Doctors need to preserve the tradition of waiving fees for other doctors as a mark of professional respect, the chair of AMA NSW’s ethics committee says.

There are fears professional courtesy — which extends to the parents and children of doctors — is in danger of disappearing in Australia.

Dr Michael Steiner, a Sydney ophthalmologist, is calling for its revival, arguing it acts as a bond between doctors.

“All medical practitioners have a responsibility to look after the health of colleagues,” he says.