President’s update: Science over opinion
25 Sep 2025
This week began with a major win for rural healthcare: rural generalist medicine has been formally recognised as a specialist field within general practice. This acknowledges the advanced skills of rural generalists and the important role they and rural GPs play in providing comprehensive care to rural and remote communities.
Later in the week, misinformation from the US claiming links between paracetamol use in pregnancy and autism created widespread concern. Dr McMullen emphasised that while some studies have suggested potential associations, there is no strong evidence to change clinical practice. She spent much of Tuesday addressing the media, explaining that correlation does not equal causation, and highlighting the risks of fear, stigma, and misinformation for mothers and families. GPs are encouraged to talk with patients about safe pain management during pregnancy, following guidance from the TGA and RANZCOG.
Dr McMullen also highlighted the ongoing challenges around vaccine misinformation. She stressed the critical role of GPs in helping patients understand immunisation, its benefits, and risks, and in addressing common myths.
In other news, the AMA is providing feedback on upcoming mental health item number changes in general practice, which take effect in November, and advocating for clear resources and access, especially for rural patients using telehealth.
Finally, the AMA continues to support the establishment of an Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC), pushing for smooth passage of legislation to get it operational.
Source: Australian Medical Association
