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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

Junior Doctors have their say on hospital training

The Australian Medical Association has launched a confidential online survey to find out what Junior Doctors across Australia think about the quality of training, education and supervision they receive in hospitals.

Proper training facilities, adequate clinical supervision, appropriate channels for feedback and protected time for education and training are crucial issues for Junior Doctors - and the AMA wants to know if these resources are being adequately provided by public hospitals.

WA’s Junior Doctors are strongly encouraged to participate in the survey which will help the AMA ensure that JDs are being appropriately supported and supervised during their formative training years.

The survey, which closes on July 19, takes only five minutes to complete and is available to all Junior Doctors by going to: http://www.ama.com.au/dit-training-survey

Please complete the survey only once.

If you have any questions contact Clare Thomas at the AMA (WA) by emailing Clare.Thomas@amawa.com.au

Meanwhile, the result of an AMA (WA) survey of JDs concerning changes to hospital rosters in WA, is available on the association’s website and is published in the June edition of Medicus.

AMA (WA) project to help Indigenous unemployed

Brand MHR Gary Gray (pictured right) and AMA (WA) President Prof Gary Geelhoed have welcomed a new Innovation Fund project to help disadvantaged job seekers in the Kwinana-Rockingham region.

"The AMA (WA) has come up with an innovative way of bringing health and employment services to local Indigenous communities by providing a community bus equipped to provide those services," said Mr Gray.

"The Rudd Government is contributing $550,000 to secure the project from the Innovation Fund which provides $41 million over the next three years for innovative community projects that connect local disadvantaged job seekers to training and employment."

More...>>click here.

New AMA (WA) Council

The AMA would like to welcome new and returning members to the 2009 Council.

One new face on Council is WAGPET's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Janice Bell (pictured), who has joined as an ordinary member.

Also returning to Council is orthopaedic surgeon Dr Omar Khorshid, who is back in Perth after 18 months in the UK.

For a complete list of current AMA (WA) Council members...>>click here.

WA State Wage Case decision

On June 11, the West Australian Industrial Relations Commission delivered its decision in relation to the State Wage Case.

In handing down its decision, the Commission said that it recognised the uncertainty of the WA economy and the impact of the Commonwealth Government’s stimulus packages.

The Commission has determined that a $12.30 per week increase will take effect from October 1, 2009 and as a result the minimum wage for employees will be $569.70 per week.

More...>>click here.

Super changes

Superannuation laws are changing the way self employed persons are able to claim a deduction for personal super contributions. Until now, for a self employed person to be able to claim a personal deduction for super contributions they must be receiving less than 10% of their assessable income from an employment source.

From July 1 salary sacrifice for superannuation contributions will be added back into assessable income and will apply to the 10% employment income test.

If the rule is breached a claim for a personal deduction for super contributions will not be allowed. Members should seek advice from their accountant as to the tax structure (such as a trust or company) which may be more advantageous to their situation.

For further information please contact Sam Clark at AMA Financial Services on 9273 3076.

AMA (WA) Medical Products clearance sale

Loan, demonstration and display items, slow moving stock, books and new equipment will all be on sale (while stocks last) at AMA (WA) Medical Products showrooms during the week July 20 -25.

Don't miss this opportunity to pick up a bargain.

Contact Margaret Manuk on 9273 3022 or Margaret.Manuk@amawa.com.au for more information.

Golf Challenge - doctors vs dentists vs lawyers

Doctors are invited to test their golfing skills against dentists and lawyers in the upcoming AMA (WA) Golf Challenge. The event will be Canadian Foursomes and held on the afternoon of Friday, August 14 at Royal Perth Golf Club.

Contact Michelle Taylor on 9273 3087 or Michelle.Taylor@amawa.com.au for more information.

To register...>>click here.

Wine tasting - winter reds

With the onset of chilly winter weather it is perfect timing for the AMA (WA) Wine Society to host a red wine tasting evening.

Wines for sampling include Charles Melton's new Barossa single vineyard shirazes Grains of Paradise and Voices of Angels, Tim Adam's Aberfeldey and Samuel's Gorge shiraz, to name a few.

The event will be held on Friday July 31 from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at AMA (WA). All members and guests are welcome. Please register before Wednesday, July 29 by emailing Odette.Bennier@amawa.com.au.

Sterilisation workshop, July 29

AMA (WA) Medical Products, in conjunction with 3M, are holding a workshop on sterilisation Wednesday, July 29 between 6:00pm and 8:30pm at the AMA offices.

Guest speaker and sterilisation consultant, Michael Moore, will present on all aspects of sterilisation within General Practice and office based practices.

Register before July 20 by emailing Margaret.Manuk@amawa.com.au Limited seats available.

More...>>click here.

AMA WA/Police Medical ID card - free to members

The purpose of the card is to enable medical practitioners to identify themselves as competent persons to act in the event of a medical emergency and negate any unnecessary delay in responding. Since the inception of the Medical Identification card in 1999, the AMA (WA) has dealt with hundreds of requests from members for assistance in either appealing traffic infringement notices or confirming the identification of a member.

The AMA reminds you that this service is only available to members. If you are interested in obtaining a card please contact our Membership Officer, Dione Grose on 9273 3055 or email membership@amawa.com.au for an application form.

AMA (WA) events - what's on

The AMA (WA) organises and promotes a wide range of workshops and seminars specifically for medical professionals and their staff.

Events include medical products updates, CPR courses, CV and interview skills and practice management workshops.

To view the Calendar of Events for 2009 ...>>click here.

These events also offer sponsorship opportunities and interested organisations should contact Noelle Jones on 9273 3050 or email Noelle.Jones@amawa.com.au.