News

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In Practice: Nominations open for RACGP Awards

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In addition to nominating an individual or practice for an RACGP Award, GPs can find numerous clinical resources and important information on updates to telehealth exemptions for people affected by natural disasters.

Seeking extraordinary GPs
Nominations for the 2022 RACGP National Awards are now open.
 
The RACGP proudly recognises the value of GPs in the community and celebrates these extraordinary achievements through its annual awards.
 
GPs, GPs in training, GP supervisors, and general practices going above and beyond can be honoured by being nominated for an RACGP Award. Nominations close Sunday 31 July.
 
The RACGP Awards website has more information on award categories and details on how to nominate.
 
Update: Telehealth exemption for people affected by natural disasters
The RACGP recently advised of a new exemption to the existing relationship requirement for telehealth services for patients affected by natural disasters. These patients would be exempt from the requirement to have received a face-to-face service in the past 12 months to access telehealth rebates under Medicare.
 
The Department of Health has clarified that this exemption is yet to take effect but will be introduced shortly. The AskMBS Advisory on the existing relationship requirement will be updated when the regulations enabling this expansion have been finalised.
 
In the meantime, the exemption for patients in flood-affected areas – effective 22 February 2022 – remains in place.
 
Responsible prescribing
Webinar: Thursday 7 July, 1.00 – 1.30 pm (AEST)
RACGP CPD points: 1 available
 
The RACGP ‘Mental bites’ webinar series addresses common issues in mental health.
 
Whether GPs have a high level of experience and training in psychological medicine-related skills, or simply wish to update their learning and increase confidence in applying these skills in consultations, this webinar series covers common and pertinent topics in psychological medicine that GPs face in daily practice.
 
The fifth instalment in will look at the latest medication updates regarding psychological medicine and responsible prescribing. 
Register online.
 
GP22 registration now open
The RACGP is excited to host the GP22 conference in Melbourne on 25–27 November.
 
Running in person for the first time in two years, GP22 will give GPs and GPs in training access to a range of education and networking opportunities.
 
Program highlights include:
 

• dermatological presentations
• cardiovascular health
• pain management
• women’s health
• endocrine and metabolic health
• mental health.

 
This year’s program will also include accredited workshops for 40 CPD points and basic life support workshops to meet 2020–22 triennium requirements.
Register online.
 
GPs’ role in advance care planning
GPs play a primary role in enabling patients with decision‑making capacity to plan for their future medical treatment and care for a time when they’re not able to make or communicate their wishes and decisions.
 
The RACGP has a suite of resources to help GPs refresh their knowledge regarding their role in advance care planning and how to ensure that effective care plans are in place.
 
Family violence GP education program
According to new research, one-in-three Melbourne mothers are abused by their partner before their first child turns 10 years old, but the majority do not disclose the abuse to medical professionals.
 
The RACGP invites all GPs to participate in the Family Violence GP Education Program, an evidence-based, accredited CPD training program based on the findings of the first Royal Commission into Family Violence in Australia, which recommended family and domestic violence training to all GPs.
 
The July event is facilitated by experienced GP and forensic physician, Dr Rachel Marr, and offers GPs the opportunity to join like-minded health professionals and build skills in responding to and recognising the signs of domestic and family violence.  
Register online.
 
RACGP Practice Owners Masterclass
Limited spots are available for the next Practice Owners Masterclass in Adelaide on Saturday 2 July.
 
Practice owners can develop a successful business and strategic plan, while earning 40 CPD accredited activity points.
Register online.
 
Outlook on the current people risk market
RACGP Plus partner Howden has shared its People Risk Market Outlook, which provides insight on a wide range of topics, with current and future thinking across workers’ compensation, employee benefits, and health, safety and wellbeing.
 
This outlook is designed to support insurance, risk and human resource professionals navigate the significant challenges and opportunities for their workforce that have been created by the hidden health costs of the pandemic, hybrid working arrangements, societal shift in benefit expectations and complex people risk insurance markets.
 
Academic Post 2023 applications closing soon
The Academic Post Program is an Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) Program for GPs in training to develop their academic skills through individualised learning plans, with support from training providers, universities and the RACGP.
 
The program runs for a 12-month term and gives GPs in training the chance to build hands-on skills in research, teaching and critical thinking, typically completed alongside clinical training requirements.
 
GPs in training are also encouraged to apply for the AJGP or AIDA specialised academic posts, if eligible.  
 
The RACGP has a range of resources to help prepare a successful application, including videos and checklists. Enquiries can be sent to gpedresearch@racgp.org.au
 
Are your dermatology skills only skin deep? 
GPs can expand their skills in diagnosing and treating dermatological conditions, including skin cancer, and train in practical small-group sessions.
 
Supported by Sonic Healthcare, the Certificate of Primary Care Dermatology has been developed to help GPs and GPs in training increase their expertise and confidence when presented with dermatological cases in their practice. 
 
More information, including upcoming accredited CPD workshops worth up to 80 CPD points, special savings and registration is available on the RACGP website.
 
Any further enquiries can be sent to dermcert@racgp.org.au
 
Australian Patients Association (APA) – 2022 Awards
Nominations for ‘Most Outstanding General Practitioner’ in APA’s 2022 awards close on 30 June. More information is available on the APA website.
 
MBA Car Assist program
RACGP Plus members can receive a quote from MBA Car Assist to help purchase a new automotive vehicle before the end of financial year. More information is available on RACGP Plus.
 
Log in below to join the conversation.

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CPD GP22 In Practice RACGP Awards telehealth

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