Overseas docs face backlash in Australia

Expat doctors in Australia are facing racial backlash following a scandal involving a disgraced Indian-origin surgeon, Dr Jayant Patel, Australian Medical Association said on Friday.

The AMA warned that this could trigger a major workforce crisis in the country.

"We are hearing reports of patients refusing treatment from overseas trained doctors in public hospitals and in private practice and demanding to see other doctors," AMA president Mukesh Haikerwal said.
    
He said the controversy over Dr Patel had undermined the community's confidence in ODTs, who account for 20 per cent of Australia's doctors.
   
Patel, dubbed as 'Dr Death', reportedly moved to Queensland in Australia after he was banned from surgery in New York and Oregaon in the US.

While there is a need for significant investment in facilities and training, Haikerwal said: "It is vital that the doctors we have in the system are protected and encouraged to stay where they are needed most."

He said he has written to all state premiers and territory chief ministers to support their public hospital workforce, including OTDs.