Dr Boulton wraps up her term as President
As her two-year tenure as AMA Queensland President comes to an end, Dr Maria Boulton chats to 9News Queensland about her concerns for the future of medicine. "I come from a two-tier health system. That's how I grew up, where I grew up, and it was really upsetting to see people not have access to health care when they needed it. I don't want that to happen to Queensland," she said.
Transcript: AMA Queensland President, Dr Maria Boulton, 9News Queensland, Thursday 23 May 2024
Subjects: Parting words as AMA Queensland President
ANDREW LOFTHOUSE: The departing President of the state's peak health body is pleading for urgent action to address a critical health workforce shortage. Dr Maria Boulton is ending her two-year term as AMA Queensland President and has some words of warning as she vacates her office.
JOSH BAVAS: She's the Brisbane GP who's spoken for the state's doctors since COVID swept across the border.
DR MARIA BOULTON: We fought for PPE, we fought for fit testing and we fought for them to have priority PCR testing for COVID.
JOSH BAVAS: Were you particularly worried that things could really fall apart quickly?
DR MARIA BOULTON: I was, I just didn't I didn't feel that the health system was going in the right direction. You could do two things, you can sit home and whinge, or you can actually become involved and be part of the change.
JOSH BAVAS: Today is Dr Maria Boulton's last day at the helm of the Australian Medical Association Queensland and she has some parting words for decision makers about the basic health care slipping out of reach.
DR MARIA BOULTON: I have patients that come and see me, and they say – Dr Maria, what script can I do without this week, because I can't afford all my scripts? We shouldn't be in this position.
JOSH BAVAS: Her other biggest concern is what she describes as a critical workforce shortage.
DR MARIA BOULTON: It's dire, and whenever we speak to colleagues working in emergency departments, in hospital wards and general practice, they all say the same.
JOSH BAVAS: And a low intake of students wanting to be general practitioners.
DR MARIA BOULTON: We're not going to be able to keep up with health services unless things change.
JOSH BAVAS: Growing up in El Salvador the now leading physician says she's worried about a growing divide between rich and those struggling.
DR MARIA BOULTON: I come from a two-tier health system. That's how I grew up, where I grew up, and it was really upsetting to see people not have access to health care when they needed it. I don't want that to happen to Queensland.
JOSH BAVAS: Dr Nick Yim takes over as the AMA Queensland President tomorrow.
