Doctors in Training | AMA (WA)
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The AMA (WA) works hard to promote and protect the interests of doctors in training (DiTs) across our State, at all stages of their training

Need to make an Industrial Relations enquiry?

IR enquiries can be made by submitting an online query, emailing industrial@amawa.com.au or calling 08 9273 3000.

 

The Australian Medical Association (WA) offers industrial and professional guidance, support and representation for all doctors in training (DiTs).

The AMA (WA) Doctors in Training Practice Group places DiTs at the heart of AMA (WA) policy-making and political advocacy. Combined with our workplace advocacy, member benefits and professional services, the AMA (WA) is here to promote your professional interests and support your journey to specialisation.

As with the whole medical profession in Western Australia, 2020 has seen DiTs adapt and rise to the challenge of COVID-19. Training and career progression for DiTs have been impacted, with many opportunities delayed, postponed or cancelled.

Workforce planning and access to leave continue to be major challenges for our workforce, challenges that have been exacerbated by COVID-19. Workforce planning is of increasing importance due to the current migration challenges for overseas trained doctors and the return home of DiT colleagues.

In addition to our COVID-19 response, the AMA (WA) continues to address systemic issues facing the DiT workforce, including: jobs that do not meet college training pathways; a lack of ‘nominal length of training’ appointments; reliance on employment pools; and workforce shortages. Parental leave in particular has become a new focus, with many DiTs facing difficulties when making requests for parental leave. This leave cannot be denied by your employer due to staffing shortages as was recently attempted by WA Health.

The AMA (WA) Industrial Team has been assisting DiTs and fighting on behalf of members when these unacceptable issues arise, and is in frequent conversations with the Chief Medical Officer and WA Health on wide range of topics.

Hospital Health Check

With questions on morale and culture, wage theft, payslips and bullying, and a continued focus on education for career progression and access to leave, the Hospital Health Check was developed by DiTs for DiTs. The annual survey originated here in WA, back in 2015, and has since been adopted by other AMA state and territory offices.

Responses to HHC are anonymous. Furthermore, all responses are collated, analysed and reported by the AMA (WA) independent of the hospitals. All DiTs are invited to participate in the survey, and strongly encouraged to respond freely and openly. This year the methodology changed to capture data by Employer/Health Service Provider (HSP), reflective that DiTs apply to work for a HSP and may be placed at multiple sites.

Results from the 2023 AMA (WA) Hospital Health Check, based on surveys completed by more than 700 DiTs, found high levels of burnout prevalent at most work sites. There were some overall improvements compared to the disastrous results of 2022. Nevertheless, issues such as bullying, discrimination and harassment remain critical concerns.

With the data gathered from the 2023 HHC survey, the AMA (WA) and the Doctors in Training Practice Group will continue to progress and prosecute issues on your behalf, so that you can focus on patient care and your journey to specialisation.

View the 2023 Hospital Health Check Report Card by clicking here.

Are you a DiT?

The AMA (WA) has dedicated information and resources available for doctors in training.