbourne 3001

We are seeking expressions of interest from experienced, energetic doctors for a fly-in fly-out position at our Meekatharra base in Western Australia. Applicants will provide a range of clinical services including:

> Critical care aeromedical retrievals > Telemedicine advice

Flexible working arrangements may be negotiated, with a preference for four weeks on at a time.

This varied and exciting position offers the opportunity to work with a team of other doctors and allied staff servicing a large area of Western Australia.

REQUIREMENTSApplicants must be eligible for full Australian registration, with a minimum of 5 years postgraduate experience, including Emergency Medicine and Anaesthetics. Paediatric, Obstetric and General Medical experience is also desirable.

TERMS & CONDITIONSEmployment contracts for these positions will be for a minimum of one year but may be negotiable. A formal orientation program and relocation assistance is provided, plus opportunities to complete EMST, APLS and other courses. The excellent remuneration package includes a house and car, travel expenses, holiday and study leave. Salary packaging is available.

FURTHER INFORMATIONFor further information or to submit expressions of interest:Email medical@rfdswa.com.au Telephone (08) 9417 6300

Retrieval Doctors - Meekatharra - Fly-in Fly-out

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Careers

C12 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

health • care • people

Blaze00

0207

Queensland: Make the MoveMedical Superintendent with Right of Private PracticeRichmond Health Centre, Institute of Community and Rural Services, Richmond, Townsville Hospital and Health Service. Remuneration value up to $265 436 p.a., comprising salary between $117 905 - $128 867 p.a., employer contribution to superannuation (up to 12.75%) and annual leave loading (17.5%), private use of fully maintained vehicle, communications package, professional development allowance and 3.6 weeks p.a. leave, professional indemnity cover, inaccessibility incentive $41 400 1/2 paid at completion of six months service, private practice arrangements plus overtime and on-call allowances etc. (MSR1-1 – MSR1-4) (Applications will remain current for 12 months).

Duties / Abilities: Make the move to North Queensland today! Enjoy work/lifestyle balance and generous remuneration benefi ts with this fantastic career opportunity in regional, riverside Richmond. The Richmond Health Centre is a solo medical offi cer, 10-bed acute facility. This position is supported by a highly trained, experienced and qualifi ed nursing team. Richmond Health Service also provides the staff for the hospital based ambulance operated under a Memorandum of Understanding with the Queensland Ambulance Service. Duties will include provision of emergency and inpatient medical services for the Richmond Health Centre. Complementary to the position is the opportunity to provide a private general medical practice utilising existing private general practice infrastructure. To discover more about Richmond, visit the ‘Richmond Uncovered’ website: www.richmonduncovered.com.au

Enquiries: Marlene Cochrane (07) 4755 6307.

Job Ad Reference: H12TV10436.

Application Kit: (07) 4750 6776 orwww.health.qld.gov.au/workforus

Closing Date: Sunday, 3 February 2013.

Lord Street Clinic, Roseville, Sessional Rooms Available

Sessional consulting rooms in newly renovated specialist medical clinic. Only 50 meters from Roseville Station with ample free council car parking, the clinic would suit medical specialists with secretarial assistance. Features include large fully equipped examination room, air conditioning and broadband. Sessions currently available.

For more information, please contact Karen on 9496 2002 or via email enquiries@lordstreetclinic.com.

2 Medical Suites for LeaseSuite 203, 135 Macquarie Street Sydney 2000

2 suites available for long-term use. Perfect for any professional.

• Furnished• Newly renovated• Located in beautiful historical building (British Medical

Association House)• Walking distance to public transport (ferries, buses and

trains)

For further enquiries please contact Harini Prafi tri on 02 9251 1525.

NUMBER PLATES FOR SALE

NSW “MD” number plates. $20,000 plus GST, all offers considered.

All enquiries please email: senojpa@ozemail.com.au

Consulting Rooms Sessions & Suites

Miscellaneous

Miscellaneous

Medical Specialists

Doctors Health Fund Insurance ........................................................................... Outside back cover

MedibandPlus Medibands ..........................................................................................................p4

MSD Victrelis .................................................................................. Inside front cover

Radiation Oncology Institute Cancer care ....................................................................................................... p2

Remote Area Health Corps Indigenous health ............................................................. Inside back cover

Telethon Speech & Hearing Paediatrics .......................................................................................................p49

MJA Advertisers’ Index

To advertise in the MJA please phone: 02 9562 6666

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Careers

C13 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

Antarctic Medical Practitioners

Salary: $144,228 pa - $180,285 pa**Basic salary range plus generous superannuation, leave provisions and other conditions of service

The Australian Antarctic Division (AAD) is seeking two enthusiastic medical practitioners to join our Polar Medicine Unit to provide professional medical expertise in delivering Australia’s Antarctic health service. The Polar Medicine Unit provides a total medical service to Australia’s Antarctic and subantarctic programs. This includes the recruitment and training of Australian based and expedition medical personnel, the provision of medical equipment and supplies, the medical assessment of expedition personnel and undertaking practical

research on human adaptation to Antarctic environments.

The positions will be based at the AAD’s Kingston Tasmania Headquarters and he/she will work with the Chief Medical Offi cer and other members of the Polar Medicine Unit. On offer is an ongoing permanent employment

opportunity planned to commence in February 2013. Also, a non-ongoing (permanent) employment opportunity is available for approximately 12 months, commencing early 2013.

A relocation allowance may be payable where the successful candidate is required to relocate to Southern Tasmania.

For full position information and details on how to apply, please visit our website at www.antarctica.gov.au/jobs.

Antarctic Medical Practitioner (Expeditioner)In addition to the above opportunities, the AAD is also seeking expressions of interest for short-term

(2-6 months) ship-based medical support positions for Australian Fisheries and Border Protection Patrols and Marine Science Voyages. Commencement dates are subject to negotiation according to the AAD’s requirements.

Salary in Australia $123,624 pa - $180,285 paAdditional allowance on deployment $54,460 pa

Important Note: Applicants must have current unrestricted registration as a medical practitioner with the Medical Board of Australia. Applications are invited from Australian citizens or Australian residents who are eligible to work in Australia. Applicants should apply via our online application system which is available at

http://www.antarctica.gov.au/jobs/jobs-in-antarctica/antarctic-medical-practitioner

AG71381One APS Career….Thousands of Opportunities

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Careers

C14 MJA 198 (1) · 21 January 2013

CHARLOTTE

LEGACY IS KEEPING THEIRPROMISE TO MY DAD

To DONATE, CALL 1800 534 229 OR VISIT LEGACY.COM.AU

Caring for the families of deceased and incapacitated veterans.

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