GEORGE TOWN – The Penang Medical Practitioners Society (PMPS) has proposed that senior doctors undergo “train the trainers” programmes while pre-medical students be given aptitude tests, following allegations of bullying among doctors.
PMPS president Datuk Dr Tan Kah Keong said not all senior doctors are suitable trainers while trainee doctors need all the guidance and moral support from their senior colleagues.
“Senior doctors and consultants should impart their skill and knowledge, instead of causing more stress for the junior doctors,” he said in a statement issued to The Vibes today.
He added that the aptitude test for pre-medical students will gauge if they have the mental qualities and coping abilities to be good doctors, and not just based on their applications or academic qualifications.
“Also, during the medical degree period, a specific course should address stress coping mechanisms.
“Young doctors also need public support and empathy so they can mature into good doctors. At the same time, we should remind and encourage young doctors to seek help if they face mental stress and depression.”
Tan said doctors can reach out to PMPS should they need help and assistance.
Mental health issues and allegations of an unhealthy work environment are much talked about following the case of a houseman attached to Penang Hospital who died after apparently falling from an office building here.
Northeast district police head Soffian Santong did not rule out the possibility of the case being reclassified if fresh evidence comes to light.
In December 2020, The Vibes reported that another doctor who had resigned from the same hospital had taken his own life.
This has led to calls for a thorough investigation into the recent death.
Meanwhile, doctor and former Kedah exco member Datuk Dr S. Subramaniam said allegations of bullying might crop up among junior doctors who are found to be lacking knowledge on certain matters relating to the practice.
He added that there are many who are hardworking and receive high praise, later on becoming successful doctors.
“Will an inquiry provide tangible solutions? Is this not tantamount to interference in the medical practice?
“The findings of an inquiry may be seen as lowering the standard of medical practice in the future. There is a risk of housemen being neglected and they will come out as badly trained.
“However, the cause of the two deaths must be investigated, although blaming the hospital may not be the right move,” said Subramaniam, who also did his housemanship at the Penang Hospital in 1971. – The Vibes, May 5, 2022
