The Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr. Danielle McMullen, addressed key issues affecting the healthcare sector in her latest update. Among the topics discussed were workforce disparities, initiatives to combat dementia, and the implementation of the upcoming National Immunisation Strategy 2025-30. Dr. McMullen’s remarks come at a crucial time for healthcare professionals, as they navigate challenges exacerbated by recent data revealing significant inequities in pay and health outcomes.
Workforce Disparities and Pay Equity
Dr. McMullen expressed concern over the ongoing gender pay gap in medicine, highlighting that female doctors earn an average of $6,500 less than their male counterparts just three years into their careers. This disparity is prompting the AMA to push for a restructuring of the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) items in general practice. The association is also collaborating with the Advancing Women in Healthcare Leadership team to enhance female representation in leadership roles and address systemic inequities in pay and career progression.
“Pay equity isn’t optional—it’s essential to a sustainable health workforce,” Dr. McMullen stated, underscoring the necessity for reforms to protect the integrity of healthcare professions.
With discussions on productivity dominating the national dialogue, the AMA submitted a detailed report to the Productivity Commission advocating for increased investment in preventive health measures. Dr. McMullen noted that while Australians enjoy a high life expectancy, many are spending an increasing number of years in poor health, which hampers their ability to contribute to the workforce and society.
Dementia Action Week and Immunisation Strategy
As part of Dementia Action Week, Dr. McMullen highlighted alarming statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, indicating that dementia has become the leading cause of death in Australia. She emphasized that dementia is not an inevitable aspect of aging and that proactive measures can significantly mitigate risks. Simple lifestyle changes, such as staying active and socially engaged, are vital in reducing the likelihood of developing dementia.
On Thursday, Dr. McMullen participated in a meeting of the National Council of Primary Care Doctors (NCPCD), a collaborative body aimed at supporting general practitioners. The meeting facilitated discussions on the evolving landscape of primary care and the shared advocacy necessary to bolster the role of GPs in the healthcare system.
Additionally, she attended the first of three workshops focused on the implementation of the National Immunisation Strategy. This initial session concentrated on leveraging data and new technologies to enhance immunisation efforts. Upcoming workshops will tackle issues such as improving access to immunisation and addressing workforce challenges.
“Immunisation is a key priority of the AMA this year,” Dr. McMullen remarked, reiterating the importance of evidence-based conversations to boost immunisation coverage across all demographics. She called for greater transparency in immunisation coverage data and disease surveillance to better inform public health initiatives.
Lastly, the AMA launched a new LGBTQIASB+ Reference Group, which met for the first time on Thursday. Dr. McMullen expressed enthusiasm about utilizing the group’s expertise to ensure that the AMA’s positions are inclusive of all members. The formation of this group, alongside a new International Medical Graduates (IMG) committee and a revitalized taskforce on Indigenous health with the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA), reflects the AMA’s commitment to enhancing equity and diversity within the organization.
Dr. McMullen plans to provide further updates next week and encourages members to engage in activities that stimulate mental health, concluding with a light-hearted inquiry: “Why did the doctor laugh at the X-ray?”
