28 September 2002

Smallpox, self-defence and stress: worries for GPs

The Royal Society of Medicine's annual GP Forum once again brings experts from varied disciplines to report on their latest research. The Forum (16-20 September) features reports on dementia, psoriasis, travel medicine, the ethics of genetics, and medicine in war zones. Among the speakers:

GPs would be "in the firing line" in a bioterrorist attack
Dr Ewan Gerard, Port Medical Director, Gatwick Airport, - So you think you are having a holiday?
(Tuesday 17th)
As a GP, would you know how to recognise the first signs of an epidemic of something as deadly and contagious as smallpox? Would you know what to do next, and how to reassure your patients? As Gatwick's Port Medical Director, Dr Gerard is well placed to watch recent changes in people's attitudes to the threat of bioterrorism. Despite recent fears, numbers of travellers are rising. GPs must be more aware of the risks of travel-related infections, Dr Gerard will warn.He will describe the way protocols and emergency plans have been reviewed at Gatwick over the last twelve months, and will advise GPs to "expect the unexpected," especially if their practice is near an airport.

Do you feel a wimp if you take sick leave?
Dr Graham Lucas, Occupational and Aviation Psychiatrist - Are you fit for a holiday?
(Tuesday 17th)
Many UK workers are not taking the holiday they are entitled to, thus putting their health at risk, Dr Lucas will warn. He will express his concerns about the numbers of people who sacrifice their annual holiday to cover stress-related illness, because they feel they will be stigmatised if it is on their sickness record. He will look at the reasons behind the problem and call on firms to do more to ensure employees take their full leave entitlement. "A good holiday is hugely beneficial... but people don't want to be seen as a wimp in the present work culture."
A full abstract is available for this speaker .

Self defence classes for GPs
Dr Fred MacSorley, GP, Lurgan, and Mr Lawrence Lavery - Looking After Number One
(Thursday 19th)
The number of attacks on doctors and nurses from violent patients is on the increase. Statistics have shown that one in four GPs has been abused, threatened or injured during their work. GP Fred MacSorley and martial arts instructor Lawrence Lavery will be explaining why their self defence workshops exist, and demonstrating practical ways for doctors to avoid violence and escape attacks in the surgery.

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