Doctors in training

AMA Committee of Doctors in Training (CDT) Tasmanian representative - Dr Kim Dobromilsky

The AMACDT is one of the most influential special interest groups in the AMA, particularly at the this point in time where so many issues and decisions impact on the careers, education, and lives of so many young doctors. The AMACDT has long worked towards bringing the issues of doctors at the frontlines of service provision and education to the federal council of the AMA. We serve the interests of both doctors in prevocational and vocational training of all specialties, and medical students. We have representatives from all states and territories, specialty trainee groups, and the Australian Medical Students Association (AMSA). We advise the federal AMA on policy decisions affecting young doctors.

The issues currently facing doctors in training include;

The new surgical training program (SET) is a reformulation into streamlining surgical training into subspecialty programs. The RACS is looking to make the length of training shorter and the application process more transparent. The AMACDT is concerned that SET will hinder the generalist prevocational training years, be a significant cost burden to those applying even if not successful, and that the selection criteria are often onerous and difficult to complete.

The enormous increase in medical student numbers has been on the CDT radar since 2004 when the Government announced three new medical schools. This has since risen to seven, and with increases in admissions to already under-resourced medical schools CDT is concerned that not only will the educational experience be diluted but that doctors will graduate without the security of jobs. This is particularly relevant to full fee paying and private university students. The AMACDT is also concerned of the flow on effect the increase in graduates is going to have on the already sparse vocational training positions.

Safe hours and job life flexibility are issues the AMACDT has been fully behind over the last 2 years. Our safe hours survey is an ongoing project and resource looking at the pattern, quantity, and frequency of hours worked by junior doctors. Policy has allowed a benchmark for which agreements have been negotiated and the AMA continues to lobby for safe hours for junior staff.

Doctors' health is a matter of most seriousness to AMACDT, particularly with recent tragedies in mainland states involving junior staff. The AMA believes that instituting safe hours, flexible work conditions, and a supportive workplace are essential to a healthy junior doctor. We campaign vehemently for the promotion of doctors health and the importance of having your own GP. The AMA is always open to suggestions for ideas to promote this cause.

If you want to get involved, contact me.
kcd@netspace.net.au