Monthly media digest: June/July 2023

29 June 2023

A digest of college news coverage for June/July 2023

FPM responds to new opioid study report

ABC online and The Age featured a response from the faculty to a new randomised placebo-controlled trial on the use of opioids for acute neck and back pain. The report's authors concluded that opioids are ineffective and should not be recommended.

FPM's Director of Professional Affairs Associate Professor Mick Vagg told the ABC the study was not "anywhere near strong enough" to prompt a change in guidelines, and that opioids still had a place as long as they were used judiciously and for a short period of time. 

Fellow interviewed on ABC Radio Hobart 

Perth fellow, anaesthetist Dr Damien Wallman from Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital was interviewed by ABC Radio Hobart's afternoons host Joel Rheinberger on 27 June.

The 15 minute segment included calls from listeners asking about anaesthesia.

New Zealand pain specialist speaks on opioid dependency

FPM New Zealand National Committee member Dr Tipu Aamir spoke to The Post about the nature of pain and the risks of opioid dependence.

He also touched on the shortage of specialist pain doctors in New Zealand.