AMA Queensland's Council of Doctors in Training (CDT) has undergone a revamp under the leadership of co-chairs, Drs Robert Nayer and Natasha Abeysekera. The council is taking action by focusing on these aims.

Queensland has new fixed and portable cameras to detect drivers illegally using mobile phones and failing to wear a seatbelt.

Doctors are encouraged to support their patients with seatbelt exemption certificates to register with Transport and Main Roads (TMR) as soon as possible.

The AMA Queensland Scorecard outlines our key achievements and results delivered in the second quarter of 2021. It provides a visual overview of our extensive work to advance and improve the medical profession in Queensland and support doctors in the delivery of exemplary health care for the community.

A chronic shortage of GPs, specialists and registrars in Central Queensland will be high on the agenda when AMA Queensland President Chris Perry meets Rockhampton doctors tomorrow [Fri 23 July].

Professor Perry said regional healthcare providers were facing growing challenges, with practices closing and doctors retiring.

“The ongoing shortage of medical professionals is exacerbated by Australia’s closed borders because overseas-trained doctors can’t fill any vacant positions,” he said.

Private practices are not required to comply with the Check In Qld app though it would be best practice.

by AMA Queensland President Professor Chris Perry OAM

AMA Queensland has reactivated the Visiting Medical Officer (VMO) Committee as of August 2020. The purpose of the VMO Committee is to determine issues relevant to VMO members and to:

a) report to AMA Queensland Council regarding those issues

b) report to AMA Queensland Board regarding those issues

General Practitioners across Queensland are facing a dangerous shortage of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to shield practice staff and patients from the Delta variant of COVID-19.

During the pandemic, GPs have been supplied with PPE through the Federal Government’s Primary Health Networks (PHN) but practice owner and Chair of AMA Queensland’s Council of General Practice Dr Maria Boulton said doctors and clinic staff were not being supplied with enough N95/P2 masks to ensure their protection.

The QScript Learning Portal commenced on the 28 June 2021. To assist health practitioners in the use of QScript, the portal will provide access to a series of eLearning modules, videos, and factsheets to help orient you to QScript and enhance your clinical practice with monitored medicines.

Professor Chris Perry OAM, AMA Queensland President and Dr Brett Dale, CEO

June has seen us responding to the Queensland State Budget and highlighting the wins and gaps for health in the state. While we are on the cusp of potential COVID restrictions, we cannot forget that June also saw an escalation in media attention for emergency department ramping and access block as well as major changes to COVID-19 vaccinations. Read our June update to learn more about the advocacy we have conducted for members this month.