welcome to the May 2010 edition, in this issue:

New Look Fellowship Facts

Welcome to the first new format edition of Fellowship Facts. We are hoping to make it easier to read and access in this new electronic version.

I would appreciate any feedback about the format and content of the new look Fellowship Facts enewsletter so we can make it the best possible information disseminating tool for you.

Please send all comments and suggestions to sharync@ncgpt.org.au.

Sharyn Corben
OTD and Procedural Training Manager
 

Examination Resources

Australian Doctor "How To Treat"

• The 7th May 2010 edition has an informative section on Infertility.
• Therapy Update is about UTIs in children.
• You can compete "How To Treat" quizes on line go to www.australiandoctor.com.au/cpd 

Exam News

Congratulations to all our OTDs and registrars who passed their recent College Exams. If you haven’t already let us know about your results,OTDs please contact sharync@ncgpt.org.au and Registrars please contact sueg@ncgpt.org.au

Resources

Launch of the new look 2010 “Live It Up” Physical Activity Guide
The new look ‘Live it Up’ Physical Activity Guide is now available on line at www.ncahs.nsw.gov.au/healthy-weight .

The 2010 Physical Activity Guides, covering all local government areas from Tweed Heads in the north to Port Macquarie in the south, are a quick and easy way for health professionals, family, friends and members of the community to find an activity that is close by and suits their needs.
 

Each locality guide offers a diverse range of physical activity options including aqua classes, exercise classes and dancing. The 2010 Physical Activity Guides are not comprehensive but include contact information about other organisations that may offer alternatives.
 

Please contact Di Anson for further information on 02 66400123.

Email Dianne.Anson@ncahs.health.nsw.gov.au

Latest ATAGI Vaccine Advice
The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (ATAGI) has released further advice on the use of pandemic and seasonal influenza vaccines in children under 10 years of age. It includes a summary of ATAGI dosage recommendations for pandemic H1N1 2009 (Panvax®) and 2010 seasonal influenza vaccination for children aged 6 months to 10 year.
For the update, please go to: www.healthemergency.gov.au

Medicolegal Handbook for General Practice
Minimise your risk of facing a complaint or claim in your general practice. Written by Dr Sara Bird, the content of this handbook is based on questions and problems that have arisen both in her work as a GP and as a claims manager for medical defence organisations.

The handbook covers: medical records, confidentiality, certificates, medicolegal reports, patient consent, prescribing, follow up and recall, medical negligence claims and litigation, and managing complaints. Price: Member $22, non-member $38.50.

To order your copy, download an order form at www.racgp.org.au/publications/orders  or call 03 8699 0495.

Primary Health Services, Child & Family Counselling NCAHS/NSW Health
Helpful Contacts for Parents with children 0-12 years
ALL GPs: The Child & Family Counselling Service (NCAHS) will discuss with GPs appropriate referrals to services for children 0-12 years old with emotional and behavioural difficulties. 

They offer intake/information service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Tel 6656 7200 and ask for the C&FC intake worker.

Tips for managing the MBS
Medical Observer – 30th April 2010 issue, offers the following tips:
• Talk to colleagues, but be selective in the advice you take
• Know who has access to your provider number and who can bill on your behalf
• Check billings at the end of the day
• Document everything
• Carefully study it in the MBS
• Undertake a Medicare online education unit
• Use MBS resources from the RACGP and other colleges
• Seek clarification from Medicare. Contact 132 150 or email: medicare.prov@medicareaustralia.gov.au
 

Workshops and Conferences

Mental Health Training Skills for GPs

27 May, Sydney

An Eating Disorder Mental Health Skills Training workshop has been incorporated into Day 1 of Eating Disorders: Meeting the Challenge conference.

The conference goes over 3 days but Day 1 of the conference has been designed and approved for Mental Health Skills Training for GPs. GPs are able to register for Day 1 only if they wish to complete their Mental Health Skills Training, or for 2 or 3 days of the conference.
 

Eating Disorders: Meeting the Challenge Conference is being held at the Novotel, Sydney Olympic Park on 27 May 2010.

While there is a cost of $225 to the course for participants, the content and training promises to be more specific than some more generalised depression and anxiety courses and might hold appeal to a number of GPs, especially those who work with youth and young adults.

To register and more information: www.cedd.org.au/conference/mhst

FPNSW – Saturday 29 May 2010 

Cavanbah Centre 191 Harbour Drive, Coffs Harbour - 9 am to 1.30 pm
Implanon Training - 2.30pm to 5pm

Sex Health Training:
• Introduction to contraception and contraceptive methods
• Contraceptive case studies
• Sex and the young (and contraception) and the law
• Approach to Sexual Health/STIs
 

Presenter - Dr Ellie Freedman
Each participant will be eligible for RACGP points

Implanon Insertion and Removal Training
• Schering-Plough Pty Ltd is pleased to offer the education and practical training recommended for doctors to become familiar with the insertion and removal of Implanon.
• Training is offered to those unfamiliar with the product, as well as those who have participated in a previous training session and would like an update.
 

Implanon Training Presenter - Dr Nicola Holmes
Please RSVP To the Division by Friday 21st May: Fax 6651 5781

MINND Foundation Regional Seminars
2010 Effective Treatments for Allergies, ADHD, Autism and Neurobiological Disorders. Newcastle: 30 May, Gold Coast: 27 June, Sydney: 17 October.

For more information www.mindd.org