Medical Assessment Panels: Recruitment of Doctors and Specialists
Continued from P18
Taking the Gloves Off
Adam Metcalf runs a CS training academy and is one of the leading referees in Perth. He stresses the distinct differences across the broad rubric of CS and the specific ramifications affecting competitor safety.
“ One area that concerns people is the cumulative effect of repeated strikes to the head. Within the different forms of MMA there are varied levels of impact before an opponent is on the canvas and out of the contest. One of the essential differences between boxing and martial arts is that the latter uses a smaller glove and the choice to submit lies with the competitor. In boxing, and some other disciplines, the contestant’ s corner decides to‘ throw in the towel’ so that relies on someone else’ s interpretation of the situation.”
“ It’ s absolutely mandatory for a doctor to be in attendance because the primary concern is always the safety of the competitors. The doctor has the right to stop the contest at any time.”
Adam has noticed a decline in the number of doctors who are willing to supervise CS events. He also has first-hand experience regarding the merits of a fenced enclosure.
Medical Assessment Panels: Recruitment of Doctors and Specialists
From time to time, WorkCover WA requires the services of medical professionals to serve on Medical Assessment Panels.
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Three medical practitioners are chosen by WorkCover WA’ s Director of Conciliation from a list of medical ������������������������������������������������������� and eligible to participate in workers’ compensation Medical Assessment Panels. At least one medical �������������������������������������������������������� Medical practitioners who have treated or examined the worker are not eligible to sit on the panel.
WorkCover WA are currently interested in recruiting ������������������������������������������������������
��Trainer Adam Metcalf
“ Since the AMA withdrew their involvement from the CSC we have found it more difficult to find medical supervision. I’ m luckier than most because I have several doctors who train with me at the gym. They understand the sport and they want to see it properly monitored.”
“ There’ s a certain stigma attached to an enclosed arena and I think, for some people, there’ s a misplaced association with dog and cockfighting. I’ ve stopped fights because competitors were in danger of toppling onto the judges table. One of the arguments against a fenced enclosure is that it’ s more difficult for a doctor to get into the arena. We did an experiment, timed the whole thing and it took 7-8 seconds longer for a person to struggle through the ropes and lend assistance.”
“ MMA events are highly controlled. I’ d love the AMA to come and watch one of our events and see it from a doctor’ s perspective. I’ m sure they’ d get a more positive perception of the sport when they listen to competitors talking about their training and preparation.”
ED: Combat Sports Commission WA www. dsr. wa. gov. au / combat-sports �
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Anaesthesia Cardiology Endocrinology General surgery Geriatrics & Rehabilitation Injury Management Internal and Cardiovascular Medicine Intensive Care Specialists
Payment is currently at a gazetted hourly rate of $ 506.80 for specialists.
If you would like to register your interest in Medical Assessment Panel participation, WorkCover WA would like to hear from you. To contact us, please email medical @ workcover. wa. gov. au with your name, �������������������������������������������������
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Neurology Neurosurgery Medical microbiologists Plastic surgery Radiology Rehabilitation medicine Sclerotherapy Sports medicine Thoracic Urology
1300 794 744 | www. workcover. wa. com. au
By Mr Peter McClelland medicalforum 23