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Welcome to the AMA (WA)'s online newsletter. Feedback on Med e-link (WA) is welcomed from members. Send your views to medelink@amawa.com.au.

Please note: The Med e-link (WA) distribution list has been updated. If you wish to change your email address, please reply to this email. If you wish to update your contact details with the AMA (WA), please email Dione Grose on dione.grose@amawa.com.au.

Prof Gary Geelhoed re-elected

Prof Gary Geelhoed has been re-elected President of the AMA (WA).

The Princess Margaret Hospital emergency services head was elected unopposed at the Association's Annual General Meeting held this week.

Prof Geelhoed said the main challenge facing the medical profession was to ensure that patient care was not jeopardised by the raft of reforms being planned by the Federal Government - and the three percent Budget cuts being imposed by the State Government.

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Good progress on Junior Doctor rosters

Since our last e-newsletter there have been significant changes to the employers’ positions regarding the rostered hours for Junior Doctors.

At a Fremantle Hospital meeting last week, the Director of Clinical Services, Dr Shirley Bowen, apologised to JDs for the way the issue had been handled.

As a result, the hospital reverted to its previous rostering arrangements (from Monday, June 8) and future rosters will be determined after consultation with JDs.

Essentially, if a particular position requires rostered hours above 76 per fortnight, this will be implemented.

Meanwhile, a meeting with JD reps at RPH confirmed that savings of 5 FTEs were now being sought rather than the proposed 16 FTEs, and that changes would not be taking place until later this year (e.g. 4th or 5th term or even 1st term in 2010).

A consultative process will be adopted with Heads of Department to determine where cuts might be appropriate.

The above outcomes have been achieved by a collaborative approach between the AMA (WA) and the RMO Societies, something the association and the DIT Committee intend to foster for the future.

If your employer takes a different approach to the ones detailed above, please notify the AMA via clare.thomas@amawa.com.au or phone 9273 3000.

New Federal AMA President

Sydney obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Andrew Pesce (pictured left with new Treasurer Dr Peter Garcia-Webb) has been elected Federal President of the Australian Medical Association.

Dr Pesce was elected to a 12-month term in office by delegates to the AMA’s National Conference in Melbourne held last month.

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Other executive office bearers include:

• Vice President: Dr Steven Hambleton, a Queensland GP.
• Chair of Council: Dr Roderick McRae, a Victorian Physician.
• Treasurer: Dr Peter Garcia-Webb, a WA Pathologist.

View the entire Federal AMA Council

Read Dr Rosanna Capolingua's farewell speech

AMA (WA) scoops AMA Awards

Each year the Federal AMA recognises the work State branches do in communicating with their members and public and the lobbying and health campaigns they run on behalf of members and patients.

This year AMA (WA) won three of the four awards including:

Best State Website

For our comprehensive and easy to navigate site. Acknowledgement must go to Dr Ashley Bennett, our talented and dedicated Web Master, for all his work on the website.

Best Lobby Campaign

For the successful campaign run on behalf of rural salaried doctors which achieved the largest single salary increase for any group of salaried practitioners in Australia.

Best Public Health Campaign (Joint Winner)

Both AMA (WA) and NSW AMA received the award for anti-smoking campaign work.

Outgoing Federal President Dr Rosanna Capolingua is pictured holding the three awards with WA President Prof Gary Geelhoed.

President's Cocktail Party

A mix of politicians, journalists, doctors and health professionals joined AMA Council members and staff at the 2009 President's Cocktail Party held at Malida Bay Restaurant this week.

Among the 130 guests were (pictured l-r) Dr Janet Woollard MLA, Hayley Cormann and Senator Mathias Cormann.

Deputy Leader of the Federal Opposition Julie Bishop, Health Minister Dr Kim Hames and Oppposition Health Spokesman Roger Cook were also present.

Take advantage of higher contribution limits

The Federal Government has proposed slashing concessional tax deductible superannuation contributions limits by 50% from July 1, 2009.

While it may be difficult for employees to take advantage of this as they can only salary sacrifice future earnings, business owners and self-employed persons should consider making tax deductible superannuation contributions by June 30.

For further information contact Sam Clark at AMA Financial Services on (08) 9273 3077.

Investec's new look half-yearly newsletter

AMA members - and OTDs in particular - may find benefits in exploring the financial services provided by Investec.

View the full range of services

Dining out for charity

The AMA (WA) is selling the 2009 / 2010 Entertainment Book to help raise funds for the AMA (WA) Foundation.

This year the Entertainment Book features discounts for many of Perth's best restaurants, attractions and activities for families.

The books cost $65 each and can be paid for by cash, credit card or cheque (made payable to AMA (WA) Foundation). $13 from each sale goes to the Foundation.

Please return all order forms with payment to Diane Keenan at the AMA (WA) by fax (08) 9273 3043 or email diane.keenan@amawa.com.au

View order form