Risky Surgeons
15 Sep 2017

Risky Surgeons
Did you know that Australian Surgeons are more than twice as likely to attract complaints as their Physician peers? And some surgical subspecialties are at higher risk of complaints than others.
An analysis of 5,500 complaints to AHPRA about Surgeons and Physicians from 2011 to 2016 revealed that:
- the rate of complaints among Surgeons was 2.3 times higher than the rate of complaints among Physicians
- 6% of Surgeons had three or more complaints, accounting for 42% of all complaints about Surgeons
- 59% of the overall risk difference between Surgeons and Physicians was attributable to a higher rate of complaints relating to treatments and procedures; the remaining risk difference arose from other performance, professional conduct and health concerns
- Surgeons had complaint rates that were more than 1.5 times as high as Physicians in relation to monitoring and follow up of patients, fees and fraud, reports and certificates, substance use, communication and interpersonal behaviour
- after adjusting for age, surgical subspecialty, location and clinical hours worked, male Surgeons were 1.31 times more likely to be the subject of a complaint compared to their female peers
- Surgeons who specialised in Neurosurgery, Plastic Surgery and Orthopaedic Surgery were at higher risk of complaints compared with General Surgeons.

Doctors, Let's Talk: Setting Boundaries At Work
A conversation with Nicola Campbell, Psychiatry Registrar, that explores the necessity of setting professional boundaries as a Junior Doctor.
07 Dec 2022

Doctors, Let's Talk: Your Support Network Is Your Net-Worth
A conversation with Nidhi Krishnan, Paediatric Registrar, that explores the value of building a strong network as a Junior Doctor.
07 Dec 2022

Doctors, Let's Talk: Are Retreats Worth The Money?
A conversation with Dr Emily Amos, General Practitioner, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant, and registered mindfulness teacher, that explores the utility of mindful retreats and self-care among Junior Doctors.
07 Dec 2022

Doctors, Let's Talk: Is Quitting Medicine Ever The Answer?
A conversation with Dr Ashe Coxon, General Practitioner, career counsellor, and founder of Medical Career Planning, that explores the issue of dealing with career uncertainty as a Junior Doctor.
07 Dec 2022