Health Checks For Late Career Doctors

The Medical Board is considering introducing health checks for doctors over 70 years of age, aiming to safely extend the practice of late-career medical practitioners.

The proposal, one of three options the Board is considering, was announced on 6 August and follows the release of new data indicating that the rates of patient complaints jump significantly with the increasing age of their doctors.

The AMA is seeking input from members about the three options:

• rely on existing guidance (status quo)
• require a detailed health assessment of the ‘fitness to practise’ of doctors aged 70 years and older. These health assessments, undertaken by a specialist occupational and environmental physician, would include an independent clinical assessment of the current and future capacity of the doctor to practise in their speciality.
• require general health checks for late-career doctors (aged 70 years and older).

Feedback is invited from health sector organisations, clinicians, other health practitioners and consumers.

Ahpra’s complaints data shows that doctors aged over 70 are 81% more likely to be the subject of notifications for any reason (not just impairment) than those under 70.

Overall, the rate of notifications about late-career doctors has almost doubled over the past eight years, rising from 36.2 notifications per 1,000 practitioners aged 70 and older in 2015, to 69.5 complaints per 1,000 in 2023.

AMA Federal President Professor Steve Robson says there must be a balanced approach.

‘The right to practise medicine well into advanced age is something that's very important to doctors,’ he said.

‘Older doctors have greater experience and are often seen as sources of guidance. They play important roles in leadership and training of younger doctors and other health professionals.

‘Health checks must be evidence-based, fair and consistent and not drive or force doctors into earlier retirement.

“If the Medical Board introduces health checks for late career doctors the focus must be on supporting doctors.

‘The AMA will work closely with the Medical Board and consult its members to ensure the balance between protecting the public and avoiding unlawful and unjustified aged-based discrimination is achieved.’

The deadline for providing feedback is Friday 4 October. Have your say on the Medical Board’s website.