Prof J Martin RACP President Elect 2022

03/05/2022

Thank you to everyone who voted in the RACP election 2022. I appreciate your support and good wishes and will work hard for our College as President Elect.

Thank you also to the other candidates for sharing their visions for the future. I think we have a lot in common and I look forward to working with you.

Jenny

07/04/2022

Dear Colleagues,
I am standing for as an independent Voice for Change.

My focus areas are:
Leadership by the College
Education for Trainees and Members
Physician Careers and Wellbeing

I will support RACP Trainees and RACP members so we can deliver the best quality care outcomes for patients.

This post summarises my objectives (additional links in comments). If you would like to get in touch, I would love to hear from you. Contact information is on the flyers.

Please vote. Voting closes 13th April.
Thank you, Jenny

05/04/2022

As RACP President, I will be an outspoken support for

01/04/2022

For information about me and my candidacy for RACP President, please see my website or feel free to get in touch - contact information is on my flyers posted on this page. I look forward to hearing from you.

Professor Jennifer Martin for RACP PresidentA voice for change I am standing as your candidate for RACP President in March 2022. I commit to: Professor Jennifer Martin talks about her vision as President RACP Ensure we are externally orientated and future focused. Our College should be the leader in...

01/04/2022

I was asked by members to describe my position on Public Health and its importance as a discipline within the RACP.

Please find my response below:

The Importance of Public Health and the AFPHM to the future of the RACP

The pandemic, coupled with the past few years of unprecedented climate events, should have elevated the importance of thinking about the role of public health (as a discipline) to the forefront of the community’s and particularly all doctors’ minds. It is set to become even more important in the future as we increasingly face threats such as pandemics, new diseases and climate change and their effects on health and society.

It is likely that the public did not even know that Public Health physicians existed, let alone what they did, until the pandemic was upon us. Now, their critical role in population health and strategic planning is obvious to all.

In order to elevate the importance of Public Health physicians and trainees, the President-Elect must recognise the critical role that public health policy plays across the multiple layers of the healthcare system. I do. The Public Health Faculty may be small in terms of relative numbers, but needs a loud voice in the future.

We have seen, particularly at the outset of the pandemic in the absence of detailed medical knowledge about a new pathogen, the critical importance of responsiveness to public health measures to protect the population from mortality and morbidity. As the pandemic progressed, we saw the effects of COVID on disadvantaged groups: the elderly, recent immigrants, Indigenous, socially disadvantaged, those with disability.

It is critical that Public Health physicians within the RACP are able to be responsive, strategic, and nimble in providing advice to government as well as the broader health care sector and the community during turbulent times. They also must be enabled to play a central role in strategic planning for the future health of all Australians and New Zealanders.

In order for the AFPHM to deliver the best outcomes for the health of Australians and New Zealanders, the RACP must act to enable more autonomy and self-governance within this Faculty; this applies to the other Faculties also who similarly have shown the relevance and importance of their discipline skills in this pandemic, the recent bush fires and ongoing climate change issues. I am committed to pursuing this objective and determining the best way forward to achieve it.

As President-Elect, I will act collegially to identify a clear process for progressing the needs of the AFPHM and other Faculties. In 2017, the Future of the Faculty report was published. That was five years ago! How far along are we in achieving the goals outlined in this report? The 2018 update shows there remains a long way to go. We need to make more progress, and soon!

The unique needs of training for Public Health physicians must be explored, documented, and acted upon. I have already undertaken to propose an entire review of the Trainee program (see my flyer here: https://www.drjennifermartin.com.au/) and Public Health must be a key part of this review, as well as the other Faculties. The lack of responsiveness from the RACP to inquiries from both individuals, Faculties, and Societies has been highlighted to me a number of times. As a Board member, I have recognised this, but in standing for election, the feedback in this area has been overwhelming.

I have already stated that I believe the RACP is at a critical juncture and that we need to become future-focussed and outward looking (see my video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K9to369HJi4). Part of this is to put in measures that track and implement improvements in responsiveness to stakeholders at all levels. This is something as President-Elect I would work hard to establish with the management personnel at the RACP. I believe it needs to be elevated into a short-term strategic objective.

On a personal note, I have worked as a staunch and principled advocate in the area of climate change and health (https://www.drjennifermartin.com.au/news) and as a Clinical Pharmacologist. I am well connected at government level (PHARMAC and TGA) with respect to evaluations of medicines and medicines policy, to improve health. I have been seconded to work as a State (NSW) clinical pharmacologist working with the Ministry and Clinical Excellence Commission to develop a State formulary and COVID medicines advice.

My work as an adult physician connects me to all the specialty areas and I am able to translate the importance of public health measures in many aspects of my work. The work with PHARMAC reinforces the key role equity, a pillar of Te Tiriti of Waitangi has in health policy, and how pharmaceuticals can contribute to that.

In summary, thank you for the opportunity to speak on this matter. I always welcome openness, engagement, and interaction. I look forward to the opportunity to work with the AFPHM towards improving health outcomes for all New Zealanders and Australians.

Sincerely,
Jenny

Professor Jennifer Martin for RACP PresidentA voice for change I am standing as your candidate for RACP President in March 2022. I commit to: Professor Jennifer Martin talks about her vision as President RACP Ensure we are externally orientated and future focused. Our College should be the leader in...

01/04/2022

Dear Colleagues,
Following are my answers to questions from members about the actions that the RACP should be taking with respect to climate change and how I, as President-Elect, would action this:

Q: The RACP has issued a trio of position statements regarding the topic of climate change and its impact on human health. The RACP has acknowledged that anthropogenic climate change is a global public health emergency and supports an urgent transition to zero emission renewable energy, and an environmentally sustainable healthcare sector. In the position statements, the RACP declares the college has a role in raising awareness of the importance of action to mitigate climate change and the carbon footprint of the health sector.
In its position statements, the college has committed to the following actions
- support action to reduce fossil fuel usage
- support its members in their independent assessment of the health impacts of fossil fuel extraction and dissemination of this knowledge
- raise awareness of environmental and health benefits of plant-based diet and reduction in meat consumption
- raise public awareness of the health and environmental co-benefits of energy efficient homes and buildings
In the position statements, the college has also called upon the governments of Australia and New Zealand to commit to many actions such as facilitating a renewable transition in the energy sector, increasing public transport use, and establishing Health Care Sustainability Units to reduce the health sector carbon footprint.
As the RACP president elect,
- How will you ensure that the college follows through with the above ideals with reference to concrete actions, such as to reduce the health care sector carbon footprint?

A: As President Elect nominee, I commit to the Position Statements of the College on this matter. However as noted, following through on climate action statements requires tenacity, courage and commitment in leadership. I have such traits and have already demonstrated these in issues related to climate change.

As well as the leadership traits to enable ‘follow through’, there needs to be constant vigilance and activity demonstrating the importance of climate policies on health – both at a population and personal level. These need to be led by our three Faculties who have expertise and leadership at a population level, with hospital-based adult and paediatric physicians leading at community and patient levels.

One easily achievable activity is to have an internal assessment of the College carbon footprint so it can “lead by example” in reducing this footprint. For example, a commitment to reducing emissions by ensuring meetings are held online would be a good start. This would also streamline and increase the efficiency of our committees (including State based committees), noting that all meetings can now be done by Zoom. The RACP should also be using renewable energy where appropriate and there are a variety of sites to help guide organisations in this matter. The assessment will reveal areas for improvement and the results should be communicated to RACP members to demonstrate College commitment in this area.

There is also much that can be done to assist members and fellows to contribute to the climate change discussion and meaningful action, and there are many resources out there to guide organisations in such leadership e.g. AICD.

Training needs to be conducted to empower members to understand the science of climate change and communicate at all levels. This training should be added to our current CPD accredited training programs.

As part of this empowerment, training and communication, we need to produce slide kits, develop an accredited speaker list that is maintained and updated by College and support the production of materials for distribution by physicians in their places of work and elsewhere. Through ongoing communication, we must alert all members to days of special action e.g. Earth Day and provide support for them to get messages out using their social media, speaking engagements and so on.

Most importantly, and a key opportunity for the RACP to demonstrate leadership, is to elevate the prominence of physicians who take an active role in climate action by generating news stories, and sharing information so people can see what their colleagues are doing and can get in touch for more information or support.

Q: What do you see is the role for the college to expand upon its role in climate change advocacy in the interests of human health?

A: The RACP as a large educator of specialist medical practitioners who teach and train our future workforce, has duty of care to communicate about the climate emergency and encourage action at all levels. The College has a voice at Government level and must encourage appropriate policy be developed. The Fellows and Members expect this. All of us will benefit from it.

As President, I will use that voice and ensure I consult with Members and Fellows for ideas and actions that the College can pursue on an ongoing basis.

On a personal note, I would like to share a recent action based on my commitment to climate action. You can read about the actions I took which resulted in the back down of Mark Vaile (Chairman of Whitehaven Coal and past deputy Prime Minister) over his proposed appointment as Chancellor of Newcastle University (see link to my website in comments).

Thank you for the opportunity to respond to these questions.
Sincerely,
Jenny

30/03/2022

Dear Colleagues,
If elected as President, I will work hard for change at the RACP.

See my page for more information about my commitment to Trainees, and my focus on Physician Careers and Wellbeing.

Thank you, Jenny

26/03/2022

Another great question from members about Governance experience. Pleased to share my response:

What is your specific experience in Board governance? What do you think are the top 3 governance issues facing the RACP and how do you plan to address them?

As President-Elect, I will bring extensive Board experience to the role. I am an accredited director (Australian Institute of Company Directors - AICD) and have been a Board member of the RACP since 2022. I thus know first-hand where the challenges for the organisation lie.
My current and past roles in corporate governance include:
• Council member of the University of Newcastle 2020-June 2021; Oct 2021- current
o Board committees including Risk, Controlled Entities
• Board Director of ASCEPT 2014-2016
• Councillor of the NSW AICD NSW
o AICD Board Corporate Governance Committee and Director Professional Development Committee of AICD.
• RACP Board (Elected Member)
o People and Culture and Remuneration Committee.
I was delighted to be selected on a panel at the 2022 Australian Governance Summit in Melbourne discussing healthcare governance. Governance is key to many aspects of good healthcare systems and processes, including compliance, audit, risk, and monitoring, all need expert oversight and strategic planning. It is also key to the not-for-profit sector including the RACP.
It is public knowledge that the RACP has some ongoing governance issues. This is evidenced by the fact that we are currently being investigated by both regulators – ACNC* and the ASIC**. I believe the issues that led the regulators to investigate our RACP should be elucidated, addressed and made transparent to the membership (while remaining within legal and confidentiality bounds); this can be led by the President on the Board.
There are other areas for governance reform which I am aware of due to my current role as a Board Director. These are all sensitive areas for the next President of the RACP to handle and experience in Board governance is paramount. As a $100m organisation the RACP members should strongly evaluate candidates for election as President on their governance skills and experience.
There are other important governance issues in the RACP. A key one is the relationship – including requests for autonomy and representation – with our Societies and Faculties (Public Health, Rehabilitation, Environmental and Occupational Health). With respect to Public Health, this includes a timely decision and inclusion of “Future of the Faculty” recommendations.
Finally, in addition to the skills and experience listed above, and very importantly, I will bring a culture of openness and integrity to Board matters.
*The Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) is the national regulator of charities. ACNC register and regulate Australia's charities
** Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) is Australia's integrated corporate, markets, financial services and consumer credit regulator

25/03/2022

Good morning, everyone.

This is for my Colleagues in Aotearoa New Zealand. A question was submitted to RACP President-Elect candidates. (If you like what I have to say by way of an answer, please share with your colleagues).

The question: How will you, as President-Elect, better represent NZ physicians in the RACP? What is your understanding of the special differences between Australia and New Zealand and what needs to be done to elevate and address the needs of NZ physicians and trainees?

Kia ora koutou Aotearoa New Zealand Colleagues

As President Elect, I will be in a unique position to provide knowledgeable support to you. I am a dual citizen of both countries. I understand and align with both health systems and have had leadership, clinical and Government roles in both countries, including:
• Medical student at Otago Medical School 1988-93
• Trained and worked in a variety of South Island Hospitals 93/4 96-99
• President NZ Medical Students Association 1992
• Doctor in training representative at NZ Medical Council 1996-9 (included hospital accreditations)
• Resident Doctors Association representative Nelson-Marlborough Health 1993/4
• Member of PTAC, PHARMAC 2014 – current

I understand the key role Te Tiriti o Waitangi has in the practice of medicine and health care systems, particularly the pillars of Te Tiriti, and the special place for equity awareness and action in health.

I understand that many of my NZ colleagues have felt somewhat sidelined by the RACP for several years. The issues of most concern appear to be the exam, but there are also more discussions that need to be had around self-determination, autonomy, the relationship with Australian peers and Societies, and the relationship of Faculties and Divisions. There is often a perceived lack of understanding of similarities and differences between two different systems. I will bring a unified perspective with commitment to reviewing such relationships and the way forward.

The biggest opportunity for the future of the RACP in New Zealand is to provide leadership that actively engages stakeholders and reflects their needs by advocating for their unique situation within the College structure.

Trainees for Fellowship and Membership of our Faculties have additional stresses and challenges to the rest of the Membership. Appropriate opportunities, experience and supervision are all reduced with a stressed workforce and in an underfunded health system. This coupled with recent training failures in the College and uncertainties regarding accredited and unaccredited roles and time have resulted in numbers leaving the workforce and in the delayed completion of training. That is not a good outcome for either country to face as we move into other waves of COVID and the health challenges that will be associated with climate change.

Strong and engaged leadership by the College with its members and Fellows is key – understanding the issues and working with key stakeholders on the problem is critical. My innate understanding of the NZ culture and experience, coupled with my background in adult medicine (which touches multiple disciplines), my research, training, and education activities, as well as my links at government level in both NZ and Australia, uniquely position me to support and enhance the College role for my NZ colleagues.

23/03/2022

As part of the election process, RACP members can ask questions of the candidates.
Here is my response to questions about the Exam and Equity for women in medicine:
https://www.drjennifermartin.com.au/yourquestions

ALSO Please mark your calendar: I am hosting a Zoom meeting on Monday 28th March at 4.00pm AEDT if you would like to give me feedback about the Exam failure and your insights on what needs to be done to fix it...and any other issues! Link is in the comments.
Hope to see you there!

Answering RACP Members’ Questions In accordance with Nomination and Election By-laws, Members of the RACP may raise appropriate queries and candidates may respond to those queries (cl3.5(c)).  The following important questions were raised and following are my responses.Question. “In light of th...

21/03/2022

Please join me for a discussion about Physician Training . Zoom link is in the comments.

If you wish to send comments or questions anonymously, please email me at jhm.clinpharm@gmail.com.

Hope you can join us.

20/03/2022

I will definitely "Walk the talk" on climate change. Thanks for your kind endorsement, Dr Rob Eisenberg.