| For all our members and those considering
joining ASCMO, we would like to list the important
reasons for belonging to this organisation. 1. Overview
It is the only organisation that
represents the industrial and educational interests
of CMOs / SMOs, whether they work in hospital or
community medicine. Although different groups can and
do work effectively on behalf of CMOs (Such as AMA,
ASMOF, Health & Research Employees
Assocn and State Public Services federation
(Qld) it is imperative that CMOs themselves take
control of the overall direction of these endeavours
and use them to their own best advantage.
2. Industrial Issues
Industrially ASCMO has been represented on the MTRP (Medical Training
Review Panel) and ASMOF (Australian
Salaried Medical Officers Federation) and the
Association also has developed links to the AMA &
HREA.
ASCMO as tackled the
difficult area of industrial awards that apply to
CMOs. ASCMO held an "Industrial
Convention" covering all aspects of CMO
Industrial Interest in Sydney in Nov 1998.
This has now progressed to
the point where we have a claim before the NSW Industrial Commission for a new CMO Award in NSW.
This is currently being negotiated between Dept of Health and ASMOF/HREA.
We will have ASCMO representatives present during formal negotiations.
3.
Educational Issues
There is no doubt that we will have
to organise our own education or it will be organised
for us. To this end, and with due regard for the
independence and flexibility that CMOs require, ASCMO
has successfully negotiated a CME program that
is both excellent and highly effective. In
association with the Royal College of Pathologists of
Austalasia (RCPA), we are now able to offer CMOs
across Australia access to the college's Continual
Professional Development Program. (CPDP). This program is presented in a
computerised format, as a "learning diary"
allowing you to record "self-directed"
study in areas relevant to your needs. It has been
recognised as acceptable to the NSW Medical Board as
suitable evidence of CME. (Also available in a manual
version).
In association with Newcastle and
Queensland Universities. we are trying to develop
courses suitable for CMOs that would lead to Certificates,
Diplomas, and Masters in Clinical Medicine qualifications.
Any future
"Accreditation" should be made by
ourselves. This areas will be actively pursued by ASCMO.
4. Information
Information for CMOs is provided by
CMOs through our large website www.ascmo.org.au and CMO Bulletins. Our website comes complete with an
internal search engine and has numerous industrial
awards relevant to CMOs, and an extensive links page
suited to the needs of CMOs.
The website also has interactive
pages where visitors may record their ideas or
comments for others to consider and respond.
5. Finally
The last, but not least, reason for
joining ASCMO is to meet with other CMOs
and be part of a group who share similar problems and
interests and who can give information, support and
encouragement when required.
So join up and be
part of the Australasian Society of Career Medical Officers, and help
give ourselves "a Career with a future"
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