A celebration of diversity

WE WOULD like to thank all of the members who contacted us to provide such lovely feedback about the May / June edition of The NSW Doctor. We were pleased to have an opportunity to celebrate the strength of the AMA.

We did receive some feedback about the announcement of the AMA’s policy to support same sex marriage. While we understand the views expressed by some members, it is a decision we remain proud to support. We were particularly proud of the leadership shown by AMA (NSW) President, Prof Brad Frankum in leading the Federal AMA taskforce on the issue.

Some members asked why it was the place of the AMA to involve ourselves in social issues. The answer is that there are significant and proven links between discrimination and poor health outcomes, and where health is at risk, speaking up is the right thing to do.

However, the policy was also recognition of the value of those members of the profession who are LGBTIQ. We know from recent events involving bullying and mental health issues that too many doctors feel different or excluded. That needs to change, and we need every doctor and every medical student to understand that they are part of the medical family and are supported in both the commonality of purpose and their differences. It is not just LGBTIQ doctors and students who can feel different. In this edition, we bring you the compelling story of Marrwah Ahmadzai, a Muslim medical
student. I hope every single member reads her story and shares it to reflect on what it is like for Marrwah as she faces the challenges of not only becoming a doctor but of direct racism from patients. It is a reminder to everyone to take a bit of extra time with junior colleagues, to be aware of the comments of patients, and to stand up to those comments and show the leadership that our colleagues deserve.