AMA calls for legislation to tackle widespread bullying of doctors in training

The 2021 Medical Training Survey (MTS) funded by the Medical Board of Australia found the trainees in states and territories worst hit by the pandemic were more likely to report COVID-19 had adversely impacted on their medical training. 

AMA President Dr Omar Khorshid said the survey demonstrated the need to act now to tackle systemic issues impacting the training and wellbeing of doctors in training (DiT). 

“Seven out of 10 DiTs experienced bullying, discrimination and harassment saying it had adversely affected their medical training. It’s time for state and territory health departments to get serious about valuing the time doctors in training spend learning and providing excellent patient care by reviewing and providing appropriate staffing and adopting better rostering practices.  

DiTs who experienced bullying, harassment or discrimination were more likely to report it (33 per cent) than those who witnessed it (24 per cent) with only half indicating the report had been followed up. Forty-five per cent of DiTs said they never/sometimes got paid for unrostered overtime and 49 per cent rated their workload as heavy/very heavy. 

“No one should experience racial discrimination, harassment or vilification in their place of work and/or learning environment. Our workplaces benefit when they harness the skills and perspectives of all peoples that make up Australia. It is vital that doctors and medical students can practice in a culturally safe environment where cultural differences are acknowledged and respected,” added Dr Khorshid. 

Dr Khorshid explained the AMA wanted legislative changes in all states and territories to improve health service leadership, governance and accountability to provide a culturally and psychologically safe work environment for all employees. 

Full press release here.