Dr Debbie Nisbet
mini传媒入口
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
鈥楾he College is all of us. It is the Members, the Diplomates, and the College staff and the trainees, unified and with purpose.鈥
That is what the College means to Dr Debbie Nisbet, a Victorian representative on mini传媒入口鈥檚 Council.
鈥淚 put my hand up for Council as it gives me an opportunity to address areas I believe require change. I have enjoyed my involvement with the College in the past, including being involved in Nuchal Translucency education and assessment, the COGU examination committee, and chairing the COGU Subspeciality committee. I have also enjoyed representing the College including on the committee overseeing the accreditation of diagnostic imaging services, and viewed the Council as the next step,鈥 Debbie, a COGU Subspecialist, says.
What kind of approach has Debbie, who works in both public and private practice in Melbourne, taken to being a Councillor? 鈥淚n an organisation the size of mini传媒入口, the corporate approach may lead to a perception of distancing or being 鈥榦ut-of-reach鈥 for many members,鈥 she says. 鈥淭herefore, those holding positions representing others need to take their role and its transparency very seriously. A consistent and approachable leadership is required, open to discussion and feedback.鈥
With Victoria having the highest number of COGU subspecialists, addressing inequities for women, especially around Medicare and pelvic and obstetric ultrasound, has been a long-held passion for Debbie which she has advocated for during her time on Council. 鈥淲ith ultrasound providing an opportunity to directly compare items specifically designed for men with those for women, we can see the inequity; women and those who provide their ultrasounds remain undervalued in comparison with items used for men. This needs to change.鈥
Specialist International Medical Graduates (SIMGs) is another focus area for Debbie. 鈥淭he process doesn鈥檛 reflect what we see clinically at the moment and there is an opportunity to review this.鈥
Debbie would urge her colleagues to get involved in the College. 鈥淚t鈥檚 actually fun,鈥 she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 mentally stimulating. And when you feel frustrated at how something is done and no one will listen, you can think it through and actually do something about it.鈥
Get involved
2023 is a mini传媒入口 election year – this is your opportunity to get involved in the College, have your say and make a difference. To find out how you can get involved, visit the mini传媒入口 website.