July 2008

In 2007 10.8% of Australian doctors-in-training were undertaking part time vocational training. Despite this, part time surgical training is essentially non existent, with only one stand alone part time surgical training position and 929 surgical trainees.

VMWS has submitted a proposal to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission drawing attention to the lack of part time surgical training opportunities in Australia and the potential for part time surgical training to enhance the participation of doctors in the surgical workforce and the delivery of high quality, efficient medical care that will deliver significant benefits to the Australian health care system.

VMWS supports the White Ribbon Campaign which aims to eliminate violence against women by promoting cultural change. It aims to
– Change community attitudes so that men and women have healthy relationships free of violence;
– Encourage men, supported by women, to take the lead in raising public awareness about the issue.