Building healthier workplaces in health
AMA Position Statement on Equal Opportunity in the Medical Workforce 2012
The AMA today released its Position Statement on Equal Opportunity in the Medical Workforce 2012, which updates a Position Statement first developed in 1995.
The AMA strongly supports the principle of equal opportunity in all workplaces, with this Position Statement specifically targeted at the medical workforce.
AMA President, Dr Steve Hambleton, said today that doctors work in a variety of settings including public hospitals, community health organisations, and private practices
“The medical workforce is changing rapidly with the increased participation of women, a greater emphasis on part-time work and work-life balance,” Dr Hambleton said.
“Today we have a diverse medical workforce that is made up of people from many different cultures and with many different values and beliefs.
“The workforce is also ageing.
“Employers in the health sector need to recognise this diversity and have in place policies and procedures that value the contribution made by all doctors, no matter what their background, culture, or the stage in their career.
“Workplaces that fail to do this will inevitably encounter recruitment and retention problems, and this has an impact on doctors and patients alike.
“Doctors play a vital role in the health system. The AMA is committed to ensuring that they work in a supportive environment that encourages best practice in recruitment and retention and maximises the potential contribution that doctors make to the care of patients,” Dr Hambleton said.
The AMA Position Statement on Equal Opportunity in the Medical Workforce 2012 is at http://ama.com.au/position-statement/equal-opportunity-medical-workforce-2012
24 September 2012
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