ARCS Australia Ltd, the peak body representing professionals in the MedTech and Pharmaceutical sector, this week announced a series of significant changes at its annual conference.
Dr Tim Boyle, CEO of ARCS Australia Ltd speaking to Australian Health Journal says, “These initiatives are central to strategy to build professionalism within the sector, increase capability and enhance the professional standing of its members.”
ARCS has launched a comprehensive Core Competency Framework tailored for the Medtech and Pharmaceutical sectors. The framework is designed to ensure members possess the specialised knowledge and skills required to excel within the sector, aiming to set benchmark for professional excellence.
“Our Core Competency Framework is a milestone in our journey to elevate professional standards for those working within the sector,” said Dr Boyle,. “It provides a structured pathway for continuous professional development common to all sectorial occupations and ensures our members are equipped with the expertise needed to meet professional demands.”
Expanding upon the Core Competency Framework, ARCS has also established international partnerships with the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP), the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS), and the International Society of Pharmacovigilance (ISoP) to recognise their occupation specific competency frameworks and accreditation standards. These partnerships aim to facilitate the creation of professional training pathways aligned with globally recognised best practice for sectorial occupations.
“Our alliances with ACRP, RAPS, and ISoP are pivotal in offering our members access to globally recognised professional pathways and raising the standard of Australian professionals through globally recognised professional accreditation,” said Dr Boyle.
“These collaborations help raise the bar and advance the professional standing of Australian Medtech and Pharmaceutical professionals on a global playing field.”
In recognition of professional excellence, ARCS will now issue postnominals to professional members based on their expertise. The aim of this designation is to underscore a member’s commitment to the highest standards of practice and their specialised expertise.
“The initiatives we are announcing today mark a new era for ARCS,” Dr Boyle concluded. “By establishing a robust competency framework, recognising professional excellence through postnominals, fostering international collaborations, and honouring our distinguished Fellows, we are setting a new standard for professionalism within the Australian Medtech and Pharmaceutical sectors.”
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Value of MedTech Report brings Industry and Government together
In June 2023 the Medical Technology Association of Australia (MTAA) launched The Value of MedTech Report – a major study quantifying the difference the MedTech industry makes to the lives of Australian patients, the healthcare system and the Australian economy.
Australian Health Journal spoke with MTAA CEO, Ian Burgess and MTAA Policy Manager, Pravin Siriwardena about the report and its key findings.
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Updated handbook on chronic kidney disease management in primary care
Kidney Health Australia’s latest kidney disease guide for primary care practitioners is expected to be pivotal in slowing down the rates of kidney failure, which have doubled in the past 20 years and if left unchecked will grow by a further 42% by 2030, according to the health charity.
With specific reference to new kidney treatments and culturally safe kidney care for First Nations Australians, the 5th edition of Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Management in Primary Care handbook, known as the ‘kidney bible’, is a significant step-up in enabling earlier diagnosis of kidney disease for GPs and other front-line healthcare professionals.
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
