In 2007 10.8% of Australian doctors-in-training were undertaking part time vocational training. Despite this, part time surgical training is essentially non existent, with only one stand alone part time surgical training position and 929 surgical trainees.

VMWS has submitted a proposal to the National Health and Hospitals Reform Commission drawing attention to the lack of part time surgical training opportunities in Australia and the potential for part time surgical training to enhance the participation of doctors in the surgical workforce and the delivery of high quality, efficient medical care that will deliver significant benefits to the Australian health care system.

The potential benefits of part time surgical training include

- significant cost savings
- increased effective full time vocational training positions
- increased surgical workforce
- improved patient safety
- enhanced work-life flexibility
- opportunities for trainees to explore their interests, including undertaking part time degrees and diplomas (MBA, PhD, Masters), volunteer work, research, teaching, sporting pursuits and parental or carer leave
- major employer benefits, including
- significant cost savings
- enhanced staff retention and loyalty
- reduced sick leave and burnout
- ability to advertise for and select applicants from across Australia
- greater rostering flexibility
- greater employee talent pool
- more skilled staff

To read the VMWS part time surgical training proposal click here.