New Committee of Doctors in Training Chair: Dr Elise Witter

I am a PGY4 doctor currently training in mental health in Gimuy (Cairns), after completing my medical training through UQ across Brisbane and several rural sites in Queensland. 

I am very fortunate to live and work in a tropical paradise, and am passionate about reducing inequity in regional and rural healthcare. 

I’m also a dedicated dog mum to two rescues – Pepper and Smudge! 

I’ve been involved with advocacy and promoting the wellbeing of doctors in training since my intern year, through my local Resident Medical Officers (RMO) Society, AMA Queensland and the Junior Medical Officer Forum Queensland (JMOFQ). 

Some of the highlights to date have included participating in bargaining for the MOCA 6, advocating around the North Queensland Pharmacy Trial, researching the impact of COVID on team culture and doctors in training and ensuring the voices of doctors in training are heard on the evolving National Prevocational Framework. 

Throughout this time, I’ve come to understand that while self-care and wellbeing initiatives are important, the structures and culture doctors in training work within have a profound impact on our wellbeing and ability to be the best clinicians we can be. In order to ensure the best experience for doctors in training, we need to advocate for policy and structural changes, innovative solutions and a medical culture that strives for equity and opportunity. Having sat on the CDT as a Hospital Representative and Rural and Remote Special Interest Group Deputy Chair, I believe the AMA Queensland CDT is well positioned to effect these changes. 

As CDT Chair, I hope to continue the fantastic work of outgoing Chair Dr Rob Nayer and the 2022 team, by promoting doctor in training wellbeing and pursuing strategies from the Health Professionals’ Mental Health and Wellbeing Summit and ensuring doctors in training are aware of their rights at work under MOCA 6 once this is finalised. 

Recent Medical Training Survey and Resident Hospital Health Check results indicate doctors in training are facing a challenging time as we emerge from the pandemic, with increased workload, staffing shortages, reduced educational opportunities and ongoing issues with bullying and harassment in the workforce. 

An increasing number are leaving the health system to pursue alternative opportunities. Together with the CDT, I hope to ensure adequate support is in place in the short term, and that a workplace strategy that considers a sustainable doctor in training workforce is developed in the long term. 

I also hope to see increased flexibility in training, including access to training in rural and regional areas, a focus on gender equity and increased support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in training, who face a disproportionate burden of bullying and harassment at work. 

I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work with AMA Queensland towards better outcomes and experiences for doctors in training, and hope I can fill the large shoes left by Dr Rob Nayer!