Our latest edition of Connect magazine takes a closer look at professionalism and the high standards by which the medical profession is judged.
We also cover the past, present and future of telehealth, address member concerns and common challenges surfaced by our telehealth survey, and advice to overcome these issues.
Read the articles below or download the PDF with insights on best practice from experienced users.
Our trusted profession
Dr Beverly Rowbotham - Chair, Avant
Avant’s Chair Dr Beverley Rowbotham introduces Connect highlighting the weight that trust carries in the medical profession.
A GP’s life in lockdown
Dr Melanie Hattotuwa - General practitioner and Avant member, VIC
As a general practitioner who worked through Melbourne’s lockdown during COVID-19, Melanie shares her experience as a doctor and mother of two children during the pandemic.
The standards by which we are judged
Dr Peter Henderson - Deputy Chief Medical Officer and General Manager, Medical Advisory Services, Avant, ACT
The Medical Board of Australia’s new Code of Conduct came into effect on 1 October. Here are some key requirements to be aware of to help you comply with the new standards.
Dealing with non-compliant patients
Dr Richard F. Wilson - Senior Medical Adviser, Avant, SA
Having to deal with difficult patients is often inevitable. Here are some common situations and the strategies that may help you achieve the best outcome for all parties involved.
Setting clear boundaries
Morag Smith - Senior Solicitor, Avant Law, WA and NT
Establishing boundaries is key for any professional relationship, but lines are often blurred. Making note of how this could happen may prevent uncomfortable scenarios from occurring.
Integrity under pressure
Georgie Haysom - Head of Advocacy, Education and Research, Avant, NSW
Exhaustion and stress can cause even the most meticulous doctors to potentially jeopardise their career and reputation. We highlight some key factors to look out for to avoid making poor decisions.
To treat or not to treat: friends, colleagues and family
Ruanne Brell - Senior Legal Adviser, Advocacy, Education and Research, Avant, NSW
A misplaced sense of duty may persuade doctors to treat those close to them, even though they shouldn’t. Here’s a reminder of why a doctor-patient relationship differs greatly from personal ones.
Treatment choices: keeping patients safe
Chad Edwards-Smith - Head of Practice Claims, Avant, WA and NT
An inclination to use a new, non-standard or experimental approach is a good reminder to provide patients with sufficient information to ensure their safety is our top priority at all times.
Doctor, I have Ahpra on the line
Andrew Mariadason - General Manager, Professional Conduct, Avant
What happens if a notification is made against you? Ahpra has revised their approach and may now call instead of writing. Here’s what you can expect under the new process.
The future of telehealth: a great leap forward
Dr Steve Hambleton - Clinical Adviser to Digital Health Agency, GP and Avant Director, QLD
What’s next for telehealth? Dr Steve Hambleton, adviser to the Digital Health Agency, takes a look at how telehealth has evolved and what’s required for it to deliver the best possible outcomes.
Telehealth: addressing doctors’ challenges
Katinka Moran - Research and Evaluation Manager, Avant, NSW
Members have highlighted some key challenges they are facing with telehealth. We look at the issues with telehealth use from Australia’s largest telehealth survey.
Getting the most out of telehealth
Rocky Ruperto - Legal and Policy Officer, Advocacy, Education and Research, Avant, NSW
Doctors have had to quickly adapt to telehealth. Early adopters and Avant experts provide tips and key points to consider in order to successfully navigate the challenges.
Growing risks to cyber security
Tanya Freeman - Chief Information Officer, NSW
Data breaches are on the rise, can be devastating to your practice and may compromise your reputation. Here are some tips on how to protect your data and limit your vulnerability.
Comparing costs and fee transparency: do we have it right?
Peter Aroney - CEO, Doctors’ Health Fund, NSW
A government-funded website is being created to help consumers understand the cost of medical procedures. Is financial transparency the key to sustaining Australia’s dual healthcare system?
Your home as part of your investment portfolio
Julie Berry - Doctors Wealth Management, QLD
Are you making the most of your investments and appropriately diversifying your assets? Avant’s Doctors’ Wealth Management team shares insights on including your residential property as part of your portfolio.
Harnessing the power of random case analysis
Dr Penny Browne - Chief Medical Officer, Avant, NSW
Proactively reflecting on intuitive decision making through random case analysis is proving to be a great benefit in developing a quality improvement culture. Here’s a closer look at how an Avant Foundation grant is benefitting healthcare.