In Doctors we Trust

Independent social research commissioned by the Medical Board of Australia has shown that doctors are Australia’s most trusted profession.

The Medical Board says it is committed to ensuring this trust is well placed and will be working with the profession to ensure doctors remain competent throughout their careers.

“It’s up to the medical profession as a whole, and the Medical Board as the regulator, to ensure this trust is well founded,” said Medical Board of Australia Chair, Dr Joanna Flynn AM.

The research was conducted as part of the Board’s current consideration whether the introduction of revalidation of doctors is needed as a more proactive step to contribute to the ‘protection of the public’.

Despite the reservations raised by the profession about revalidation, feedback from 3000 doctors and 1000 community members found that 39% of doctors and 72% of the public think doctors’ practice should be reviewed at least every five years.

The Board’s Expert Advisory Group has released an interim report on revalidation, and are expected to release a final report to the Board in mid-2017 following the close of consultation at the end of November 2016.

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.