College ConneXion
July 2008
College ConneXion is the monthly 'e-newsletter' of the Royal Australian
and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG).
Look left for ASMs, College-run
courses, professional development, employment and much more.
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RANZCOG 2008 Australian Indigenous Women’s Health Meeting – Register Now
When: 14-16 August 2008
Where: Darwin Convention Centre, Northern Territory
The RANZCOG is convening an Indigenous women's health meeting, with the aim of bringing together health professionals across the country with the common interest and desire to improve the health and well-being of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
The meeting will have a diverse program of presentations covering cultural issues, current public health information, clinical topics and medico-political opinions. Delegates will gain information on what's happening in different regions of the country, as well as being informed on broader issues. The meeting will also provide a forum to develop valuable networks, and to assist the College in developing a more active role in improving the health of Indigenous women.
Speakers include: Marion Scrymagour, Helen Milroy, Ngiare Brown and Margaret O'Brien.
RANZCOG extends an invitation to all health professionals who work with Indigenous women as part of their practice, or have a strong interest in this area register for this important event.
The Registration Brochure is now available. To download the Registration Brochure or for further information, visit the meeting website at http://www.ranzcog.edu.au/meetingsconferences/iwh.shtml
For further information please contact:
Kylie Grose
ASM Co-ordinator
t: +61 3 9412 2922
e: kgrose@ranzcog.edu.au
AOCOG 2009 in conjunction with the RANZCOG 2009 ASM
First Notice and Call for Abstracts
The XXIst Asian and Oceanic Congress of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is being held in conjunction with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists 2009 Annual Scientific Meeting.
When: 26-30 March 2009
Where: Auckland, New Zealand
The Organising Committee have prepared an interactive programme featuring world class speakers and a host of vibrant speakers from the Asia and Oceania Region designed to stimulate thinking on “Women Well Into The Future”. Plenary sessions will bridge scientific, general and subspecialty interests and be relevant to a broad range of clinicians from many differing backgrounds. There will be a number of interactive workshops available for delegates. This meeting will provide an opportunity to meet with colleagues from throughout the Asia and Oceania region, and the accompanying social program will showcase the beauty of Auckland and the surrounding region in the autumn.
Keynote Speakers:
• Professor Siladitya Bhattacharya, United Kingdom
• Professor Chris B-Lynch, United Kingdom
• Mr Tim Child, United Kingdom
• Professor David Grimes, United States of America
• Dr Metin Gulmezoglu, Switzerland
• Professor Pisake Lumbiganon, Thailand
• Dr Yves Ville, France
Call for Abstracts:
The Organising Committee invites abstracts for Free Communication or Poster presentations. Abstracts are welcome on any topic relevant to women's health.
For further information please refer to the Abstract Preparation and Submission Guidelines available on the meeting website at www.aocogranzcog2009.co.nz/
Abstracts may be submitted online via the meeting website until Monday 3 November 2008.
SOLS soldiers on!
The Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS) pilot concluded on September 2007. But, thanks to your support it was extended for a further 12 months until Oct 2008.
During the pilot, 70 locums were recruited and 37 locum placements occurred in rural and regional Australia, almost doubling the project's target.
The Rudd government has recently announced it will deliver on a number of its important election promises to strengthen the health workforce which includes $7.9million to support and expand the SOLS scheme. This is wonderful news for our Provincial Fellows.
Are you interested in participating in 2008 and beyond?
SOLS is calling for rural applicants who require locum relief throughout 2008. The applicant can be you or your hospital.
SOLS also requires the support of more locums! We have interesting vacancies in locations around Australia, with a mix of public and private work.
To express interest please contact:
Anna Maloney
Project Manager,
Specialist Obstetrician Locum Scheme (SOLS)
t: + 61 3 9412 2913
e: amaloney@ranzcog.edu.au
UPDATE to the Obstetric Indicators 2008 – Indicator 10
The definitions associated with indicator 10: Admission of a term baby to SCN or NINN have been updated.
The intent of this indicator is to measure the standards of care of the treating hospital /O and G and therefore:
- Admissions/transfers to a SCN or NICN within the treating (reporting) hospital should be included in the numerator.
- Transfers (from the reporting hospital) to a SCN or NICN in another hospital should be included in the numerator of the reporting hospital.
- The receiving hospital should not include transfers from another hospital in this indicator.
The complete set of obstetric and gynaecology clinical indicators can be downloaded from the PR&CRM section of the College website.
Continuing Professional Development Verification Check
Did you know that there is a CPD verification checking system in place?
Click here ( 50 KB) to read important information about the CPD verification process.
The Australian Healthcare System - A program for Overseas Trained Specialists
A full-day program for OTS Trainees
This fully-funded program caters specifically to Overseas Trained O&Gs currently working in or making the transition to the Australian healthcare system and will be held at College House, Melbourne, on Wednesday 10 September 2008.
Four integrated modules address common challenges experienced by International Medical Graduates and provide practical strategies and solutions to minimise risk:
• Essentials of the Australian Healthcare System
• Common High Risk Clinical Situations and How to Minimise Risk
• Living and Working in Australian Hospitals – Cultural Challenges
• Medico-Legal Risks
The program is presented by medical and legal experts from Healthcare Risk Resources International. Participants can register for just the morning or afternoon session, but are encouraged to attend for the whole day.
For further information, including registration, please click here ( 187 KB) to download the brochure and return it to Ms Hannah Tosolini at htosolini@ranzcog.edu.au .
“Hands On” Operative Laparoscopy Workshops for Gynaecologists
Queensland Institute of Minimally Invasive Surgery (QIMIS) invites gynaecologists who wish to expand their spectrum of laparoscopic procedures to attend this training workshop. The multimodal training program encourages participants to take the next step to independently performing more advanced procedures.
2008 Workshop dates:
- 3-7 March 2008 - Endometriosis Course in association with British Society of Gynaecological Endoscopy
- 29 September - 3 October 2008
Courses are held jointly in Brisbane at:
- QH Skills Development Centre
- Herston Medical Research Centre
- Greenslopes Private Hospital
Workshops include:
- interactive lectures
- skills lab
- animal lab
- live operating
- cadaveric Anatomy
- complications sessions
- crisis management sessions
- course dinner
Course fee includes the QIMIS Endosurgical Trainer for your own use.
These programs have been planned according to the guidelines of RANZCOG & AGES. PR&CRM claimable activities are included in the course. CME credit points will be accredited upon completion of the workshops.
For further information, please contact:
A/Prof Andreas Obermair
PO Box 82
Herston, QLD 4029
t: + 61 411 800 029
w: www.qimis.com
or
Dr Michael Wynn-Williams
PO Box 8028
Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
t: + 61 419 669 689
e:mwynn-williams@evehealth.com.au
or
Dr Anusch Yazdani
PO Box 8199
Woolloongabba, QLD 4102
t: + 61 408 133 368
e: ayazdani@evehealth.com.au
Courses in Minimal Access Pelvic Surgery for 2008
The Centre for Advanced Reproductive Endosurgery (CARE), in association with The Northern Clinical Skills Centre (NCSC), North Shore Private and the Mater Hospitals - affiliated teaching units of the University of Sydney - warmly invites you to participate in our highly acclaimed courses in Minimal Access Pelvic Surgery.
The ultimate goal of our courses is to help you gain the skills, knowledge and confidence to:
- Provide patients with safe, efficient and effective minimal access pelvic surgery
- Avoid and manage complications in gynaecological surgery
CARE now offers 4 Master Classes tailored to your needs and interests:
- The CARE Master Class in Advanced Endoscopic Pelvic Surgery March 31-April 4, 2008
- The CARE Master Class in Pelvic Reconstructive and Incontinence Surgery June 23-27, 2008
- The CARE Master Class in Complex Endometriosis Surgical Management September 15-19, 2008
- The CARE Master Class in Hysterectomy, Myomectomy, Adnexal Surgery December 8-12, 2008
All Master classes are carefully planned and developed to include:
- clearly defined syllabus and achievable objectives
- pre and post-course assessment
- emphasis in detailed surgical and pathological anatomy
- laparoscopic suturing workshop
- hands-on practice in anaesthetised animate labs
- live surgery with opportunity for hands-on assistance
- practical seminars
- case presentation with emphasis on complication prevention and management
- step-by-step multimedia presentations of all major procedures demonstrated
- 46 CPD and 10 PR&CRM points by RANZCOG in recognition of the quality and value of the program
For further information and booking details, please contact:
Julie Hiser
t:+61 2 9966 9121
e: julie@sydneycare.com.au
We look forward to welcoming you to our courses.
Alan Lam
Clinical Associate Professor, University of Sydney
Director of CARE Program
Colposcopy CD-Rom
The Colposcopy CD-Rom is now available as a new PR&CRM activity. This CD-Rom has been specially designed to meet the needs of RANZCOG Fellows practicing colposcopy in Australia and New Zealand.
This CD-Rom has been developed by RANZCOG and Dr Louise Farrell, in conjunction with the Australian Society for Colposcopy and Cervical Pathology and Professor Ian Hammond.
Fellows using the CD-Rom have an opportunity to review a range of colposcopic images and histology slides. Emphasis is on real clinical case scenarios, patient history and appropriate management in line with current best practice guidelines. By viewing this CD-Rom, Fellows have the opportunity to experience a range of cases outside their normal scope of practice. Fellows will also be able to assess an improvement in knowledge and understanding via pre- and post-tests.
The CD-Rom has been designed to be:
- convenient – you can complete the CD-Rom in a time and location that suits you;
- flexible – you can complete the education over a number of sittings;
- time efficient – the CD-Rom is approximately two hours duration;
- user-friendly – the CD-Rom is easy to navigate and full technical support is available;
- comprehensive – up-to-date patient consent resources, current national guidelines and links to appropriate national cervical screening bodies (Australia and New Zealand) are included; and
- valuable to your practice – additional follow up activities to encourage ongoing improvement to practice are also provided.
Completion of this activity has been approved for five PR&CRM points.
To order your copy of the Colposcopy CD-Rom, please complete the order form available on the College website or contact PR&CRM staff:
Kate Lawrey
Fellowship Services Officer
t: +61 3 9412 2971
e:klawrey@ranzcog.edu.au
Updated Application for Membership and Donation to the RANZCOG Research Foundation
Click here for an updated application form.
Is your hospital preparing for an ACHS Accreditation Survey?
If so you may find this clinician's guide to be a useful resource.
Remember that you may be able to claim CPD points in the PR&CRM category for some of the activities associated with the accreditation process.
Click here for more information.
To discuss this further contact Sue Fitzsimon, PR&CRM Coordinator on +61 3 9412 2948 or via email sfitzsimon@ranzcog.edu.au .
NeoResus - The Newborn Resuscitation Project
The Project's Executive Committee invites all professionals with an interest in childbirth and resuscitation to contribute to the develoment of state-wide, accredited multi-disciplinary training standards.
A Stakeholder Forum will be held at the new Royal Women's Hospital on the afternoon of Tuesday, 29 July 2008.
To register and receive more information:
Email: julie.shaw@netsvic.org.au
Tel: 03 9344 3461
Fax: 03 9344 3371
Mob: 0412 036 474
Web: www.NeoResus.edu.au
Volunteer Facilitators Urgently Needed for 2008 RANZCOG Surgical Skills Workshops
Early each year the College runs a compulsory two-day BSS workshop for first-year Trainees in each state in Australia and New Zealand. Fellows and elective-level trainees are needed to help out as facilitators.
If you would be interested, please contact:
Shaun McCarthy
Manager, Training Services
t: +61 3 9412 2917
e: smccarthy@ranzcog.edu.au
Call for MAS Medical Assessors for the Motor Accidents Authority
This is a call for expressions of interest for appointments as MAS Medical Assessors for the Motor Accidents Authority (MAA).
Click here ( 76 KB) Click here for further information.
The beginning of a new era for the Royal Women's Hospital
From 9:00am on Sunday 22 June, the new Royal Women's Hospital and Frances Perry House became operational and ready to accept patients.
The new hospital is located on the corner of Grattan Street and Flemington Road in Parkville (Melway 2B, A7). From now, the Women's can be contacted on 8345 2000 and Frances Perry House on 9221 5000. The new facility has a five-storey underground carpark or can be reached on trams 19, 55, 59 or bus number 402.
Follow this link to help find your way around the new Royal Women's Hospital: www.rwhp.com.au/uploads/downloads/pdfs/WayfindingbrochureFINAL.pdf
RANZCOG Ultrasound Survey
In April you received an email about the ultrasound survey, this is a prompt to complete the survey if you have not already done so.
The survey's aim is to understand how ultrasound is used by all active Australian RANZCOG Fellows. If you are a non-user of ultrasound there is only one question to respond to!
Fellows who do use ultrasound, the survey will take about 10 to 15 minutes .
See the link on College website at www.ranzcog.edu.au/fellows/index.shtml .
Urgent need for Locum Clinical Lecturer at the School of Medicine, University of Papua New Guinea
There are three O and G teaching posts available.
Click here ( 718 KB) if you would like to read more.
Interested RANZCOG members or Fellows should contact:
Professor Glen Mola
glenmola@dg.com.pg
fax/phone +67 5 325 8212
The Gerald Duff Research Prize
The Gerald Duff Research Prize is an award that is made from a fund established at the request of Associate Professor Gerald Duff.
Associate Professor Duff was a dedicated training supervisor for the Royal New Zealand College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and instituted this prize in order to promote and support registrar research and collegiality.
All O and G Registrars who are currently training within the South Island of New Zealand or have taken part in the South Island Training Scheme within the last five years are eligible to apply.
The award is made annually to the registrar delivering the best presentation of their research. At the moment the Prize is set at $1000 and will be awarded if there is an applicant of suitable standard.
You should submit an abstract of between 50 and 500 words of the research work performed. If accepted the paper will need to be presented at a seminar. This will be arranged at a time that is convenient for all the applicants.
You can submit your abstract to:
Dr Peter Sykes
University Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology
Christchurch Women's Hospital
Private Bag 4711
Christchurch
email: peter.sykes@otago.ac.nz
Applications need to be submitted by 31 July 2008 .
(If you would like to submit but are unable to meet the deadline,
please contact Dr Sykes)
Call for Abstracts – Breathing new life into maternity care
Breathing New Life into Maternity Care: Working together for normal birth
When: 18th - 20th September 2008
Where: Holiday Inn, Surfers Paradise, Queensland
Click here for more information about the seminar and important dates.
This conference is being organised by ACMI and ACRRM. For the latest information please refer to the conference website: www.breathingnewlife.remark.com.au
Australian Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology (ASPOG) 34th ASM
When: 1-2 August 2008
The Australian Society for Psychosocial Obstetrics and Gynaecology is returning to Adelaide, the city of its origin, to hold its 34th Annual Scientific Meeting in 2008. The society's founder was Dr Roger Wurm, a distinguished Adelaide obstetrician and gynaecologist. Dr Wurm convened the first meeting in Australia to discuss topics of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology, which was held in the Barossa Valley in September 1973.
The scientific program of this congress addresses the research, clinical and psychosocial aspects of common women's health topics such as breast cancer, endometriosis, abortion and complementary therapies. The plenary session has been devoted to the important subjects of work/life balance and self-help for health professionals. The conference finale this year tackles the controversial topic of workforce issues in obstetrics.
For further information please visit the ASPOG website at www.aspog.org.au/ .
MSAC Completed Assessment
For details of the MSAC Assessment on Hysteroscopic sterilisation by tubal cannulation and placement of intrafallopian implant please follow the link below:
Application 1055 - Hysteroscopic sterilisation by tubal cannulation and placement of intrafallopian implant
Centre for Health Record Linkage
Readers and Researchers may be interested to read about Centre for Health Record Linkage.
The Centre for Health Record Linkage (CheReL) was established in 2006 to create and maintain a record linkage system for health and human services in NSW and the ACT.
The record linkage system has strict privacy-preserving protocols and provides a mechanism for health data to be used for projects that are for the benefit of the public. The CHeReL uses probabilistic record linkage techniques to enable health and health services, research, planning and evaluation for populations in NSW and the ACT.
Services can be accessed for ethically approved projects that are consistent with the aims of the CHeReL
Information can be found at www.cherel.org.au/index.html
Clinical Surveyors Required
Opportunity to provide clinical leadership and expand your professional experience.
The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) is seeking clinicians to join our team of surveyors. Surveyors play a collaborative role during onsite accreditation surveys and provide education and information, both formally and informally, so that the organisation being surveyed can understand how to progress.
Many College Fellows are already involved in surveying and make a valuable contribution. The ACHS surveyor workforce consists of approximately 370 experienced, senior health care practitioners with recent and broad experience in health care.
Training is provided to surveyors through an induction program. Ongoing education and information is provided throughout the year.
To find further information about the ACHS and becoming a clinical surveyor, please refer to the website: www.achs.org.au/becomingasurveyor or email Heather McDonald, Executive Manager, Customer Services, ACHS: hmcdonald@achs.org.au
Combined Annual Scientific Meeting SOMANZ/ADIPS 2008
The Society of Obstetric Medicine of Australia and New Zealand (SOMANZ) and
the ADIPS (Australasian Diabetes in Pregnancy Society)
What: Combined Annual Scientific Meeting SOMANZ/ADIPS 2008
When: 31st October – 2 November 2008
Where: Hilton Adelaide, South Australia
Contact: Lara Birchby
The Meeting People
PO Box 882
UNLEY SA 5061
T: 08 8177 2215
F: 08 8177 2251
E: lara@themeetingpeople.com.au
W: www.somanz.org or www.adips.org/
Post-Membership Training Opportunities in Fiji and Papua New Guinea
RANZCOG Asia Pacific is promoting post-Membership training opportunities at the Colonial Memorial Hospital in Suva, Fiji and Port Moresby General Hospital, Papua New Guinea.
Rotations of 6 to 12 months can be arranged as part of Year 5 or 6 training.
For further information please contact:
Carmel Walker
Senior Co-ordinator
Executive Services Asia/Pacific
t: +61 3 9417 1699
e: cwalker@ranzcog.edu.au
Second Labour Ward and Intrapartum Management Course
When: 5 – 6 September 2008
Where: National Cancer Centre, Singapore
This course will focus on issues concerned with complications in childbirth and delivery. The course is targeted at trainee specialists, practising obstetricians and gynaecologists, as well as midwives and nurses involved in the care of women in labour. We received very positive feedback from delegates attending the first course who said that it provided a valuable and important platform for doctors and nurses to update their knowledge, and thereby improve the standard and quality of care for women undergoing childbirth. Moreover, given the present medicolegal climate in which we practice, the course will include an entire session addressing the complex legal issues in complications arising during the course of childbirth.
Dr Sara Paterson-Brown, a renowned consultant obstetrician from Queen Charlotte’s Hospital, London, will return to this second course as our key speaker. She is one of the very few obstetricians who specialise specifically in labour ward management, and has extensive experience in training other doctors and nurses in dealing with obstetric emergencies.
We look forward to seeing you at the course in September.
Surgical Skills Course 2008 – Pelvic Health Education & Research Unit
When: 12-13 March & 1-2 October 2008
Where: Pelvic Health Education & Research Unit, Townsville
The course is aimed at Trainees in Years 3-6 of the MRANZCOG/FRANZCOG program.
Cost: $1089.00 (incl. GST)
For further information and to register, contact:
Dr Kurinji Kannan
e: kurinji.kannan@jcu.edu.au
Mandatory Iodine Fortification for Australian
Food Standards Australia New Zealand – Proposal P 1003
With this proposal Food Standards Australia New Zealand are considering the mandatory fortification of bread with iodine to reduce iodine deficiency in Australia. Scientists worldwide agree that iodine deficiency can have a negative impact on mental and nervous system development in babies and young children, and increases the risk of some forms of thyroid disease, especially in the elderly.
In May 2004, the Australia and New Zealand Food Regulation Ministerial Council (Ministerial Council) asked us to consider mandatory fortification with iodine as a matter of priority. In response, we prepared Proposal P230 – Consideration of Mandatory Fortification with Iodine.
Initially, the Ministerial Council intended this Proposal to address iodine deficiency in both Australia and New Zealand. However, just before completing it, we were asked to defer its introduction in Australia while Australian Health Ministers re-evaluated the evidence on the prevalence and severity of iodine deficiency in this country. In the interim, in recognition of the proven magnitude and severity of iodine deficiency in New Zealand, we completed Proposal P230 to create a separate Food Standard for New Zealand.
We now have advice from Health Ministers that we should be considering a similar Food Standard for Australia . We are proposing that a mandatory iodine fortification Standard for Australia be the same as the one we have already produced for New Zealand, with the same food vehicle (iodised salt in bread) and the same salt iodisation range. The objective of this new Proposal is to amend the New Zealand only Standard to become a joint Standard for both Australia and New Zealand .
Details of the Proposal can be found on the Food Standards Australia New Zealand web site: www.foodstandards.gov.au/standardsdevelopment/proposals/proposalp1003mandato3882.cfm
How to make a submission to Food Standards Australia New Zealand: www.foodstandards.gov.au/standardsdevelopment/documentsforpublicco868.cfm
This information has been reproduced with the permission of Food Standards Australia New Zealand.
Funded Training Opportunities for OTS Trainees
A reminder to OTS trainees working towards Fellowship that funding is available via the College for training and upskilling purposes. Funding can be put towards workshop and clinical training sessions run by either the College or outside providers and can also cover travel and accommodation costs.
Use the OTS Funded Training Recommendation Form to apply for funding or to recommend particular training opportunities you would like to see developed.
For further details, contact:
Liam Davison
Support Infrastructure Program Co-ordinator
t: +61 3 9412 2918
e: ldavison@ranzcog.edu.au
Support Infrastructure Program – Training Portfolio Survey
The Support Infrastructure Program is seeking feedback from fellows involved in the supervision of OTS trainees on sample pages from the OTS Training Portfolio that is currently under development. A short online survey is available at www.ranzcog.edu.au/sip/surveys.shtml and interested parties should contact Mr Liam Davison for copies of the sample pages. All feedback is welcome. Respondents need not be currently in a supervisory role.
For further information, please contact:
Liam Davison
Support Infrastructure Program Co-ordinator
t: +61 3 9412 2918
e: ldavison@ranzcog.edu.au
CPD Points for Past Meetings
Have you attended a conference and don’t know how many CPD points to claim?
Download the ‘point for past meetings’ list from the website and check if your meeting is listed. www.ranzcog.edu.au/meetingsconferences/pastmeetings.shtml
Points for attendance at all RANZCOG accredited meetings are detailed on this list as well as some of the larger overseas meetings.
If you are attending an overseas meeting that is not included on this list please send a copy of the scientific program to:
Val Spark
Continuing Professional Development Coordinator
(t) +61 3 9412 2921
(f) +61 3 9419 7817
email: vspark@ranzcog.edu.au
RANZCOG/ACHS Clinical Indicators - update
The Obstetric and Gynaecology clinical indicators sets have been revised to provide greater clarity to several of the definitions.
Click here to view the updated versions available on the RANZCOG website.
Anatomy of Complications Workshop 2009, Perth, Western Australia
A two-day intensive hands-on workshop about the anatomy, prevention and management of complications in obstetric and gynaecological surgery.
Where: KEMH & University of Western Australia, Perth
When: 6-7 February 2009; 15-16 May 2009; 10-11 July 2009; 30-31 October 2009
( all workshops for 2008 are fully booked )
Course Director: Clinical Professor Ian Hammond
Background on Course:
This workshop was established in 2000. All anatomy of complications workshop programmes are divided into four discrete but integrated and related modules, each of which is of half a day's duration. Prior to attending the workshop all participants receive a teaching DVD demonstrating the various procedures to be performed during the practical surgical sessions. They also receive an anatomy CD which is a copy of the material presented at the interactive anatomy lecture during the first module of the workshop. It is crucial that these materials are reviewed by participants prior to attendance at the workshop. An on-line anatomy quiz is available to gain PR&CRM points and is recommended to all participants.
The four modules are:
This workshop usually attracts 10PR&CRM points and 9 Category A meeting points and this will be applied for in 2009.
For full workshop details go to: www.acworkshop.com .
Jean Hailles Foundation: GP & HP Videoconference - Incontinence and Prolapse
When: 19 August 2008
For more details click here. ( www.jeanhailes.org.au/content/view/448/569/ )
Release of the 12th Report of the Perinatal and Infant Mortality Committee of Western Australia
The Perinatal and Infant Mortality Committee of Western Australia (PIMC) is a statutory committee under the Health Act 1911.
The recently released Report describes stillbirths and infant deaths for the years 2002-04 and includes 17 recommendations aimed at reducing future mortality. Areas of particular concern are deaths related to lifestyle factors such as smoking and poor socioeconomic status, high death rates amongst babies of Aboriginal mothers, and an increased risk of perinatal death at term amongst mothers who planned a home birth.
The Report is available on the Department of Health website: www.health.wa.gov.au/publications
A limited number of hard copies are available on request from Ms Vivien Gee at: (08) 9222 4262 or Vivien.gee@health.wa.gov.au .
Medicine in Australia: Balancing Employment and Life (MABEL) the Australian Longitudinal Survey of Doctors
Fellows and Diplomates may be interested in participating in this Survey which has been funded by the NHMRC.
Please visit this site for information about the survey and to register your interest https://mabel.org.au/default.html .
Background
The health workforce is now a key focus of government policy. The ever-increasing demand for healthcare, the ageing of the medical workforce, the increase in the number of women entering medicine and changes in doctors preferences in relation to their work life balance, all have an impact on the ability of the healthcare system to provide high quality and accessible healthcare. Despite this, there is little knowledge or understanding of how and why doctors make decisions about such things as how many hours they work, their location of work (including decisions about working in rural and remote areas) or when to leave the medical workforce and retire. These decisions have important implications for the populations' access to healthcare and therefore their health status and the quality of care received.
PROGRESS Trial
Progesterone after previous preterm birth for the prevention of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.
What is the PROGRESS Trial?
The PROGRESS Trial is funded by the NHMRC and aims to assess whether the use of vaginal progesterone pessaries in women with a history of previous spontaneous preterm birth at less than 37 weeks, compared with placebo, reduces the risk and severity of respiratory distress syndrome, so improving their infant's health, without increasing maternal risks.
The results of PROGRESS will help provide reliable information about the effectiveness of progesterone to guide clinical care.
Who is eligible for the PROGRESS Trial?
Women are eligible if they have a history of preterm birth at less than 37 weeks (vaginal or caesarean delivery) in the preceding pregnancy where onset of labour occurred spontaneously or in association with cervical incompetence or following ruptured membranes.
Who is currently collaborating in the PROGRESS Trial?
There has been enthusiastic support from many hospitals throughout Australia and New Zealand who are already involved in the PROGRESS trial, including:
• The Mater Mothers' Hospital, Qld;
• The Nepean Hospital , NSW;
• Royal Women's Hospital, Melb, Vic;
• The Women's & Children's Hospital, SA;
• Christchurch Women's Hospital, NZ;
• The Canberra Hospital , ACT; and
• Launceston Hospital , Tas
How can RANZCOG Fellows/Members become involved with the PROGRESS Trial?
- Offer eligible women under your care information about the trial and enrol them through one of the above participating hospitals.
- If your hospital is not yet a recruiting centre for PROGRESS, consider becoming the local collaborator.
We welcome enquiries by email or phone from RANZCOG Fellows/Members interested in collaborating with us.
Click here for Trial update
For further information, please contact:
Pat Ashwood
Trial Coordinator
(e) pat.ashwood@adelaide.edu.au
(t) +61 8 8161 7767
or
Trial email progess@adelaide.edu.au
or
Professor Caroline Crowther
(e) caroline.crowther@adelaide.edu.au
or
Dr Jodie Dodd
(e) jodie.dodd@adelaide.edu.au
Doctors' e-Cohort study
Help make a difference to the medical workforce!
In light of the highly publicized and significant national health problem of the shortage and mal-distribution of doctors in the Australian medical workforce, the Doctors' e-Cohort Study has been established to examine factors influencing the career decisions of Australian doctors and medical students, and the recruitment and retention of doctors in metropolitan, rural and remote regions.
Funded by the Australian Research Council in partnership with Queensland Health and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, the study adapts traditional longitudinal epidemiological research methods using innovative information technology techniques, to follow cohorts of medical students and graduate doctors through their careers. Participants will be asked to complete an annual electronic survey that seeks information related to basic demographics, patterns of employment, workplace environment, job satisfaction, personal health and lifestyle issues, and stress-related conditions to explore how these factors impact upon the recruitment and retention of doctors.
We invite all Australian-based medical practitioners to logon and participate in the study. Please visit the study website to register and complete the survey at: www.e-cohort.net/ .
3rd International IVI Congress, Spain
When: 14 to 16 May 2009
Where: Palacio de Congresos , Madrid , Spain
Abstracts submission deadline: 10 February 2009
Early registration: 10 March 2009
For more information click here or go to www.comtecmed.com/ivi/2009/ .
ISUOG Outreach Course Singapore in Conjunction with College of Obstetricians & Gynaecologists, Singapore Scientific Congress 2008
When: 10 to 13 November 2008
Where: Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre
Please visit our website at www.ISUOG-COGS-Singapore-2008.com.sg or click here for more information.
Mercy Monash Pelvic Floor Symposium
One day multidisciplinary symposium on female pelvic floor disorders.
When: Friday 31 October 2008
Where: Mercy Hospital for Women
163 Studley Rd , Heidelberg , Melbourne
RSVP by 5 September 2008.
For more information contact:
Elizabeth Thomas
Tel: +61 3 8458 4890
Email: ethomas@mercy.com.au
Dr Yik Lim
Tel: +61 3 9457 3100
melburogyn@yahoo.com.au
XIX FIGO World Congress of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
When: 4-9 October 2009
Where: Cape Town , South Africa
First Announcement is now available on the Congress website:
www.figo2009.org.za/announcements/First%20Announcement%20Final%201.pdf
4th Asia Pacific Congress in Maternal Fetal Medicine
You are cordially invited to participate in the 4th Asia Pacific Congress in Maternal Fetal Medicine.
When: 17-19 October 2008
Where: Macau SAR, China
Organisers: Dept. of O&G, The Chinese University of Hong Kong; Association of Obstetrics & Gynecology of Macau; The Chinese Fetal Medicine Foundation; and the Fetal Medicine Foundation of UK.
Confirmed speakers: Zarko Alfirevic (UK), The-Hung Bui (Sweden), Frank Chervenak (USA), Lyn Chitty (UK), Gus Dekker (Australia), Betty Dragon (USA), Tim Draycott (UK), Mark Evans (USA), Jon Hyett (Australia), Dennis Lo (Hong Kong), Kypros Nicolaides (UK), Stephen Robson (UK), Philip Steer (UK), Yves Ville (France), Carl Weiner (USA) and George Yeo (Singapore).
Enquires: Please contact the APCMFM Secretariat at
Tel: (852) 2632 1535 Fax: (852) 2636 0008
Email: apcmfm@med.cuhk.edu.hk
Website: www.apcmfm.hk (full information, online registration and abstract submission)
Looking forward to seeing you in Macau .
Asia-Pacific Council on Contraception (APCOC) - Second Congress
When: December 4-6, 2008
Where: Venetian Macao-Resort-Hotel, Macau , China
We have developed the program with all of you in mind – as medical practitioners, nurses and midwives, social workers, educators, scientists, administrators and students. We are confident the proceedings will be stimulating, interesting and useful to you in your practice.
Click on the link for more information:
http://listmanager.co.il/fb/fb/asn.aspx?t=7375430014&m=3648328113240C7256763008b464056623684m44470646
Obstetricians needed for Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) projects
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) is the world's leading independent organisation for medical-humanitarian aid. Annually, more than 3,000 doctors, nurses and support staff, alongside around 25,000 locally recruited staff, work in trouble spots around the world helping those living on the edge of human tolerance.
This year MSF is commencing some interesting projects which will need obstetricians on hand:
- Aweil, South Sudan – MSF will be providing emergency obstetric care in a 20 bed O and G unit of a 90 bed hospital which is very understaffed.
- Jigawa , Nigeria – MSF is opening a fistula project.
- Sri Lanka – MSF is supporting a hospital in surgery, emergency department and obstetrics/gynaecology.The position here is permanent.
MSF has additional posts throughout the world and with increasing numbers of projects involving obstetrics, our need for obstetricians is growing.
Would you or any of your colleagues be interested in these types of positions? Anyone who was interested would still be expected to go through the normal application process.
You can apply via email, office@sydney.msf.org or via the web site www.msf.org.au .
Association of Ambulatory Vaginal and Incontinence Surgeons (AAVIS) ASM
When: 2 to 4 October 2008
Where: Padua and Venice , Italy
The main meeting will be held at the Westin Excelsior Resort in Venice Italy . There will be two days of workshops at the University of Padua prior to the meeting.
A large faculty of over 50 world experts has assembled for this meeting which is a joint meeting with the International Pelvic Floor Dysfunction Society. The meeting is also supported by the four Italian pelvic floor societies as well as a German society.
Keynote speakers at the meeting are Professor Jacques Beco ( Belgium ) who is an international expert on Pudendal Nerve Injuries and associated conditions, as well as world renowned urogynaecologist Professor Eckhard Petri ( Germany ).
Further information can be obtained at www.aavis.org or by contacting the Conference Organisers at info@defoe.it .
ANZJOG
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The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology (ANZJOG)
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