ACCC intervention in surgeon training not the answer
AMA President, Dr Kerryn Phelps, said today that the ACCC's proposal to increase Government intervention in the selection and training of surgeons would lead to lower standards and would do nothing to address the shortage of skilled surgeons in Australia.
Dr Phelps said the Government's involvement in the training of general practitioners through GPET cannot be described as a success.
"Mr Fels claims the reforms he is proposing will provide more surgeons, but there is no proof that this would be the outcome. In fact, the ACCC's intervention could have the opposite effect," Dr Phelps said.
"The independence of the medical profession in training and standards must be defended. It is as important to the community as the independence of the judiciary.
"The AMA will be calling on the Government to be extremely cautious about the ACCC's proposals.
"The Royal Australasian College of Surgeons has been producing high quality professional surgeons for a very long time - a fact acknowledged by the ACCC - and should be allowed to continue in this role unfettered by unproductive interference.
"There is no place for a draconian approach to the training of surgeons.
"All stakeholders must work together cooperatively to ensure high quality professional surgeons are available in sufficient numbers to serve the community.
"Patients must not be disadvantaged. Trainee surgeons must not be disadvantaged.
"Senior surgeons currently provide training and expertise free of charge. This tradition must be preserved," Dr Phelps said.
The AMA Federal Council will examine the ACCC proposals in more detail when it meets in Canberra tomorrow.
CONTACT: John Flannery (02) 6270 5477 / (0419) 494 761
Judith Tokley (02) 6270 5471 / (0408) 824 306