Pandemic sees doctors turn away from emergency medicine
Dr Kim Hansen says junior medics are choosing other specialities in response to surging COVID-19 cases and staff shortages
A Queensland emergency doctor is warning that the stress of working in ED during COVID-19 is putting doctors off a career in emergency medicine.
Dr Kim Hansen, an emergency medicine specialist in Brisbane, made her comments as the “toughest” pandemic wave to date hit hospitals around the country.
State and territory figures show the number of coronavirus patients in hospitals in WA, SA and Queensland are at their highest levels, while Victoria is bringing on board 400 extra staff, including doctors, to tackle the winter crisis.
Dr Hansen, who is chair of AMA Queensland Ramping Roundtable, said her specialty was losing its allure since the beginning of the pandemic.
