Australian doctors in training are deeply concerned about the future of the healthcare sector, as senior medical professionals are struggling with the exhaustion caused in part by COVID-19 and the flu.
The Australian Medical Students Association calls on governments to urgently address pressures on the workforce and commit to long-term planning by funding the National Medical Workforce Strategy.
“Disastrous” staff shortages, extreme depletion and intensified clinical demand are among the factors facing the industry, said the association’s president, Jasmine Davis.
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The top body is concerned that the crisis has ramifications for patient safety.
“We know that a depleted and understaffed medical workforce cannot adequately teach the next generation of doctors, despite their desire to do so,” Ms Davis said.
“As a result, medical students have faced significant disruptions in their medical education during the COVID-19 pandemic, now in its third year, with canceled internships, restricted patient access and online classes. “.
Ms Davis said students were forced to reflect on the viability and sustainability of their future careers when they were taught poorly paid and overworked doctors.
Nearly nine out of 10 doctors suffer from exhaustion, according to a recent survey by the Royal Australasian College of Physicians.
“It is essential that we focus on relieving current workforce pressures and establishing structures to reduce long-term exhaustion in the medical profession,” Ms. Davis said.
The association is the largest representative body of Australia’s 17,000 medical students.