Access to Functionalized Quaternary Stereocenters via the Copper-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition of Monoorganozinc Bromide Reagents Enabled by N, N-Dimethylacetamide.

Monoorganozinc reagents, readily obtained from alkyl bromides, display excellent reactivity with β,β-disubstituted enones and TMSCl in the presence of Cu(I) and Cu(II) salts to synthesize a variety of cyclic functionalized β-quaternary ketones in 38-99% yields and 9:1-20:1 diastereoselectivities. The conjugate addition features a pronounced improvement in DMA using monoorganozinc bromide reagents. A simple one-pot protocol that harnesses in situ generated monoorganozinc reagents delivers comparable product yields.

Developing an indigenous surgical workforce for Australasia.

Background: Progress has been made in Australia and New Zealand to increase the numbers of indigenous students (Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori) entering primary medical qualification courses. In New Zealand, up to 20 Maori are graduating annually, with similar numbers possible in Australia, creating a potential opportunity to develop an indigenous surgical workforce.

Methods: A literature review identified factors utilized by medical schools to attract indigenous students into medical careers and the interventions necessary to ensure successful graduation.

Consensus statement from the Health of the Health Professional Conference, November 2011.

This article presents a consensus statement that arose from the views of participants that attended the multidisciplinary conference "The Health of the Health Professional", in Auckland in November 2011. A healthy workforce is the key to improving the health of all New Zealanders. Yet health practitioners' health is of concern, and despite the evidence of real problems little has been done to constructively and systematically address these issues.