By Dr Fadh Yusof
If you’re reading this, you’re already a member of the Australian Medical Association (AMA) and Australian Salaried Medical Officers' Federation (ASMOF). Congratulations, smart move!
You’re also experiencing something pretty unique as, unlike all other states and territories in Australia, Victoria offers a ‘one-stop shop’ where AMA membership includes ASMOF membership. This ensures you have both professional advocacy and industrial protection through a single, cost-effective subscription.
While the two organisations work together, their functions differ.
AMA is a professional association focused on broad advocacy, career coaching, and mentoring.
ASMOF is the registered trade union with the legal power to represent you in industrial tribunals and negotiations. Together AMA and ASMOF cover the full spectrum of your needs, from specialty applications to Enterprise Bargaining Agreement (EBA) negotiations.
Industrial strength: EBA and beyond
With EBA negotiations currently underway in Victoria, collective representation is critical.
As the registered trade union, ASMOF fights for fair pay, manageable workloads and safer working hours. Membership ensures your voice is heard at the table, as only members are consulted on negotiation priorities to ensure the final agreement reflects the needs of the junior doctor workforce.
Core membership benefits
Workplace relations: Access expert advisors for issues like unrostered overtime, bullying, contract breaches, and safe working hours. Having experienced industrial officers on your side means you are never navigating these challenges alone.
Career readiness: Navigate the transition from intern to registrar with professional resume reviews, cover letter checks, and mock interviews tailored for competitive Victorian training programs.
Contract checks: Have your rotation or specialty contract reviewed to confirm correct pay grade and entitlements under the award and EBA.
Wellbeing and resources: Access wellbeing resources and stay informed with a subscription to the Medical Journal of Australia (MJA) and specialised resources like The Intern Diary and VICDOC.
Mentoring and networking: Connect with senior clinicians through mentoring programs and develop leadership and advocacy skills.
Financial value and strength in numbers
Membership features tiered pricing that scales with your career stage, starting from $33 monthly for interns. Those working fewer than 20 hours per week, including part-timers, casuals or those on parental leave, may be eligible for a 50% discount.
By encouraging friends and colleagues to join, you strengthen the collective voice advocating for a safer healthcare system while gaining the individual tools to thrive within it.
If there’s someone you’d like to invite to join AMA & ASMOF, share the link to our EBA landing page here.
Dr Fadhullah (Fadh) Yusof is a Paediatric Registrar and an MD1 Tutor at the University of Melbourne. He currently serves as a Federal Council Delegate and Victorian Branch Councillor for ASMOF, as well as an AMA Victoria Ambassador and Southern Metro Subdivision Representative.