Medical Council Corrects Misconceptions

Media statement
For immediate release
22 May 2013

Medical Council Corrects Misconceptions

The Medical Council today corrected misconceptions regarding its role following the review of the Teachers Council.

Medical Council chairperson, Dr John Adams said that reported comments made by New Zealand Educational Institute president Judith Nowotarski that the Teachers Council, “should be run by teachers, for teachers”, in the same way the Medical Council was run, were totally incorrect.

Dr Adams said that he wanted to be very clear that the Medical Council was not “run by doctors, for doctors.”

“Our primary objective is the protection of public safety and health”.

“We are not here to protect doctors – their interests are protected by others. Our job is to protect the health and safety of patients.

“Where any doctor fails to meet our standards, we act to protect patients from harm - if necessary, by setting educational programmes to improve doctor’s competence, or placing restrictions on a doctor’s practice.”

Dr Adams says the Council has 12 members. Four doctors elected by the profession and appointed by the Minister of Health, four further doctors appointed by the Minister of Health and four lay people.

“Members need to bring a global perspective to the table in making decisions and they do not represent constituencies.”

By law, the majority of Council members must be doctors. Council members are appointed for a 3-year term and can be reappointed for 2 additional terms.

ENDS

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