NZMA Trainee Forum

The NZMA’s annual Trainee Forum was first held four years ago following the establishment of a forum by the Australian Medical Association’s Council of Doctors in Training (AMA CDIT). The idea was for trainee representatives from all of the different medical colleges to be able to come together for one day to share experiences that they could then bring back to their respective colleges.

Where a trainee indicated s/he had concerns with the college’s training system then, subject of course to the permission of the trainee, the NZMA would take the matter up with the college concerned. Since its inception, the Trainee Forum has expanded to include those societies which are involved in training.

The forum today generally includes two guest speakers, who are influential in matters directly relevant to trainees. In past years these speakers have included the Chair of the Medical Council of New Zealand (MCNZ), the Chair of Health Workforce New Zealand (HWNZ), members of the Medical Training Board and members of the Resident Medical Officers (RMO) Commission. The forum has an informal format and, rather than lecture style, offers those attending the opportunity to speak one-on-one with the guest speakers on key issues of the day.

The NZMA is always looking to improve the forum. If you have a suggestion you would like us to consider please email us at nzma@nzma.org.nz. If you are a trainee in a college or society and feel that an invitation should have been sent to you, please let us know and we will look to correct the situation.

2011 Trainee Forum a success
The 2011 NZMA Trainee Forum took place on Saturday 27 August 2011. 20 DiTCs and trainee reps from nearly all of the colleges and societies sat down to talk it out with the chairs of the national bodies that affect/advocate for us – the Medical Council of New Zealand, the NZMA and Health Workforce New Zealand. Contact your college rep to find out how they found the day, or read the summary of proceedings...