Australians are finding it harder than ever to distinguish reliable medical advice from misinformation as artificial intelligence and online content reshape the way people seek health information, the Australian Medical Association says.
The AMA has released an updated position statement on the role of doctors, arguing that medical practitioners remain central to diagnosing illness, managing clinical risk and helping patients make informed decisions in an increasingly crowded information environment.
AMA president Dr Danielle McMullen said patients were being exposed to growing volumes of conflicting health advice online, including AI-generated material that could appear credible despite being inaccurate.
“Australians are increasingly being asked to navigate complex and often conflicting health information online, while new technologies such as artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the way healthcare is delivered,” Dr McMullen said.
“At times like these, having access to a doctor who can listen, assess the whole picture, make a diagnosis, explain risks and uncertainties, and take responsibility for clinical decisions is more important than ever.”
The updated position statement outlines what the AMA describes as the defining responsibilities of doctors, including diagnosis, clinical decision making, risk management and accountability for patient care. It also highlights the importance of trust in the relationship between patients and their doctors.
Dr McMullen said those responsibilities could not be replaced by technology or unverified online information.
“Australians deserve a doctor, someone who can listen, assess the whole picture, make a diagnosis, manage risk, and take responsibility for the outcome,” she said.
“At a time when misinformation spreads faster than facts, patients need someone they can trust to explain what the evidence shows and what it means for them. That trust is earned through years of medical education, supervised training, and ongoing professional development.”
The AMA said its Have the Jab Chat campaign had demonstrated the value of conversations between patients and their doctors, particularly when discussing vaccination and other healthcare decisions.
Dr McMullen said patients regularly sought advice when dealing with a new diagnosis, weighing treatment options or trying to interpret information they had found online.
“Whether people are seeking advice about a new diagnosis, weighing up treatment options, or trying to make sense of information they found online, doctors play a critical role in helping patients make informed decisions and navigate an increasingly complex healthcare system,” she said.
She said doctors remained responsible for coordinating care and managing clinical risk within a healthcare system that increasingly relied on multidisciplinary teams.
“Healthcare is a team effort, but patients should never be left wondering who is responsible for diagnosing their condition, coordinating their care, and managing clinical risk. Doctors have a unique role in the health system, and that role remains central to delivering safe, high-quality patient care.”
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
