What’s the news in Australian Medicine this week?
AMA President, Dr Michael Gannon, writes his first President’s message in this month’s issue of Australian Medicine, in which he sets out his vision for advancing AMA advocacy in the interests of the community, patients and AMA members.
In his article, Dr Gannon stresses the importance of health care being seen as an investment in the future of the Australian community, not a cost. He commits to speaking up fearlessly when the Government produces bad policy, but also to engaging constructively to find better ways forward.
Dr Gannon points to a range of advocacy areas to be tackled, including medical workforce, training, rural health, indigenous health, mental health and continuing to advocate for the sick, the vulnerable and the voiceless, including asylum seekers.
Also in Australian Medicine this week:
- An outline of the AMA’s advocacy efforts in the lead up to the Federal election highlighting the lack of wisdom in squeezing General Practice and Training opportunities by AMA Vice President Dr Tony Bartone;
- An article on how the rebate freeze will cost the average GP almost $110,000 by 2020;
- A call by the AMA for a fair go for the bush with the launch of the AMA plan for better health care for regional, rural and remote Australia;
- A 3-page special feature on the 2016 Federal Election;
- A comprehensive coverage of the AMA National Conference held last month, including reports on keynote speakers from the major political parties and a range of policy sessions; and
- New AMA/AIS guidelines for concussion in sport.
