News

AMACDT advocacy on workforce planning – a note from the Chair

Published 3 May 2022

Hi all,

In this issue of eDiT I wanted to highlight the work that the AMA Council of Doctors in Training is doing regarding supporting the National Medical Workforce Strategy (NMWS). Some of you will know this cross jurisdictional, Department of Health strategy has been profession driven to try and resolve some of the long-standing issues regarding our medical workforce.  

The NMWS aims to address medical workforce issues by exploring actions that fall under the 5 key priorities of:  

  • collaborating on medical workforce planning and design  

  • rebalancing the supply and distribution of doctors across specialties and locations  

  • reforming medical training pathways  

  • building the generalist capability of the medical workforce  

  • building a flexible and responsive medical workforce.  

The Strategy also includes 3 overarching contextual priorities that aim to:  

  • grow the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce and improve cultural safety  

  • adapt to, and better support, new models of care  

  • improve doctor wellbeing.  

The AMACDT has been working with our Prevocational Special Interest Group (PSIG), and the group Chairs Dr Hayden Cain and Dr Balakavitha Balaravi, to support the important work particularly in the unaccredited prevocational and service registrar space. The AMACDT is working with all stakeholders to develop a framework to improve this space and also advocate for accreditation of all positions to ensure quality education, training and protection of working rights.  

I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our newly appointed GPs in Training Advisory Committee (GTAC) Chairs – Dr Dana Phang and Dr Michael Hand. Both are experienced GP Trainees and will continue our important work to advocate for GPs trainees, particularly with the transition to College led training and inproving remuneration and support for GP trainees across the country. Please see below and submit an EOI if you are a GP trainee who would like to contribute your voice to work in this space. 

If you would like to get involved, or have any feedback on any of the major projects the AMACDT is undertaking, please get in contact with me at cdt.chair@ama.com.au 

Dr Hash Abdeen

Chair, AMA Council of Doctors in Training