Resident Doctor Testimony

I just wanted to share some of my experiences of my time in Australia as a junior doctor. It's only been just over a year now, but in the last year of my time as a medical student, I faced a few instances of a lack of respect for freedom of conscience.

One of those instances, I was practically yelled at and told that, quote, “someone with my beliefs shouldn't be in medicine”. I think this is deeply damaging to someone who's just trying to do their best to be a good, kind, compassionate and caring doctor. Which I think not even just doctors, but anyone in healthcare, aims to do.

We have a right to conscientious objection at this time, but I think it's important that we continue to stand up and support junior doctors and create a safe space so that people still feel free, safe and respected to enter the profession. I think it's one of the most fundamental rights and freedoms of the human person that every single person has a right to freedom of conscience, and this needs to be respected in the healthcare profession as well.

Author: Priyanka – see PHPA’s socials for the video reel