Gps To Listen And Learn

Gps To Listen And Learn

Major clinical developments in general practice and important medico-political issues will be discussed at the GP Continuing Medical Education Conference "On the Pulse", being run in conjunction with the New Zealand Medical Association's GP Council, at Wairakei Resort Hotel from July 27-30.

The conference's major focus is education, and attendance counts towards GPs' continuing medical education (CME).

Dr Philip Rushmer, who heads the NZMA's GP Council, said the conference was a good opportunity for GPs to get together and update their educational knowledge.

"The NZMA is also making the most of this opportunity to meet with GPs and discuss important issues facing general practice. The Government has proposed major changes to the primary health care system, including population based funding, and it's vital that GPs are aware of what these may mean," said Dr Rushmer, who will be speaking at the conference about political issues, and the NZMA's advocacy programme.

"General practice has for many years been at the core of primary care services, and we believe that a strong general practice team is fundamental to any future structure."

Dr Rushmer said the past few years had been a time of major upheaval for GPs, and they were feeling the effects of added bureaucracy and administrational changes.

Conference co-organiser Dr Peter Chapman-Smith, a Whangarei GP, said a wide range of experts would be speaking on topical subjects, including women's health, hypertension, hepatitus B, and rheumatoid arthritis.

"The conference is about family doctors improving their education and keeping up with the latest health developments," he said.

Speakers include Health Minister Annette King, Dr John Welch, Commanding Officer of the Hypobaric Unit at Whenuapai, physician John Henley on "Laughter is the best medicine", and urologist Peter Gilling on prostate conditions. Other health professionals, including practice nurses and practice managers, will join some of the sessions.

More than 300 delegates have already registered, and 500 people are expected to attend.

CONTACT DETAILS ARE:

Dr Philip Rushmer (09) 817 7453 (w) (025) 969 110 (mobile)

Dr Peter Chapman-Smith (09) 438 1550 (w) (025) 949 310 (mobile)

Shani Naylor NZMA Communications Manager (04) 472 4741 (wk) (025) 284 1081 (mobile)

Journalists are welcome to attend the GP CME Conference. Please contact Shani Naylor for more details.

Shani Naylor Communications Manager New Zealand Medical Association (04) 472 4741 (025) 284 1081

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