Medico-Legal Society of Queensland (MLSQ) Podcast

Pills v Precedents:  Measuring the Impact on HumanityBiographyPetrina Macpherson is best described as a lawyer with a sense of humour.By day, Petrina is a Special Counsel at MinterEllison, specialising in complex construction disputes, and holds a Masters in Construction Law from the University of Melbourne. In addition to her Construction Disputes practice, Petrina also has a keen interest in legal ethics and sits on the Ethics Committee of the Queensland Law Society and the Legal Practitioners Admissions Board of Queensland.Petrina also has a background in stand-up comedy, including regular gigs on the Brisbane stand-up comedy circuit and she has been a finalist in many Queensland comedy competitions. Petrina has flexed her skills as a comedian in a professional setting in corporate comedy debates, and hosting and MC'ing corporate events in the legal and non-legal world.

A view from the BenchThe Honourable Justice Rebecca TrestonBiography - Justice Treston was admitted as a solicitor in 1991 and was called to the Queensland Bar in 1996. She was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013, and as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2024. Her Honour had a diverse commercial practice at the Bar, predominantly in estate and trust litigation, but also in general commercial litigation, statutory scheme litigation, public liability and medical negligence litigation. Her Honour was the first female President of the Bar Association of Qld between 2018 and 2020. 

Crossing the Expert: Mastering the Art of Cross-Examination of Experts Gerard Mullins KCBiography - Gerard Mullins KC practices in Tort law. He specialises in catastrophic injury, medical negligence, aviation and human rights. He has an LLM from the University of Queensland where he lectures periodically in the Masters Program. He has delivered papers nationally and internationally on diverse aspects of tort law. He is a joint author of Civil Liability, Australia, published by LexisNexis. He acted on behalf of the families of victims of the Black Hawk Helicopter crash in Townsville in 1996 in litigation in Queensland and Connecticut; the New South Wales Master Farriers’ Association in the Equine Influenza Inquiry in 2006; numerous children sexually abused in foster care in Queensland (Davison v. State of Queensland (2006) 226 CLR 234); the patients of Dr Jayant Patel and the Bundaberg Hospital Support Group at the Queensland Public Hospitals Commission of Inquiry and associated litigation (Keating v. Morris [2005] QSC 243); multiple Police Officers who developed psychiatric conditions following covert police work (Queensland v. Stephenson (2006) 226 CLR 197); the relatives of Cameron Doomadgee following his death on Palm Island (Hurley v. Clements [2010] 1 Qd R 215); multiple patients of a surgeon in claims relating to failed abdominal surgery (Shaw v Broadbent (2004) QSC 433); multiple families of victims of the Lockhart River air crash (Thornton v. Lessbrook (2010) QSC 363 and Kepa v. Lessbrook (2012) 269 FLR 103) and subsequent antisuit litigation relating to proceedings in Missouri (Mackellar Mining Equipment Pty Ltd v. Thornton [2019] QCA 77); the mothers of deceased adolescents following closure of a psychiatric facility at the Barrett Adolescent Centre Commission of Inquiry; Doctors for Refugees at the Inquest into the Death of Hamid Khazaei on Manus Island; the survivors of sexual abuse in the Australian Defence Force and families of the deceased in the crash of FZ981 in Rostov-on-Don in Russia. 

Everything About Expert ConclavesJessica McClymont KCBiography - Jessica McClymont KC is a highly experienced practitioner in personal injuries, having practiced extensively in that area over the course of her legal career spanning more than thirty years. She practiced as a solicitor and was a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist, prior to commencing at the Bar in 2005 and being appointed King’s Counsel in 2023. She accepts instructions on behalf of both plaintiffs and defendants, and as a mediator and expert evidence conclave facilitator, and is a panel member of most major insurers with the Queensland jurisdiction and the Queensland government. 

Expert Immunity in Medical Indemnity: Legal Protections and LimitationsJustine BeirneBiography - Justine has over 25 years’ experience in medical indemnity across the spectrum of civil claims, class actions, disciplinary complaints and coronal investigations. She has successfully combined her litigation, risk management skills, Master of Laws, Postgraduate Certificate in Management, strategic and change leadership to manage a national medical indemnity portfolio and over 220 staff. She leads a team of over 90 lawyers in Avant Law nationally making it the largest and only specialist medico legal firm in Australia. As the first female and youngest President of the Society Justine brings a wealth of medical indemnity experience.

What does the “I” mean for an IME?Dr Jill ReddanBiography - Jill Reddan has been a medical practitioner for close to 45 years and a Fellow of the RANZCP for 36 years. Her subspecialty training was in forensics but she has always also practised as a general adult psychiatrist. She was a psychiatrist for the General Medical Assessment Tribunals, QCOMP and she was an Assisting Psychiatrist for the Mental Health Court for close to 10 years. She was in private clinical practice for many years but for most of her professional life she has also worked in the public sector and she continues to work for the Prison Mental Health Service. In addition, she has undertaken work for the College and she spent 6 years as the Co-Chair of the Committee for Examinations.

ABC for a Medicolegal ReportA/Prof Christopher Cunneen OAMA/Prof Christopher Cunneen is a Consultant in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, with a distinguished career improving worker health in both corporate and government settings. Performing over 1000 independent medical assessments annually, he is a trusted expert regularly called upon by courts, tribunals, and legal professionals across Australia.He received the Order of Australia Medal in 2018 for his service to medicine and is the Founding Director of the Independent Medical Evaluators College Australasia. A/Prof Cunneen is a recognised expert on the AMA Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (4th, 5th, and 6th Editions); also serves on 6th Edition International Advisory Board. He is passionate about sharing his knowledge on independent medical evaluation and assessment of Permanent Impairment with colleagues, legal professionals and government departments.A/Prof Cunneen is an examiner for RACP/AFOEM, and mentors emerging OEM specialists in Queensland. He has proudly served as a Medical Officer in the Australian Defence Force for almost 40 years and has volunteered with St John Ambulance QLD for 35 years.

Expert Evidence: Sharing is CaringPaul TelfordPaul holds a Master’s Degree in Law and practices in all areas of commercial, construction, estate and insurance law, including statutory claims and the defence of professional negligence/medical malpractice actions. He has extensive experience in all forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution, Disciplinary matters and Coronial Inquests. In 2011 he appeared in the Commission of Inquiry into the Queensland Floods and in 2021 he appeared before the Queensland Coal Mining Board of Inquiry following the Grosvenor Mine explosion. Prior to joining the private bar in 2005 Paul had practised as a solicitor for 10 years with a global law firm in Sydney and Brisbane and had also occupied an in-house role with a large Australian mining and resources company based in the Kimberley region of Western Australia.For more than 25 years, Paul was a member of the Faculty of Law at QUT where he taught at both undergraduate and post-graduate levels in the Law School. He has also lectured in the Faculty of Built Environment and Engineering and the Faculty of Business, where he assisted in the writing and delivery of an Executive MBA Course in Complex Project Management for the Defence Material Organisation (Department of Defence) in Canberra.He has regularly been invited to lecture in the Qld Bar Association Bar Practice Course. Paul is the author of two loose-leaf publications on Privacy Law available through LexisNexis and has been the Queensland Editor of the Australian Insurance Law Bulletin since 1998.

The role of expertsKate BettsKate is a health law and policy specialist, experienced litigator and dispute resolution expert. Working almost exclusively for private and public sector health clients and their insurers for close to 20 years, Kate has developed a deep understanding of the way the Australian heath care system is funded, organised, managed and operated. Kate leads Corrs' health law and policy and litigation teams.

Medico-legal Reporting - Tips and TrapsA/Prof Robert LabromDr Robert Labrom is an orthopaedic surgeon who has a practice specializing in Adult and Paediatric Spinal conditions. He works in private practice at The Welsey Hospital and at Queensland Children’s Hospital. His special interest is scoliosis surgery.Dr Labrom is an Adjunct Professor at QUT and is a Director of the Biomechanics and Spine Research Group based at QCH and QUT. He also has Masters in Spinal Biomechanics (University of British Columbia) and is widely published.Dr Labrom has a significant medicolegal practice that offers independent opinions for both plaintiff and defendant legal teams. He enjoys spending time with his family, walking, travelling and art.

Getting It Right: How to Brief Experts and Choose the Best FitKirsten Van Der WalKirsten Van Der Wal is a Senior Associate and the head of Maurice Blackburn’s medical negligence department in Queensland and the Northern Territory. Kirsten practises exclusively in the area of medical negligence. She is a committee member of the Far North Medical & Legal Society Inc and member of the Medico-Legal Society of Queensland and Women Lawyers Association of Queensland.Kirsten has litigated in the Supreme Court, the Court of Appeal, and the High Court of Australia. She is listed in The Best Lawyers in Australia® for Medical Negligence and recognised by the Doyles Guide Leading Medical Negligence Compensation Lawyers.

Doctors, lawyers and the future of expert evidenceDr Owen BradfieldDr Owen Bradfield is a dual-qualified medical practitioner and health lawyer, and currently the Chief Medical Officer of the Medical Indemnity Protection Society. He has 15 years’ experience in the medical indemnity insurance industry, where he has advised and represented doctors in a range of medico-legal disputes, including civil claims, regulatory complaints, employment disputes, Coronial inquests and Medicare investigations. Owen is also a health law researcher at the University of Melbourne, where his research into the intersection between doctors’ health and legal claims has been awarded a 2020 Fulbright Scholarship, a 2022 Premier’s Award in Health and Medical Research and a 2024 University of Melbourne Dean’s Award for Excellence in the PhD Thesis. He is also the Deputy Chairperson of the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare Ethics Committee.

Judge Sandy Horneman-Wren explores the complex world of disciplinary proceedings for health practitioners in Queensland in his presentation, Doctors in the Dock. 

Hedley Thomas, award-winning investigative journalist and critically acclaimed podcaster and MLSQ director Dr Mellissa N. will explore the complexities of accountability and transparency at the dynamic intersection of Media, Medicine, and the Law, and how curiosity, courage and leadership can drive meaningful cultural and systemic change.

I'm not a bad person.... am I? Navigating equity in a rapidly changing social landscapeA/Prof Rhea LiangA/Prof Rhea Liang is a general and breast surgeon on the Gold Coast, medical educator, Clinical Sub Dean at Bond University, and systems change leader. She researches, advocates and consults in diversity and equity issues. She serves on the British Journal of Surgery editorial board and the American College of Surgeons International Relations Committee. She is the past Chair of the RACS Operate With Respect Education committee, current Chair of the Commonwealth A Better Culture Curriculum Design group, and in 2023 became the first Australian woman awarded RCSEng(Hon) for contributions to surgical education and diversity over the past two decades. 

The Scenario continued...During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation.The anaesthetic registrar, when questioned about the clinical incident, indicated that she had possibly made an error of judgment due to fatigue.  She had worked lots of on-call, filled in for illness and stayed behind to help when needed, which was often.  She felt that this rotation and the fatigue had ruined her life.  The anaesthetic head of department was aware of the hours she was working, and refused to grant much of her claimed overtime, indicating it wasn’t in the budget and we all “just had to do what we had to do for the patients The ED resident who managed the patient, subjected to the investigation and questions about his management, became increasingly despondent and went on sick leave.  He subsequently brought legal action against the hospital for psychosocial injury, alleging that he had spoken to the emergency director about difficulties managing the endless flow of sick and injured patients, and feeling unsupported and unable to provide the care he felt they deserved.  As a result, he has developed insomnia, anxiety and has been diagnosed with PTSD.  He is unsure if he will return to the hospital or even the profession.The director of surgery, considering the allegations, has come under scrutiny.  As part of this, it is revealed that he was employed at a time of crisis in an area of need, both clinically and politically.  His appointment was signed off by the DMS, medical credentialling committee and regional office.An investigation by the media has uncovered multiple complaints by patients, which leads to the discovery that the surgical department in the hospital has encountered a substantially higher morbidity and mortality rate than others within the state.  The media are quick to blame the director of surgery, however this data is readily available and known to the hospital executive.  The DMS indicates that the hospital executive were made aware, but they were not concerned, indicating it was because of poor funding from the government, and what can we do?  The DMS does not pursue it.Under intense media interest and community and political pressure, an inquiry lays bare the cultural problems within the hospital.  The DMS and GM are particularly under the spotlight.  They respond that they have been working under unreasonable constraints and resource issues imposed on them from above and have been doing the best they can in the circumstances.In response to sustained and intense pressure, the DMS retires, the director of surgery is suspended by Ahpra, the registrar’s have long been rotated to other jobs, and the government decides to substantially increase resources in the area.  They commit to building a nice, shiny new hospital and hope it will attract a new cohort of doctors.  Every other regional health service complains that they are just as deserving, but the media have moved on to the latest tragedy within the Kardashian household.A new breed of clinical leaders is emerging to guide the hospital into a new era, but they are now desperate to know – Why would anyone want to be a clinical leader?This panel discussion will deep dive into who wants to take the lead. The panel members are: Prof Michael ClearyDr Hash AbdeenMs Sonya BlackDr Jillian Farmer 

The Scenario continued...Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident.During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation.The anaesthetic registrar, when questioned about the clinical incident, indicated that she had possibly made an error of judgment due to fatigue.  She had worked lots of on-call, filled in for illness and stayed behind to help when needed, which was often.  She felt that this rotation and the fatigue had ruined her life.  The anaesthetic head of department was aware of the hours she was working, and refused to grant much of her claimed overtime, indicating it wasn’t in the budget and we all “just had to do what we had to do for the patients The ED resident who managed the patient, subjected to the investigation and questions about his management, became increasingly despondent and went on sick leave.  He subsequently brought legal action against the hospital for psychosocial injury, alleging that he had spoken to the emergency director about difficulties managing the endless flow of sick and injured patients, and feeling unsupported and unable to provide the care he felt they deserved.  As a result, he has developed insomnia, anxiety and has been diagnosed with PTSD.  He is unsure if he will return to the hospital or even the profession.The director of surgery, considering the allegations, has come under scrutiny.  As part of this, it is revealed that he was employed at a time of crisis in an area of need, both clinically and politically.  His appointment was signed off by the DMS, medical credentialling committee and regional office.An investigation by the media has uncovered multiple complaints by patients, which leads to the discovery that the surgical department in the hospital has encountered a substantially higher morbidity and mortality rate than others within the state.  The media are quick to blame the director of surgery, however this data is readily available and known to the hospital executive.  The DMS indicates that the hospital executive were made aware, but they were not concerned, indicating it was because of poor funding from the government, and what can we do?  The DMS does not pursue it.Under intense media interest and community and political pressure, an inquiry lays bare the cultural problems within the hospital.  The DMS and GM are particularly under the spotlight.  They respond that they have been working under unreasonable constraints and resource issues imposed on them from above and have been doing the best they can in the circumstances.Dr Jillann Farmer in this episode will coverRoles and responsibilities of clinical leadersManaging clinical riskMaintaining standards

The ScenarioThe setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident.During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation.The anaesthetic registrar, when questioned about the clinical incident, indicated that she had possibly made an error of judgment due to fatigue.  She had worked lots of on-call, filled in for illness and stayed behind to help when needed, which was often.  She felt that this rotation and the fatigue had ruined her life.  The anaesthetic head of department was aware of the hours she was working, and refused to grant much of her claimed overtime, indicating it wasn’t in the budget and we all “just had to do what we had to do for the patients The ED resident who managed the patient, subjected to the investigation and questions about his management, became increasingly despondent and went on sick leave.  He subsequently brought legal action against the hospital for psychosocial injury, alleging that he had spoken to the emergency director about difficulties managing the endless flow of sick and injured patients, and feeling unsupported and unable to provide the care he felt they deserved.  As a result, he has developed insomnia, anxiety and has been diagnosed with PTSD.  He is unsure if he will return to the hospital or even the profession.The director of surgery, considering the allegations, has come under scrutiny.  As part of this, it is revealed that he was employed at a time of crisis in an area of need, both clinically and politically.  His appointment was signed off by the DMS, medical credentialling committee and regional office.An investigation by the media has uncovered multiple complaints by patients, which leads to the discovery that the surgical department in the hospital has encountered a substantially higher morbidity and mortality rate than others within the state.  The media are quick to blame the director of surgery, however this data is readily available and known to the hospital executive.  The DMS indicates that the hospital executive were made aware, but they were not concerned, indicating it was because of poor funding from the government, and what can we do?  The DMS does not pursue it.Mr Ryan Nattrass in this episode will coverLiability of medical leaders in the event of clinical problemsBacchus Marsh

The Scope of Credentialing This session is chaired by MLSQ committee member Dr Jenny Schafer. The ScenarioThe setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident.During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation.The anaesthetic registrar, when questioned about the clinical incident, indicated that she had possibly made an error of judgment due to fatigue.  She had worked lots of on-call, filled in for illness and stayed behind to help when needed, which was often.  She felt that this rotation and the fatigue had ruined her life.  The anaesthetic head of department was aware of the hours she was working, and refused to grant much of her claimed overtime, indicating it wasn’t in the budget and we all “just had to do what we had to do for the patients The ED resident who managed the patient, subjected to the investigation and questions about his management, became increasingly despondent and went on sick leave.  He subsequently brought legal action against the hospital for psychosocial injury, alleging that he had spoken to the emergency director about difficulties managing the endless flow of sick and injured patients, and feeling unsupported and unable to provide the care he felt they deserved.  As a result, he has developed insomnia, anxiety and has been diagnosed with PTSD.  He is unsure if he will return to the hospital or even the profession.The director of surgery, considering the allegations, has come under scrutiny.  As part of this, it is revealed that he was employed at a time of crisis in an area of need, both clinically and politically.  His appointment was signed off by the DMS, medical credentialling committee and regional office.Dr Bavahuna Manoharan in this episode will coverLiability of administration in credentiallingScope of practice – how do you determine and supervise it?

Psychosocial hazards in healthcare This session is chaired by MLSQ committee member Dr Catherine Yelland The ScenarioThe setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident.During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation.The anaesthetic registrar, when questioned about the clinical incident, indicated that she had possibly made an error of judgment due to fatigue.  She had worked lots of on-call, filled in for illness and stayed behind to help when needed, which was often.  She felt that this rotation and the fatigue had ruined her life.  The anaesthetic head of department was aware of the hours she was working, and refused to grant much of her claimed overtime, indicating it wasn’t in the budget and we all “just had to do what we had to do for the patients The ED resident who managed the patient, subjected to the investigation and questions about his management, became increasingly despondent and went on sick leave.  He subsequently brought legal action against the hospital for psychosocial injury, alleging that he had spoken to the emergency director about difficulties managing the endless flow of sick and injured patients, and feeling unsupported and unable to provide the care he felt they deserved.  As a result, he has developed insomnia, anxiety and has been diagnosed with PTSD.  He is unsure if he will return to the hospital or even the profession.Dr Clare Wood in this episode will coverPsychosocial hazards in the clinical workplaceBurnout – the cost, who is responsible and how do prevent it?Liability of leaders in managing the welfare of their team

Balancing fatigue, workload and riskThis session is chaired by MLSQ committee member Dr Catherine Yelland The ScenarioThe setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident.During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation.The anaesthetic registrar, when questioned about the clinical incident, indicated that she had possibly made an error of judgment due to fatigue.  She had worked lots of on-call, filled in for illness and stayed behind to help when needed, which was often.  She felt that this rotation and the fatigue had ruined her life.  The anaesthetic head of department was aware of the hours she was working, and refused to grant much of her claimed overtime, indicating it wasn’t in the budget and we all “just had to do what we had to do for the patients Mrs Sonya Black in this episode will coverFatigue and staffing – who is responsible? What can you do, what should you do?Overtime (Frankston, NSW)

Inappropriate workplace behaviour or resilience building?This session is chaired by MLSQ committee member Dr Catherine Yelland The ScenarioThe setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident.During the investigation, the surgical resident revealed that she had been exposed to racial and sexual harassment and bullied and belittled by the surgical consultant.  She had made the surgical registrar aware of this, but nothing had been done.  She had mentioned it to the DMS, who chalked it up to a “personality clash” and told her she needed to harden up.  The consultant denies all allegations and angrily indicates he intends to sue for defamation. Mrs Sonya Black in this episode will coverEthical and legal responsibilities and consequences of clinical leadersVexatious complaints

Sink or swim: it used to work, didn’t it?This session is chaired by MLSQ Senior Vice President Dr Mark Woodrow The ScenarioThe setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.The surgical consultant says he wasn’t properly informed of the patient.  The registrar indicated that he isn’t really supervised, and just told to “get on with it”.  Rumours around the hospital are that this registrar is a bit gung-ho and overconfident. Dr Hashim Abdeen & Dr Donna O’Sullivan in this episode cover off Training, supervision and performance management – what are the risks and challengesWhat trainees and supervisors want and expectWhat happens when things go wrongDo we support our junior doctors or throw them to the wolves if they underperform?

Healthcare related deathThis session is chaired by MLSQ Senior Vice President Dr Mark WoodrowThe Scenario The setting is a large regional hospital in a relatively disadvantaged town.  There is difficulty attracting staff, and most positions are filled by locums, newly arrived IMG’s and rotating registrars.A patient presents on a Friday evening, another victim of drug related gang violence.  He had been pinned to a wall by a car and sustained multiple injuries. He was resuscitated by the ED and then whisked off to theatre by the enthusiastic surgical registrar, who happened to be walking past the ED on his way home.Unfortunately, while performing surgery, the patient deteriorated and died on the table.  This led to a Coroners notification, investigation and plenty of media attention.  All staff were interviewed by police, hospital and external investigators.Prof Michael Cleary & Coroner Carol Lee in this episode cover offInvestigations and procedures after an eventThe role, responsibility and liability of medical administratorsInternal vs external investigatorsThe mediaRole of the Coroner

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and healthcare. AI holds immense potential to revolutionize healthcare, but it also raises important ethical, social, and practical considerations. This presentation will provide arguments for and against the integration of AI into healthcare. Introducing our Speaker: Dr Monica TrujilloDr Trujillo obtained her degree in Medicine and Surgery in 1998, holds a Master of Public Health, and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Medical Administrators, Fellow of the Australasian College of Health Service Management as well as Board Member and Fellow of the Australian Institute of Digital Health.Monica is a healthcare executive with over 20 years' experience across local, state, and national programs. She is a recognised expert on digital healthcare and health information technology and is focused on advancing patient-centred care and safety and improving quality outcomes through the adoption of technology, clinician leadership and active community collaboration.As the Chief Health Officer and Enterprise Growth Executive at Telstra Health, she leads the strategy, design, and delivery of innovative and scalable digital health solutions that enhance patient care and safety, improve quality outcomes, and enable growth and sustainability.

 Have we underestimated the long-term effects of head trauma in sport? Can clubs be trusted to supervise their own players? Would a sports data base have wider benefits for medicine? A recent Senate Report has delved into the concerning links between contact sport and cognitive deficits. Dr Curtis Gray, psychiatrist, will explore these issues and more with an elite panel - Ben Ikin, Queensland Rugby League CEO and former Queensland and Australian representative rugby league player, Juanita Maiden, prominent Sports Lawyer, and Professor Terry Coyne OAM, distinguished Neurosurgeon.