President’s Update: Troubling behaviour in our hospitals
In his latest President’s Update Dr John Williams reflects on AMA SA’s Hospital Health Check and the need to improve workplace conditions and culture for junior doctors in South Australian public hospitals. He also explains how AMA SA members can play an active role in shaping the future of the organisation.
Troubling behaviour in our hospitals
This week AMA SA launched our Hospital Health Check (HHC) which reports on the working conditions across each of the major training locations in South Australia. It draws on the results of the 2024 Medical Training Survey and highlights that there is still much to be done to support junior doctors working in this state.
Workplace culture remains an area of major concern. Although some South Australian hospitals have shown signs of improvement, rates of bulling, harassment, racism and discrimination remain stubbornly high across the board. When doctors’ health and wellbeing is affected, so too is their capacity to provide best-practice care. The culture of medicine must improve to create safe training and work settings for doctors and their patients. Until that happens, the HHC helps students make an informed decision when applying for medical internships for the 2026 clinical year.
AMA SA is working closely with the South Australian Government, SA Health and Local Health Networks to find ways to improve workplace culture and minimise troubling behaviour. The findings contained in the HHC will inform and strengthen this advocacy. We must do everything we can to support junior doctors to ensure they go on to enjoy long careers. The future of healthcare in this state depends on it.
Shape our future
After two years as AMA SA President, it will soon be time to hand over the reins to a new leadership team. Your next President, Vice President, and Councillors will be appointed at our upcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM).
This is where you come in. Your presence at the meeting is crucial to ensure we meet the quorum requirements so we can successfully elect the healthcare professionals who will lead our organisation into the future.
The AGM will take place on Thursday 22 May at 7pm. You can attend online or in person, at our office on Level 7, 431 King William Street, Adelaide.
Please register to attend and play a role in shaping the strategic direction of our organisation.
The long goodbye
This will be my last President’s update before AGM. But I’m not going anywhere just yet. These final weeks of my presidency will be especially busy and productive. Today I’m visiting Murray Bridge – the final stop on my rural tour of the state that has taken me to the Adelaide Hills, the Riverland, the Limestone Coast, the Iron Triangle and Kangaroo Island. It’s been a privilege to meet with so many AMA SA members who are providing vital healthcare services to the regions.
Tomorrow AMA SA will stage our Access to Care Round Table at the Pullman Adelaide. If you follow these updates, you’ll already know that we’re bringing together healthcare leaders from across the system to examine the roadblocks which affect patient care and add to the burden and the cost on our health system.
Round table attendees will work together to identify short-term and long-term opportunities for change. AMA SA will then advocate for these changes and work with the South Australian Government to implement them ahead of next year’s state election.
We’re hosting this round table for our members and their patients. AMA SA is committed to facilitating ongoing collaboration and working with all parties to create a system which better meets the needs of the South Australian public.
I look forward to updating you on round table outcomes next week.
AMA SA events
Before I sign off, I want to alert you to one of our exclusive member events which can help you take control of your financial future. ‘Beyond the Stethoscope’ is designed to help doctors of all career stages build wealth, generate passive incomes and save time. It will be hosted by our expert partners at FRP Capital, Financia and Quintillion Concierge. There’ll also be complimentary refreshments and wine tasting.
Speaking of events, ‘Reimagine… AMA SA Gala 2025’ is fast approaching and we’d love to see you there. This is the highlight of our events calendar and promises to be a fantastic night of networking, live entertainment and great food and drinks. I hope you’ll join us at SkyCity Ballroom at 7pm on 28 June.
Yours in good health,
John