Fellowship Clinical Exam (OSCE)
Best wishes to the 165 trainees who sat the recent Fellowship Clinical Examination (OSCE). It’s an important, yet also nervous time for trainees, as it is often the final assessment hurdle required in order to achieve the FACEM, with trainees spending many months and even years in their preparation.
The May OSCE consisted of 12 single stations conducted over two days at the AMC Testing Centre in Melbourne. Two sittings were held from 14-17 May, and Trainees will receive their exam results individually through the member portal in the next few weeks.
A big thank you to all involved in making the exam possible - conducting the OSCE is a huge logistical undertaking as it involves 100 examiners and more than 70 role players, who may be medical students, nurses, actors or FACEMs. The commitment from all those who take part is something that I am immensely impressed by and grateful for; these efforts and these people make our college such a wonderful institution to be involved in.
ACEM Foundation
As we celebrate the 35 year history of the College and acknowledge the dedication and passion of the founders and early Fellows in establishing emergency medicine in Australia and New Zealand, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of our members who are helping others establish emergency medicine in their countries.
I am talking about the efforts of individuals to build the capacity of emergency medicine programs in developing countries. These efforts, which include teaching and supporting colleagues, providing emergency care and clinical supervision at local hospitals and helping deliver long term emergency care capacity-development programs, have been supported through the ACEM Foundation.
Myanmar, the Solomon Islands, Nepal and Mongolia are some of the countries FACEMs and trainees have worked in to really help establish emergency medicine. And having just visited Canberra ED, it was inspiring to see the partnerships they have built with Emergency Clinicians from Sri Lanka. Meeting these doctors was a highlight. Watch out for our fundraising appeal in the coming weeks – and consider making a financial contribution to support this vital work.
The ACEM Foundation also has a commitment to foster emergency medicine research. Two Foundation awards that go to the heart of research are the Edward Brentnall Award and the John Gilroy Potts Award. Applications for both awards are open. Check them out here.
It’s the season for events
ACEM members organise a number of scientific meetings across Australia and New Zealand each year, which aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of emergency physicians while at the same time facilitating professional networking.
The Queensland Autumn Symposium will be held on Thursday, 31 May and Friday, 1 June at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre. While I will not be able to attend, I am confident a program has been put together to provoke plenty of debate and excellent learning opportunities.
I encourage delegates at the Symposium to get into the spirit of #CrazySocks4Docs, which will be held on June 1, by wearing their most colourful, zany, funky, silly, odd socks, and then share a photo on social media.
The day raises awareness of mental illness among doctors.
Join the campaign #CrazySocks4Docs @CrazySocks4Docs.
Emergency medicine workforce
ACEM is committed to addressing emergency medicine workforce needs, especially in rural, regional and remote areas.
The Trainee Selection and Workforce Planning Reference Group, chaired by Immediate Past President Professor Tony Lawler, recently held its first meeting.
The Reference Group is currently developing a work-plan, for consideration by the ACEM Board, which will provide further details of the relevant policy issues that the Reference Group will be investigating and advising on.
Diversity and inclusion in emergency medicine
The ACEM Board is committed to the long term implementation of the DBSH Action Plan, with the first major action already achieved – the establishment of a Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to oversee the work of this action plan over the coming years. The Group will meet for the first time in early July, and work is expected to commence on the development of a set of core ACEM values, as well as a Governance Diversity Action Plan. It is up to each and every one of us to ensure we lead this important culture change and show how we treat all of our colleagues, medical, nursing, ACEM staff, with respect and kindness. I, for one, will not be walking past bad behaviour.
Discover the Group’s members here.
Reaccreditation and strategic planning are two other important areas of focus for the College – so please look out for updates on both areas in upcoming College communications.
I value your feedback and comments I receive in response to this blog, so keep them coming.
Until next time,
Simon