What do you think about this?

http://www.fastcompany.com/1679520/questions-raised-over-doctors-photos-on-facebook

Do doctors need to be careful about what goes on Facebook or should people just but out of doctors' lives?!?

Last night the TVNZ show ‘Sunday’ did a story about New Zealand doctors going to Australia to locum. I was interviewed in it. Since then I’ve had a lot of feedback so I thought I’d put it in the MedRecruit blog.

A number of people, both doctors and administration, gave their opinions about the cause of the problem and also what needs to happen.

As doctors it’s important that your voice is heard so please leave your opinions in the comments section below.

Here is the link to watch the video online: http://tvnz.co.nz/sunday-news/sunday-cut-and-run-3687159/video?vid=3688210

Or just click on the image below.

Let us all know what you think.

Last week a number of District Health Boards sent letters to doctors and agencies setting out changes they are proposing to the way they work with locum doctors.  This announcement has been made with limited prior consultation with stakeholders and as such, will be of concern to many doctors, as well as to the patients you serve.

Like you, I am concerned at the impact the proposed changes may have on the desirability of locum work within New Zealand, and therefore the ability of hospitals to staff hospitals.  This could have significant impact on patient outcomes and safety and exposes our health system to further risk.

Given the shortage of RMO’s in Australasia it is important that New Zealand remains competitive in the trans-Tasman marketplace and the proposed changes take us further away from this goal.

The team at MedRecruit believe that a balance of permanent and locum staff will continue to best serve our health care system by providing flexible staffing and better outcomes for patients.  In a tight labour market, the terms and conditions offered to doctors need to reflect the unique constraints in various regions of New Zealand.

MedRecruit expects to consult with individual DHBs over the coming weeks on this important matter, and we will work hard to keep you informed through our usual communication channels.

We are committed to ensuring New Zealand has a uniform health system that delivers the best outcome for patients no matter where they reside, while helping doctors to realise the unique lifestyle and career opportunities offered throughout New Zealand and Australia, including many of the smaller provincial centres.

We will keep you updated as things develop; at MedRecruit we are committed to meeting your needs and 2010 is still looking bright for doctors seeking opportunities to transform their lifestyle, finances, and career.

If you have any questions or concerns about the proposed changes or if you’d just like to have a chat, you can call me or any of the friendly team at MedRecruit on 0800 MEDRECRUIT - we’d love to hear from you.

Committed to your success, 

Dr Sam Hazledine

Managing Director

MedRecruit

While most of you are, I’m sure, spending your holidays at the beach, the MedRecruit team have been meeting to think about how we can Look After You better. We’ve got some great ideas for 2010 but we’d love to get your input.

We are, of course, meting in the sun here in Wanaka.

Jump in the comments section of this blog post and let us know! Remember that we’re all about crazy ideas at MedRecruit so let your mind run wild!

As one of the boffins organizing the MedRecruit Summer Trip in Rotorua I thought I’d provide a bit of a preview of one of the amazing activities we’ll be doing. The Kaituna River draing Lake Rotoiti which in turn drains Lake Rotorua. The Kaituna is a world famous whitewater rafting river that was really only opened up to the sport in the early 1990s.

Why did it take so long for the Kaituna to come to prominence? Well, it’s home to a gi….normous waterfall- indeed the worlds highest commercially rafted waterfall: Tutea Falls

We’ll be organizing a trip down the river with a professionally guided rafting company.

If you’re an experienced white water kayaker (need a solid roll and grade III+ experience) then we may be able to arrange for you to paddle down in a kayak too. There is a fantastic ‘play hole’ at the bottom of the river.

Checkout the Summer of Fun blog post for details on how to sign up for the trip!

It’s all go, the media loves the Supermen and we are gaining awesome exposure for Ashley and for stem-cell treatment. Calendar sales are also going great!

So thanks to everyone who has supported it, together we’ve done a really good thing for Ash. The money we raise is one thing but I’ve realised that raising the profile of his cause is equally important because that can lead to real gains for him and others.

Here are links to all the media:

Sam on Sunrise, Dec 14, 2009: http://www.3news.co.nz/Near-naked-doctors-make-fundraising-calendars-for-quadriplegic-man/tabid/572/articleID/134122/Default.aspx

The Calendar on Breakfast, Dec 15, 2009: http://tvnz.co.nz/breakfast-news/regional-roundup-16-12-09-4-54-3311715/video.xhtml

Southland Times Cover, Dec 15 2009: http://www.stuff.co.nz/southland-times/news/3164690/Qtown-agency-launches-risque-fundraiser-calendar

Queenstown Times, Dec 15 2009: http://www.odt.co.nz/your-town/queenstown/85961/entrepreneur-behind-man039s-stem-cell-bid

Keep spreading the good word and buying calendars, the more we can raise for Ashley the better!

This morning Sunrise did a story about the calendar we have produced to raise money for Ashely Thomson to Rise Up.

Here is the link to check it out: http://www.3news.co.nz/Near-naked-doctors-make-fundraising-calendars-for-quadriplegic-man/tabid/572/articleID/134122/Default.aspx

If you want a calendar please visit this link for payment instructions. They are only $15 and all proceed go to Ash: http://www.medrecruit.com/Promos/MenOfMedRecruit/Default.aspx

One thing I didn’t get a chance to mention this morning is that I wanted to say a big thank you to the design magician, James Walsh of Scratch Design. James did an incredible job putting the calendar together and he donated his time for this great cause. So thanks a lot James. www.scratchdesign.co.nz 

Last winter MedRecruit hosted a couple of ski trips. They were a lot of fun and the doctors requested it so we decided to do a summer version!

Have a look at the photos below that we took on the trip.

The summer trip will be held over the weekend of January 30 and 31 at Lake Rotoiti in the North Island. We will shout the house and the party, you just need to turn up ready for action!

There will be white water rafting and all manner of fun activities so we’d love to have you along.

To be eligible you must be:

1.       A doctor

2.       Currently working in New Zealand or Australia

3.       Registered with MedRecruit (you can do that now by visiting www.medrecruit.com)

Spaces are limited and preference will be given to doctors currently working through MedRecruit, but if you’re keen please get in touch by emailing info@medrecruit.com and we’ll look after you.

MedRecruit has launched the Supermen for Ashley Thomson calendar. It’s just our small way of supporting an incredible guy.

The Prime Minister of New Zealand, John Key, has his own personal copy and loves it!

“Everyone needs one of these” says John, “This will cover a lot of my last minute Christmas shopping!”

Make sure you get your copy by clicking here to the MedRecruit site where you can order: http://www.medrecruit.com/Promos/MenOfMedRecruit/Default.aspx

We’ve been growing really quickly at MedRecruit and we’ve just shifted into our 3rd new office in as many years. We’ve got HEAPS of space to grow into and the team are all really stoked that we’ve still got great views of the Remarkables*.

Do pop in and visit us if you’re in Queenstown. We’re at

Level 1, Alta House
Terrace Junction
1092 Frankton Road
Queenstown 9300

*If you’re not a Kiwi, the Remarkables are a mountain range, the view of which is rather Remarkable!