Concerns grow as emergency doctors consider leaving the workforce
03 Jun 2026
A recent workforce survey by the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine found that nearly one in three emergency medicine specialists are considering leaving clinical practice or the profession within the next decade.
The survey of more than 900 emergency doctors identified emergency department overcrowding, hospital bed shortages, workforce pressures and burnout as key challenges affecting staff retention.
Experts say the impact would extend beyond hospitals, with flow-on effects likely to be felt across primary care and community healthcare services.
Dr Michael Bonning from the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners said Australia's healthcare system is closely connected, meaning workforce shortages in one area can create pressure throughout the system.
He noted that emergency departments and general practice work together to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time, and that a strong emergency medicine workforce is essential for safe and effective patient care.
The survey found that the most common reasons doctors planned to reduce their clinical work included unsustainable workplace conditions, poor work-life balance, retirement planning, pursuing non-clinical roles, and meeting training requirements.
Doctors aged between 41 and 50 years were the most likely to cite heavy workloads, burnout and workplace stress as reasons for considering reducing their hours.
Respondents also reported ongoing concerns about verbal abuse, physical aggression and harassment from patients or carers, alongside high levels of work-related stress.
Associate Professor John Adie from RACGP Specific Interests Urgent and Emergency Presentations to Primary Care said emergency physicians play a vital role in Australia's healthcare system and their skills remain highly valuable across a range of healthcare settings.
Healthcare leaders say addressing workforce pressures and improving working conditions will be important to maintaining a sustainable emergency medicine workforce and reducing pressure on other parts of the health system.
Concerns grow as emergency doctors consider leaving the workforce
Source: newsGP