Workshop Synopses 2007
2008 Synopses will be available in January 2008
WA INSULIN & TYPE 2 DIABETES - making effective control simple
Improvement of glycaemic control, risk of long-term complications in type 2 diabetes, and when and how to start insulin. Sessions 2-5,7-10,11-14
Novo Nordisk
WB KIDNEY HEALTH - CKD (Chronic Kidney Disease)
1. 1. Managing stage 3 CKD in GP Bruce has Stage 3 CKD. How can he be effectively managed in gp without need of referral to a nephrologist. Covers the Mx of anaemia, acidosis and hyperparathyroidism, appropriate drug dosages, and ongoing monitoring. Sessions 2,8
2. 2. Issues for GP in CKD What are the best tests to determine kidney disease? Should you be prescribing ACEIs or ARBs (or both)? Should you stop the ACEI if creatinine rises? When is referral to a nephrologist necessary? These & other questions will be answered. Gain more confidence in dealing with Stage 3 CKD. Sessions 7,13
3. 3. Early detection of CKD Why is early detection of CKD important? What are the best tests to determine and monitor kidney function? These & other issues related to the early detection & Mx of CKD are answered in a case-study based presentation. Sessions 1,11 Kidney Health Australia
WB PROSTATE CANCER - tailoring Rx & new technologies
The latest information on screening, informed consent, early detection & the new Rx options including robotic surgery, high intensity focussed ultrasound (HIFU) and brachytherapy, with appropriate Rx selection as different patients will require different Rx. Sessions 5,9,12A/Prof Phillip Stricker
Device Technologies
WC STIs - update on sexually transmissible infections
Interactive session covering: bacterial STIs, including chlamydia, syphilis and gonorrhoea, natural history, Rx and prevention; viral STIs including HPV & HSV, natural history, Rx and prevention strategies including vaccines. Learning objectives are: increased knowledge of natural history & Rx of STIs, and increasing clinician ability to provide supportive & effective shared care of patients with STIs. Sessions 5,8,14 Australasian Society for HIV Medicine
WC DIABETES Mx - the role of glitazones and when to use
Complementary to seminar S1A. Various case presentations will be discussed exploring the role of glitazones and metformin combination therapy in reducing long term complications. A look at how these fit in with patients with co-morbid disease states, with questions and answers. Sessions 2,3,9,10,12,13
GlaxoSmithKline
WC COCHLEAR IMPLANTS - when hearing aids are no longer enough
30,000 people aged 50 + in Australia suffer from hearing loss but are not being treated. This workshop will allow GPs to see how cochlear implants & the Baha system work, current indications & referral criteria, & outcomes from implantation. Cochlear implantation has proven to be a cost effective Rx for severe to profound hearing loss. Meet recipients who can tell the human side of this life changing-technology. Sessions 4,7,11 Cochlear
WD ANTI–AGEING MEDICINE
1. Iodine Deficiency & Toxicity - identifying and managing
Discuss iodine & its relationship to thyroid dysfunction, & fibrocystic disease, how to identify iodine deficiency and toxicity, therapeutic options, Mx of patients, and preliminary data from a clinical trial. Sessions 4,11
2. Safe & Efficacious uses of low dose cortisol
Cortisol and its function in health & disease and regulation of function in response to stress states and hypo-adrenalism - how to identify and manage. Emphasis on physiological as opposed to pharmacological dosing schedules.
Sessions 8,12
3. Identifying & Managing Thyroid Dysfunction
Allows each participant to receive a ThyroFlex test & discusses cases & how various conditions are managed using the ThyroFlex system and various thyroid preparations. Sessions 3,7Dr Konrad Kail Redwood
WD PERIPHERAL ARTERIAL DISEASE - detecting undiagnosed PAD and managing it within the community
PAD is a hidden problem and patients are at major risk for thrombotic events. This workshop will present an evidence-based update on what PAD is, the risk factors and prevalence within the community. A practical element will include how to diagnose PAD by measuring ankle-brachial pressure using Doppler technology. Ongoing Mx of patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease will also be reviewed. Sessions 1,2,6,9,13,14 Sanofi Aventis
WE SUTURING 1: What, when and how? Interactive practical session using pigs
trotters, explaining the right instruments, right suture material & right
techniques & stitches for common problems encountered in gp.
Sessions 4,7,14
SUTURING 2: Advanced suture techniques Interactive session including skin flaps & skin grafts and also repair of deep and jagged lacerations, corner stitching and closing broad wounds. Attendees must have either attended suturing 1 or be competent proceduralists.Sessions 5,9,15 SKIN: Non-surgical Mx of skin cancers including case presentations & video and also immunomodulation (Aldara), proper cautery techniques, chemo-toxic treatments (Effudix) & photodynamic therapy. Sessions 6,13Presented by the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgeons Dynek
WF ENT 1 THE EAR: clinical assessment & practical techniques in Mx of the
discharging ear & hearing loss: Hearing rehabilitation including hearing aids,
implantable devices & cochlear implants. Sessions 9,10,13,14
ENT 2 THE NOSE & THROAT: clinical assessment & practical Mx of rhinitis & sinusitis, snoring & sleep disorders, hoarse voice & neck lumps.
Sessions 6,7,11,12 Coordinated by St Vincent’s ENT Dept (Dr Nigel Biggs) and presented by ENT specialists
WG PRACTICE Mx
1. 1. Embracing future opportunitiesExplore ways in which practices can adapt their operations to meet the needs in the constantly changing health care environment. The division of work between the various staff will be analysed so as to enable practices to effectively provide competitive quality services in the years ahead. Sessions 2,7
2. 2. Staffing - creating a remarkable teamThe processes that develop a remarkable practice team will be explored. Practices must have an effective plan to analyse the tasks required, recruit & train the best people, and manage their performance. A carefully nurtured culture of personal growth and development will enable practice members to deliver their best. Sessions 3,13
1. 3. Marketing to your market Explore what patients really want. How well do we sell our services? What products can we develop? Can we set up a Cycle of Quality Care for patients utilising the new EPC items? Practices must have a system to ensure they provide appropriate care. Sessions 4,9
2. 4. Practice systems - growth & development A look at ways to set up systems in your practice to ensure it remains a vibrant, growing & developing organisation. Practices must change constantly to keep up with the ever-changing marketplace. Techniques will be explored that can assist in managing this work without distraction from clinical commitments. Sessions 8,11 Dr Tony Andrew & Di Adamson GPA Accreditation plus
WH SELF-MANAGEMENT - helping you & helping your patients
For many GPs, balancing personal life with work presents many challenges. This workshop, consisting of didactic & experiential learning, will provide an intro to learning survival skills for yourselves & your patients. Gain an understanding of how to better manage the ongoing issues affecting people facing cancer & other CMD. Sessions 2,7,13Joel Nathan & Nathan Kotler Can-Survive
WH FOOD ALLERGY: what can I eat?
A food allergy is a potentially serious condition & careful Mx is the key to avoiding adverse health consequences. Food avoidance can be difficult & specific principles of food substitution might need to be followed. Do you know how to diagnose a food allergy? When is total avoidance of a food necessary, for how long and how should this be managed? Sessions 4,8,12 Dr Anne Swain Dairy Australia
WH FAMILY FOOD & NUTRITION - genetics, nutrient density & practical dietary issues
Conditions such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, obesity & some cancers are genetically linked & familial. Families need to know how to make each calorie provide the best nutritional value. This concept of nutrient density is one of the most important factors in nutrition. An outline of some of the research and dietary requirements for these conditions and how to get the most out of your calories. Also how to deal with practical issues in families, how to motivate changes and how to help parents address these issues with their children. Sessions 3,9,11Dr Jenny O’Dea Dairy Australia
WI WOUND MANAGEMENT
1. Acute wound management Rx protocols for acute wounds like skin tears, minor excisions, cuts and grazes Sessions 1,11
1. 2. Infected and chronic wound management Advances in wound Mx have identified that wounds that are not healing may be the result of bacterial load. The use of topical antimicrobials is redefining how chronic wounds are treated. Explores the use of topical antimocrobials to efficiently and effectively treat chronic wounds. Sessions 2,6
2. 3. Minor burns With the introduction of new products, the Rx & Mx of burns has been redefined. Advances have significantly improved patient outcomes and patients with burns can now expect to experience reduced healing time, scarring, and incidence of infection. Utilising the knowledge from surgeons in Australia’s major hospital burns units, we will explore the advances in assessing, diagnosis, & Rx in the community setting. Sessions 7,12 Smith & Nephew
WI CANNABIS Mx - in young people
Cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug in Australia. 1 in 3 Australians aged 14 & over have used cannabis and 1 in 9 have used it at least once in the last year. Young people who use cannabis frequently are at an increased risk of experiencing mental health & developmental problems & other adverse outcomes, including suicide, other substance misuse, criminal behaviour, poor performance at school & reduced life opportunities. Using case-based learning to provide an understanding of the complex relationship between cannabis use & psychosis, it will explore the effects of cannabis & the associated physical and mental health risks, dependence, interventions & Mx. Sessions 3,4,8,9,13,14 NSW Department of Health
WJ PSYCHOLOGICAL MEDICINE
1. 1. Eating disorders Anorexia & bulimia are common mental health issues & become chronic in 20% of individuals. There is a significant mortality rate. Mx in the gp setting can be both challenging and satisfying. The GP has a significant role to play and can have a key relationship with the individual. Background information and assessment of these problems, the role of the GP, psychiatrist & allied health professionals, evidence for different Rx models, including models used overseas, & Mx strategies for the GP and useful resources will be highlighted. Sessions 1,2,8,9,11,12Dr Cate Howell
2. 2. Motivational interviewing Motivational interviewing is an effective alternative to giving advice. The goal of MI is to explore ambivalence & to encourage patients to express their concerns about lifestyle problems (e.g. smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise), and their own reasons for change. In what could alternatively be labelled ‘curious interviewing’, the patient’s ambivalence & readiness for change are discussed in such a way that patients talk themselves into changing their behaviour, rather than having this suggested by someone else. Sessions 6,13 Dr Monica Moore
1. 3. CBT for obsessive compulsive disorder - OCD Patients who have OCD may be over-represented in gp, as health anxiety is often a symptom of OCD. Recognising & correctly assessing this condition can lead to significant changes in the lives of these patients & their families, and improvements in the patterns of usage of health services. This brief overview will focus on assessment, psychoeducation and socialisation to Rx, use of medication, relaxation training, exposure and response prevention, cognitive restructuring and relapse prevention. Session 7Dr Monica Moore
2. 4. CBT for depression Depression may be the common cold of the soul, but the fact that it is common does not detract from the suffering it causes. This brief overview will focus on: assessment; psychoeducation; use of medication; establishment of goals; monitoring including mood diary & activity monitoring; activity scheduling; lifestyle contributors; mindfulness; cognitive restructuring and relapse prevention. Session 14Dr Monica Moore
3. 5. CBT for general anxiety disorder A focus on assessment (including self-Rx); education; establishment of goals; self-monitoring including mood diary & activity monitoring; thought stopping; soothing techniques including mindfulness; cognitive restructuring; activity scheduling, lifestyle contributors & relapse prevention including relaxation. Sessions 3,4Dr Amanda Harrison
4. 6. An update on mindfulness meditation Current scientific research/trends in the use of mindfulness as Rx for both physical & psychological illness. Learn what mindfulness is about & how to teach it in a simple way to your patients. Sessions 5,10 Dr Margaret Gottleib Australian College of Psychological Medicine
WK ANTI-AGEING MEDICINE
1. Fats and health- oils ain’t oils Eating excess amounts of certain fats, notably saturated fat, can increase risk of chronic disease. Most Australians consume too much fat, especially saturated fat. Fat serves many important roles, including maintaining skin & hair, storing & transporting fat soluble vitamins A, D, E & K, protecting cell walls, keeping our bodies warm & protecting organs. It’s important to keep fat intake in perspective.
Sessions 3,9,14A/Prof Luis Vitetta
2. Environmental medicine - can pollution decrease life expectancy?
Research confirms that outdoor air pollution contributes to illness & death in adults and children. Recent epidemiological & toxicological studies have clearly demonstrated that, at levels currently seen in large urban centres in the US & Europe, outdoor air pollution causes acute and chronic health effects, including premature mortality & excess hospitalisations. Sessions 4,10,11
Professor Robert Allen
3. Longevity medicine for the practising GP and laboratory tests
Longevity medicine should apply to all means that would extend healthy life, including health promotion, disease prevention, diet, exercise, cessation of tobacco use, as well as advanced medical care & new discoveries that result from basic research. What tests can be used and for what? Session 12
Dr Bill Anton
1. 4. Fatigue, mental health, working life - and ageing The workplace is one of the key environments that affects physical & mental health. Fatigue & adverse mental health outcomes have significant long term sequalae that prematurely age the population & decrease mean life expectancy. Not all work groups are affected equally. GPs trained in anti-ageing medicine can play a significant role in prevention. Sessions 5,7A/Prof Luis Vitetta
2. 5. Hormone replacement for the anti-ageing GP The andropause syndrome, and how to achieve optimal men’s health by fine tuning hormonal profiles in later life for men. Session 13Dr Bill Anton National Institute of Integrative Medicine
WL OBESITY & WEIGHT Mx
Medical and surgical options for the Mx of the morbidly obese patient. Patients’ BMI will be used to determine the suitability of medical and surgical weight loss options. Objectives include: describe the disease of morbid obesity & its comorbid conditions; determine medical weight loss options & evaluate outcomes; review the evidence of gastric banding as the surgical weight loss option; review the first randomised controlled trial comparing medical and surgical Mx of morbidly obese patients; describe how patients are selected, assessed, prepared, supported & monitored in follow up in a multidisciplinary bariatric program; understand how to care for gastric band patients.
Sessions 3,4,6,8,13,14 Obesity and Weight Management
WL OSTEOARTHRITIS - living with OA: different exercise regimes
What type of exercise regime could help my patients? A comprehensive look at different exercise regimes available e.g. walking, Tai Chi, cycling, yoga, pilates, dancing, aquatic exercises. We will provide you with expert advice regarding safe participation in exercise & healthy lifestyle tips to complement medications & the particular condition affecting your patient. Highly interactive with a small mini-gym, dumbbells, therabands and Swiss balls to demonstrate various exercises. Sessions 2,9,11 Jason McClaren and Paul Hedger Inogen
WM PRACTICAL OPHTHALMOLOGY
Ophthalmology 1: Update on common ocular problems & emergencies &
their practical Mx including appropriate examination (incl. use of fluorescein
strips). Topics will include the red eye, F.B., ocular trauma, lid lesions, acute
glaucoma and misdiagnosed irritable eyes. Sessions 1,2,7,11
Ophthalmology 2: Part 1 - Retinopathy - a practical approach to retinopathy
diabetic, hypertensive, age-related macular degeneration. Includes the use of
the direct ophthalmoscope. Part 2 - ‘Paediatric pearls’ - includes a video/slide
presentation of how to assess and examine a child & when to refer.
Sessions 3,8,9,12 Alcon
WN MEDICAL DIRECTOR
1. MD3 Features- the benefits of MD3 including managing documents coming into MD, clinic audits for EPC and Internet search engine “MD Reference”
Sessions 2,10,15
2. Progress Notes- using progress notes efficiently to save time.
Sessions 3,6,14
1. 3. Database Mx (getting more out of MD) - single data entry - by placing information in the correct field you never have to put it in again. Information is then available at the click of a mouse. Sessions 4,7,13
2. 4. Introduction to Letter Writer- tour of letter writer including some basic word skills and setting up of templates. Session 8
3. 5. Advanced Letter Writer- time saving features of MD Letter Writer and creating EPC templates. Session 9
4. 6. Pathology Mx- follow the pathology trail from the time a request form is generated to recalling patients. Session 5
5. 7. PracSoft- Overview of the PracSoft Room and Appointment Book accounting, including HIC online and financial reports. Session 12 Health Communications Network
WO MEN & WOMEN’S HEALTH
1. Male infertility 40% of all infertility is caused by male related problems. An increasing number of studies regarding the components of normal semen quality are emerging. We will discuss the basic information gained from simple semen analysis through to the newer more detailed investigations of sperm DNA fragmentation. Which test is most appropriate? When? Sessions 4,10,14
A/ Prof Peter Illingworth, Dr Andrew Kan & Dr Antony Lighten
2. Safety of HRT Examination of the evidence and Mx strategies for women entering menopause. The last 5 years have seen the publication of significant studies on the safety of HRT - these will be put in perspective. While there’s been substantial media hype in relation to the risks, their relative importance needs to be assessed in the light of the true benefits HRT provides.
Sessions 5,6,11
Dr Raewyn Teirney, Dr Rob Lahoud & Prof Michael Chapman
3. A practical approach to the woman with PCOS Polycystic ovaries affects some 20% of females. The syndrome, which presents with irregular periods, hirsutism, infertility and obesity, occurs in 25% of these women. We will deal with basic diagnosis and the latest Rx recommendations to each presenting symptom. Sessions 1,7,12
Dr Michael Costello, Dr Peter Leung & Dr Frank Quinn
4. Gynaecological update and Mx of common issues We will deal with women presenting with common gynaecological problems, investigation & Mx of these conditions including irregular menstrual cycles, heavy & painful periods, premenstrual tension, acne, hirsutism etc. Sessions 2,8,13 Dr Graeme Hughes, Dr Polly Peres & Dr Gavin Sacks IVFAustralia
WP INTRODUCTION TO LASER & LIGHT BASED PROCEDURES
What can or can’t be treated with a laser or light source? An overview of laser tissue interaction & physics and correlation of wavelengths & lights sources with selected/desired chromophores will be demonstrated. Sessions 8,9,11Cutera
WP COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE
1. The role of complementary medicine in arthritisAs the incidence of arthritis increases, GPs are turning to complementary medicine to assist in their recommendations for Rx & pain Mx. The latest research on the use of naturally derived medicines to treat & manage inflammatory conditions. Discussion will focus on glucosamine, chondroitin, fish oil, & green lipped mussel oil. Sessions 3,7,12
2. Complementary medicine interactionsOver 30% of the Australian population now use vit. & mineral supplements, many through self-selection. This will address the issue of drug, herb & nutrient interactions & provide guidelines for daily practice. An up-to-date summary of interactions including contraindications & cautions will be presented by a leading medical professional with experience in both orthodox & complementary medicine.
Sessions 4,6,13 Blackmores
WQ PELVIC FLOOR - incontinence and urinary control
Reviewing the impact of the pelvic floor on various sequelae, such as incontinence, overactive bladder and erectile dysfunction. What the GP can do from clinical assessment of patients to new & old Rx options.
Sessions 4,5,8,9,11,12 Dr Bruce Farnsworth Gyrus WQ EMERGENCY MEDICINE - common procedures
Topic 1: Anaphylaxis and CPR Protocols and its new changes. Sessions 1,6,14
Topic 2: Chest pain and acute MI, loss of consciousness and airway skills for
acute SOB. Guidelines to GPs about pre-Rx before sending patients to hospital.
Sessions 2,7,15 St Vincent’s Hospital Emergency Medicine Department
WR SPORTS MEDICINE
1. 1. Low back pain - normal scans and sciatica GPs are frequently faced with a patient presenting with the onset of low back pain & radiation to the buttock or leg, but scans remain normal. The aetiology behind this will be presented & appropriate Mx discussed. Sessions 2,6,11 Dr Jeni Saunders
2. 2. Knee injuries in sport The knee joint is complex & prone to instability. It expresses mild injury by crying (effusion) or severe injury by bleeding (hemarthrosis). It consists of bones, ligaments, chondral surfaces, meniscus and capsules all of which can be injured. The major stabilisers are the ligaments and the meniscus. Ability to localise the painful area and your knowledge of the local anatomy will greatly help in your diagnosis. A locked knee can negate the tests for ruptured Anterior Cruciate Ligament; a ruptured ACL is often misdiagnosed as a lateral ligament strain or a lateral meniscus tear. The MCL is often mistreated because the anatomy is not understood.
Sessions 3,7,12 Dr Sam Sorrenti
3. Childhood injuries in sport It’s improtant to know the common injuries, the importance of injury prevention & to learn correct Mx to ensure longevity in the sporting community. Sessions 4,10,13 Sports Medicine Australia (NSW) Dr Tom Cross
WS JOINT & PERIARTICULAR INJECTIONS & TECHNIQUES
A highly interactive workshop using joint models will allow you to immediately assess whether you are in the right spot or not. You will be provided with the opportunity to improve your techniques for joint aspiration and intra/periarticular injection involving the shoulder and knee. Conditions that are particularly relevant to GPs will be discussed. Sessions 2-4,6,7,9,12-14 Pfizer
WT PAINFUL DIABETIC NEUROPATHY - interactive
Painful diabetic neuropathy is common but often under-treated. The cause is not clear and no one Rx works in all cases, making the Mx frustrating for the patient & clinician alike. This workshop will provide information on the pathophysiology, diagnosis and current trends in the clinical Mx of pain in diabetes. Interactive, with the inclusion of case studies & discussions involving workshop participants and presenters. Sessions 5,8,12 Dr Arun Aggarwal, Dr Lea Sorensen Diabetes Centre & Pain Management Centre Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Endorsed by the Australian Pain Society and supported by Pfizer
WT CHRONIC LOWER BACK PAIN
Chronic lower back is best understood using the biopsychosocial model. According to this model, suffering in people with chronic pain arises from the complex interaction of medical, psychological, social, behavioural and functional factors. Will outline the model then present medical, psychological and functional perspectives on its application using case studies, & participants will be invited to discuss their own cases with the panel. Sessions 3,7,13 Dr Stephen Gibson, Tony Merritt and Tim Austin, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital Pain Management Centre. Endorsed by the Australian Pain Society and supported by Pfizer
WT PAEDIATRIC ENDOCRINE DISORDERS - short stature
This workshop is designed to discuss paediatric disorders and identifying short stature in the GP’s surgery. It will discuss correct measurement technique, identifying short stature, and when it is appropriate to refer patients to Paediatric Growth Clinics. Sessions 2,6,11 Presented by speakers from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead. Pfizer
WU BIPOLAR DISORDER in general practice
Bipolar disorder is increasingly being recognised among patients presenting in gp. Using an interactive approach with case vignettes and useful resources, this 2 part workshop will provide an introduction to understanding the disorder, recognising the different subtypes and making a diagnosis. The second part will then address Mx issues, including patient education, drug therapies and ‘Stay Well Plans’, all aimed at assisting GPs to confidently manage patients.
Presented by GPs and psychiatrists from the Black Dog Institute education team.Part 1 and Part 2 1 1/2 hrs x 2 each day (8.30 -10.00 10.30-12.00) Delegates must attend both Part 1 & Part 2 Black Dog Institute
