Latest News
DHQ Celebrates 31 Years
Doctors’ Health in Queensland’s service arm board chair Ross Phillipson led the charge in acknowledging the honourable work the organisation has done for the medical community since it first began operations more than 31 years ago. Along with formally announcing the...
DHQ in the News!
Listen to our DHQ radio segment that aired on Friday PM on ABC NQ Radio Drive - our piece is at 2:06:35 https://www.abc.net.au/radio/northqld/programs/north-qld-drive/drive/12561362 The online story is...
Research on Doctors’ Mental Health
Written by Dr Ross Phillipson Research has shown that the majority of doctors generally enjoy good physical health. However, there has been concern expressed over many years that the mental health of doctors is not as high as it should be. Sadly, the suicide rate...
Queensland’s bespoke support service for doctors and medical students is pleased to announce a new name to better reflect the support we’ve been providing to doctors and medical students in Queensland for over 30 years. Formerly your local doctors’ health advisory service (DHAS(Q) & QDHP) we will be now known together as “Doctors’ Health in Queensland” (DHQ).
Callers to our help-line will always speak to a senior GP or specialised counsellor who has had training and is experienced in supporting doctor and medical student colleagues with a wider range of general health and stress-related problems. Doctors’ Health in Qld’s...
***Big news!***
The Queensland Doctors' Health Programme is now Doctors' Health Queensland! Our helpline number is the same (07 3833 4352).
Its our 4th Birthday on the 1st June!
QDHP is celebrating 4 years this Monday 4th of June 2020. We have some exciting changes coming soon. We would like to thank all the wonderful people who have helped QDHP grow and have been involved in doctors' health in Queensland.
2020 Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day 5th June
Join colleagues, friends and health professionals Australia wide to kick off the 2020 CrazySocks4Docs Day with a not-to-be-missed virtual event hosted by Dr Sally Cockburn – family doctor, health advocate, media presenter and writer.Don your craziest socks...
A polite reminder:
We have recently been receiving a number of calls from concerned members of the public looking for guidance on the coronavirus. For information on the coronavirus please call the Department of Health's dedicated Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080....
What to expect when you call the QDHP Helpline:
When you call the Helpline, an agent at our paging service will answer your call. They will ask you for *a* name and contact number on which our on-call GP or counsellor can reach you. The confidential helpline is staffed by trained senior General Practitioners and...
October 10th was World Mental Health Day.
The following podcasts feature doctors talking about their own experiences with mental ill health. They speak out to inspire us all to #SeeBeyondTheStigma. In this Lifeline "Holding on to Hope" podcast, Dr Kieran Allen, himself a psychiatry registrar, speaks openly...
Check out the fantastic video by James Kable of The Hype Project of our art exhibition opening night event! Great memories.
https://vimeo.com/thehypeproject/review/365459220/16c123c19a
Reflections on the Creative Careers in Medicine Conference by the Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme’s Education Officer and Counsellor Vicky Dawes.
As a former doctor who now works in doctors’ health, I often walk away from medical conferences feeling slightly inadequate. My inner critic pops up saying “you could never do that”, “those speakers were all so much more intelligent/resilient/creative/hard-working...
Latest News via Facebook
February is almost over. I know! Where has the year gone? ![]()
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By now you might be feeling fatigued and overwhelmed, or not really certain you're doing a good-enough job? ![]()
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Be kind to yourself. ![]()
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If you want to talk with someone who understands, please call ![]()
(07) 3833 4352. ![]()
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sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0149763418305220![]()
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#fatigue #qdhpupdate #doctorshealth
Fatigue and its management in the workplace
sciencedirect.com
Fatigue and workplace sleepiness are consequences of modern industrial society. Fatigue is a complex biological phenomenon that occurs as a function o...
Getting together after a critical incident is good practice, yet is often not prioritized. ![]()
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Thanks to Nikita Devarajan for sending this through. ![]()
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If you have found an article that you think might be of interest, please send it through. ![]()
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If you want to talk to someone who understands, please call (07) 3833 4352. ![]()
medicguild.com/articles/i-just-wish-wed-debriefed-the-risk-of-not-meeting-after-a-critical-incident/![]()
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#doctorssupportingdoctors #qdhpupdate #qdhpjournalclub![]()
#criticalincidentdebrief
I just wish we'd debriefed: The risk of not meeting after a critical incident
medicguild.com
As doctors we encounter a number of traumatic experiences. Debriefing is key not just for your mental health, but also for your educational development.
Today is Random Acts of Kindness day. ![]()
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How will you celebrate today? Tell us in the comments below 👇![]()
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If you need to talk with someone who can offer kindness and understanding, call (07) 3833 4352. ![]()
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www.randomactsofkindness.org/?fbclid=IwAR1HBGMQyxEQOj6nf0VDbsKuXUcO2w0hOl8T2DdY7fzKeNNwiqHi3FCryh8
Random Acts of Kindness Day 2021
www.randomactsofkindness.org
Help up celebrate kindness on Random Acts of Kindness Day, February 17, 2021.
Working in a caring profession sometimes tests personal and professional boundaries, it can stretch friendships, and it can throw up any manner of tricky situations. ![]()
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Caring for those who care is the primary reason this helpline exists. Encouraging doctors to place as much emphasis on their own physical and mental well-being as they do their patients. ![]()
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Doctors’ Health Qld is a peer-to-peer helpline. If you want to talk to someone who knows how stressful, overwhelming, or even exhilarating becoming or being a doctor can be, call ![]()
(07) 3833 4352. ![]()
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#caringforthecarers #doctorsneeddoctors #peertopeersupport #confidentialconversations
We hope this week has been kind, challenging (in a good way) and balanced. Its been a week of new rotations, new teams and new patients. ![]()
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Here's few tips to remind why you're doing this. ![]()
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If you'd like to check in with someone who knows how to help boost your confidence, call (07) 38334352 ![]()
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themuse.com/advice/5-ways-to-boost-your-confidence-in-a-new-job![]()
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#youvegotthis #enjoytheweekend
5 Ways to Boost Your Confidence in a New Job
themuse.com
Starting a new job can stir anything from first-day jitters to deep feelings of anxiety. An expert shares his tips for easing your fears and keeping those nerves at bay.
As January becomes February, and we settle into the rhythm of work and life, we would like to gently remind you of this fabulous initiative: aci.health.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/kindness![]()
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Spread only kindness. To yourself and others. ![]()
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If you need kindness from someone who understands what you're experiencing, call (07) 3833 4352. ![]()
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Shout out to the fabulous Queensland clinicians who contributed to the Pandemic Kindness Movement: Dr Shahina Braganza & Dr Lynne McKinlay!![]()
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#doctorssupportingdoctors #aboveallkindness
aci.health.nsw.gov.au
The Pandemic Kindness Movement was created by clinicians across Australia, working together to support all health workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have curated respected, evidence-informed res...
We are sorry we've been silent for so long. We've had a few technical issues here at DHQ with this page. So, we reached out to someone who understood the problems we were having. And now, we are back! ![]()
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If you're having technical issues with your role as a doctor or medical student, follow our lead and reach out to someone who understands. ![]()
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Help is only a call away (07) 3833 4352. ![]()
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#doctorssupportingdoctors #dhqisback #whacaresforthecarers #wedo
As we wave goodbye to 2020 and welcome in 2021, we thank you all for your support of Doctors' Health in Queensland this year. ![]()
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2020 has been a great reminder that doctors' health encompasses not just mental health, but every aspect of wellbeing - that includes physical, financial, workplace, social, spiritual, and medicolegal health. ![]()
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QLD doctors and medical students, whatever 2021 brings us, we are here for you. ![]()
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Our confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 07 3833 4352.
As we wave goodbye to 2020 and welcome in 2021, we thank you all for your support of Doctors' Health in Queensland this year. ![]()
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2020 has been a great reminder that doctors' health encompasses not just mental health, but every aspect of wellbeing - that includes physical, financial, workplace, social, spiritual, and medicolegal health. ![]()
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QLD doctors and medical students, whatever 2021 brings us, we are here for you. ![]()
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Our confidential helpline is available 24/7 on 07 3833 4352.
The Doctors' Health in Queensland helpline will continue to be available 24/7 throughout December for all QLD based doctors and medical students on 07 3833 4352.![]()
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Please note, that our office will be closing from 24th December, re-opening on the 7th January 2021. All administrative and educational enquiries will be responded to in the New Year. ![]()
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We wish you all a healthy and happy festive season!
Doctors' Health in Queensland Board Director Dr Jon-Paul Khoo speaks with ABC Brisbane:![]()
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"As a profession we need to be accepting and non-judgemental in treating our own."![]()
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"We need to support their appropriate efforts to self-manage and assist with psychological and pharmacological treatments if necessary."![]()
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If you are a QLD-based doctor or medical student who would like to speak to a supportive colleague in confidence, call us on 07 3833 4352.
Stressed out doctors fear stigma of mental health diagnosis could lead to loss of their jobs
www.abc.net.au
The rate of calls to Doctor's Health — an anonymous helpline for medical practitioners — increased by 25 per cent this year, raising fears they are not seeking the full extent of help they may nee...
Wondering how the Doctors' Health in Queensland helpline works?![]()
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When you call the helpline (07 3833 4352), your call will be answered by an agent at our paging service. They will ask you to provide a name and contact number that our on call GP can ring you on. The GP will then call you back within a reasonable time frame. ![]()
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Please note, the helpline is a volunteer run service, staffed by trained senior GPs skilled in supporting medical colleagues. Our GPs are often on call alongside their own clinical practice. We therefore appreciate your patience if the GP on call is not able to return your call immediately. ![]()
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The Doctors' Health in Queensland helpline is not a crisis line. If you are experiencing a crisis, urgent support is available at:![]()
Lifeline – 13 11 14![]()
Beyondblue – 1300 22 4636![]()
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467![]()
In an emergency call - 000![]()
For more information go to our website www.dhq.org.au
Are you wondering if the @dochealthqld helpline is for you? ![]()
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✔If you are a QLD-based doctor or medical student at any stage of your career, you can call us. ![]()
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✔If you are a QLD-based international medical graduate, you can call us. ![]()
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✔If you are a friend, colleague or family member concerned about a QLD-based doctor or medical student, you can call us. ![]()
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✔If you are a QLD-based doctor or medical student affected by a physical, mental, workplace or personal issue and looking for confidential support, you can call us.![]()
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✔If you are a QLD-based doctor or medical student but not currently working, you can call us. ![]()
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➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖➖![]()
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✖If you are a member of public looking for health advice, please contact your GP or in an emergency call 000. ![]()
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✖If it is a crisis situation, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14, Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636, or in an emergency call 000. ![]()
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✖If you are a QLD-based doctor or medical student looking for medico-legal advice, please contact your medical defence organisation. ![]()
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✖If you are a doctor, medical student or member of public needing a prescription or a referral, please contact your GP.![]()
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✖If you are a doctor or medical student, in Australia but based outside of QLD, please go to www.drs4drs.com.au/getting-help/ to find your state or territory doctors’ health advisory service. ![]()
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We encourage all doctors and medical students to have their own GP. (And if you have a GP, when was the last time you saw them?!)![]()
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The confidential Doctors' Health in Queensland helpline is available 24/7, free of charge, on 07 3833 4352. ![]()
(flip phone optional…!)
ICYMI: Here are the recordings from the inaugural #notyoga2020 bit.ly/2JGa81H![]()
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More information on the event: medicine.unimelb.edu.au/school-structure/paediatrics/news-and-events/not-yoga-2020-symposium![]()
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What a fabulous event!![]()
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Thank you to all contributors.
"In my day, we used to .... *insert anecdote of excessive working hours and punishing training conditions*"![]()
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Is there a problem with this narrative? Drs Greta McLachlan and Simon Fleming think so. Read their piece in BMJ Opinion and consider the impact in your own workplace. Is it time to look more closely at survivorship bias?
All of us have a survivorship bias in regard to how we were trained in medicine - The BMJ
blogs.bmj.com
The change precipitated by covid-19 has shown us that just because it’s “always been done this way”, doesn’t mean it should be, or has to be During the Second World [...]More...
Yes! Permission to take care of ourselves. Important not just for our own wellbeing as doctors but also for the positive impact on our patients.As doctors we rarely give ourselves permission to do the things we need to do. And when we do, we often talk ourselves straight out of it again!![]()
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We might say![]()
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"I really need to leave on time, but I've got 10 emails to answer first."![]()
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Or![]()
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"I really need to go to the gym tonight, but I've got all that paperwork still to do."![]()
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There is always a "but" and that is the bit we get stuck on.![]()
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If we try saying "and...so" instead of "but" - magic happens...![]()
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Say to yourself![]()
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"I really need to leave on time, AND I've got 10 emails to answer first, SO I'll answer the 3 most urgent and leave the rest until tomorrow."![]()
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Or![]()
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"I really need to go to the gym tonight AND I've got paperwork to do, SO I'll do half an hour of each, 30mins work then 30 minutes at the gym."![]()
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This simple language hack puts your brain in a position where it can make a choice and come up with solutions. When you use a "but" your brain shuts down. When you replace 'but' with 'and...so' your brain starts to find solutions.![]()
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Try switching out "but" with "and...so", and see what a difference it can make...![]()
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Maybe you can start to leave on time more often when you need to, and work in a way that nurtures you.![]()
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When was the last time you left work on time? How did it feel? Let us know with a comment below and maybe you can inspire another doctor to leave on time too... 👇
Check out this podcast with Adam Kay - former NHS doctor and author of "This Is Going To Hurt", in conversation with comedian Sue Perkins. This episode is funny, poignant and will no doubt deeply resonate with some of you. Enjoy!An episode by Sue Perkins: An hour or so with...
"I think there may have been something about me being a doctor, and being in my late fifties, most of the consultants were in their late fifties or fifties, our kids would be the same age… they weren’t brave enough to say “this is really bad news for you”. Maybe they hid behind the science…to avoid confronting [that] I am a man devoid of hope.” ![]()
Dr Kieran Sweeney, GP (1951-2009)![]()
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As a mesothelioma patient, Kieran wrote about his experiences, urgently calling for healthcare staff to improve the relational aspects of their care by considering the patient’s perspective and making changes accordingly.![]()
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For more information on the Sweeney Programme named after Dr Kieran Sweeney go to: www.pointofcarefoundation.org.uk/our-work/sweeney-programme/about-the-sweeney-programme/
Join our friends at Queensland Medical Women's Society for Christmas party celebrations! ![]()
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Sunday 29th November, 4-7pm, The Medley Cafe.![]()
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For more information and to book your ticket go to: qld.afmw.org.au/2020-christmas-party/
2020 Christmas Party - Queensland Medical Women's Society
qld.afmw.org.au
Join us to celebrate QMWS’ 2020 Christmas Party! A cocktail style event at a beautiful riverside, outdoor, COVID-19 compliant venue, The Medley Cafe. Special guests of the evening include: – As...
Doctors’ Health in Queensland wishes to announce that Dr Margaret Kay will be stepping aside today from her role as Medical Director and CEO. ![]()
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She will continue to work with Doctors' Health in Queensland as a volunteer general practitioner supporting the education and training of our On Call GP Panel and continuing to support our advocacy towards enhancing the wellbeing of doctors and medical students across Queensland. ![]()
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Please join us in thanking Margaret for her incredible work supporting the health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students across Queensland. ![]()
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We think you will all agree her dedication, expertise and compassion has made a huge difference to the lives of the doctors and medical students she has helped.
Has your wellbeing been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic? If the answer is yes, you are not alone.![]()
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The 2020 General Practice: Health of the Nation Report shows that: ![]()
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🔷 In May 2020, one in two Australian GPs (52%) reported at least one negative impact to their wellbeing during the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]()
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🔷 The most commonly reported impact was to work–life balance (33%).![]()
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🔷 More than one in four (27%) reported a deterioration in their mental health state. ![]()
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🔷 GPs aged <45 years were more likely to report a deterioration in their mental health than GPs aged ≥45 years (33% versus 23%). ![]()
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🔷 Female GPs were more likely to report a deterioration in their work–life balance than male GPs (35% versus 29%). ![]()
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🔷 In mid-April 2020, almost one in three GPs in training reported they had needed to take leave due to self-isolation or illness. For 6% this was unpaid. ![]()
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🔷 Three in four GPs in training reported a decrease in their patient load since the COVID-19 pandemic. ![]()
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🔷 GPs in training reported being concerned about the disruption COVID-19 has caused to their training and employment, and the potential effects on their career and training progression.
www.racgp.org.au
The General Practice: Health of the Nation report draws on specifically commissioned research involving more than 1700 RACGP Fellows from all parts of Australia.
A real good news story in doctors’ health! ![]()
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Congratulations Dinesh!![]()
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You can connect with Dinesh’s organisation here: Doctors With Disabilities AustraliaCongratulations, Dr Dinesh Palipana! 👏![]()
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The senior resident doctor at Gold Coast University Hospital and co-founder of Doctors With Disabilities Australia was last night named the 2021 Queensland Australian of the Year. ![]()
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Dr Palipana was the first quadriplegic medical graduate in Queensland, and was recently admitted as a lawyer. ![]()
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He's appeared as a witness to the Disability Royal Commission advocating for equitable treatment for people with disabilities through COVID-19, and has already been recognised as Junior Doctor of the Year and with an Order of Australia. ![]()
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Aunty McRose Elu took out the Queensland Senior Australian of the Year. She's an advocate for Torres Strait communities and climate change. ![]()
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Conservationists and Brothers Daniel and William Clarke won the Queensland Young Australians of the year for their work in protecting endangered orangutan populations.![]()
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Natasha Johnston was named as Queensland Local Hero for her role as founder of Drought Angels, a service that delivers care packages and financial assistance to thousands of drought-stricken farming families across Queensland and NSW.![]()
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📷: Salty Dingo
Join us in congratulating our wonderful Medical Director Dr Margaret Kay for being awarded the 2020 RACGP Queensland Faculty Award. ![]()
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Thank you for all your hard work Margaret!
Shining a spotlight on the health of doctors
medicine.uq.edu.au
Congratulations to Dr Margaret Kay, who has been awarded the 2020 RACGP Queensland Faculty Award, acknowledging her tireless work in the field of doctors’ health.
Is empathy built into your workplace culture? ![]()
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Every week we speak with doctors at all levels of seniority who describe experiencing rudeness, incivility and lack of empathy from their peers. ![]()
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This has a negative impact not just on the doctors on the receiving end, but on onlookers and crucially on the care we provide for patients. ![]()
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If you are a QLD based doctor or medical student and would like to confidential support call us on 07 3833 4352.
Medicine: a hierarchy lacking empathy?
insightplus.mja.com.au
I RECENTLY returned to hospital work and resumed clinical practice after a year or so
⭐️⭐️⭐️ FREE WELLBEING SYMPOSIUM ⭐️⭐️⭐️![]()
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Register today! ![]()
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Join our very own Dr Margaret Kay together with A/Prof Jane Munro, Dr Kym Jenkins, Dr Tracey Tay, Dr Andy Tagg, Dr Rebecca Szabo, Dr Simon Fleming, Mr Eric Levi, Dr Nardine Elzahaby, A/Prof Anne Powell and Prof Cathy Crock. ![]()
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Doctors' Health in Queensland Victorian Doctors Health Program The University of Melbourne Gathering of Kindness
www.eventbrite.com.au
Leading experts on doctor's health & wellbeing, moral injury, system change learn with you & enact change together.
Dr Kate Johnson writes about her experience of bullying in the medical profession in ABC News. ![]()
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"This culture cannot be tackled by policy change alone. The powerful need to be given positive examples of better leadership. Supervisors need to be held accountable for bad behaviour. We need diversity in leadership.![]()
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Most importantly, junior and senior doctors alike need to respond to one another with empathy."![]()
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If you are a doctor or medical student and have been affected by bullying or harassment in the workplace you can contact your local doctors' health advisory service for support. Find the contact details here: www.drs4drs.com.au ![]()
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For legal guidance call your medical defence organisation. ![]()
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Doctors are Human Doctors Against Violence Towards Women - Public Page Avant Mutual MIGA MDA National Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS Victorian Doctors Health Program Doctors' Health Advisory Service Western Australia Doctors' Health SA - DHSA Doctors' Health Advisory Service NSW & ACT Beyond Blue Lifeline Australia
As junior doctors, we're taught to grit our teeth and move on. But now I'm taking a stand
www.abc.net.au
After eight years as a doctor, I'm taking a break from the profession I love. An insidious culture of bullying and harassment within our hospitals has left me too emotionally exhausted to continue my ...
Don't miss the latest episode of the Queensland Integrity in Health Podcast on Mandatory Reporting for Health Professionals. ![]()
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With guest speakers Andrew Brown, Prof. Malcom Parker, Dr. Alex Markwell, Dr. Mellissa Naidoo and our very own Dr Margaret Kay.
Integrity Commissioner: Publications - Queensland Integrity in Health
www.integrity.qld.gov.au
Each year the Office of the Integrity Commissioner, together with its supporting partners—Health Ethics and Law Queensland, among others—arranges an Integrity in Health Series.
Are you looking for resources to help you to transform your practice into a healthy workplace? ![]()
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Check out the American Medical Association (AMA) Ed Hub. ![]()
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Here you can find modules and how to guides on: ![]()
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🔹 Burnout and wellbeing edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/professional-well-being![]()
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🔹 Organisational culture change in medicine edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/leading-change![]()
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🔹 Peer support for physicians edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/module/2767766![]()
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🔹 Success stories edhub.ama-assn.org/steps-forward/pages/success-stories
How to Address Physician Burnout and Well-Being in Your Practice - from AMA Steps Forward
edhub.ama-assn.org
Physician well-being is influenced by both organizational and individual factors. This collection of AMA's STEPS Forward™ modules offer strategies on how to engage health system leadership, understa...
Dame Clare Gerada is Medical Director of the UK based Practitioner Health Programme, a confidential health service for doctors, dentists and medical students. ![]()
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In The Guardian, she writes about the importance of psychological PPE for health professionals in the UK as they face a second wave of Covid-19. ![]()
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We may currently be in a more favourable position with regards to Covid-19, certainly here in Queensland, but the messages are still very relevant for all health practitioners.
'Psychological PPE' is what Britain's health professionals urgently need now | Clare Gerada
www.theguardian.com
Medical staff on the frontline will need mental-health support almost as much as face masks, says the chair of Doctors in Distress