International Conference on Doctors' Health

Last month Dr Alex Markwell, Chair of the AMACDT, presented the findings of the recently released AMA Doctors’ Health Survey at the International Conference on Doctors’ Health in London.  The AMA survey results attracted great interest from conference participants, and was very well received. The conference provided an invaluable opportunity for the AMA to further establish links with other organisations with a keen interest in progressing issues around doctors’ health.   The conference was hosted by the British Medical Association, in conjunction with the American Medical Association and Canadian Medical Association, and was attended by over 300 delegates from more than 20 countries.  Dr Markwell’s attendance was funded by the AMA with support from Queensland Health. 

Click here to read the AMA Doctors’ Health Survey report. 

International Conference on Doctors' Health: Dr Greg Lydall, Dr Will Perry, Dr Alex Markwell, Dr Francois Bourque, Dr Shree Datta

International Conference on Doctors' Health: Dr Alex Markwell, Dr Francois Bourque, Dr Shree Datta

International Conference on Doctors' Health: Dr Johann Malawanna, Dr Alex Markwell, Dr Andy Thornley, Dr Francois Bourque, Dr Shree Datta

Government Announces Funding Boost for Clinical Training

The recent Council of Australian Government meeting announced a $1.6 billion health workforce training package.  The announcement included funding to increase the number of undergraduate clinical training places, funding for an additional 212 GP training places, 73 additional specialist training places in the private sector, and training for 7000 medical supervisors.

This package was announced following the persistent lobbying efforts of the AMA and other organisations, including the Australian Medical Students’ Association, to address the issue of clinical training capacity.

Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) Curriculum Review

ANZCA is undertaking a major review of their training program.  The AMACDT has been asked to make a submission to inform the review process.  We would appreciate trainees forwarding on any concerns, suggestions, etc. to ensure our submission covers all the relevant issues.  Please email any comments to ditnetwork@ama.com.au

Click here for more information on the Review.

AMA Council of Doctors in Training – The Voice of DiTs

Ensuring that DiTs continue to be well represented has been made possible through the contributions of members (past and present) of the AMA Council of Doctors-in-Training who give up enormous amounts of time representing their junior colleagues.   Currently the AMACDT represents DiTs on over 40 committees and working groups focussed on issues of medical education and training, across the spectrum from undergraduate to vocational.  The AMACDT also has ongoing campaigns in the areas of doctors’ health, work-life flexibility, safe hours, and conditions of work and training for doctors-in-training

Trainee Forum – 31 January 2009, Sydney

AMA Council of Doctors-in-Training is once again busy preparing for the annual Trainee Representative Forum being held early in the New Year.  The Forum provides a great opportunity for trainee representatives from specialist medical colleges to come together to share concerns, ideas and solutions.  By working together trainee groups have been able to progress issues of common interest and achieve good results for trainees.

Click here for more information on the Job Share free noticeboard facility for doctors who would like to arrange shared working arrangements with other doctor.

The AMACDT thanks everyone for their support in 2008, and is looking forward to 2009 being at least as active as this year. We wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

The AMACDT is established as a Committee of the Federal Council of the AMA and reports directly to Federal Council on issues of importance to junior doctors.

Junior doctors who want to contact their State/Territory AMACDT representative can do so via workplace@ama.com.au.