Junior doctors in Australia face a range of challenges during their prevocational training, which can sometimes feel overwhelming. From adjusting to new work environments to managing high workloads and dealing with complex patient cases, it's no wonder that some doctors find it difficult to meet their training requirements.

Thankfully, the Australian Medical Association (AMA) has recognised these challenges and has issued a Position Statement on Prevocational Medical Education and Training that offers some practical recommendations for overcoming them.

First and foremost, the AMA suggests providing appropriate and timely support to doctors who are struggling with their training. This could include clear support/performance action plans to help them progress through their training and access to mentoring or coaching from experienced physicians. By offering support when it's needed most, junior doctors can feel more confident in their abilities and better equipped to handle the challenges of their work.

Another key recommendation is to offer comprehensive orientation programs for doctors who are seconded to peripheral and/or isolated centres. These programs can help doctors transition to a new work environment more smoothly and provide them with the resources they need to succeed. By utilising best practices in orientation programs, employers can ensure that their new recruits feel welcome and prepared for the demands of their job.

The AMA also supports evidence-based methods of prevocational training and assessment that lead to a greater generalist foundation of clinical experience for trainees. This means providing junior doctors with a diverse range of clinical experiences and exposure to a variety of medical specialties. By broadening their knowledge and skills, doctors can become more confident and capable physicians, better able to meet the needs of their patients.

In addition, the AMA recommends that systems be put in place to provide data on the quality and effectiveness of training, which can drive evidence-based improvements to training and align training with the health care needs of the community. By collecting data on how well prevocational doctors are performing and where they might need extra support, employers can tailor their training programs to meet the specific needs of their trainees.

Other recommendations from the AMA include recognition of prior learning for entry into vocational training, safe and collaborative rostering, a clear list of expected responsibilities, options for flexible work and training arrangements, and safe supervision standards and training requirements met through accreditation by the relevant accrediting body.

While there's no denying that prevocational training can be challenging, there are many resources available to help junior doctors succeed. By taking advantage of these resources, doctors can develop the skills and knowledge they need to provide high-quality care to their patients and build rewarding careers in medicine.

Reference :

Australian Medical Association : Position Statement - Prevocational Medical Education and Training