MDA National

With National Reconciliation Week officially commencing today, we’re proud to continue embracing what it truly means to be ‘All In’.

Representing MDA’s Medico-legal team and ESG Committee, Lloyd Miller recently volunteered with our partners at Binar Futures and supported the function of their Health Embassy in Albany, WA.

Based at the registration desk of the Health Embassy, Lloyd had the opportunity to experience firsthand the important work that Binar is doing to help close the gap and improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

We are proud to be committed to supporting our partners that make healthcare accessible for Indigenous communities over the past, present, and future.

Find out more about our social impact partners and journey to reconciliation here: https://www.mdanational.com.au/about-us/reconciliation-action-plan

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From online learning to hands-on emergency simulations, Dr Sophie Fontaine put her MDA National bursary into action!

With support from MDA National, in partnership with Rural Doctors Association Australia, Dr Fontaine used her bursary to attend the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine’s REOT course (Rural Emergency Obstetric Training).

The Bursary helps aspiring rural doctors access valuable professional development opportunities that support quality healthcare in regional communities. Learn more - https://www.mdanational.com.au/member-benefits/our-industry-alliances?accordion=b1cc25d0-60f7-4cbb-82a3-e31373f7828a

The next round of bursary winners will be announced soon. 👀

Learn about your professional and legal obligations, common issues you’re likely to face early in your career, and get practical advice to manage challenges.

https://learn.mdanational.com.au/blocks/vslate_catalogue/view.php

Free to access for members and non-members that have registered on MDA’s learning management system.

We’re in Melbourne connecting with medical students and junior health professionals. 🩺

Our team is at the Australasian Students' Surgical Conference (ASSC), supporting aspiring doctors and helping them understand the importance of medical indemnity throughout their medical journey.

MDA National is proud to sponsor an event that brings aspiring doctors together and helps shape the future of the medical profession. If you're attending the conference, we'd love to see you.

➡️ Learn more about how we support medical students and junior doctors: https://www.mdanational.com.au/junior-doctors/medical-student

Our online round table series facilitates open conversations and shared insights around critical developments that impact your practice.

This 90-minute session will cover:

· Experiences, observations, and emerging medico-legal trends

· Key Ahpra updates

· Case-based scenarios for practical application

7.30pm AEST | 7.00pm ACST | 5.30pm AWST

Register now at: https://learn.mdanational.com.au/blocks/vslate_catalogue/view.php/course/228

🩺👩‍⚕️ On International Doctors’ Day, we’re reminded that while healthcare isn’t always accessible to those who need it most, there are doctors going above and beyond to help change that.

Last week, as part of our Senior Leaders Forum, we had the privilege of welcoming our social impact partner, Street Side Medics, to share more about their work supporting vulnerable Australians, from their growth over recent years to the powerful stories of compassionate care shared by their volunteer doctors - including some of our own members.

🚑 The team had the opportunity to step inside one of the mobile medical vans, seeing firsthand how care is delivered where it’s needed most.

💙 We’re proud that we can continue to support Street Side Medics through funding and the provision of medico-legal and education resources, helping ensure this essential service continues to reach those who need it most.

Learn more about our social impact work - https://www.mdanational.com.au/about-us/sustainability-impact

📣 Applications for our 2026 Bursary are closing on Tuesday, 31 March!

In collaboration with the Rural Doctors Association Australia, we’re offering Junior and Prevocational Doctors up to five bursaries of $1,500 each to help support attendance at:

👉 One of the State RDA Conferences
👉 The annual Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) Conference (Adelaide, October)
👉 Another approved rural medical course or rural health event.

Find out more and apply here (or scan the QR code pictured): https://rdaa.com.au/Aus/Aus/Membership/Awards/2023/Bursaries.aspx

For MDA National, celebrating women in medicine is not limited to one day.

We do it by showcasing your stories, listening to your expertise across our advisory committees, and creating space for your insights to guide our work. Your experience, judgement and leadership strengthen our organisation at every level.

We encourage women, especially younger generations, to keep showing up with confidence, to use their voice in the room, and to shape the conversations that matter.

Across Australia, we see more of our members stepping into leadership roles and helping shape the healthcare system with courage, care and commitment.

Keep on leading. The profession and the community it serves are stronger because of you.

➡️ Doctor Members pictured: Fiona Raciti, Tahnee Bridson, Kristine Estensen, Maria Boulton, Alecia Martin, Cristina Valero, Chloe Furst, Saadiah Goolam, Claudine Cerda-Pavia, Harman Dev, Emmeline Lee, Natalie Sumich and Vanessa Atienza-Hipolito.

Are you a Junior or Prevocational Doctor in 2026? 🩺

Applications are now open for our 2026 Bursary, and we’d love to see you apply!

In collaboration with the Rural Doctors Association Australia, we’re offering up to five bursaries of $1,500 each to help support attendance at:

👉 One of the State RDA Conferences
👉 The annual Rural Medicine Australia (RMA) Conference (Adelaide, October)
👉 Another approved rural medical course or rural health event.

Be quick! Applications close on 31 March 2026.

Find out more and apply here (or scan the QR code pictured): https://rdaa.com.au/Aus/Aus/Membership/Awards/2023/Bursaries.aspx

MDA National and AMAWA are proud to support practice managers.

🎉 Congratulations to Kate Laslett and Louise Russell, who have been awarded a fully-sponsored Dual Diploma of Practice Management & Leadership and Management. Wishing them every success as they commence Term 1 of the course!

Find out more about our how Practice Indemnity Insurance can protect your business and staff with MDA National, along with support and resources that promote the best medical practice. Visit mdanational.com.au/insurance-products/practice-indemnity-insurance

MDA National acknowledges the recent passing of our distinguished Neurosurgeon Member Professor Bryant Stokes AO.

Professor Bryant Allan Rigbye Stokes, affectionately known as ‘BARS’ was one of the first graduates of the new University of Western Australia (UWA) medical school in 1959. He was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in 1965 and came to be recognised internationally as one of Australia’s leading Neurosurgeons.

He contributed to the care of patients for many years at Royal Perth Hospital and Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital. For many years he kept rooms at St John of God Subiaco Hospital. He was known for his meticulous approach to the quality and safety of patient care.

Professor Stokes’ extraordinary career extended beyond clinical practice into senior leadership and governance roles across the health system, including terms as Acting Director General of Health in WA, Chief Medical Officer in WA, and Chair of the North Metropolitan Health Service Board.

MDA National is very proud to have had a Member of Professor Stokes’ calibre and extends its sympathies to his family, friends, and the generations of others touched by his dedication and excellence.

Photo credit: The West Australian.