President’s Update: women's health, backing IMGs, New Women's & Children's Hospital

Women’s Health Week honours the visionary contribution of Jean Hailes, who pioneered menopause care, establishing the first women’s health clinic in 1971. It’s a timely moment to reflect on how gender representation in medicine directly influences the care we provide. Experience and evidence show that patients receive better care when women are proportionately represented across the medical sector. That’s why this week AMA SA is publicly calling for resolute action to support women in medical leadership – for the benefit of patients and the health system.

Read our media release

The number of female doctors in Australia has increased by 38% over the past decade, but women remain underrepresented in the workforce. According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 45% of doctors but only 36% of non-GP specialists are women. Leadership gaps persist too – just 39% of private hospital CEOs and 38% of chief medical officers are women.

Improving representation requires systemic change. Specifically this includes:

• Flexible training pathways and workforce arrangements 
• Detailed workforce mapping to understand career pathways and barriers, including disruptions that prevent women from reaching leadership or prompt them to leave the workforce prematurely
• More investment in general practice as the frontline provider of preventative care
• Mentorship programs supported by both women and men.

AMA SA commits to playing our part to drive change. Female representation on our Council has increased from 28% in 2023 to 42% and we continue to host events and mentoring opportunities to help all doctors thrive in their professional lives.

We want a future where women are fully represented at every level – in general practice, operating theatres, research labs, and around boardroom tables.

Designing the future of women’s and children’s health

Last Wednesday, 27 September, I met with senior leaders from the Women’s and Children’s Health Network – including CEO Rebecca Graham, Executive Lead Jane Jennings and Executive Director Medical Services Dr James Rice – for a constructive discussion on the evolving design of the new Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

AMA SA provided member feedback on topics including: 

• Stage 2 design concepts and department placement
• Clinician-driven design changes
• The Care Closer to Home strategy – aiming to shift up to 20% of outpatient visits closer to families
• Integrated outpatient neighbourhoods
• Statewide service planning in gynaecology and paediatrics
• Workforce and culture initiatives for junior doctors.

AMA SA will continue contributing to conversations to ensure clinical input shapes both the hospital and the care it delivers for South Australian women, children and families.

Backing IMGs

On Tuesday, 2 September, I met with leaders from South Australia’s medical associations that represent our state’s diverse cultural and ethnic communities. Attendees included representatives from the South Australian Indian Medical Association (SAIMA), the Australian Chinese Medical Association (ACMA), the Pakistani Medical Association of South Australia (PMASA), the Bangladeshi Medical Association of South Australia (BMASA), the South Australian Sri Lankan Doctors Association (SASDA) and the African Australian Heart Health Initiative (AAHHI). 

Australia’s international medical graduates (IMGs) are a vital part of our healthcare system, now comprising around 30% of the national medical workforce. Here in South Australia, IMGs are integral to care in public hospitals and in the Riverland, Eyre Peninsula, the South East and the Far North – regions already grappling with persistent workforce shortages. Yet outdated red tape and bureaucratic inefficiencies continue to delay their integration into practice, costing communities access to timely care.

AMA SA’s recently formed IMG Committee is actively examining ways to break down these barriers and ensure IMGs can contribute fully and sustainably to our health system. We are calling on governments and regulators to:

• Streamline and simplify IMG application and registration processes
• Provide clear, transparent pathways for the mandatory clinical placements required for registration 
• Align with best-practice international standards to attract and retain skilled doctors to serve our patients.

Quarterly Meeting with RACGP

Last week, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr Sian Goodson, South Australian Chair of the RACGP, to advance our ongoing collaboration on behalf of South Australia's general practitioners.

Our discussion focused on shared advocacy priorities, including strategies to strengthen the GP workforce and ensure the voice of GPs is heard clearly and effectively in the lead-up to the upcoming state election.

We also explored ways to jointly promote access to care – a priority central to both our organisations. I’d like to acknowledge the significant work undertaken by the RACGP and thank them for their meaningful contribution to the AMA SA Round Table held in May, which helped shape constructive policy solutions for our sector.

RACS TriState (SA, NT and WA) Annual Scientific Meeting

As AMA SA President, I had the privilege last week of attending the annual RACS TriState Conference, which brought together surgical leaders from South Australia, the Northern Territory and Western Australia.

I joined the panel for the highly engaging Surgical Leaders Session, during which we explored the complexities of management and leadership alongside the Federal RACS President and colleagues from Ahpra and the medical indemnity defence sector. and.

A personal highlight was serving as a judge at the registrar, Fellow and trainee papers session. I was impressed by the calibre of research and investigative rigour on display. The future of surgery across our states and Territory is bright – if we can retain these brilliant minds.

As always, I welcome your thoughts. Please do not hesitate to contact me directly or your AMA SA team.

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