In the eye of the storm

The health system is often talked about in terms of costs, but it’s vital that people understand it’s an asset

Juggling the safety of doctors at the front line of Covid-19 as well as supporting those who have been forced to close their practice provides the Australian Medical Association (AMA) with an interesting dynamic.

Fiona Davies, head of AMA NSW, says she never expected to have to help doctors out of work – they’re generally protected from significant economic downturns. What makes it most challenging is that shutdowns aren’t due to a lack of work but because there isn’t enough personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep staff and the public safe.

“We’re trying to balance one part of our membership with the safety and wellbeing of another part of our membership, which is quite challenging,” she says.

Davies has no medical background and she’s been known to get queasy on hospital visits, but it hasn’t stopped her leading the premier doctors’ association in NSW for more than 10 years.

In addition to more than 20 years representing doctors, she is also married to neurosurgeon