A group of senior clinicians will convene with representatives from the Australian Medical Association (AMA) on October 13, 2023, following the dismissal of breast cancer surgeon John Stuchbery. The meeting, initiated by Simon Judkins, president of AMA Victoria, aims to address concerns surrounding the controversial termination of Dr Stuchbery’s contract with Albury Wodonga Health.
Dr Stuchbery’s contract was rescinded last month after he publicly opposed the plans for the redevelopment of Albury hospital. This decision has raised significant questions among medical professionals regarding the implications of voicing dissent within the healthcare system. Judkins confirmed that the meeting will take place in Albury, with details on the specific location yet to be finalized.
Dr Judkins emphasized the importance of understanding the concerns of senior medical staff at the hospital. “There are two AMA representatives coming up, I’ll be there, to meet with senior medical staff to work out what the Albury Wodonga Health issues are,” he stated. “We want to know what their concerns are and how we’re going to progress things. Hopefully, we can get a good outcome for the senior medical staff in the hospital, because that’s all we want.”
Surgeon Paddy Dewan, who is affiliated with the AMA Victoria council but does not speak on behalf of the association, expressed his support for Dr Stuchbery and his intention to attend the meeting. While he clarified that the gathering will not focus exclusively on Dr Stuchbery, he acknowledged that the surgeon’s dismissal serves as a critical impetus for broader discussions about the treatment of doctors who advocate for patient welfare.
“I understand the meeting has been called in relation to what’s happened to John,” Dr Dewan remarked. “It’s recognized that a clinician standing up for the welfare of the community has been dealt with adversely as a result, with no recognition from the administration that patients will be affected.”
The involvement of the AMA reflects a growing unity among the medical community and the public in response to administrative actions that could jeopardize patient care. Dr Dewan noted the significance of this convergence, stating, “The AMA is getting involved because the community and the medical community are banding together, not to say this is about John as a special person, it’s about John’s situation being a very serious reflection of the administration’s conduct.”
As the meeting approaches, the outcome may have lasting implications for not only the clinicians at Albury Wodonga Health but also for the broader medical community in Australia. The discussions will likely focus on the need for safe environments for healthcare professionals to express their concerns without fear of retaliation, which is essential for maintaining high standards of patient care.
