Meet our new Candidate Board Director Dr Hashim (Hash) Abdeen MBBS FRACP

Current role:
RACMA Candidate, Metro North Health, Brisbane
Rheumatology Staff Specialist, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service, Queensland

1. Why did you pursue the path of Medical Leadership/Medical Administration

I have had the opportunity to take on several medical leadership roles over my training years, including being Chair of the federal Australian Medical Association Council of Doctors in Training and Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians (RACP) College Trainees’ Committee. I now hold several roles with the Australian Medical Council and am also a practitioner member on the Queensland Medical Board. RACMA training was the natural next step in my journey of medical leadership, and it continues to formalise the learnings that I have had through my previous leadership experiences.

2. Had you met Medical Leaders/Administrators previously, and what had you seen of their expertise, leadership or specialisation?

I was lucky enough to have several great RACMA mentors and champions who I met early on as a doctor in training. These individuals always inspired me, both in and outside of medicine, and I am so grateful that they encouraged me to take up Medical Administration training.

3. Why did you undertake the Fellowship Training Program (FTP)?

The Fellowship Training Program is extremely well known and respected in Queensland. There are several inspirational Medical Administrators who encouraged me to apply and have continued to support me through my first year of training. The FTP has really expanded my knowledge and skill sets into areas that my rheumatology training did not, and has complemented the way I practise medicine overall.

4. What attracted you to taking up the role of a RACMA Board member?

Having had several leadership roles with another College — RACP — and then furthered my experience with trainee advocacy and other governance roles, I felt it would be a good opportunity to offer my diverse viewpoint to the RACMA Board. I am so grateful to the candidates who supported me in the Candidate Director position, which I see as unique among the positions on the Board. I am thoroughly honoured to have the privilege of providing the Candidate viewpoint, ensuring we continue to grow as an organisation and provide the best support for our candidates — AFRACMAs and FRACMAs alike.

5. What have you been most proud of achieving to date in your role on the RACMA Board?

Supporting policies and procedures that increase flexible training for candidates, as well as initiatives that aim to eliminate bullying, discrimination, harassment and racism from health care.

6. What area or issue will you focus on over the coming 12 months in your role on the RACMA board?

Strengthening the Candidate voice within RACMA and ensuring all RACMA candidates have the opportunity to contribute to the organisation. I am also keen to see the College continue to strengthen and champion cultural safety across medicine and take a firm stand to eliminate racism within health care.

7. In your current Medical Leadership/Medical Administration role, what changes or challenges do you see on the horizon for your organisation/the health care system over the coming 12 months? How are you preparing for them?

The major challenge for the whole health system is the ongoing workforce pressure driving rapid policy change. It is extremely important that Medical Administrators take a leadership role to champion what is best for the profession and ultimately the communities we serve.

8. How will you make the most of opportunities to improve the health care system or your organisation over the coming 12 months?

I am a big believer in ensuring grassroots feedback is included, and I look forward to working with the Candidate Advisory Committee (CAC) and all Candidates to ensure our College continues to adapt and grow to a challenging healthcare environment. I am keen to truly empower our Candidates across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand as future leaders of the College and the health system.

9. How would you describe the importance of qualified Medical Administrators and Members of RACMA to the Australasian health care system? FRACMAs have the skills, knowledge and expertise to manage and guide change within our healthcare system. They are uniquely placed as medical practitioners to be the leaders of the system and truly be the champions for the wider community.

Meet the other members of our Board HERE