Latest News
Doctors call for mental health help as patient demand rises
The number of people seeking GP appointments is on the rise, and doctors say they are burning out as they struggle to keep up with demand. Spike in calls to doctor helpline Support programs like the Queensland Doctors Health Program have noted a marked increase in...
Thank you to everyone who attended our DHQ Forum- The New Horizon on Friday 4th June 2021.
Here are a few take home points from our discussions: Peer connectedness is vital Remember the five F's 1. Food 2. Fitness – physical and emotional 3. Fun 4. Family – work-non-work balance 5. Football – make sure you...
DHQ farewells CEO Dr Fiona Hawthorne and welcomes Medical Director Dr Jennifer Schafer
A wonderful evening of sad farewells and welcoming celebrations held at Hunstanton on Friday 28th May 2021.
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...
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Serendipity 'Finding something good without looking for it" by Michael Bain.![]()
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A portrait of Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM in the Brisbane Portrait Prize finalists 2021.![]()
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“As a doctor in Australia’s busiest Emergency Department (Gold Coast), Dinesh deals with tough situations every day, but underneath his doctor’s scrubs (as descripted on his chest in my artwork), is a remarkable and kind man.”
Serendipity ‘Finding something good without looking for it’ by Michael Bain
www.brisbaneportraitprize.org
Artwork Title: Serendipity 'Finding something good without looking for it' | Artist: Michael Bain | Sitter: Dr Dinesh Palipana OAM
Mental Health Australia are seeking to understand how the pandemic has affected healthcare professionals, including GPs, and their strategies for self-care. ![]()
@AUMentalHealth![]()
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Their survey just takes 5 mins:
World Mental Health Day 2021 - Healthcare Professionals Research
www.surveymonkey.com
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
DHASWA and RACGP WA have partnered to present a new webinar: ![]()
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Treating doctor-patients![]()
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Gain insights into supporting doctor health and wellbeing as we explore the tips and traps of treating doctor-patients.![]()
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Thursday 30th September 2021 8:30- 9:30pm AEST![]()
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All doctors in Australia are welcome to join. RSVP via QR code or email below.
Are you interested in doctors' health or supporting doctors through our service?![]()
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Join us for our DHQ Annual Wellness Day on Saturday 9th October at The Gap.![]()
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See the program for full details on our wonderful speakers and topics.
#DestinationRural Podcast Series![]()
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Every rural doctor's experience is unique. In the #destinationrural series Rural Doctors Association of Australia meets rural doctors from all over Australia and at various stages of their career.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
#DestinationRural Podcast Series
destinationrural.buzzsprout.com
Every rural doctor's experience is unique. In our #DestinationRural series we meet rural doctors from all over Australia and at various stages of their career. Listen to their stories, learn from thei...
Today is World Suicide Prevention Day.![]()
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World Suicide Prevention Day is an opportunity to champion suicide prevention efforts, provide a message of hope and bolster public awareness of how we can all work together towards a world without suicide.![]()
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An event today will bring together key members of government, members of the suicide prevention sector and representatives of lived experience of suicide. It will be an opportunity to discuss suicide prevention in Australia as well as to share the findings of our annual State of the Nation in Suicide Prevention survey.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
Home - Suicide Prevention Australia
www.suicidepreventionaust.org
Suicide Prevention Australia is the national peak body for the suicide prevention sector. We exist to provide a clear, collective voice for suicide prevention, so that together we can save lives. We b...
It’s #RUOKDay - a reminder to check in with the people in your world and ask if they’re really OK, not just today but every day.![]()
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Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life.![]()
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1. Ask R U OK?![]()
2. Listen with an open mind![]()
3. Encourage action![]()
4. Check in![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
How to ask "Are you OK?" | R U OK?
www.ruok.org.au
R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity encouraging Australians to start life-changing conversations, when they're needed most. Four simple steps guide you to ask "Are you OK?", and help someone in ne...
Thanks for sharing @NishaDoctor ![]()
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Are you a busy medical student preparing for exams? ![]()
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Check out these 5 amazing podcasts to help you revise on the go! ![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
5 Amazing Podcasts for the Busy Medical Student | Doctor Nisha
doctornisha.com.au
Are you a busy medical student trying to cram for your upcoming exams? Check out these 5 amazing medical podcasts!
Bullying and harassment: talking a good game![]()
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An honest article about the challenges of being a junior doctor written by Dr Skye Kinder. Dr Kinder is the 2019 VIC Young Australian of the Year. She was recently named by Forbes 30 Under 30 for social impact in the Asia Pacific region.![]()
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If you feel you need to talk with a trusted colleague in QLD, please call 07 3833 4352.
Bullying and harassment: talking a good game
insightplus.mja.com.au
EVERY year on the first Friday of June, we pull out our crazy, printed socks
This week is RANZCOG Wellbeing Week![]()
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A career in obstetrics and gynaecology is highly rewarding, but also entails many mental and physical demands. The College strives to provide an integrated approach to wellbeing, focusing on three key pillars: protection, promotion and support.![]()
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Running Monday 30 August – Sunday 5 September 2021, RANZCOG be showcasing a different initiative, story, resource or support each day.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
RANZCOG - RANZCOG Wellbeing Week
ranzcog.edu.au
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to the establishment of high standards of practice in obstetrics and gynaeco...
ANZCA has "wellbeing CPD education sessions" activities for the knowledge and skills category of the ANZCA and FPM CPD program.![]()
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The activities acknowledge the importance of ANZCA members’ development in this area and ensures a sustainable workforce with healthy doctors who can provide the best in patient care. This need was heightened by the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic, requiring specific attention from our members and all healthcare personnel.
ANZCA | New Wellbeing CPD education sessions activity
www.anzca.edu.au
We've approved a new wellbeing CPD education sessions activity for the knowledge and skills category of the ANZCA and FPM CPD program.
Queensland Medical Women’s Society (QMWS) will be hosting the online Masterclass Re:Set by Self-Compassion expert Dr Marga Gooren. This Masterclass is specifically designed for female doctors and medical students. The generous support of Avant Mutual has made it possible to offer the Masterclass twice, one in September and October 2021.![]()
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There are some common misperceptions about Self-Compassion. It is not the same as self-pity, being self-serving, self-indulgent, self-centred, or just plain selfishness. Self-Compassion means treating yourself as you would treat a good friend and not be weighed down by your inner critical self-talk.![]()
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Research has shown that Self-Compassion decreases stress, anxiety, depression, burnout, and compassion fatigue, and improves resilience, self-care, engagement, wellbeing and quality of care in doctors and other healthcare workers. This is especially important for the many of us that are at risk of or already experiencing Compassion Fatigue and/or Burnout.![]()
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Dr Gooren is a trained GP and currently specializes in helping (female) doctors to live a balanced, satisfying, and meaningful life through her individual coaching, training, and writing. She has published two books in Dutch: 'Heart for the Doctor, working with Self-Compassion' (2020) and 'Resilience for female physicians' (2021), which are in the process of being translated into English.![]()
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You can access the tickets for the first masterclass on 11th September via this link
Re:Set , Online Masterclass Self Compassion, Hosted online, 11th of September | Humanitix
events.humanitix.com
Burnt Out? Suffering from Compassion fatigue? Re:Set Re:Cover Re:Build Re:Start Working with Self-Compassion during and after Covid-19. So far Australia has managed to avoid the worst of the Covid pan...
Wellbeing charter for doctors![]()
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We all have a part to play to support the wellbeing of doctors – medical colleges, individuals, colleagues, managers, hospitals and health jurisdiction.![]()
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RACS has collaborated with the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM), the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG), the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) and leading doctors’ wellbeing experts to develop a Wellbeing Charter for Doctors.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
www.surgeons.org
We all have a part to play to support the wellbeing of doctors – medical colleges, individuals, colleagues, managers, hospitals and health jurisdiction.
Thank you for sharing MedicGuild ![]()
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What Makes A Good Medical Student?![]()
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As medical students we put so much pressure on ourselves. Cutting through the noise of advice is tough. When golden insights like this come along it's so refreshing!![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
What Makes A Good Medical Student?
medicguild.com
Dr Maithri Goonetilleke, a medical doctor and associate professor in global health shares his advice for aspiring medical practitioners.
This year, WRaP EM celebrates Wellness Week in collaboration with the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine (ACEM). For Wellness Week 2021, WRaP EM and ACEM aim to focus on Connection and Belonging in our workplaces.![]()
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WRaP EM is a group of passionate clinicians and medical educators who want to promote the concepts of Wellness, Resilience and Performance, from being considered “the soft stuff” to becoming a core part of Emergency Medicine practice. ![]()
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If you feel you need to talk with a trusted colleague in QLD, please call 07 3833 4352.
Ending Physician Burnout Global Summit Online August 24, 25, 26 • 2021![]()
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Doctors, we hear you.![]()
“I’m just going through the motions; I’ve lost my ability to care. I’m numb. When will it end?” — Dr Jonathan Fisher, Cardiologist; Chair & Co-founder, Ending Physician Burnout Global Summit![]()
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This was me 10 years ago. I created this Summit because it’s the one I wish existed when I was struggling with anxiety, depression, and burnout. I felt alone. I needed help. And hope.
Beyond Blue has created a range of resources dedicated to essential services workers including healthcare workers. ![]()
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During the coronavirus pandemic, it’s more important than ever for workers in essential services to look after their mental health.![]()
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If you feel you need to talk with a trusted colleague in QLD, please call 07 3833 4352.
Supporting you through the Coronavirus pandemic - Beyond Blue
coronavirus.beyondblue.org.au
No matter how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting you, Beyond Blue has developed a range of information, strategies and expert advice to help you support you.
The 2021 Resident Hospital Health Check is now open for all Doctors in Training
AMA Queensland Resident Hospital Health Check Survey 2021
www.surveymonkey.com
Take this survey powered by surveymonkey.com. Create your own surveys for free.
Wellbeing Charter for Doctors: righting wrongs![]()
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There are many of our colleagues who have secrets they keep, unable to address their mental health through fear of falling foul of mandatory reporting rules, being ostracised, or being perceived as a “failure” or “weak”.![]()
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Despite all of this, we remain determined to seek efforts to provide the right supports and find solutions that will improve doctors’ wellbeing. The culture of medicine is slowly changing, but there is a long way to go.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
Wellbeing Charter for Doctors: righting wrongs
insightplus.mja.com.au
CLINICIAN health and wellbeing has been an issue which has deservedly gained a great amount
This week is ACEM Wellness Week, with an aim to encourage strong wellbeing leadership within emergency departments. The theme is Connection and Belonging, their goal is to start a conversation on how to build a culture that allows ED staff to feel safe and supported to connect and belong within their departments.![]()
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See the ACEM website for practical tips and resources which can be useful as you pursue or continue a culture of connection and belonging in your department. Hear directly from newly appointed Regional Wellbeing Champions as they start their own conversations on courageous vulnerability, being human in the ED, and maintaining connection during COVID-19.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
Brisbane South PHN has extended its Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to all primary health professionals and staff to support their wellbeing during the stresses of COVID-19. The EAP provides a high-quality, short-term, professional counselling service to assist with personal and work-related issues.
www.accesseap.com.au
AccessEAP is a leading Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) provider in Australia. We have been assisting companies across Australia, New Zealand and South East Asia since 1989. As an Australian owned p...
Calling all retired Queensland doctors on the pandemic sub-register! We need your help in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.Calling all retired Queensland doctors on the pandemic sub-register! We need your help in the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.![]()
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Doctors who retired in the three years before October 2019 were placed on the sub-register in 2020 to create a group of experienced medical professionals who could support our health response to COVID-19.![]()
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If you didn’t opt out and are still on the sub-register, please contact us on 3872 2222 or amaq@amaq.com.au
In case you missed the In Conversation with Dr Ira van der Steenstraten, the recording is now available online.![]()
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Dr Ira van der Steenstraten and Dr Chris Erian discuss the resilience and mindfulness program delivered to interns in Queensland hospitals. They also discuss good mental health for doctors and coping strategies.In case you missed the In Conversation with Dr Ira van der Steenstraten, the recording is now available online.![]()
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Dr Chris Erian, from AMA Queensland Council of Doctors in Training’s Wellbeing Portfolio chats with Wellbeing at Work Facilitator Dr Ira van der Steenstraten discussing the resilience and mindfulness program delivered to interns in Queensland hospitals. They also discuss good mental health for doctors and coping strategies.![]()
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P.S Wait until the end for a surprise guest!![]()
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View the conversation here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=P-LfQsoBoBg
Wonderful news! For the first time in history, Visiting Medical Officers (VMOs) will now be able to access the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission (QIRC) to resolve workplace disputes.![]()
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If you feel you need to talk with a trusted colleague in QLD, please call 07 3833 4352.
Burnout is often associated with work-related stressors, but those too can vary in their impact on individual physicians, according to a National Academy of Medicine discussion paper. And while many causes affect both men and women, there are factors at play that more prominently affect female burnout in medicine.![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
Why women physicians are more likely to experience burnout
www.ama-assn.org
Learn more about the key factors that are contributing to female burnout in medicine.
ACEM Wellness Week is scheduled for 15 to 21 August 2021, with the theme of Connection and Belonging, their goal is to start a conversation on how to build a culture that allows ED staff to feel safe and supported to connect and belong within their departments.![]()
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Paediatric Emergency Physician Dr Jo Cole recently shared her experience 'Holding it together -the sticky tape (connection) and glue (belonging) of our Emergency Departments'![]()
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Our emergency departments are often the ‘sticky tape and glue’ that hold our hospital acute services together through day and night. When other services’ lights are out and doors are closed, we are relied upon to be there – our lights are always burning and our doors are always open.![]()
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wrapem.org/2021/08/09/holding-it-together-the-sticky-tape-connection-and-glue-belonging-of-our-em...
Holding it together -the sticky tape (connection) and glue (belonging) of our Emergency Departments
wrapem.org
By Jo Cole – Paediatric Emergency Physician Our emergency departments are often the ‘sticky tape and glue’ that hold our hospital acute services together through day and night. Wh...
Thank you for sharing @gspencegreen. ![]()
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‘We’re a rare breed’ – the challenges facing a disabled doctor embarking on a medical career. Being a doctor is a tough job. Having a disability can make it even harder. ![]()
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DHQ supports QLD doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away!
‘We’re a rare breed’ – the challenges facing a disabled doctor embarking on a medical career
gmcuk.wordpress.com
Being a doctor is a tough job. Having a disability can make it even harder. Yet while doctors with disabilities make up almost 4% of the UK medical register – more than 13,000 doctors – visible ro...
Thank you for sharing MedicGuild.![]()
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Why Are Registrars So Mean? ![]()
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As someone who's been on both sides of the reg line an unaccredited surgical registrar gives an insight into what to do when you cop those blunt or harsh comments as a junior doctor and how we can work together more harmoniously and effectively.![]()
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DHQ supports doctors and medical students. ![]()
Call (07) 3833 4352. Help is only a call away.
medicguild.com
Hear from someone who's been on both sides of the reg line to get an insight into what to do when you cop those blunt or harsh comments.
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, Queensland Health has delayed the term change over for all registrars throughout the state. ![]()
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If you feel concerned, uncertain, or need some advice from a colleague, call (07) 3833 4352.Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, Queensland Health has delayed the term change over for all registrars throughout the state. ![]()
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The way this has been implemented has been quite varied and led to a lot of confusion in many hospitals. AMA Queensland is advocating for the health service to address their communication shortfall and ensure they are taking steps to ensure trainee progression.![]()
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Tell us how the delay has affected you, either on Queensland Doctors' Community (QDC) at bit.ly/3Ch9s9M or comment below.
Join AMA Victoria online to hear from their expert panel as they share their personal experiences, insights and expertise.![]()
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Health and wellbeing are issues facing everyone, across all sectors, and across all sectors and industries. However, we know that wellbeing is particularly important for the medical profession and other health care professionals as wellbeing impacts on competency to practice.![]()
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Details:![]()
Thursday 5 August![]()
From 7.30pm![]()
via Zoom
Info - Thriving during your medical career
amavic.eventsair.com
Health and wellbeing are issues facing everyone, across all sectors, and across all sectors and industries. However, we know that wellbeing is particularly important for the medical profession and oth...