Origin experts downunder

With 103 confirmed international speakers, the six-day 5th International Congress on Developmental Origins of Health & Disease coming to Perth (Nov 6) promises great things in preventive health - just when State Health is moving in that direction. Sponsorship by WA's Womens and Infants Research Foundation and government has attracted the biennial conference to the southern hemisphere for the first time, thanks also to intensive lobbying from convenor Prof John Newnham. Over 500 delegates are expected from obstetrics, paediatrics, general practice and medical research. Not surprisingly, pharmaceutical sponsors are absent, given this conference is about preventing illness. See www.dohad2007.org  for more details.

Rated or overinflated?

Remember "Rate MDs.com" (http://au.ratemds.com) from last month's Have You Heard? Ratings of WA medicos have now tripled. While there are plenty of comments like "if its bones you got a problem with, he is your man" - one worrying note cropped up on a specialist's record: "He appeared either extremely tired or otherwise impaired - slurred speech, blurry eyes, inattention, etc. His treatment has resulted in permanent and disabling damage..." The site's FAQ counsels that if you think your rating is unfair, your only course is to post a comment. Imperiously, they state they will not remove doctors' names and lawsuits will not work (quoting some US laws - pfft!), adding this pearl of wisdom: "this site is only going to get more popular as time goes by, so the best way of dealing with it is to use it rather than try to fight it."

QEII angst