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MEDICAL MEDIA SNAPSHOTS
27 January 2008
New interns on the wards
Intern numbers for Victoria’s public hospitals are up 3.5 per cent from 2007 and AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis has congratulated Victoria’s 461 new doctors on their smooth to transition from study to work. “Our new doctors will make in invaluable contribution to our public hospitals while gaining experience across a number of medical specialties throughout the year,” said Dr Travis as the interns started their first ward rounds. “As doctors, we never stop learning – though it is a steep learning curve in the first year. I wish Victoria’s 2008 interns well.”
Back to school lunchboxes
As Victorian families prepare for the new school year, AMA Victoria is urging parents to opt for healthy snacks and sandwiches in their children’s lunchboxes. “The contents of a lunchbox can make a significant and positive difference in students’ behaviour, concentration in class, performance on the sporting field and even attitude to homework. It means healthier bodies and fewer sick days. Fresh fruit, carrot sticks and tubs of yoghurt are a simple, healthy alternative to chips and chocolate and provide children with the nutrition and energy they need to get through the day,” said AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis. “80 per cent of overweight kids become overweight adults. A nutritious diet and daily exercise is the best way for children and adults to maintain a healthy weight. It’s an absolutely necessary investment – not only in their future but also in Australia’s future.”
Fruit and confectionery flavoured cigarettes
AMA Victoria is calling on the State Government to follow the lead of NSW and ban the sale of fruit and confectionery flavoured cigarettes. “These products are marketed towards teenagers, which is unacceptable,” said AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis. “Tobacco smoking is the largest single preventable cause of death and disease in Australia. We need to send a clear message that smoking is no longer viewed as normal, but is regarded as unhealthy and unnecessary.”
Hospital equipment funding
In its 2008 budget submission, AMA Victoria recommends that the Victorian Government address the capital needs to Victorian public hospitals by investing half of future surpluses in a new Hospital Infrastructure Fund. “Funding for the replacement of medical equipment is insufficient to meet service requirements,” said AMA Victoria President Dr Doug Travis. “The Victorian economy is strong so now is the time to address these issues.”
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