The absence of evidence-based guidelines makes decision making very difficult for Medical Boards in attempting to ensure that normal cognitive decline in ageing medical practitioners does not compromise patient safety, according to an article in the latest Medical Journal of Australia.
Dr Robert Adler and Dr Conn Constantinou of the Medical Practitioners Board of Victoria say that, when it comes to the medical profession, the question of timely retirement is linked to issues of public safety.“This places a particular responsibility on medical practitioners, their colleagues and medical regulatory authorities,” Dr Adler said.
The ageing process affects cognitive speed and short-term memory as well as those cognitive faculties involved with problem solving.
“Knowing when to give up practice is an important decision for most doctors, and critically difficult for some,” Dr Adler said.
Exercise Levels of Young Doctors Not Up to the Mark
A study conducted recently said that exercise levels of young doctors was not up to the mark, and much below the national average and recommended levels.
A study conducted recently said that exercise levels of young doctors was not up to the mark, and much below the national average and recommended levels.
The authors suggest several steps a doctor can take to accommodate cognitive changes.
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Doctors Urged To Help Close Indigenous Health Gap
Indigenous organizations have called on the medical profession to push Government for action on the inequality of health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
Indigenous organizations have called on the medical profession to push Government for action on the inequality of health between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.
The authors say the problem facing Medical Boards is that there are no agreed guidelines to help decide what level of cognitive impairment in a doctor may put the public at risk.
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'Doctor At Your Doorstep' Becomes A Reality In Chunampet
The phrase 'the doctor at your doorstep' sounds incredible! But it is true. This is what the ‘MDRF-WDF Chunampet Rural Diabetes Prevention Project’ is about.
The phrase 'the doctor at your doorstep' sounds incredible! But it is true. This is what the ‘MDRF-WDF Chunampet Rural Diabetes Prevention Project’ is about.
Source-AMA
SPH
