Q Can I change my password?
A Yes you can, and we advise you to do so for added security. Go to the Member-Only Area, log in and click on Change Password. You can then change and save your new password.
Q If I forget my log-in and/or password, can I contact AOA Head Office to remind me?
A If you are still using your default log-in (AOA membership number) and password (your initials and 6-digit date of birth), AOA Head Office staff can assist. However, if you have changed from the default settings, the new data is now security-encrypted, so AOA staff are unable to see your log-in and password. We can, however, reset your password to the default if necessary.
Q I made a mistake - can I change or delete an entry?
A Yes, you can. Clicking on the entry will open that entry, so you can make changes and re-save. To delete an entry, use the Delete icon (box with red cross) displayed at the head of each entry; click this icon to delete the entry.
Q I often enter the same activity - can I just copy a previous entry and change the date?
A Yes, you can. Click on the Copy icon on your previous entry. This will open up a copy: you can change the appropriate details and then re-save.
Q Do I have to make a separate entry every single time I do internet research / journal reading, etc?
A No, you don't. If you frequently carry out an activity, you can now claim an 'average' number of hours per month. Most activities (excluding meetings) may be entered as either single 'one-off' events, or may be averaged (eg 2 hours per month automatically calculates to 24 hours per year).
Q Do I have to submit any documentation in order to be compliant?
A If you are an operating surgeon, you must submit a Verification Document annually (see link and information in Section 1). That's all. You do not need to submit any other documents unless you are advised that you have been selected for random audit (see FAQ below). Non-operating surgeons do not need to submit the Verification Document, but as with operating surgeons, they should keep copies of all supporting documentation in case of audit.
Q What is meant by 'random audit', and what do I need to do to be prepared?
A To ensure the rigour of the CPD process, AOA will randomly choose 3.5% of participating members each year and request proof of CPD (such as attendance certificates, confirmation of course participation, etc). In case you are selected for audit, you should keep any such supporting documentation on file for the triennium period plus one year (eg documents pertaining to the 2010-2012 triennium should be kept until the end of 2013).