AFTER consulting on possible compulsory health checks for late career doctors, the Medical Board of Australia has opted to pursue "a more nuanced and collaborative solution" instead.
An analysis of the outcome of complaints to Ahpra showed that the issues requiring regulatory action for doctors aged over 70 most commonly include concerns about communication, clinical care, pharmacy and medication, as well as health.
The Board said it will work with the medical profession on strategies to support late career doctors to keep practising safely as they age.
"The Board values the contribution of late career doctors to their patients, the medical profession and our community," Medical Board of Australia Chair, Dr Susan O'Dwyer, said.
"There are also some clear issues in the practice of some doctors in this group that health checks alone won't address," she explained.
"We are keen to collaborate with the profession on supporting this group of doctors to keep their practice safe and their knowledge and skills up to date," she said, noting the Board is working to find "a proportionate solution to a nuanced and sensitive problem".
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