AMA urges Federal Government to drive action to address shortage of intern positions

The AMA understands that the first of a series of meetings on this issue involving senior Commonwealth and State Health Department officials takes place tomorrow.

AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that recently published information shows there will be a shortage of around 300 intern posts in NSW and Victoria alone next year.

“It is a key issue for all governments to ensure that there are sufficient internships for all medical graduates,” Dr Hambleton said.

“The recent Health Workforce 2025 report by Health Workforce Australia highlights that, to meet community need, Australia needs to find training places for the growing number of students graduating from medical school - covering the intern year and beyond - including specialist training posts.

“The Commonwealth has commendably lifted the number of medical graduates since 2004 to meet community need.

“Now it is up to the Commonwealth to work with the States and Territories to provide these graduates with access to quality intern training places.

“Without these extra training places, thousands of junior doctors will not be able to achieve specialist qualification, and the community will not realise the full benefit of its investment in increased medical school places.

“Finding a solution will require strong leadership from the Federal Government and strong cooperation between the States and Territories to do their bit to ensure that community access to quality medical care is maintained and improved to meet growing demand,” Dr Hambleton said.

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14 June 2012

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                        Kirsty Waterford                  02 6270 5464 / 0427 209 753

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