Australian Medical Association

Applications for the 2025 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship are now open! The scholarship supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students who demonstrate a commitment to their community and to medicine. Apply now: https://lnkd.in/d4xzZUG8

The results from the latest Medical Training Survey were released today, with nearly 25,000 medical trainees taking part.   Of these 33% had experienced and/or witnessed bullying, discrimination, harassment, sexual harassment and/or racism.   Anything above 0% is a huge problem.   We need systemic reform to ensure the viability of medicine as a career choice, and to make doctors in training feel safe and valued in the workplace. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eWKb6Zzw

Today is International Day of People with Disability, and the theme is "Amplifying the leadership of persons with disabilities for an inclusive and sustainable future."   We're committed to advancing equity and inclusion for doctors and medical students with disability, especially through creating a better health system for people with disability by embedding those with lived experience in it.   #IDPwD International Day of People with Disabilities (IDPWD)   https://lnkd.in/eS4GSF2E

A Private Health System Authority is in everyone's best interest. By ensuring the sector is appropriately regulated, an independent authority can help patients get real value for money from their private health insurance, while recognising the rising cost of care. Financial quarrels between hospital operators and private health funds are hurting patients and making it harder for doctors to provide the care that patients need. Dr Sophie Scamps MP Mark Butler Danielle McMullen Julian Rait #auspol

It was fantastic to be in Canberra again this week meeting with MPs at Parliament House to discuss our health policy priorities.   With a budget, and a federal election, on the horizon, it was great to meet with MPs across the political spectrum. Health is our best investment and must be high on their election priorities.   Thank you to Health Minister Mark Butler for meeting with me and AMA Vice President Julian Rait this week to discuss a range of reforms, especially in general practice.   Thank you also to Opposition Leader The Hon. Peter Dutton MP and Shadow Health Minister Anne Ruston — it was great to catch up to discuss what needs to be done to reform Australia's healthcare to improve care for patients, including the most vulnerable in our community. I was also grateful for the chance to meet with Dr Anne Webster to discuss rural health and the need to support rural training and international medical graduates.   It's always great to have these face-to-face meetings to discuss how we can all work together to create a better health system for all, whether that is in general practice, public hospitals or our private sector.

Family violence is a national crisis that must be addressed.   Doctors have an incredibly vital role in responding to and preventing family and domestic violence, as GPs are often the first person a victim-survivor turns to for support and advice.   The AMA supports this joint statement released by AHPRA (Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency), Office of the Health Ombudsman, HPCA (Health Professional Councils Authority), and the Health Care Complaints Commission.

In a major show of support for AMA policy, Dr Sophie Scamps MP has urged Health Minister Mark Butler in parliament to establish a Private Health System Authority.   We reignited discussions about an independent regulator for the private health sector last Friday after it emerged that Healthscope had terminated its contracts with Bupa and funds represented by the Australian Health Service Alliance.   We are glad Dr Scamps agrees a Private Health System Authority is needed to ensure patients aren't "left in the lurch" and facing higher out-of-pocket costs.   An independent authority can drive long-term reform and ensure the sector is appropriately regulated. This would help patients get real value for money from their private health insurance, while recognising the rising cost of care. It is in everyone's best interest.   As Health Minister Mark Butler responded in Question Time on Tuesday, this is something the Private Health CEO Forum will look at. We look forward to working with the government through the forum to ensure the community has access to a strong, vibrant and affordable private health sector.

As another 'Movember' comes to a close this weekend, it is important to remember that men's health is a year-round priority.    This month has been a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health, cancer awareness and overall wellbeing for men everywhere.   We must continue:   💙 Breaking the stigma around mental health and encourage men to seek help when they need it   🎗️ Promoting the importance of regular health check-ups and early detection of cancer, including prostate cancer and testicular cancer   💪 Supporting and encouraging healthy lifestyles, physically and mentally.   Keep the spirit of Movember alive all year long. Check in on your friends, family, and yourself.   #Movember #MensHealth Dr. Zac Seidler Gautam Raju Michelle Terry Paul Villanti

🩺 It's time to apply for the 2025 AMA Indigenous Medical Scholarship! The scholarship is provided to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students who demonstrate a commitment to their community and to medicine. Applicants must be enrolled full-time in a medical degree at an Australian university and have completed at least their first year of medicine. If this is you, it's time to apply now! The value of the scholarship is $11,000 per annum, for each year of study for the remainder of your medical degree. The AMA is committed to supporting the next generation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors. 🎓 Information on how to apply: https://lnkd.in/d4xzZUG8 Applications close 31 January, 2025. Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association

On the 30th anniversary of the Dirty Ashtray Awards, two Australian organisations received dishonourable mentions for attempting to influence public policy while hiding the full extent of their links with the tobacco industry. The Australian Association of Convenience Stores (AACS) took out the Dirty Ashtray Award for refusing to disclose their industry funding to a Senate Inquiry consultation on new tobacco laws. And the Exploding Vape Award went to the Australian Taxpayers Alliance for their ‘Bust the Black Market’ campaign. Under the guise of a "grassroots" campaign, Bust the Black Market pushed an industry agenda and ignored public health recommendations. The awards were unveiled yesterday by Australian Medical Association (WA) President Dr Michael Page and Australian Council on Smoking and Health President Professor Andre Schultz. Media release: https://lnkd.in/dmZ5_y73 Laura Hunter Danielle McMullen Julian Rait