Dr Amireh Fakhouri receives award for leading class action against NSW Health, securing $230 million for junior doctors

In 2019, Dr Fakhouri received an email from lawyers about a class action against NSW Health for unpaid overtime for junior doctors. She remembered the countless unpaid hours that she and many colleagues worked because it was the norm in hospitals. Claiming overtime was risky and could jeopardise careers. When she moved to Melbourne and began GP training, she realised she was in a unique position to take on the challenge without being exposed to the same career risks that her colleagues faced.

Amireh became the lead applicant for the class action, driven by the need for change. Over four years, she dedicated many hours to meetings and discussions with lawyers. Eventually, NSW Health agreed to a substantial $230 million payout over six years to compensate junior doctors in NSW. In recognition of this significant effort, Amireh was presented with the Australian Medical Association's Doctors in Training of the Year Award for advocating for the rights of 26,000 junior doctors and initiating a cultural shift in hospital practices.

Read the AMA article here: https://www.ama.com.au/media/ama-recognises-dr-amireh-fakhouri-standing-doctors-training