Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors in training are experiencing racism at double the rate of their non-Indigenous colleagues. Results from the latest Medical Training Survey (MTS) have revealed that this is the experience of 38% of First Nations trainees compared to 17% of non-Indigenous doctors in training, indicating that racism is prevalent in the Australian healthcare system.
Conducted annually by the Medical Board of Australia, the survey underscores the urgent need for action to combat these discriminatory behaviours in healthcare settings across Australia, with 29% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees noting they are considering a career outside of medicine compared to 19% of their peers.
With the largest participation ever from First Nations trainees (203), AIDA CEO, Donna Burns says we must sit up and listen.
“Our Indigenous medical workforce is such a valuable asset to the healthcare system, they bring a unique understanding that all of Australia can benefit from, particularly Indigenous people. We must do better to create a safe environment so our Indigenous medical workforce can flourish.”
“Australia faces shortages in the GP workforce and in rural and remote communities, and we know that Indigenous doctors choose to work in these areas at higher rates than the rest of the medical workforce. A racism free healthcare system is not only the right thing to do, but also a smart thing to do.”
“It is entirely unacceptable that any trainee experiences racism, in an environment that should be safe, we must be brave enough to say racism is not ok, protecting our doctors, on a personal and professional level” Donna Burns said.
The Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association (AIDA) has been working with all GP and non-GP specialist colleges to support the growth of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical workforce. AIDA’s Specialist Trainee Support Program provides support to trainees and doctors wishing to pursue training, while working to improve cultural safety in training and addressing systems issues and barriers such as financial burden of training and assessments.
AIDA is urging for the creation of truly culturally safe workplaces and a culture of respect within the medical community. AIDA also offers Cultural Safety Training workshops as a proactive measure to foster inclusivity and mutual respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals. To learn more about cultural safety and support initiatives for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical professionals, please visit https://aida.org.au/cultural-safety-program/ for additional information.