By; MATTHEW UKACHUNWA, Lagos
Declining level of mentorship in the medical profession is leaving most junior doctors disillusioned, causing some to exit the medical profession or seek alternative career pathways.
This situation is also having negative impact on healthcare delivery and health outcomes.
President of World Medical Association (WMA), Dr. Osahon Enabulele, who made the observation, also called for support and empowerment of Junior doctors in the medical profession.
He said this while delivering an address at the 1st International Junior Doctors Network Conference held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on Saturday, November 5, 2022.
Recounting the challenges faced by junior doctors, the WMA President expressed worry over the increasing cases of bullying, harassment, and overwork of junior doctors with consequent increase in cases of physical and mental burn out.
Enabulele reminded physicians of the need to commit themselves to the Physician’s pledge and the revised International Code of Medical Ethics.
He assured junior doctors of World Medical Association’s commitment to the well-being and career development of junior doctors.
He further assured of WMA’s commitment to address the rise in violence against physicians in their workplaces.
The WMA leader wished the conference organizers and participants a productive and impactful conference.
He called for the revitalization and strengthening of mentorship platforms in the medical profession, the creation of conducive working conditions and improved condition of service, career development, continuous professional development and effective communication pathways for junior doctors and other cadres of doctors.
