Australian Medical Association (WA)

06/09/2026

In our cover story for the latest Medicus, an internationally lauded clinical trial by researchers at The University of Western Australia has shown there are quick and effective ways in daily life to reduce the levels of harmful plastic-associated chemicals in our bodies. But some unexpected results of the study were not so positive.

The research team developed a world-first 24-hour survey tool that collected data from the cohort to investigate associations between PACs and diet and lifestyle behaviours, body composition and blood biomarkers.

“That behaviour analysis, in conjunction with measuring the plastic exposure of people in their urine, particularly the plastic-associated chemicals, allowed us to understand where the high exposures from plastic come from in our everyday lifestyle,” Prof Lucas says.

“We identified that food was a major source, particularly if you consume a lot of ultra-processed, highly processed food. Another example was the lining of tins that came up as a contributor to the level of bisphenols in your body.

RESEARCH FACTS
🥤 Test results from the initial PERTH Trial cohort showed that all participants were excreting at least six plastic-related metabolites on any given day.

🥤 In the randomised controlled clinical trial, the maximum intervention resulted in phthalates decreasing by more than 44% and bisphenols by more than 50%.

🥤 The trial showed that a lean person will excrete a lot more of these chemicals within a 24-hour period than a person who is obese.

Link to the full article in the comments👇

04/09/2026

The latest Medicus is now available online.

This month's stories include:

📖 an internationally lauded clinical trial by researchers at The University of Western Australia, which has shown there are quick and effective ways in daily life to reduce the levels of harmful plastic-associated chemicals in our bodies.

📖 an obituary for honorary AMA (WA) life member, Dr Margaret Smith AM, who died at the age of 94 and established the first menopause clinic in WA.

📖 a Q&A with AMA (WA) Ophthalmology Representative, Dr Rob Paul.

📖 a case study that offers a timely reminder for employers about the importance of the right disciplinary processes.

Link to the latest edition in the comments👇

03/09/2026

Sydney GP Dr Michael Bonning has been elected as the next President of the federal Australian Medical Association, with Melbourne emergency medicine specialist Dr Sarah Whitelaw elected as the next Vice President.

Dr Bonning is a former President of AMA NSW with extensive experience in clinical practice, health policy and medical leadership.

Dr Whitelaw is an AMA Federal Councillor and former Vice President of AMA Victoria.

Dr Bonning said he was honoured to have been elected AMA President and looked forward to leading the organisation’s advocacy on behalf of doctors and patients.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity and the challenge of being the next AMA President, and to being a steward of our organisation for all members and for all doctors,” Dr Bonning said.

“My greatest focus is on communicating with members and doctors across the country, in person, online and social media, to hear from them and turn their experiences into actionable policy and advocacy.

Read more at the AMA (WA) website. Link in comments👇

03/09/2026

The nominations are in. Now the tough decisions begin.

Our AMA (WA) Award recipients will be revealed at MEDBALL26 on Saturday 31 October at The Westin Perth. Secure your ticket now and be in the room as this year's winners are announced and celebrated.

Black tie. Dinner. Entertainment. The AMA (WA) Awards. And a celebration of 30 years of Dr YES.

Tables of ten are available for those bringing colleagues together, and ticket holders can access a discounted accommodation rate at The Westin.

With thanks to AMA (WA) Award partner WA Department of Health, Gold Partners MDA National , Clinipath Pathology, Panetta McGrath Lawyers and Roshana Care Group .

Tickets are available now: https://pulse.ly/fvqjmcrdzf

02/09/2026

St John recorded 6,603 hours of ambulance ramping in August, which is up from 5,931 hours in July, but lower than last year's all-time records.

AMA (WA) President Dr Kyle Hoath says that while the Government’s winter strategy had yielded some results, the issue is far from resolved.

“Six thousand, six hundred hours is unacceptable,” he said.

“We’re not at a point where we can now relax, that we’ve solved our hospital problem, that we’ve solved our ramping problem.

Dr Hoath identifies the number of older patients in WA hospitals because they're waiting for aged care as a big part of the problem.

“It's not a good place for them to be, and it's 400 beds that we could use otherwise for sick West Australians, who are then causing people to have to wait in ambulances out the front of emergency departments."

Find a link to the full breakdown of last month's ramping figures and July's ED performance in the comments.👇

02/09/2026

Meet Dr Ramya Raman, our Women Innovating in Medicine keynote speaker.

Ramya was recently elected as the next President of the The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and is a highly respected WA GP, RACGP WA Chair, AMA (WA) Councillor. She is a longstanding advocate for quality patient care who understands the unique opportunities and challenges facing general practice in WA.

We're very excited to have Dr Raman join us for this inspiring event and thank MDA National for making this possible.

Book your tickets now. Link in the comments👇

01/09/2026

Congratulations to AMA (WA) Councillor Dr Thomas Drake-Brockman, who was awarded the AMA’s 2026 Diversity in Medicine Award for their outstanding contribution to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the medical profession and the broader healthcare system.

AMA President Dr Danielle McMullen said Dr Drake-Brockman has demonstrated sustained leadership across medicine, policy development, education and clinical care.

“Dr Drake-Brockman has been a tireless advocate for a medical profession that values and supports people from all backgrounds, and for a healthcare system that delivers safe and respectful care for everyone,” Dr McMullen said.

A rural generalist registrar, Dr Drake-Brockman has held a range of leadership and advocacy roles, including as AMA (WA) Doctors in Training Co-Chair, where they championed issues affecting women doctors, parents, international medical graduates, doctors with disability, and LGBTQIASB+ doctors and patients.

30/08/2026

Meet Professor Helen Wilcox, our incredible Women Innovating in Medicine Master of Ceremonies and panel moderator.

Professor Wilcox is Dean and Head of the UWA Medical School, a practising GP in suburban Perth, Medical Director of the Doctors Health Advisory Service Western Australia - dhaswa, and a member of AMA (WA) Council.

Through her clinical, academic and leadership roles, she brings a broad perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing women in medicine, together with a deep appreciation of the achievements of the panellists.

🎟️ Join us for this inspiring breakfast and hear from women driving change in medicine across WA.

Book your tickets now. Link in the comments 👇

28/08/2026

The AMA (WA) welcomes the addition of 60 public beds and three surgical theatres at St John of God Midland Public Hospital, alongside the opening of St John of God Health Care’s new 123-bed private hospital.

“This is a much-needed increase in capacity for a rapidly growing catchment that has been under sustained pressure,” Dr Kyle Hoath said.

Dr Hoath said the new facilities also highlights the important role that private hospitals play in supporting WA’s overall healthcare system.

“A strong and sustainable private sector improves patient access and choice while providing capacity that can help ease pressure on public hospitals, emergency departments and ambulance services,” he said.

“Greater collaboration between the public and private sectors should remain an important part of responding to growing healthcare demand.”

28/08/2026

St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital will officially become part of the public health system as of next week.

The State Government purchased the 196-bed hospital for $80 million in a bid to ease some of the pressure facing public hospitals, and it will officially enter the public health system on August 31.

ÁMA (WA) President Dr Kyle Hoath reinforces the need for more resilience in the health system:

“Our hospital system has very little capacity to absorb unexpected shocks. Despite ambulance ramping being less severe than last year’s record seasonal highs, hospitals across Perth are operating under significant pressure, with extraordinary demand in emergency departments, wards and intensive care units.”

Read more at the link below👇

St John of God Mount Lawley Hospital will officially become part of the public health system as of next week.