As we age, our bodies and minds naturally undergo changes, and this is no different for the medical professionals who care for us. However, when it comes to the health and safety of patients, it's crucial that the doctors making life-altering decisions are fully capable of providing the best care possible. This has become a pressing concern in Australia, where a significant increase in complaints against older General Practitioners (GPs) has sparked a debate about the need for regular health checks for doctors over the age of 70.

The Australian Medical Board, Ahpra, has revealed a concerning trend: doctors aged over 70 are 81 per cent more likely to have a complaint filed against them by patients than their younger counterparts. This statistic is alarming and has led to a proposal that could see these senior doctors undergoing regular health assessments to maintain their practice licenses.

The rise in complaints is not a small matter. Over the past eight years, the overall rate of complaints against 'late-career doctors' has doubled, a development that Ahpra has described as 'disturbing.' For doctors between the ages of 70-74, complaints have skyrocketed by more than 130 per cent since 2015. Even more startling is the 180 per cent increase in complaints about doctors aged 80 and over. While complaints against doctors under 70 have also risen, the rate is significantly lower at 63 per cent over the same period.

An increase in complaints about doctors aged 70 and over was observed by Ahpra. Credit: Shutterstock

In response to this spike, Ahpra is considering implementing health checks for doctors over 70 years old. The goal is to 'safely extend the practice of late-career medical practitioners' by ensuring they are fit to continue their professional duties. The proposal outlines three options: an 'extensive and detailed' fitness-to-practice assessment for all doctors aged 70, general checks for GPs aged 70 and older, or maintaining the status quo.

Dr Anne Tonkin AO, the Board Chair, supports the health check-ups, likening them to public health screening measures. 'Early detection means early management, which can mean preventing avoidable risks,' she explains. The intention is to find 'effective and practical ways to support late career doctors to stay in safe practice' by identifying and addressing any risks associated with increasing age.

The Medical Board of Australia is not making this decision lightly and is inviting public commentary on the three options. This is a chance for patients, healthcare professionals, and the broader community to weigh in on a matter that affects the quality and safety of healthcare services.

The implications of such a policy are far-reaching. On one hand, it could ensure that patients receive care from doctors who are physically and cognitively able to provide the highest standard of medical attention. On the other hand, it raises questions about age discrimination and the value of experience that senior doctors bring to their practice.

Members of the Seniors Discount Club, many of whom may have long-standing relationships with their GPs, might have mixed feelings about this proposal. The wisdom and experience of a trusted doctor are invaluable, yet the assurance that they are capable of delivering safe care is equally important.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences. Have you ever had concerns about the capabilities of an older doctor? Do you believe regular health checks for senior GPs are necessary, or do you see them as an unfair measure? Your insights are important as we navigate this complex issue together.

Key Takeaways

• The Australian Medical Board, Ahpra, has noticed an increase in complaints about older doctors, particularly those over the age of 70.
• General Practitioners over 70 may need to undergo regular health checks to continue practising due to the significant rise in patient complaints against them.
• Ahpra's proposal includes three options, the preferred one being a fitness-to-practise assessment for doctors starting at age 70.
• The Medical Board of Australia is seeking public feedback on the proposals to extend the practice of late-career medical practitioners safely.

For more information and to participate in the public commentary, please visit the Medical Board of Australia's website. Your voice matters in shaping the future of healthcare for all Australians.

 

[Gezzabel]

I would prefer a doctor with life experience and wisdom. You can’t buy wisdom, or learn it from a textbook. I have experienced emergency room visits, with a cocky arrogant attitude. Don’t get me wrong. I am respectful of the medical profession, especially as I am a retired ER nurse. I don’t like being treated like a moron, when I probably have more ER experience that some of these cocky 24 year olds have. The patient comes first, and some doctors egos should be left at the door. As a midwife, I have probably delivered about 60 babies, more than some of the younger doctors could dream of. So please, treat all patients equally, and leave your egos at the door. Gezabel.

 

[Shoeb]

I would support the Drs getting checked just to ensure that they are still fit to make right clinical decisions & also stay up to date in medical science.
Undoubtedly, their experience & wisdom is unmatched but still they are humans who are responsible for other human lives!

 

[Barbara V]

The best doctor I ever had was in his late 60s

 

[Littleboy8]

The best doctor I ever had was in his late 60s

Mines in his early 70’s an oldie but a goodie had him before I went to tassie over 20 odd years ago came back and have him again, it’s like times stood still. He has no plans to retire lucky me but he only works 3 days a week now

 

[hdhensel]

The same health checks should also apply to dentists. I had a relatively simple procedure done several months ago and it was a total failure. At a typically high cost. Complaints to the Ombudsman achieved nothing because they are toothless (by their admission) and they clearly look after their members. Personal legal action is difficult because of lack of direct evidence. A limited refund was forthcoming. Other costs and charges were not. A recent trip overseas to Thailand allowed rectification of the poor dental work at 20% of the Australian cost. The work by a locally trained dentist was clearly more modern than the Australian practice

 

[katdragon2010]

All doctors should be checked, but surgeons in particular. Their mistakes are even more life threatening. I know of an eye doctor who has made a few mistakes. These mistakes could leave someone blind. I would not go to that man under any circumstances.

 

[Luckyus]

The last time I was admitted to hospital they left chart on the bed and upon reading It noticed that a had placed beside a DNR. This was done by the young doctors and when I queried it was given a bullshit answer about haw I had agreed to it, it became an older different when an older doctor attended. I have no intention of going quietly into that long goodnight. I'm told that I was bought into this world kicking and screaming that is the way I Intended to go out if possible?

 

[Gsr]

Everyone in any medical field be they drs, dentists, nurses etc should have to have mind and body checks once they reach 60 I think. I know of some very good older medical people, but I also know of some I would never go to no matter what. One time hubby was in outpatients the nurse who was trying to take his blood obviously had early stage Parkinson’s, she was shaking so much she couldn’t get the needle into his arm. I asked her to stop and requested another nurse to do it. She shouldn’t have been working in outpatients with her limitations. A dr in our town who does cataract operations has been sued by quite a few patients whose ops went wrong and they ended up blind in an eye. Another older orthopaedic surgeon at a bigger nearby town was also sued several times for operating on patients wrong limbs, doing the wrong procedure on patients. He has since retired. I’m sure there are a lot more good older medical staff than bad ones, but I would hate to be the patient who got the bad one. Some of the drs would be better to just take on an advisory and teaching role, that way their knowledge could be passed onto the new generation of drs. There are medical conditions older drs have dealt with that younger drs might only see once in their career or never, this is the area older drs would be good supports for.