President's Report: Pat Bary - Urological Society of Australia and ...

Society News 

Summer 2009 

President’s Report: Pat Bary 

The last few months have been fascinating 

and very enjoyable. I’ve had 

the good fortune and privilege to visit 

a number of sections to participate 

in their Section ASMs. I have shared 

these visits with Vice President David 

Malouf as a couple of the meetings 

have occurred simultaneously. 

David has very much enjoyed his 

visits also. I’ve been very pleased to 

see that most of the Section meetings 

have allowed a great deal of 

local involvement with discussion of 

matters that are locally pertinent. I’d 

been under the impression that some 

of the meetings were becoming bigger 

than Ben Hur with a number of 

overseas guests and little chance for 

local people to present and discuss. 

This year this was certainly not 

nearly as common as I had felt. We 

have many very talented urologists in 

Australia and New Zealand and it has 

been very stimulating to hear some 

of them being worked hard and airing 

their expertise as guests throughout 

the sections. Those sections that 

did have overseas guests minimised 

their number and maximised their 

workload, to good effect. I would very 

much encourage people who are 

planning the Section meetings for 

future years to continue this trend. 

We could even get to the point where 

sections may share a guest if they 

bring one from overseas. We would 

encourage future years’ section 

meeting convenors to confer early in 

the year in order to collaborate where 

possible. 

During these meetings David and I 

have had the chance to inform and 

have feedback from USANZ members 

about the USANZ strategic 

direction. It has been very pleasing 

to find that our ideas have been well 

received and, in fact, having asked 

for further feedback on any aspects 

that might be of concerns to any 

USANZ member, I’ve received none. 

There has been a great deal of work 

done (with a lot more to come) to 

professionalise and modernise our 

society so that USANZ can take a 

more leading role in the urological 

care of our community while heightening 

our profile as urologists who 

have a very high standard of integrity 

and skill. There has been a need to 

modernise our Articles of Association 

and codes of conduct. All of this work 

is ongoing and, following a further 

Executive strategy weekend recently, 

a preliminary document will soon be 

sent to all members of USANZ for 

their comments so that the direction 

can be ratified at the 2009 AGM, 

along with an appropriately updated 

constitution. 

I’ve also visited the New Delhi ASM 

of the Urological Association of Asia 

as a guest of the UAA. It was a very 

enjoyable meeting with an eye-opening 

array of papers on subjects that 

we rarely see in our region. USANZ 

is to become an affiliate member of 

the UAA and I’m sure this will help 

open further dialogue with urologists 

throughout Asia, to our mutual 

benefit. There is a great deal all of us 

can do to help improve the exposure 

to high quality urological care 

throughout the whole region. I would 

hasten to add we must look more at 

our Pacific region too. A number of 

USANZ members have been giving 

excellent assistance in this area for 

many years. I’m sure it is time US- 

ANZ helped to coordinate and further 

improve this. Again, if we are giving 

assistance, we and our trainees will 

gain a lot also from the increased 

urological exposure. 

continued page 3 

UROLOGICAL SOCIETY OF 

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND 

Suite 512 Eastpoint, 180 Ocean Street, Edgecliff NSW 2027 Australia 

Tel: +61 2 9362 8644 Fax: +61 2 9362 1433 

Email: communication@usanz.org.au Web: www.usanz.org.au 

President: Patrick (Pat) Bary Vice President: David Malouf 

Executive: James Aspinall, David Cook, Peter Davidson, David Ende, Tony James, Paul Kovac, Paul McRae, Helen 

O’Connell, Philip Sprott, Leslie Thompson, Michael Vaughan, Z Stan Wisniewski Chief Executive Officer: Alex Malley 

Society News │ the newsletter of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand Summer 2009 1

Formerley 

MENTOR 

RME 

Soft-Solid 

Testicular 

Prosthesis 

For a more 

natural look and feel 

Restores your patient’s physical 

and psychological confidence 

 

 

 

® 1 

Contact customer care on freecall 1800 170 009 

email au.urology@coloplast.com 

1. R e f e r e n c e To r o s a S u b a s s e m b l y D r a w i n g 

Mentor Part Number; 500338 

is a registered trademark of Coloplast A/S or related companies. © 2007-11. 

All rights reserved. Coloplast A/S, 3050 Humlebæk, Denmark 

Coloplast Pty Ltd, 33 Gilby Road, Mount Waverley, Victoria 3149 Australia 

2 Society News │ the newsletter of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand Summer 2009 

Tel: +61 3 9541 1111 Web: www.coloplast.com.au ACN 054 949 692

President’s Report continued 

Society Notes 

continued from page 1 

On the international front it is dreadfully 

sad to see the ongoing violence 

and inhumanity as the year closes. 

There is also the unprecedented 

financial turbulence throughout the 

world with no-one unaffected. At the 

same time there have been changes 

in government with many promises 

that will be difficult to keep but we all 

remain positive. 

Movember 2008! 

Congratulations to New Zealand 

urologists participating in Movember 

2008. 

Left: Frank Kueppers winning 

Mr Movember for the second time 

Below: Christchurch urologists and 

registrars (Team Uromo) winning 

Team Movember 

The Movember event raises funds and 

awareness around men’s health issues 

On a lighter note I see that equilibrium 

has been upset between 

Australia and New Zealand on the 

rugby league field but restored on the 

cricket field. At least there is something 

we can rely on in these times! 

I wish everyone a safe and happy 

Christmas and New Year holiday 

period and hope you are ready for 

exciting times as the direction of 

USANZ steadies and its progress 

gains momentum. ■ 

AUSTRALASIAN UROLOGICAL FOUNDATION 

Suite 512 Eastpoint, 180 Ocean Street, Edgecliff NSW 2027, Australia 

Tel: +61 2 9362 8644 Fax: +61 2 9362 1433 Email: communication@usanz.org.au 

The Foundation’s main activity is the provision of research funds, through a grants programme, to encourage urological 

research projects carried out by members of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand. 

The Foundation will shortly be advertising its grants programme for 2009 - via the website, E-News and the newsletter 

- The Bruce Pearson Grant provides funds up to $100,000 

- The three Australasian Urological Foundation Grants each provide funds of up to $30,000 

Contact the Foundation at the Society’s offices by email: communication@usanz.org.au 

or tel: +61 2 9362 8644 


From the CEO’s Desk: Alex Malley 

The business of urology, like the 

world today, is increasingly complex 

and challenging. In addition to the 

ongoing responsibilities for training 

and education, USANZ must be 

represented in a range of forums 

spanning education, medico, political, 

legal, community and media. To be 

viewed as the authority in all matters 

urological requires USANZ to build 

relevant strategies and relationships 

designed to get us to the table(s) 

that matter to our profession and the 

wider community. To that extent the 

President has circulated our USANZ 

Strategic Directions 2009 - 2011 

document for member review. 

During the year members and staff 

have contributed across a range of 

fronts, including: 

Education and Training 

• USANZ launched its online 

application system for SET 

Urology. The system was well 

received by applicants and has 

created greater efficiencies in 

the USANZ office. A total of 105 

applications were submitted. 

Development of an online 

referee reporting system to 

streamline the distribution and 

return of referee reports was also 

completed. 

• USANZ especially acknowledges 

the outgoing Urology Board 

Chair, Philip Sprott for his efforts 

over the past three formative 

years for education and training. 

Philip has made an outstanding 

contribution during a time of 

great uncertainty in the surgical 

training sphere. We also thank 

the Board of Urology members 

and Deborah Klein for their 

ongoing contributions. 

Continuing Professional 

Development 

• Co-ordination activities 

undertaken to support SAG 

groups and members generally. 

• Thanks go to CPD Committee 

Chair, Les Thompson, SAG 

participants and Wendy Frazer 

for their collaborative efforts. 

Membership and Communication 

• The Society’s new website was 

launched in 2008. Members 

now have individual usernames 

and passwords, which can be 

changed online. USANZ now 

uses the Google Analytics 

program which better analyses 

traffic to the USANZ site and 

tracks statistics against industry 

benchmarks. 

• For member convenience and in 

the process of contemporizing 

the way USANZ conducts 

business, payments can now be 

made online by credit card and 

through BPay facilities. 

Thanks go to Louise Reeson and 

Michael Nugara for the co-ordination 

and management of a range of 

projects and activities over 2008. 

Governance 

• Governance processes and 

accountabilities were further 

enhanced in 2008 through the 

revision of internal controls, 

improvements to accounting 

procedures and savings 

achieved through more efficient 

(online) mechanisms. 

• The Executive (Board of 

Directors) undertook a strategic 

review process and produced 

the USANZ Strategic Directions 

2009 - 2011 document which was 

circulated to members in early 

2009. Central to our strategic 

objectives is the development of 

a more nimble and contemporary 

governance model that allows 

for a skills based Executive, 

opportunity for independent 

directors and a more flexible and 

workable constitution 

• Central to the future of USANZ 

is the execution of its agreed 

strategic directions. This 

cannot be achieved without a 

robust governance model and 

management team. During 2008 

USANZ made two outstanding 

staff appointments; Mr Michael 

Nugara and Mr Vaughan 

Parkinson. Their respective roles 

in compliance and accounting will 

be central to effective resource 

management which in turn will 

lay a sustainable platform for our 

future plans. 

• During the year we saw the 

retirement of Allan Rosenthal 

after many years of good service 

to USANZ. We acknowledge his 

contribution and wish him well in 

retirement. 

I acknowledge the leaders of our 

organisation; Pat Bary, the Executive 

and all our working committee 

members. 

This year has been exceptionally 

challenging on a range of fronts and 

with that backdrop Pat Bary has 

exhibited enormous strength and 

leadership capability. He has led the 

strategic review process in a very 

balanced way and sought feedback 

from members at every opportunity. 

He recognizes the importance 

to USANZ of smooth leadership 

succession and to that end has 

shared with David Malouf his ongoing 

insights on the key strategic issues 

moving forward. 

On a personal level I have greatly 

appreciated Pat’s strategic focus, 

honesty, and clarity. USANZ is 

working through a watershed period 

at generational, professional and 

competitive levels. Pat’s guidance 

and ongoing support has made an 

invaluable difference to my ability to 

effect the role of Chief Executive. 

I wish to also acknowledge on the 

members’ behalf my colleagues 

Deborah, Louise, Michael, Vaughan 

and Wendy for their efforts over 2008 

and we collectively look forward to 

working with members in 2009. 

We look forward to working with 

David Malouf as our President in 

2009/2010. ■ 

Laborie URODYNAMICS and consumables 

Low cost ULTRASOUND (TRUS and BIOPSY) 

Laborie FLOWMETERS 

M-Cube BLADDER SCANNERS 

No scalpel VASECTOMY 

Medispec ESWL 

Sydmed have over 20 years experience in medical instruments. 

Excellent references are available for all products. 

Please contact us. 

Tel + 61 2 9317 4777 Fax + 61 2 9317 3165 

andrew@sydmed.com www.sydmed.com 

4 Society News │ the newsletter of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand Summer 2009

2008 USANZ Annual Report 

The 2008 USANZ Annual Report was emailed to members on 12 February 2009. 

It is also available for viewing in the 

Members Only section of the website: www.usanz.org.au 

As previously advised, hard copies of the Annual Report are only distributed upon request. 

To request a copy of the 2008 Annual Report, please email: communication@usanz.org.au 

or tel: 02 9362 8644 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SC659 Androcur Urological Societ1 1 

Society News │ the newsletter of the Urological Society of Australia and New Zealand Summer 2009 5 

23/11/05 1:56:02 PM

Designed For Patient Care 

PBS Information: Authority Required. Locally advanced (equivalent to stage C) or metastatic (equivalent to stage D) carcinoma of the prostate. 

PLEASE REVIEW PRODUCT INFORMATION BEFORE PRESCRIBING. Full Product Information is available from Abbott Australasia Pty Ltd. ABN 95 000 180 389. 32-34 Lord Street, 

Botany NSW 2019, or by phoning 1800 225 311. Lucrin Prefilled Dual Chamber Syringe (PDS) injection (sterile leuprorelin acetate for suspension). Indications: Palliative treatment of 

metastatic or locally extensive prostatic cancer (Stage C and D). Contraindications: Nonapeptide and excipient hypersensitivity; pregnancy; lactation. Precautions: Urinary tract obstructions; 

metastatic vertebral lesions. Adverse Effects: ‘Flare’ phenomenon; hot flushes; sweats; peripheral oedema; GI upset; testosterone effects; pain; dyspnoea; asthenia; Reported for Depot 3 

Month and Depot 4 Month only: nervous system disturbances; arthralgia; myalgia; respiratory disorders; urinary disorders; skin reactions. Others, see full PI. Dosage: Intramuscular injection. 

Vary site of administration. 7.5 mg injection monthly. 22.5 mg injection 3 monthly. 30 mg injection 4 monthly. Date of Preparation: July 2008. PBS Dispensed Price: 7.5 mg injection 

$419.77; 3 Month PDS injection $1108.33; 4 Month PDS injection $1450.90. 

PHARMAC Pharmaceutical Schedule: Lucrin Depot is fully subsidised under Special Authority for the treatment of 

Prostate Cancer, Breast Cancer, Endometriosis and Precocious Puberty. Refer to Pharmaceutical Schedule for full Criteria. 

PLEASE REVIEW DATA SHEET BEFORE PRESCRIBING. The Data Sheet is available from Abbott Laboratories NZ Ltd. 4 Pacific Rise, Mt Wellington, Auckland, or by phoning 0800 73 72 

71. Lucrin Depot Injection is a Prescription Medicine (sterile leuprorelin acetate for suspension). Indications: Palliative treatment of advanced prostatic cancer, endometriosis, uterine fibroids 

and breast cancer. Lucrin Depot 3.75 mg is also indicated in the treatment of children with central precocious puberty (CPP). Contraindications: Nonapeptide and excipient hypersensitivity; 

pregnancy (category C); undiagnosed vaginal bleeding. Precautions: Prostate Cancer: urinary tract obstructions; metastatic vertebral lesions; initial worsening of symptoms. Endometriosis/ 

uterine fibroids: initial increase in clinical signs/symptoms; heavy vaginal bleeding in treatment of submucous leiomyoma uteri; loss of bone mineral density; CPP: inadequate dose may lead 

to loss of control of pubertal process; Others, see full Data Sheet. Adverse Effects: ‘Flare’ phenomenon; hot flushes; sweats; decreased libido; 

peripheral oedema; GI upset; testosterone effects; pain; dyspnoea; asthenia; nocturia; skeletal pain; headache; nervous system disturbances; 

arthralgia; myalgia; respiratory disorders; urinary disorders; skin reactions; Others, see full Data Sheet. Dosage: Intramuscular or subcutaneous 

injection. Vary site of administration. 3.75 mg injection monthly. 11.25 mg injection 3 monthly. Date of Preparation: May 2008. ® Registered 

Trademark. TAPS PP6237. LUC 073-1108-1. ® Registered Trademark. The Health Agency LUC038. 


LUC038_UShandbook.indd 1 

25/11/08 10:14:12 AM

USANZ Annual Scientific Meeting 2009 

ATTENDING THE USANZ ASM 

ON THE GOLD COAST? 

8-12 March 2009 

For further information, including program updates, 

please visit the official ASM website: 

www.urologymeeting.com.au 

or contact Event Planners Australia: 

T: +61 2 9213 4000 

E: usanz@eventplanners.com.au 

Thank you to our generous sponsors 

Platinum Sponsor: 

Hospira 

Silver Sponsor: 

Karl Storz Endoskope 

Gold Sponsors: 

Abbott 

AstraZeneca 

CSL Biotherapies 

Sanofi-aventis 

Bronze Sponsors: 

AMGEN 

Novartis 

Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia 


0:14:12 AM

1 

Go less at at night More “go” 

the next day 2-4 

• Unique gel r formulation for 

consistent drug levels 1 

• Significantly reduces the 

number of night time voids 1 

• ucin Reducing i night time i voids 

rei revives a pien’ patient’s en energy 

which ne enables them to start r the 

day refreshed and rec recharged 2-4 

• Y Your BPH patients will know 

’ it’s r worth it 

Less nocturia. 1 More energy 2-4 

References: 1. Djavan B, et al. Eur Urol Suppl, 2005; 4(2):61-68. 2. Asplund R. Eur Urol Suppl 2005; 3(6):24-32. 3. Stanley N. Eur Urol Suppl 2005; 4(7):17-19. 

4. Kobelt G, et al. BJU Int 2003; 91:190-195. 

Flomaxtra ® Tamsulosin HCl (400µg) AUST R 115534. Minimum Product Information. The following are not complete listings: Indication: For the relief 

of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to tamsulosin hydrochloride or 

any other component of the product; a history of orthostatic hypotension; severe hepatic or renal impairment; concurrent use of another alpha 1-adrenoceptor 

inhibitor. Precautions: Postural hypotension; priapism; myocardial ischaemia; dizziness; Intra-operative Floppy Iris Syndrome; exclude carcinoma; lactation; 

pregnancy – category B2. Adverse Effects: Retrograde ejaculation; priapism; dizziness; others. Dosage: One tablet daily, swallowed whole, taken on an empty 

stomach, or before, with or after food. 

Please review the Approved Product Information before prescribing. 

CSL Biotherapies Pty Ltd, ABN 66 120 398 067, 45 Poplar Road Parkville 3052 Phone: (03) 9389 1911 Internet: www cslbiotherapies.com.au 

Flomaxtra ® is a trademark of licensor, Astellas Pharma Europe BV. Manufactured by Astellas. Distributed by CSL Biotherapies. 

PBS information: This product is not listed on the PBS. 

For RPBS information please refer to the PBS Schedule. 


e 

2-4 

2-4 

17-19. 

relief 

ride or 

ceptor 

tation; 

empty 

om.au 

BA022 Reandron Urological Societ1 1 

Board of Urology Report: Philip Sprott 

BOARD OF UROLOGY MEMBERSHIP 

Anita Clarke finished her term as TA&E 

Chairperson for Victoria in November 2008 

after three years in this role and a considerable 

number of years before that on the Victorian 

TA&E Committee. We thank Anita for a very 

substantial commitment and contribution to the 

Board. Lachlan Dodds and Richard Grills have 

agreed undertake this role as co-chairmen of 

the Victorian TA&E Committee. 

TRAINEE AGREEMENTS 

All Trainees have been sent a 

Training Agreement. This sets out in a 

somewhat more formal manner the relative 

expectations and obligations of both the 

Trainees and Trainers. It is a College initiative, 

generic for all surgical Trainees. 

HOSPITAL INSPECTIONS 

Accreditation Criteria for Hospital Posts 

The Board has recently reviewed the urology 

specific accreditation criteria for SET 3 – SET 

5 posts. This resulted in minimal change to 

the existing documents, and the versions with 

minor revisions will be the ones now available 

on the website. 

The increased number of training positions 

in private settings prompted a requirement 

that all patients in private settings where a 

trainee would be involved in their care should 

be provided full disclosure of the nature of 

that involvement, and should give informed 

consent regarding that involvement. A 

consistent information sheet and consent form 

is being finalized, with a recommendation it be 

used consistently by all such posts. 

The College has instituted some generic 

accreditation changes: 

College Council agreed to the revised 

Accreditation Criteria for Hospital Posts. Key 

changes now include the following comments: 

• “The Hospital Supervisor of Training 

in each specialty is provided with 

paid, protected administrative time to 

undertake relevant duties appropriate to 

the specialty and in accordance with the 

SET Surgical Supervisors Policy. This 

should be dependent on the number 

of trainees but should be at least 0.2 

EFT if there are up to 5 trainees under 

supervision. For larger numbers of 

trainees additional support should be 

considered. 

• Surgeons who attend obligatory RACS or 

Specialty Supervisors' meeting/courses 

should have negotiated leave for these. 

• Accessible and adequate secretarial and 

IT services should be available for the 

supervisor's role related to training.” 

Payment for Accreditation of Hospital 

Posts 

College Council has resolved the financial 

responsibility for post inspections should 

lie with the applying hospital, rather than it 

coming from Trainee fees as now occurs. 

Jurisdictions have been notified this change 

16/2/07 9:24:00 AM 

is intended to commence in 2009. Dialogue 

continues between the College and the Health 

Departments over this issue. 

Accreditation of Training Post 

• Wagga Base Hospital – 1 year 

accreditation. This post has some funding 

from the Expanded Settings Training 

Programme of the Commonwealth 

Department of Heath and Ageing. 

• Campbelltown Hospital – 1 year 

accreditation. 

Suspension of Training Post 

The Victorian TA&E has recommended the 

suspension of accreditation for Royal Hobart 

Hospital for 2009 pending the rectification of 

some training deficiencies. 

SET SELECTION 2009 

The College has published the selection 

process and requirements for application to 

Surgical Education and Training in 2009 for 

the 2010 intake. Links should be available 

from both the College website and the USANZ 

website. 

Anyone intending to apply to a surgical 

specialty must initially register their interest 

with the College. Registration opened on 

January 6 and closes on February 20. 

Application for selection is open between 13 

March and 3 April 2009. Only doctors who 

have already registered with the College can 

submit an application, and the processes of 

registration and application are separate. 



Platinum sponsor of the Urological Society’s 

62nd Annual Scientific Meeting Gold Coast 2009 

Hospira Pty Ltd is part of a 

global specialty pharmaceutical 

and medication delivery company driven 

by its vision of Advancing Wellness TM 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


ELGD2090 Society News.indd 1 16/10/08 12:23:14 PM ELGD2090

AUST R 101581 

AUST R 101581 


12:23:14 PM 

ELGD2090 Society News.indd 2 

16/10/08 12:23:15 PM

Board of Urology Report: continued 


The eligibility criteria and the selection process change a little most years, and as such have changed a little for 2009. Trainees and urologists 

are often asked by young doctors how best to apply, or what might advantage their selection. In the current process, for example, completing a 

Urology term prior to application does not improve the chance of selection, having a Urologist as a referee does not enhance an application, and a 

prolonged period of research is not a time efficient way of enhancing an application. Inquiries about selection are best directed to the College and 

USANZ websites for clear current information rather than run the risk of giving superseded information. 

Applicants gain CV points in selection for attending a variety of conferences, workshops and courses, for a variety of personal achievements, and 

for a variety of personal endeavours. More explanatory details are available on the USANZ website. 

A significant change to the selection process insisted by the College is that every applicant must be interviewed by two independent panels. This 

is impossible to justify and achieve in smaller Sections, and very difficult in larger Sections. To manage this, the Board has determined to hold all 

selection interviews at one site, Sydney for 2009. 

FELLOWSHIP EXAM RESULTS 

The following trainees were successful in passing the Fellowship examinations in September 2008: 

Tania Hossack (NSW), Mohan Arianayagam (NSW), Sunny Lee (WA) 

FELLOWSHIP EXAM EVOLUTION 

The Board of Urology has in principle support of College and Council to modify the Fellowship examination process. It is felt, as expressed by the 

current Senior Examiner in Urology, that the current format is inefficient, and tests knowledge and skills that should be tested by more efficient 

means in other settings. It would be preferable to have progressive summative assessments that in combination prove a level of knowledge that 

shows the Trainee to be ready to sit the final exam. The final exam should be a series of complex problems and clinical decision-making paradigms 

that cover the breadth of the Urology curriculum. 

Such a change will require enormous co-operative energy from the Urology Court of Examiners, the Board of Urology, and any interested co-opted 

educationalists. There will be a significant lead time before this ideal can be achieved, so don’t expect such a change in the training time of any 

current Trainee. 

IN-TRAINING ASSESSMENT FORMS 

The Board of Urology has reviewed and revised the In-Training Assessment forms for all SET Urology trainee years. These forms will be published 

on the USANZ website shortly and are to be used for all 2009 progress assessments. The intention has been to make the new forms more “userfriendly”, 

relevant, and aligned with the College surgical competencies. 

UROLOGY JUNIOR (SET 1 & 2) TRAINEES 

Urology has existed in an enviable situation for many years. Competition for training positions is generally quite fierce, and we have previously had 

the luxury of choosing from a very high calibre of already highly trained individuals. Few of us have had much to do with BST, the early training 

workshops, or written and oral clinical sciences exams (apologies and gratitude to those USANZ members who have devoted their valuable time 

and energy to these). 

This is all changed. I have led the selection over the last couple of years of individuals very junior in their career. I believe they will prove of equally 

high calibre, but they are very inexperienced. They are our Trainees, and we have an obligation to be involved in, to contribute to, their early 

training, even if we are not their direct clinical supervisor. 

I sound like a broken record, but we need USANZ members to do the EMST course then become facilitators, to do the SAT-SET course then 

become facilitators, to do the Interviewer course and contribute to selection, and be involved in the construction and running of the Surgical 

Sciences Exams to name but some. If we aren’t contributing significantly, our Trainees are at risk of not getting equal treatment during these years. 

The mix and needs of our Trainees have changed, and our focus and contribution need to change as well. 

EBU EXCHANGE 

The USANZ President and Board Chairman have signed an ongoing exchange agreement whereby two senior local trainees will be financially 

supported to attend the EAU Trainee Week in Prague, reciprocated by 2 European trainees attending our Trainee Week. This will commence in 

2009. The visits are expected to extend beyond the education week to include some time spent in the local clinical and teaching environment to 

enhance the experience. 

The recipients of this opportunity will be selected on the basis of academic performance in training. 

SET 6 (Senior Registrar) YEAR 

To ensure Trainee eligibility for some overseas posts, and to ensure appropriate recognition of seniority and pay scales, the name of SET 6 has 

been modified to the Senior Registrar (Provisional Fellow) year. 

ADMISSIONS TO FELLOWSHIP 

The Board wishes to congratulate the following USANZ members on their recent admission to Fellowship: 

NSW – Mark Louie-Johnsun, Sris Baskaranathan 

QLD - Kate Gray, Andrew Hadley, Malcolm Lawson 

WA - Arvind Vasudevan 

VIC - Janelle Brennan 

IMG’s 

There is a recognition the process of managing IMG’s entails a large workload, some of the decisions about individual IMG’s seem incongruent and 

inconsistent, and there is inadequate compensation for the efforts of Fellows in the process. Significant progress is being made by College staff 

and representatives from the Boards as they attempt to address and rectify this situation. Changes are leading to a process that is more consistent, 

relevant, and justifiable. ■ 


BA022 Testogel Urological Societ1 1 

Section News 

16/2/07 9:24:55 AM 

Tasmanian Section: Michael Vaughan 

Tasmanian Urology has enjoyed an eximious 2008. The Tasmanian Section may be small but appears to be perfectly formed. We 

are lucky to have members with a range of interests, skills and areas of expertise. 

Section numbers have increased further this year with the addition of Raj Gogia to southern Tasmania’s urology roll. 

The Annual Section meeting in was held in November in Hobart. This was convened by Fadi Nuwayhid and Frank Redwig. We 

were grateful to have the meeting attended by Patrick Bary, the USANZ President, as well as Visiting Professor John Yaxley. 

John’s presentations were outstanding and his immersion in and enthusiasm for urology second to none. Adventurers Don and 

Margie McIntyre presented a special lecture on their various trips and challenges in Australia, Antarctica and beyond. 

A mid-year Section academic meeting in mid-Tasmania was convened by Ian S Middleton. The meeting featured a lecture by local 

GP, Dr RA Simpson highlighting his medical adventures around the world. 

Thanks must go to Stephen Brough and Fadi Nuwayhid for their role in urological training. Our Treasurer, R Jensen has now 

assumed the role of training supervisor in the north. 

We heartily congratulate Stephen Brough on his election as the new Section Chairman and wish him well in his new role. 

New Zealand: Peter Davidson 

Much of the activity of the New Zealand section this year has been around the creation of a more robust structure to the section. 

This has been a continuation of last year’s activities. There is now an accounting system in place at the college office and 

agreement has been had at the recent AGM of the section to put a governance structure in place which is inclusive of all urological 

sites around the country. The aspiration of this is that it will create discussion and interaction, along with the sharing of the issues 

which face urologists in the different centres. There is also agreement to move towards centering all the enquiries which come 

from the various governmental, insurance and other bodies on the secretariat in Wellington and then distribution to the appropriate 

members. 

Considerable discussion has been had around the running and format of the sectional meetings. These formerly have been run 

entirely by local convenors. The future of these meetings is that they will be run by the section with the local convenor placing 

the local flavour on the meeting. The section will underwrite these meetings and therefore will also have considerable control in 

the budgeting of them. The membership themselves have always been good supporters of this meeting and this, I am sure, will 

continue. 



Taxotere-based * therapy 

offers your metastatic 

hormone-refractory prostate 

cancer 

( mHRPC ) patients a 

chance for survival and an 

improvement in quality of life. 1 , 2 † 

TAXOTERE: PBS listed for mHRPC since November 2007 

PBS information. Authority required. Refer to PBS schedule for full authority listing. 

PLEASE CONSULT APPROVED PRODUCT INFORMATION BEFORE PRESCRIBING. PRODUCT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE 

FROM SANOFI-AVENTIS AUSTRALIA. TAXOTERE ® (docetaxel) Minimum product Information. 

INDICATIONS: Treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer in whom previous chemotherapy has failed; or (in combination with capecitabine) 

after failure of prior anthracycline containing chemotherapy. TAXOTERE in combination with doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide is indicated for the adjuvant treatment 

of patients with node-positive breast cancer. TAXOTERE in combination with trastuzumab is indicated for the treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer whose 

tumours over express HER2 and who previously have not received chemotherapy for metastatic disease. TAXOTERE is indicated for locally advanced or metastatic nonsmall 

cell lung cancer, including those who have failed platinum-based chemotherapy. TAXOTERE is indicated for the treatment of metastatic carcinoma of the ovary after 

failure of first-line or subsequent chemotherapy. TAXOTERE is indicated for the treatment of patients with androgen independent (hormone refractory) prostate cancer. 

TAXOTERE in combination with cisplatin and fluorouracil, is indicated as induction treatment prior to chemoradiotherapy, for the treatment of patients with locally advanced, 

squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, who have low probability of surgical cure, require organ preservation or where the tumour is technically unresectable. 

CONTRAINDICATION: Contraindicated in patients with a history of severe hypersensitivity reactions to TAXOTERE or polysorbate 80; a baseline neutrophil count of < 1.5 cells 

x 10 9 /L; severe liver impairment; who are pregnant (Pregnancy Category D) or in breast-feeding women. PRECAUTIONS: Confined to units specialised in the administration 

of cytotoxic chemotherapy and for administration under the supervision of a qualified oncologist. Patients should be pre-medicated prior to each TAXOTERE administration 

to minimise fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions. Patients should be closely observed for hypersensitivity reactions (especially during the first and second infusions). 

Frequent monitoring of complete blood counts and liver function should be conducted on all patients during treatment with TAXOTERE (baseline and before each cycle) 

– refer to full Product Information for further details. Neutrophil nadirs occurred at a median of 7 days but this interval may be shortened in heavily pre-treated patients. 

Prophylactic G-CSF may be used to mitigate the risk of haematological toxicities. Cutaneous Reactions, hearing disorders, neurotoxicity and cardio toxicity (when used with 

trastuzumab, particularly following anthracycline (doxorubicin and epirubicin)-containing chemotherapy) have been reported with TAXOTERE and should be monitored for. 

ADVERSE REACTIONS: Haematological - neutropenia, anaemia, febrile neutropenia, infection, thrombocytopenia, acute myeloid leukaemia and myelodysplastic syndrome. 

Neurologic - neuropathy, confusion, seizures, loss of consciousness. Hepatic – elevated transaminases, bilirubin & alkaline phosphatase, hepatitis. Cutaneous – rash, bullous 

eruption, nail disorders. Gastrointestinal – stomatitis, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, duodenal ulcer, intestinal obstruction, gastrointestinal perforation, neutropenic enterocolitis, 

colitis including ischemic colitis. Cardiovascular – hypertension, hypotension, arrhythmia, heart failure, chest pain. Other – hypersensitivity reactions, acute respiratory distress 

syndrome, alopecia, fluid retention, interstitial pneumonia, acute pulmonary oedema and renal insufficiency. Heart failure has been observed in patients receiving TAXOTERE in 

combination with Herceptin, particularly following anthracycline-containing chemotherapy – sometimes resulting in death. When TAXOTERE is used in combination with other 

products, the effects of each may be exacerbated. DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION: Always review the full PI (available on request from sanofi-aventis) before prescribing 

or administering Taxotere. Patients should be premedicated to minimise fluid retention and hypersensitivity reactions. The recommended dosage for Taxotere is 75 to 100mg/ 

m 2 every 3 weeks, depending on the indication. The use of other agents in combination with Taxotere is recommended for some indications. The safety and effectiveness of 

TAXOTERE in children has not been established. Preparation for the intravenous administration. Refer to PI for detailed instructions for preparing Taxotere for administration. 

TAXOTERE solution for infusion should be visually inspected prior to use, and solutions containing a precipitate should be discarded. References. 1. Berthold DR et al. 

Docetaxel plus prednisone or mitoxantrone plus prednisone for advanced prostate cancer: updated survival in the TAX 327 study. J Clin Oncology 2008; 26; 242-245. 2. 

Tannock IF et al. Docetaxel plus prednisone or mitoxantrone plus prednisone for advanced prostate cancer. New Engl J Med 2004; 351:1502-1512. SPONSOR: sanofi-aventis 

australia pty limited, 12-24 Talavera Road, Macquarie Park NSW 2113. #71203v4.0 August 2008. AU.DOC.08.11.005. 

*Taxotere 75 mg/m 

14 Society News │ 2 q3w + prednisone 5mg bd 

the †Compared newsletter to mitoxantrone of the Urological 12 mg/m Society of Australia and New Zealand Summer 2009 

2 + prednisone 5mg bd

RACS Report: Helen O’Connell 

National Registration and 

Accreditation 

A series of bills are to be 

put to the Queensland State 

Government regarding medical 

registration and accreditation. 

The first of these, Bill A has been 

passed without opposition in the 

parliament. It is about a broad 

framework for these important 

processes and their chain of 

command. Though there are 

many areas for potential problems 

within the legislation, the main 

sticking point is the scope of the 

new agency under the National 

Medical Board and whether it has 

the provision to accredit medical 

and even specialist training. Bill 

B is still being drafted and there 

continues to be input by the 

College of Surgeons, AMA and 

the other medical Colleges. 

The AMA, College and Specialty 

Societies are in agreement on 

many, possibly most aspects of 

opposition and areas of support 

to the proposed legislation. 

The devil as usual has been 

in the detail of the wording 

and the College is keen for 

robust mechanisms to exist for 

both initial accreditation and 

ongoing accreditation or CPD. 

There seems to be consensus 

among the interested medical 

organizations that the ongoing 

role of the Australian Medical 

Council is crucial to these 

processes. An informed entity 

which is as independent as 

possible from government whilst 

at sufficient arms length from 

individual medical groups is 

required to protect the integrity of 

the profession and the public. It 

would not appear that the current 

system is too bad all things 

considered. 

Women in Surgery? 

The percentage of Fellows and 

trainees who are women remains 

low (7 and 24% respectively). 

The College is debating the issue 

of whether there should be a 

Women In Surgery committee 

as currently exists or whether an 

entity which supports the personal 

issues which may confront 

Fellows and trainees generally 

would be more appropriate. The 

College has supported a female 

networking function at the Annual 

Scientific Congress, a meeting 

that Urologists of course do not 

attend. Should it be doing more 

to attract talented women into 

surgery given the high percentage 

of women among medical 

graduates to prevent a relative 

dumbing down? 

Bullying and harassment are 

personal issues that are related 

to significant levels of stress. 

The extent to which these are 

gendered is unclear though 

informal work by the College 

indicates that bullying may in 

fact be just as common among 

male colleagues as female 

colleagues. The College solicitor 

has written some articles in 

Surgical News recently on these 

topics. New policies are being 

drafted. In the past action related 

to the allegations of bullying or 

harassment have not been dealt 

with by the College – we have 

tended to refer the alleged victims 

and perpetrators to their relevant 

employer organizations. The 

College is being informed though 

that this is not sufficient to support 

our membership properly. Given 

this is an issue that crosses all 

specialties it is an area where 

the College can support us as 

Urologists by providing leadership 

in this area. 

Burnout 

A recent survey of younger 

fellows echoes a previous College 

survey that high levels of burnout 

are very common problem in 

younger surgeons, both men 

and women. The consequences 

of burnout are well documented 

and of a grave nature for some 

individuals also potentially putting 

patients at risk. There is a 

College course to assist people 

in the prevention, recognition and 

treatment of burnout. 

Any thoughts on these topics, 

particularly the issue of letting go 

the entity of Women In Surgery in 

favour of a personal support unit 

or some other named entity that 

serves that function for both men 

and women surgeons in need 

would be welcome. 

Email: 

helenoc@bigpond.net.au ■ 


Broaden 

Your Vision 

The new KARL STORZ 

videocystoscope 

Continuing Professional 

Development: 

Netwit Evaluation Results 

The Netwit evaluation was completed by 31 participants, with positive and 

interesting results. 

• With 77.4% of respondents indicating the overall rating as either very 

good or excellent. 

• 55 % of respondents indicated the least useful part of Netwit was the ‘ 

non urological chat/ irrelevant gossip’ 

For full results and all comments regarding suggestions/ most useful and 

least useful parts of Netwit, please see the evaluation report, which can be 

obtained from the members section of the USANZ website or by contacting 

Wendy Frazer via email: cpd@usanz.org.au 

2009 Pyeloplasty Audit 

This audit has been approved by RACS Professional Development and 

Standards Board for the CPD program requirement in Category One 

New CPD Audit Activity in Female Urology 

Incontinence Sling Audit 

Samantha Pillay – Chair, Female Urology SAG 

The Incontinence Sling Audit has been developed following requests 

from members as discussed on Netwit. This will encompass mid-urethral 

synthetic slings as well as fascial pubovaginal slings. Project development 

has been led by Vincent Tse, and has been developed according to the latest 

guidelines set by the RACS Audit Committee. 

USANZ members who perform these procedures are encouraged to 

participate in this audit. At this juncture, it is intended to run for a six month 

period commencing February 2009, or 50 sheets per surgeon, whichever 

come first. This audit has been approved by the Executive and funded by the 

Society. 

Participation and peer review will qualify for Category one CPD Program. 

Application for approval by the College’s Board of Professional Development 

and Standards is in process and is expected prior to the commencement of 

the Audit on February 1st, 2009 

www.karlstorz.com 

For more information please call your 

KARL STORZ Representative 

Sydney 8594 9150 

Melbourne 9419 7012 

Brisbane 3844 4011 Adelaide 8221 5825 

Perth 1800 996 562 

Data forms can also be downloaded from the members section of the website 

or by contacting Wendy at cpd@usanz.org.au to receive them by email, fax 

or mail. Data forms should be completed at the first post-operative visit, so 

please make sure they are available to you in theatre and consulting rooms. 

Completed forms are to be returned to Wendy Frazer. Further queries can be 

directed to Vincent Tse (Audit, Female Urology SAG ) or Wendy Frazer CPD 

Manager 02 9362 8644. 


Section News: continued 


New Zealand: continued 

Finally, the annual scientific meeting was 

held in Palmerston North in October. 

This was a highly successful meeting 

with international guests Graeme Steele 

and Ray Rackley providing insights into 

the nuances of testicular cancers and the 

mysterious workings of the bladder. As a 

clash existed with the Northern section, 

the President was not able to attend 

the New Zealand meeting but was ably 

deputised by the Vice President David 

Malouf. To sing for his supper, David 

was asked to present a comprehensive 

review of prostatitis! This he did in a 

comprehensive manner without missing a 

beat. The social highlight of the meeting 

involved a trip to the Tui Brewery. 

Unfortunately the budget did not extend 

to genuine Tui Brewery workers and 

therefore the local urologists had to dress 

the part to substitute. The “Yeah right” 

Tui banner competition was won by Mark 

Fraundorfer with a banner which shall 

not appear in print, but involved trusting 

urologists in gynaecological undertakings. 

All in all this was a highly successful 

meeting. 

The following 12 months are looking to 

bury in the central structure of the section 

and hopefully to look at potential activities 

on an ongoing basis. 

New South Wales: Mark Morrissey 

The 2008 NSW Section meeting 

in Coffs Harbour was very well 

attended and, hopefully, enjoyed 

by all. David Nicol, Grahame 

Smith, James Wong and David 

Knox were the guest speakers, and 

their excellent contributions were 

appreciated by all who attended. 

Congratulations to the NSW 

Registrars who successfully 

completed their exams during 2008. 

The UOP meetings are now well 

established under Andrew Brooks’ 

direction - I would encourage 

everybody to be involved with these 

meetings. 

Congratulations to the incoming 

Chairman, Henry Woo, and also to 

Michael Wines who will become the 

Secretary. 

South Australia/Northern 

Territory: 

Darren Foreman 

The South Australian section would 

like to congratulate Michael Chong 

on the passing of his fellowship 

exam earlier this year, and wish 

him well with his future career. We 

welcome Rick Catterwell, who will 

begin as a SET1 in 2009. 

A HoLEP demonstration was held 

at the Repatriation General Hospital 

in October. There is much interest 

in HoLEP locally, as evidenced by 

14 in attendance, and Peter Gilling 

provided expert advice, mentoring 

and performed 3 cases. 

Our Section meeting was held at 

the Novotel Barossa Valley and was 

very well attended. For the first time, 

we included Urology nurses in the 

program. Our invited guest, Peter 

Gilling, spoke on a broad range of 

topics including HoLEP, renal cryo, 

male and female incontinence, and 

provided a valuable contribution to 

our meeting. We were also pleased 

to host Pat Bary, Andrea Gregori 

and Sarah Thompson, and had the 

opportunity to sample some of the 

Barossa’s finest. 

Adelaide hosted the Trainee 

Week in November and hope it 

was a worthwhile and memorable 

experience for the trainees. 

I would like to thank Richard Wells 

for his support as Secretary over the 

last year, and can announce that 

Kim Moretti and Brian Landers will 

take over as Section President and 

Secretary respectively. ■ 

Above: James Wong and Mark Morrissey (NSW) 

Right: Ramin Samali, Peter and Helen Bilenkij (NSW) 


Dates for your Diary: Calendar of Events 

7-8 March 2009 

Incontinence in the Neuropathic 

Patient During Childhood and 

Adolescence 

Sheikh Khalifa Medical City 

ABU DHABI, UAE 

http://www.skmc.gov.ae/index_ 

conferences.htm 

8-12 March 2009 

Urological Society of Australia 

and New Zealand 

62nd Annual Scientific Meeting, 

incl ANZUNS’ 14th Annual 

Meeting 

Gold Coast Convention & 

Exhibition Centre 

Broadbeach, Gold Coast - 

Queensland, Australia 

17-21 March 2009 

European Association of 

Urologists 

Annual Congress 

Stockholm Sweden 

25-30 April 2009 

AUA Annual Meeting 

Chicago, Illinois, USA 

10-13 June 2009 

Focul Therapy and Imaging in 

prostate and kidney cancer 

Amsterdam, The Netherlands 

21-25 June 2009 

19th WAS World Congress for 

Sexual Health 

Göteborg, Sweden 

22-26 June 2009 

British Association of Urological 

Surgeons Annual Meeting 

SECC, Glasgow, Scotland 

Email: admin@baus.org.uk 

http://www.baus.org.uk 

24-26th July 2009 

20th Video Urology World 

Congress in conjunction with 18th 

Malaysian Urological Conference 

Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, 

Malaysia 

19 - 21 August 2009 

10th National Prostate Cancer 

Symposium 

Melbourne Cricket Ground 

Registration: The PR Exchange 

03 9534 4333 

Email: prex@pacific.net.au 

6-10 September 2009 

Societe Internationale de 

Chirurgie/International Society of 

Surgery 

Adelaide Convention Centre, 

Adelaide 

10-13 September 2009 

16th European Symposium on 

Urogenital Radiology 

Royal Olympic Hotel - Athens, 

Greece 

29 September - 3 October 2009 

International Continence Society 

Annual Scientific Meeting 

San Francisco USA 

www.icsoffice.org 

30 October - 1 November 2009 

Vic Section Meeting 

Convenor: Richard McMullin 

Venue: Mercure Ballarat Hotel 

and Convention Centre 

1-5 November 2009 

30th Congress of the Société 

Internationale d’Urologie 

Shanghai International 

Convention Centre - Shanghai, 

China 

6 - 8 November 2009 

NSW Section Meeting 

Whitesand Conference Centre, 

Shoal Bay 

Convenor: Henry Woo 

Contact: Wendy Frazer: 

cpd@usanz.org.au 

13 - 14 November 2009 

Tasmanian Section Meeting 

Location: TBC 

Convenor: Frank Redwig 

Details of urological conferences 

around the world can be viewed at: 

http://www.urologyconferences.com/ 

- the official conference website for 

the British Associational of Urological 

Surgeons. It is an essential resource 

for healthcare professionals in the 

Urology field. 



PBS - RPBS authority prescription 

Not valid unless authorised by delegate 

Brand substitution not permitted 

Partnering with USANZ to bring you 

the IOTA Online Assessment Program 

Think of it as a tick for 

ongoing research and more 

Supporting a company 

that continues to invest in 

research and development 

for prostate cancer 

Avoiding potential confusion 

for patients currently treated 

with Cosudex 

Knowing your patient 

will receive the brand 

you’ve prescribed 

Patient’s Medicare No. 

Patient’s 

name and 

address 

Pharmaceutical 

benefits 

entitlement 

number 

Safety Net 

entitlement 

Authorisation is requested for the following 

First Name Family Name 

Postcode 

Concession or dependant 

Tick for 

return to 

patient 

PBS prescription from State Manager, Medicare Australia, or 

RPBS prescription from authorised delegate of the Repatriation Commission 

Pharmacist/patient copy 

Dosage Directions 

Quantity 

No. of repeats 

Medicare Australia/ 

DVA use 

Quantity Repeats 

Signature of prescriber 

Date / / 

Approval 

PLEASE REVIEW PRODUCT INFORMATION BEFORE PRESCRIBING. FULL PRODUCT INFORMATION IS AVAILABLE ON REQUEST FROM ASTRAZENECA ON 1800 805 342. 

Cosudex ® 50 mg (bicalutamide) Indication: treatment of advanced prostate cancer in combination with LHRH agonist therapy; prevention of disease fl are associated with the 

use of LHRH agonists Dosage: one tablet (50 mg) once a day with LHRH agonist Contraindications: females, children, hypersensitivity to ingredients, concomitant terfenadine, 

astemizole, cisapride Precautions: moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Severe hepatic changes and hepatic failure rarely seen – discontinue therapy if changes are 

severe. Interactions: warfarin; see contraindications; drugs metabolised by CYP3A4 eg cyclosporin, calcium channel blockers, HIV antivirals, HMGCoA reductase inhibitors, 

carbamazepine, quinidine; theoretical: drug oxidation inhibitors eg cimetidine, ketoconazole. Adverse reactions: Common – hot fl ushes, breast tenderness, gynaecomastia, 

pruritus, dry skin, GI disturbances, asthenia; Uncommon – hypersensitivity reactions; Rare – hepatic changes, hepatic failure; others – see full PI. 

Based on Full Product Information approved 16/2/2006. ® Registered Trademark. Cosudex 50 mg PBS dispensed price for maximum quantity: 

$219.80 (28 tablets). AstraZeneca Pty Ltd, ABN 54 009 682 311, Alma Road, North Ryde NSW 2113. ® Registered Trademark. AZZO0995. 06/08. 

PBS information: Authority required. Metastatic (equivalent to stage D) prostatic carcinoma 

in combination with GnRH (LHRH) agonist therapy.

President's Report: Pat Bary - Urological Society of Australia and ...

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?