Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training Ltd37 Booth Street Balmain NSW 2041 T + 61 2 9818 4433 F + 61 2 9818 3311 E info@sigpet.com.au W www.sigpet.com.au

ANNUAL REPORTSYDNEY INSTITUTE OF GENERAL PRACTICE EDUCATION AND TRAINING

2008

Artist - Joseph Rolella

ContentsSIGPET REGION 2

REGISTRAR TRAINING 3

BOARD MEMBERS 4

SIGPET STAFF 7

CHAIR REPORT 8 Dr Charlotte Hespe

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER REPORT 10 MrJohnOldfield

HealthOne Canterbury 12 Ms Christine Frew

DIRECTOR OF TRAINING REPORT 14 Dr Jeremy Bunker

REGISTRAR LIAISON OFFICER REPORT 16 Dr Vanessa Siu

MEDICAL EDUCATOR WITH A FOCUS ON SUPERVISORS REPORT 17 Dr Linda Mann

SPECIAL PROJECTS 18 Mr David Ward

FINANCIALS 20

Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training Ltd37 Booth Street Balmain NSW 2041 T + 61 2 9818 4433 F + 61 2 9818 3311 E info@sigpet.com.au W www.sigpet.com.au

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SIGPET delivers Australian General Practice Training in the Sydney metropolitan area. Our region covers Central, Eastern and Northern Sydney, as well as parts of South West Sydney.

We have links with seven Divisions of General Practice and several major teaching hospitals, including Royal North Shore, Royal Prince Alfred, Prince of Wales, St. Vincent's and Hornsby. Teaching practices range from large multidisciplinary clinics to solo practices, exposing trainees to a broad spectrum of practice styles and facilities.

SIGPET extends from Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Ryde in the North, through Central & Eastern Sydney to Canterbury in the South.

SIGPET Region

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We encourage Registrars to pursue various avenues of professional development, including further degrees and involvement in research and education. The high density of teaching hospitals, universities and Divisions of General Practice in the region can usually accommodate even the most esoteric combinations of training interests and specialisations. SPECIAL SKILLS TRAINING From a professional point of view, SIGPET offers the opportunity to practice inner city and suburban General Practice. Most of our registrars develop particular expertise in Aboriginal health, drug and alcohol management, sexual health and mental health, as well as the management of chronic illness and preventive care. RESEARCH AND TEACHING There is ample opportunity to develop skills in research and teaching, and a number of our Registrars take the opportunity to work with universities and other academic institutions while training with SIGPET. Many of our Registrars also acquire further skills in paediatrics, sexual health, obstetrics and gynaecology, mental health and publichealththroughtheirstudyforfurtherpost-graduatequalifications. CULTURAL DIVERSITY Ourregionisculturallydiverse,andmostofourRegistrarspracticeincommunitieswheresignificantnumbersof patients are of non-English speaking backgrounds. Some of our registrars are bilingual, and consult in languages other than English. This leads to a rich cultural environment in our formal educational programs. Our Registrars also learn to manage the cultural dislocation and social isolation experienced in many of our communities, and the contribution this plays in the aetiology and management of illness.

All SIGPET training locations hold RACGP Teaching Post Accreditation.

Registrar Training

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Dr Charlotte Hespe MB BS (Hons) (Syd), DCH (Lon), FRACGP(Chair) 27 December 2001 - present Dr Charlotte Hespe is the Chair of SIGPET and is the nominee for the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners. Charlotte works as a GP and supervises registrars for SIGPET and teaches medical students within her group Family Medical Practice in Glebe. She is the Co-assessment Panel Chair for the NSW Faculty of the RACGP and sits on the RACGP National Fellowship Sub Committee and NSW Faculty Education Committee. She has recently been appointed a Senior Lecturer position for the Notre Dame Post Graduate Medical Program in Sydney. Charlotte has also been involved in medical education for the SIGPET GP Re entry Program.

Dr Ian Adair MB BS (Syd), MBA (Macq), AFAIM, FAICD 20 December 2004 - present Dr Ian Adair is on the Board of the GP Network Northside and is also a nominee of the Division on SIGPET’s Board. Ian was formerly CEO of the Alliance of NSW Divisions and a director of Diabetes Australia (NSW), and is a member of the NSW General Practice Council. Ian is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and brings extensive experience in corporate governance and management inthenot-for-profitsectortoSIGPET’sBoard.

Dr Jacqueline Korner MB BS, DRCOG, MRCGP 20 December 2006 - present Dr Jacqueline Korner is the General Practice National GP Supervisor’s Association nominee on the SIGPET Board. Jacqueline is a long standing principal in practices in Summer Hill and Leichhardt and is a Supervisor for SIGPET. She also teaches medical students in her practices. She has interests in women’s health, paediatrics and mental health. She is an accreditor for AGPAL and sits on the “quality use in medicines committee” for the Central Sydney General Practice Network.

Board of Directors

John Oldfield MBA (Macq), FAICD (CEO) 2003 - present JohnOldfieldisSIGPETChiefExecutiveOfficerandCompanySecretary.Priorto his appointment in February 2003, John was NSW Operations Manager for General Practice Education Australia (GPEA) where he managed New South Wales operations for the Training Program. In 2007 he was the Chair of the Association of Chief Executives.

Dr Greg McGuigan MB BS, FRACGP 30 May 2007 – present Dr Greg McGuigan was the Canterbury Division of General Practice nominee on the SIGPET Board. Greg has worked for 29 years as a general practitioner and is also on the organising. committee for the monthly GP meetings at Concord Hospital. His special interests include Sports Medicine and working with disabled athletes.

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Dr Linda Mann MB BS, BSc (Med), Dip RANZCOG,DRCOG, FRACGP 6 May 2003 - present Dr Linda Mann is the nominee of Central Sydney General Practice Network on the SIGPET board.

Linda is a Principal of the award winning Inner West General Practice (Best Practice award in 1998 and the Innovation award in 2004). She is a member of the Editorial Panel for the publication Diabetes Management in General Practice. Linda is the Management Committee Chairperson at Balmain General Practice Casualty and sits on the Board of Central Sydney General Practice Network. Linda also undertakes clinics at the RPAH Division of Women and Children.

Associate Professor Eugen Molodysky MB BS (Syd), DRACOG, PhD (Syd), OAM 27 December 2001 - present Associate Professor Eugen Molodysky is the nominee of the Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice (ESDGP).

He graduated in 1977 and completed his PhD in 2000, both at the University of Sydney, where he is Clinical Associate Professor in the Discipline of General Practice and a Clinical Tutor with the Central Clinical School. He has also been appointed Adjunct Associate Professor at the new Medical School of the University of Notre Dame in Sydney. Associate Professor Molodysky is a member of the Prevocational Subcommittee, National Education Standing Committee of the RACGP.

Associate Professor Molodysky is the Inaugural Chair of SIGPET where in addition to establishing SIGPET, he has also been responsible for introducing and developing the Clinical Teacher Training Program.

He has been responsible for establishing CPD programs at St. Vincent’s and Sydney Hospitals in the eastern suburbs of Sydney, where he is Chair of the ESDGP. Associate Professor Molodysky is a former Chair of the Continuing Education Committee, NSW Faculty, RACGP. He has contributed to the development of the Facilitating Clinical Learning Unit of the Professional Master of Medical Education at Sydney University.

Associate Professor Molodysky’s clinical passion is primary prevention, focusing on adolescent wellbeing and ageing well. He is a Visiting Medical Specialist in General Practice at St Vincent’s Private Hospital.

In 2006 Associate Professor Molodysky was appointed to the Medical Board of NSW by the Governor of NSW.

Board of Directors

Dr Narelle Shadbolt MB BS, FRACGP, MFM (Monash) 30 June 2005 - present Dr Narelle Shadbolt is the nominee of the University of Sydney on the SIGPET Board. She is a Senior Lecturer in General Practice in the Discipline of General Practice - University of Sydney, Deputy Director at the Academic General Practice Unit at Hornsby Hospital, Sub Dean of the Hornsby Clinical School and in clinical practice at the Hornsby Hospital General Practice Unit. Narelle is also Associate Dean Student Support. Narelle’s special area of interest is the health and well-being of doctors and students. She is currently the Chair of the Education Advisory Committee of SIGPET.

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Dr Rebecca Blake Bsci (Med) MB BS (UNSW) 20 December 2006 - present Dr Rebecca Blake is a Registrar at SIGPET, now in her subsequent training at University of NSW Health Service. Dr Blake is the GPRA nominee on the SIGPET board and is also a Registrar Medical Educator at SIGPET.

Dr Martyn Baker MB (London), MB (Medical Sciences Tripos), MA (Cambridge), MB B (Cantab), ECFMG (USA), D Obst RCOG (London), FPA Certificate (London), RACGP Course in Sexuality, Dip RACOG 30 August 2006 - present Dr Martyn Baker is the South Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice nominee on the SIGPET Board. Martyn is a Mental Health Advisor for the South Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice. He is the founding committee member and past President of the Australian Society for Sex Educators, Researchers and Therapists. Martyn is the Director and a General Practitioner at Coogee Medical Centre. Martyn was also a Supervisor for the RACGP training program for 30 years and is currently a SIGPET Supervisor.

Board of Directors

Dr Harry Nespolon BM BS DipRACOG B.Ec LL.B (Hons) FRACGP FACLM GCLP MBA MAICD 31 October 2007– present Dr Harry Nespolon is the Chair of the Northern Sydney GP Network and is its nominee on the SIGPET Board. He is principal of two general medical practices in inner Sydney. Dr Nespolon is an RACGP nominee to several high level pharmaceutical committees and has extensive experience in working with governments and the private sector in health. He has been a supervisor to many senior SIGPET GP Registrars.

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John Oldfield-ChiefExecutiveOfficer

Dr Jeremy Bunker - Director of Training

Dr Louise Stone - Senior Medical Educator

Dr Linda Mann - Medical Educator with Focus on Supervisors

Dr Dianne Chambers - Supervisor Medical Educator

Dr Winston Lo - Medical Educator

Dr Anna Sallos - Medical Educator

Dr Kate Beardmore - Medical Educator

Dr Jenny Lonergan - Medical Educator

Dr Marissa Basil - Medical Educator

Dr Su Yang - Medical Educator

Dr Vanessa Siu-RegistrarLiaisonOfficer

Christine Frew-HealthOneCanterburyProjectOfficer

Arnawaz Merchant - Co-ordinator for Registrar, Supervisor and Practice Support

Kate Froggatt - Events Coordinator

Margaret Simpson-EducationandEvaluationOfficer

David Ward - Program Manager Academic Research and Development

Carol Thorndike-OfficeManager

Linda Danter - Training Administrator

Brian Moore -AccountsOfficer

Denise McSorley - Adminstrative Assistant

Liza Gabriel-CommunicationsOfficer

The staff at SIGPET would like to acknowledge the life of our friend

and colleague, Mr Brian Moore.

SIGPET Staff

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Chair Report

Well, here we are at the end of 2007/2008!

I can honestly say that it is a pleasure to be able to announce that SIGPET has had

yet another exciting year of teaching GP Registrars the joys of General Practice.

Ithasalsobeenapleasuretoenjoythefinalrewardsofourteachingprogramas

we proudly farewell successful graduates out of SIGPET with FRACGP in hand!

As a Medical Educator, GP Supervisor and Director of SIGPET it is certainly my ultimate goal to see GP’s

graduating from our program keen to make a difference to their communities health outcomes and equipped

with the skills to be able to do it! The Directors and staff at SIGPET know that they have achieved their goals

as the new generation of GP’s venture forth into new and exciting careers outside of the teaching practices

and experiences of SIGPET.

When I set out on my fourth year as Chair of the SIGPET Board I did not anticipate that 2007/8 would hold

any more exciting challenges than we had faced since starting up in December 2001! Little did we know that

this was to be a momentous year and that it was to actually be the last year for SIGPET as we know it today.

As a result I can relate to feeling both excited and sad as we approach the end of 2008. Sad because we

farewell the entity “SIGPET” after 7 successful years of delivering GP education to the Central / North East of

Sydney. Excited because we anticipate the arrival of “GP Synergy”.

At the end of 2007 SIGPET was approached by our fellow RTP NEATS regarding the possibility of a merge

/ amalgamation between the 2 entities. The Directors were challenged by the opportunities that this

amalgamation could bring to SIGPET and the Registrars and so agreed to enter into further discussions with

NEATS. The Board was persuaded that an amalgamation between NEATS and SIGPET would enhance the

Educational opportunities and allow for innovative training pathways. This resulted in the formation of a Joint

PlanningCommitteethatcomprisedDirectorsfrombothRTP’sandtheseniorExecutiveOfficerswhich

strategically planned and directed the complex process of a successful merger. Members were consulted and

both parties spent time ensuring we understood each other and that a merger would indeed be in the best

interests of both parties.

I can therefore proudly announce that as of January 2, 2009 SIGPET will become GP Synergy and incorporate

all of the SIGPET staff and Board of Directors as well as all of the Staff and Board of Directors from NEATs.

2009 will therefore be a year of consolidation and excitement as we look to delivering a GP Education

program that meets the needs of both the urban and rural environment - a program that can meet each

individual GP Registrars needs and desires. This will be a challenge worth meeting!

Meanwhile we hope to continue to lead the way in GP Education with innovative programs, IT initiatives and

research opportunities. We are also looking forward to enhancing the Procedural skills training that is already

a core part of the NEATS program.

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Dr Charlotte Hespe Chair

We will also be continuing to discuss the development of a training practice in Canterbury in partnership with

NSW Health.

So at the end of 2008 there won’t be any time to sit back and relax- GP Synergy will be an exciting

organisation and I look forward to seeing what it can achieve.

Chair Report

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The2007/2008financialyearheraldsaneweraforSIGPET.AtthetimeofwritingthisreportitisconfirmedthatourMembershaveresolvedtoamalgamatewithNew England Area Training Services (NEATS) under the corporate shell of Sydney Institute of General Practice Education and Training Limited (SIGPET) forming a new operation which will be renamed and rebranded as GP Synergy Limited.

The process towards an amalgamation has been a positive and enlightening one. We have discovered there are more similarities and complimentary characteristics

between each organisation rather than difference. During this process the Boards and management have developed a clear strategy in anticipation of a more robust training program with enhanced training opportunities which we expect will bring about further positive training experiences for GP Registrars.

In 2006/2007 we reported that SIGPET was successful in its tender to develop HealthOne Canterbury, an Integrated Primary Care center which is to be collocated with Canterbury Hospital. SIGPET has worked diligently as the lead agency in collaboration with Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS), and Central Sydney GP Network (CSGPN). This year we received funding from NSW Health to appoint a Heath OneProjectOfficerandwearedelightedtohavehadChristineFrewtakeupthatposition.ChrishassignificantexpertiseintheareainIntegratedPrimaryCare,hasworkedtirelesslyintheroleandhasadvancedthe program enormously.

Throughout the year there has been considerable engagement with the various stakeholders who have an interest in HealthOne Canterbury. This has yielded strong commitment by community nursing, Canterbury Hospital and local GPs who wish to work in the facility delivering clinical services and in the capacity of GP Supervisor.

Whilst we would like to report that the HealthOne Canterbury facility is up and running we have not yet received funding from NSW HealthOne as anticipated. The delays have been frustrating however; we remain hopeful and continue to work with SSWAHS and CSGPN towards this worthy goal.

The organisation has matured considerably as we consolidate programs and business processes. Our IM/IT systems are being continually developed and play a big part in the delivery of education and a wide rage of administrative functions. The information we collect though these systems and databases provide the necessary resources in the ongoing evaluation and development of our quality framework. We envisage these systems being rolled out across the expanded footprint which will better streamline the delivery of training across the Sydney and New England / North West regions in 2009.

This year the Board further strengthened its governance role in two key areas of the business by developing a public relations charter and implementing risk management solutions based on the ASNZS4360 standards.

2008 has been a particularly challenging one for the SIGPET Board given the decisions involved in bringing about amalgamation. This decision substantively changes the face and direction of the organisation and this has not been carried lightly. The Board’s long term vision and proactive attitude has been the key to reaching this very positive step forward. I thank the Board for its support, direction and input during this important process.

Chief Executive Officer Report

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Our staff is the backbone of this organisation and I would like to thank them for their ongoing contribution during 2008. I appreciate the privileged position I have which enables me to work with a team of high calibre professionals who demonstrate such dedication to their roles and to the organisation. The change and transition inherent in an amalgamation can be particularly unsettling for all involved yet I am encouraged by the sense of optimism that pervades the organisation. I look forward to our expanded staff in 2009.

The practice environment really is the key to a positive training experience for Registrars. Our Supervisors are dedicated to the task and we continue to invest in the development of our trainers and educators. Once again I would like to thank our supervisors for their impressive contribution in 2008. We are very fortunate toworkwithsuchfirst-classprofessionals.

John Oldfield Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer Report

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HealthOne Canterbury is one of the 15 HealthOne NSW services in various stages of planning and development around the state. It is a collaborative initiative lead by SIGPET, in consultation with funder - NSW Health, and partners - Sydney South West Area Health Service (SSWAHS) and Central Sydney General Practice Network (CSGPN). HealthOne NSW is an integrated primary and community health initiative, bringing together private health services and practitioners (GP’s, allied health and other professionals) and publically funded community health professionals, in multidisciplinary teams to provide a comprehensive range of primary health care services.

Key objectives•Preventillnessandreducetheriskandimpactofdiseaseanddisability•Improvechronicdiseasemanagementinthecommunity•Reduceavoidableadmissions(andunnecessarydemandforhospitalcare)•Improveserviceaccessandhealthoutcomesfordisadvantagedandvulnerablegroups

WHY Canterbury? Canterburyhasbeenidentifiedasanareaofsignificantneed,intermsofpatientseparationsandbeddaysoccupied,healthoutcomes,theprofileofthecommunityandhealthcareworkforce,andburgeoningdemandforeffective co-ordinate and multi-disciplinary team care.

Canterbury’s population is characterized by a growing population, larger number of recent immigrants, significantlyhigherlevelsofunemploymentandahighproportionoffamiliesdependentonwelfare.Theprevalence of risk factors for Diabetes type 2 for the Canterbury population is 30.5%, compared with 25% for Sydney.

The majority of General Practitioners (GP’s) in the Canterbury area are solo practicing (78.12%), a high proportion of which are nearing retirement age. Less than 10 practices in the region employ a practice nurse, making it an unattractive choice for GP registrars. GPs in the Canterbury region are reliant on Medicare bulk billing and describe themselves as often struggling to keep their business viable and sustainable due to the diversity and complexity of the Canterbury community.

Proposed Service Model •Physicalco-locationofamultidisciplinaryteamoflocalGPs,GPregistrars,practicemanager,practicenurse(s), SSWAHS primary health nurse(s), SSWAHS drug health staff, private sessional allied health professionals, and reception/admin staff; •VerticalintegrationwithCanterburyHospital,AlliedHealth,CommunityHealthandlocalGPs;•Horizontalintegrationwithcommunityservices,NGO’s,UniversityofSydney,UniversityofNSW,and community pharmacy; and a •Sharedhealthrecord.

Achievements In 2008, the HealthOne Canterbury initiative played a key part of SIGPET’s strategic platform of supporting and developing opportunities which promote best practice General Practice and medical education and training for GP Registrars.

HealthOne Canterbury

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Achievements include: •Extensiveinformationsharing,ongoingconsultation,andservicemappingtoidentifyserviceneedsandgaps•Positivestakeholder/communityengagementandproject‘buyin‘•StrongGPinterestandsupportintheservicedevelopment,withinterestinthepotentialrelocationto HealthOneCanterburyexpressedby2highprofilelocalGPs Agreement on:•Proposedfacilitysite–63TudorStreet,Belmore•Partnerrolesandresponsibilities–signedMoU(April2008)•BusinessModel•ModelofIntegratedPrimaryCare•ProjectOfficerengagement•CapitalWorksprojectmanagement•RevisedPlantandEquipmentandStartingInventory•Recurrentroundrobinleasegrant•Co-locationofREPIDUstaff•Secondmentof2FTEPrimaryHealthNurses•NSWHealthfundingfor1FTEPrimaryHealthNursereceivedon30thJune2008•NSWHealthfundedPrimaryHealthNursepositioncurrentlybeingre:advertised•TemporaryrelocationofREPIDUstaffduringHealthOneCanterburycapitalworksdevelopment•Provisionofan‘integrationcoordinator’tofacilitateanddevelopeffectivelinkages,carecoordinationand referral pathways, once service operational •ParticipationofProjectOfficerinSydneySouthWestIntegrationProgram (SSWIP) enabling strategic networking, information sharing and participation in integration initiatives

Moving ForwardDespitetheachievementofsignificantmilestones,theproject’sfutureremainsuncertainpendingsatisfactoryresolution of funding, space and accommodation issues raised from the Capital Works Functional Brief submitted in September 2008. Recent discussions held with NSW Health indicate a strong willingness for the speedy resolution of all outstanding issues leaving SIGPET optimistic about the launch of a HealthOne Canterbury facility and the provision of best practice clinical services and a quality GP training environment in 2009-2010.

I look forward to continuing to work with SIGPET, NSW Health, SSWAHS, CSGPN and the Canterbury Community in the ongoing development of the HealthOne Canterbury initiative.

Christine Frew Project Officer

HealthOne Canterbury

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2007-2008 has seen another 30 well trained GPs enter the profession after completing Australian General Practice Training with SIGPET. We look forward tothenextyearwhichwillsee–asplansforamalgamationwithNewEnglandAreaTrainingServicesgoahead–anenlargedtrainingproviderwithexpandedopportunities for Supervisors, Registrars and the staff.

SIGPET’sroleinadministeringandsupportingGPtraininginvolvesasignificantformaleducation program, which delivers hundreds of hours of education and training

to GPs Registrars and GP Supervisors, although our formal education program also reaches into Divisions of General Practice. We have had increasing interactions with medical students, participating in educational activities and encouraging students to consider general practice as a career. We have continued to run the largest GP Re-entry Program in Australia, and reunite a steady stream of GPs with their profession. Our Clinical TeacherTrainingWorkshopwasdeliveredforthesixthyear–anditsstatuswasrecognisedwithaninvitationtodeliveramodulefromthisworkshopattheRACGPAnnualScientificConferenceinOctober2007.

Manyofourachievementsspeakforthemselves–competent,engagedRegistrars,supportedbyeffectiveSupervisors, dynamic practices, and a well run, effective education program. What is less obvious and perhaps less recognized, is who is responsible for the successes. My report must pay tribute to those who have been essential to the successes of the organization.

I have mentioned our Supervisors, who consistently and thoughtfully support our Registrars. They participate enthusiastically in our Supervisor Development Program, which comprises 32 hours of workshops over the year, an induction program, and practice visits. Our Supervisor Advisory Forum of Nic Doong, David Lim, Liz Marles, Penny Browne, Linda Mann, David Rowed, Aline Smith, Harry Nespolon and Dianne Chambers have helpedshapethisprogramandsupportourMedicalEducatorwithaFocusonSupervisors–LindaMann,whohas continued to drive the Supervisor agenda with great energy and creativity, along with Hadia Mukhtar.

I pay tribute to the GPs involved in performing Clinical Teaching Visits - Deidre O’Dea, Marcela Cox, Charlotte Hespe, Di Chambers and David Lim.

LouiseStoneisSIGPET’ssenior–andstrategic–medicaleducator.HerusualfantasticworkinsupportingRegistrarsanddrivingtheeducationprogramisaugmentedthisyearbyherdevelopmentofSCRIPT–amapand learning guide to the new RACGP curriculum, which has been released to national acclaim.

Jenny Lonergan and Anna Sallos have joined the medical education team, and I salute and am grateful for their enthusiasm, energy, willingness to learn, and commitment to GP training.

KateBeardmore,MarissaBasilandWinstonLoroundout–no,extend–themedicaleducationteam,andmore than justify our past programs encouraging Registrars to develop their medical education skills and interests. They are now mature GPs but have a relevance and connection with current Registrars that adds enormously to their effectiveness and our program.

Margaret Simpson is responsible for education planning and evaluation, and also supports the delivery of the adolescent health and Aboriginal Health curricula. And she manages selection for AGPT in her spare time.

Director of Training Report

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ArnawazMerchanthasjoinedSIGPETinthelastyearasTrainingCo-ordinator–Registrar,Supervisor,andPractice Support, and lived up to the ambitious potential of this title.

I thank Narelle Shadbolt as chair of the Education Advisory Committee for making the EAC such an effective source of guidance, governance and support for the education and training mission of SIGPET. Narelle and I led a team producing a report for GPET on the determinants of career choice, outlining what attracts doctors towards a career in general practice.

Kate Froggatt is the reason our events run so well, and has also developed a powerful new role in marketing ofSIGPETinparticular,andAGPTingeneral.TheofficesupportstheactivitiesthroughthehardworkofCarol Thorndike and Denise McSorley. Brian Moore makes sure the bills (and staff!) are paid. Liza Gabriel invests our communications with crisp professionalism.

Our achievements this year have been the establishment of a much improved system of arranging rural termsforGPRegistrars,increasingcapacityandsophisticationinourIT/IMplatform–GPRime,anexpandededucationprogramwithwelldefinedtransitionworkshopsformanagingtheritesofpassage–fromhospitalto general practice and then to independent practice, a greater variety of special skills posts, consistent professional development activities for clinical teaching visitors, and a number of our educators have published articles in the medical education, and clinical general practice literature.

1. Bunker J M, et al. Healthcare workers and immunity to infectious disease. Aust & NZ J Publ Hlth. 2008;32(4):367-71.2. Bunker J M, et al. Caring for patients with opioid dependence. Aust Fam Phys. 2008 Jan-Feb;37(1):57-60.3. Mann Linda, et al. Fitting disability into practice: focus on spinal cord injury. Aust Fam Phys. 2007 Dec;36(12):1039-42.4. Mann Linda, et al. Management of spinal cord injury in general practice: part 1. Aust Fam Phys. 2008 Apr;37(4):229-33.5. Mann Linda, et al. Management of spinal cord injury in general practice: part 2. Aust Fam Phys. 2008 May;37(5):331-38.

Our ambitions for the next year focus on the merger with NEATS. Our aspirations are however evident in this: we want to provide the best opportunities for GP Registrars and be the best advertisement for the careerandvocationofgeneralpractice.ImustemphasizetheroleofJohnOldfield,ourmulti-talentedandapparently inexhaustible CEO for setting this unequivocal goal, and for providing the environment, leadership and support to make attainment of this goal a realistic possibility.

Director of Training Report

Dr Jeremy Bunker Director of Training

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IstartedtheRegistrarLiaisonOfficer(RLO)roleforSIGPETinFebruarythisyear,taking over from Annabel Kain and Hae Won Park who have done fantastic work in supporting and advocating for Registrars.

During this year, I have been involved in a number of activities and initiatives concerning the professional training and careers of Registrars: - Represented registrars on the education advisory committee, urban terms allocations committee, rural exemptions committee, medical educators committee

and the NEATS amalgamation process- Conducted surveys amongst registrars on the current urban terms allocations process and their current experiences- Participated in pre-exam, rural and pre-attachment workshops - Contributed to the review of SIGPET policies- Compiled an improved set of resources for Registrars starting their initial general practice terms

I also had an active role representing the interest of SIGPET registrars on the General Practice Registrar Association(GPRA)advisorycouncil–anationalRLOforumforsharingideas,resourcesandlobbyingissues. Further, I represented GPRA on the AMA Council of Doctors in Training (AMACDT) at their federal meetings, providing input on national training issues.

Discussions and plans for amalgamation with NEATS and upcoming changes to the Fellowship exam for RACGP in 2009 will require continued RLO involvement. As my RLO tenure ends in a few months, I look forward to working with the incoming RLO on these important issues.

Dr Vanessa Siu Registrar Liaison Officer

Registrar Liaison Officer Report

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Overthelast2years,SIGPEThassupportedSupervisorsbyfundingaspecificmedical education position, which incorporates education, research, advocacy (within the Supervisor Liaison role) and supervisor mentoring. I have been privileged to occupy this position over this time.

Within this position, educational events for Supervisors have been developed within the Supervisor Development Framework. Two meetings a year focus on theestablishment,developmentandrefinementofSupervisorskillsinteachingRegistrars, in giving feedback, and in all the aspects of having a Registrar in the

practice. Two meetings a year occur together with Registrar colleagues and sometimes with other practice members, including nurses and practice managers. These focus on medical or practice issues that are common to all within practices. Issues covered in this group of events include urgency skills (how do the doctors and the practice deal with e.g. anaphylaxis, acute electrocution, suicide threat?), looking at employment status and contracts and consideration of Medicare item number assignment for medical visits that are or are not adequately notated.

The GP Supervisor Medical Educator occupies a separate position which is an annual contract. The incumbent develops a program of education concentrating on one subject dear to that person which is not covered by other educational organisations. Subjects that have been covered in this position are - Non pharmacological approaches to cardiovascular health: how do we teach Registrars about this?;- Chronic disease in focus: spotlight on disability;- Closing the gap in Indigenous Health; and- Medico-legal issues in GP.

The project is delivered over a whole weekend. Feedback for all these orphan subjects is impressive indicating significantlearningandpositiveattitudinalchangeofattendees

During 2007-8 I undertook research by detailed interviews with Supervisors who taught Registrars over manyyearsaswellaswithmostnewSupervisors.Iidentifiedsignificantuntappedpostgraduatequalificationsamongst our cohort which has permitted expansion of the Supervisors available for educational delivery and clinical teacher visiting. Mapping the many ways that practices absorb their Registrars within the practice cultureandcommunity.ThisallowsrefinementofRegistrarplacementforthoseforwhomthisiscritical.Ihave also been able to support Supervisors who are new to SIGPET’s teaching framework and be part of the team that benchmarks Supervisor activity and teaching and mentoring behaviour.

As the GP SLO I am part of the GP SLO network which shares Supervisor concerns related to GPET in an attempt to address these. Sharing teaching and learning allows us all to use our resources most effectively. Therefore aspects of the Supervisor Framework developed within SIGPET are used in other RTPs and we use resources developed in other RTPs e.g. Consultation Interruptus - a DVD which will be used in 2009. Unlike the Registrar liaison role GPET insists that the SLO does not advocate regarding industrial issues. This role is undertaken by the National GP Supervisor Association.

The Supervisor Advisory Committee is another area of advocacy. Chaired by the GPSME, or the MEFS, this group of active and interested Supervisors meet 3-4 times a year to fashion the planned educational program for the year; to provide feedback and credibility to educational events; to explore aspects of teaching life from the supervisors view; and provide input to formulate SIGPET’s view of external projects.

Dr Linda Mann Medical Educator with a Focus on Supervisors

Medical Educator with a Focus on Supervisors Report

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Academic Research and Publications

The focus on academic and research activities has remained strong at SIGPET this year with a number of our staff, supervisors and board members chosen for national publication.

Dr Jeremy Bunker, Dr Linda Mann, Associate Professor Eugen Molodysky and Dr Louise Stone have all had articles published in Australian Family Physician with Dr

Bunker also published in the Australian Journal of Public Health.

An important innovation has been the development of the SIGPET Research and Publications Register into which anyone with GPRime access can upload their publications (the facility is moderated to prevent inappropriate content). The Register also enables other SIGPET GPRime users to download their colleagues published work and plans are in place to have the Register linked to the company’s public website in due course.

The annual SIGPET academic and research dinner took place in May and remains an important opportunity for GP Registrars to network with leading Academic GPs with a view to engaging in an Academic Special Skills Term as part of their training. This year, Dr Jeannie Yoo was successful in her application to examine the ways in which a gendered perspective could be incorporated into the community medicine component of the medical curriculum and is undertaking her term under the supervision of Professor Michael Kidd at the University of Sydney Discipline of General Practice.

GPs in Schools

Building on the success of previous years, SIGPET together with The University of Sydney and GP Network Northside continued their collaboration as part of the Adolescent Health/GPs in Schools project. Combining education and training with the opportunity to work directly with adolescents in the High School environment has been popular with both GP Registrars and medical students and we are grateful to Dr Carol Kefford whose academic and clinical leadership has allowed this important project to continue. In a broadening of the project’s focus, GPET have joined as a collaborator in an effort to promote the idea of general practice as a career to those students considering studying medicine.

Aged Care

Continuing our provision of Continuing Professional Development for experienced general practitioners, a third module of the Aged Care Education Program has been developed and delivered. SIGPET has partnered with Central Sydney General Practice Network (CSGPN), South Eastern Sydney Division of General Practice (SESDGP) and GP Network Northside (GPNN) to deliver an intensive Active Learning Module covering important topics such as:- Diabetes in the Elderly;- Chronic Kidney Disease in the Older Person; and- Voiding Dysfunction in the Elderly.

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The module involved many expert speakers including Professor Tim Usherwood, Associate Professor Gideon Kaplan, Dr Rosemary Sheehy, Dr Lewis Chan and Associate Professor Susan Kurrle.

GP Re-Entry

The bi-annual GP Re-entry Program supports an important group of general practitioners who have been absent from the clinical workforce for an extended period and are now seeking to return to practice. It is heartening to see the numbers increasing with every cohort and with the inclusion of distance education tools such as videoconferencing and online resources we are able to offer this important program to all Australian GPs should they not be able to access a similar program locally. In the past year, SIGPET has supported GPs from regional and rural NSW, Victoria and the ACT.

This year Dr Aline Smith took over the lead medical education role from Dr Charlotte Hespe and we acknowledge the ongoing commitment of funding from the Commonwealth which has secured the provision of this unique program for a further three years.

Special Projects Report

David Ward Program Manager