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Drs Jennifer Schafer and Ira van der Steenstraten will be representing the Queensland Medical Women’s Society (QMWS) and Doctors’ Health in Queensland (DHQ) at the Australasian Summit on Sexual Harassment in Medicine on 23rd October 2023 in Canberra, ACT. Sexual...
We welcome the National Doctors’ Health Alliance!
A national body that evolved from the Australasian Doctors’ Health Network with the mission of improving the health of the medical profession for the good of the Australian community. The Doctors’ Health Alliance is building upon the ADHN's mission to strengthen the...
DOCTORS:2050
Didn't make our Doctors Unmasked forum on Friday 2nd June and curious about what was presented? Our keynote speaker James Clampett from Insight & Foresight has provided a summary of his incredible presentation DOCTORS:2050. To keep informed of our upcoming events...
Such an incredible turnout of the doctors' health community for our Doctors Unmasked forum yesterday. And so many crazy socks! Thanks to all of our inspiring speakers on insight, strategic and human perspectives, interesting workshops and innovative wellbeing...
Surge in doctors seeking help for own mental and physical health concerns
The Queensland Doctors' Health Programme helpline is receiving more calls from doctors about both physical and mental health concerns. Dr Jen Schafer says the number of doctors calling the service is "only the tip of the iceberg". Australian Medical Association of...
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...
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Our Assistant Director - Dr. Sarah Newman had the pleasure of attending the Beamtree event : Organisational Response to Workforce Wellbeing in Sydney earlier this month! ![]()
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Leading conversation was Dr. Tait Shanafelt, MD Chief Wellness Officer at Stanford University who presented evidence based and practicable experience that can be enacted in health care settings to improve doctor wellbeing and professional satifcation; and the associated better outcomes for patients and the organisations. It was great to meet with other health professionals passionate in improving wellbeing in workplaces and workshopping not just problems, but pathways towards solutions in HCW health. ![]()
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Dr. Newman had the particular pleasure of meeting with Dr. Shanafelt, who she has followed for sometime. Pictured here are members of state health organisations and the Doctors' Health Alliance with Dr Shanafelt. ![]()
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#doctorshealth #medicine #mentalhealth![]()
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Doctors' Health NSW Doctors' Health SA - DHSA Doctors' Health in Queensland Australian Medical Association (WA) Australian Medical Association Rural Health West Mindcheck Health Professionals Western Australian Medical Students' Society - WAMSS Curtin Association of Medical Students - CAMS RACGP The Royal Australasian College of Physicians Geoffrey Toogood Crazysocks4docs
Final days to RSVP to our Annual Wellness Day at Victoria Park on the 7th October!![]()
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A huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS and RACGP for making this day possible again.![]()
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Join us for a day of informative and insightful speakers around AHPRA, medicolegal research, inspiring junior and senior doctors, then finishing up with some recovery rituals. There will be seated massages, chair yoga, walking, or an optional Paint & Sip.![]()
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We look forward to connecting again in October and seeing you there!
Today is the Doctors' Caring for Colleagues Workshop. Welcome to the doctors and health professionals interested in doctors' and medical students' health and wellbeing. Have a great workshop everyone 🙂We have over 120 participants joining our Doctors' Caring for Colleagues Workshop today! Every state and territory is represented - on-line and at the doctors' health services workshop 'hubs' in Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne, Hobart, Perth and Adelaide.![]()
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It is wonderful to welcome so many doctors and health professionals interested in doctors' and medical students' health and wellbeing. Have a great workshop everyone 🙂 ![]()
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Drs4Drs Tasmania![]()
Doctors' Health NSW![]()
Victorian Doctors Health Program![]()
Doctors Health Advisory Service Western Australia - dhaswa![]()
Doctors' Health in Queensland![]()
Doctors' Health SA - DHSA![]()
Doctors Health NT![]()
NSW Rural Doctors Network![]()
RACGP![]()
#DoctorsHealth![]()
#medicalstudenthealth
Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS and DHQ partnered today to bring the Gold Coast University Hospital doctors morning tea and coffee.![]()
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Thanks to everyone who dropped by for a chat!
THIS WEEKEND! Join your local doctors' health service hub for the workshop OR join online in QLD! ![]()
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Registrations will close late this Thursday.We are thrilled to launch across Australia the "Doctors Caring for Colleagues Workshop" alongside all doctors' health programs who are hosting local workshop hubs, as well you can join this training online. #doctorshealth![]()
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The first part of the workshop will be joining the national training program, and then if you are at a local hub you will meet the doctors' health team and discuss local issues, and understand how to become involved with you local doctors' health network. It is a program that will share years of expertise in doctors' health and many resources to you support and your colleagues.![]()
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Join at a local hub, or online - all the details are on our website here - doctorshealthalliance.org.au/event/doctors-caring-for-colleagues-workshop![]()
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Doctors Health Advisory Service Western Australia - dhaswa![]()
Doctors' Health SA - DHSA![]()
Doctors' Health in Queensland![]()
Victorian Doctors Health Program![]()
Drs4Drs Tasmania![]()
Doctors' Health NSW![]()
Crazysocks4docs![]()
ForHealth GP Careers![]()
RACGP![]()
Australian Medical Association
We need your help!![]()
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To best represent our medical workforce to create an over-arching policy framework at the Australasian Summit on Sexual Harassment in Medicine, we are inviting doctor or medical student survivors of sexual harassment within the medical workforce to contact one of us if they want and most importantly, feel they can share their experiences, especially to help us understand the roles of organisations in this space. What avenues of help are available, what is offered and what are the barriers to reporting?![]()
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Please contact Dr Jennifer Schafer (Doctors' Health in Queensland) or Dr Ira van der Steenstraten (QMWS Queensland Medical Women's Society) for more info here: dhq.org.au/8452-2/
DHQ and Medical Indemnity Protection Society Ltd (MIPS) partnered for #RUOKDay2023 at the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital today. The morning was spent asking R U OK?, to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life. ![]()
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There were also some delicious cookies and sweets, plus Tina the therapy dog!![]()
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You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener.
Today is R U OK? Day, it is an important reminder to check in on each other. We are so often busy, and do not want to burden others when not feeling so ok. Doctors’ Health SA & Doctors Health NT encourage you to purposely check in on colleagues today, and make it a regular thing. ![]()
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R U OK? Day website has some great resources but also tips on how to start a conversation when you are not sure what to say but may see a colleague maybe not so ok. ❤️![]()
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Doctors’ Health SA & NT can be someone you can talk to confidentially and remain anonymous, if you are worried about a colleague or need some extra support yourself - 24/7, 365 days a year - everyday! Phone 83660250 for SA & NT doctors & medical students.![]()
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#RUOKDay2023![]()
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency![]()
Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)![]()
Country SA PHN![]()
RACGP![]()
R U OK?Day![]()
Doctors' Health in Queensland![]()
Flinders University![]()
Doctors Health Advisory Service Western Australia - dhaswa![]()
Victorian Doctors Health ProgramDoctors' Health NSW![]()
Drs4Drs Tasmania![]()
Doctors' Health Alliance![]()
Doctors Health NT![]()
Australian Medical Students' Association - AMSA
Today is R U OK? Day.![]()
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R U OK? I'm here to hear. Because a conversation could change a life.![]()
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Feel like a chat with a colleague? We provide a free and confidential service to all QLD-based doctors and medical students. Call us on 07 3833 4352.A conversation can change a life.....![]()
R U OK?DAY is today September 14 2023.![]()
R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.![]()
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You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. ![]()
Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:![]()
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1. Ask R U OK?![]()
2. Listen![]()
3. Encourage action![]()
4. Check in![]()
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For more info, tips and free resources go to ![]()
www.ruok.org.au/
Wish to know more about Queensland’s regulatory processes and how they are impacting our doctors with mental health or substance use difficulties? ![]()
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We are again excited to welcome Dr Owen Bradfield, MIPS Chief Medical Officer, to speak at our Wellness Day on the 7th of October. Owen, who serves as both a medical practitioner and a health lawyer, won the 2022 Premier's Award for Health Services Research and has done some incredible research on doctors with lived experience of mental health or substance use challenges including the impact of medicolegal processes. ![]()
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Heather Edwards, Ahpra State Manager Queensland will also be joining our day again to update us on Ahpra stakeholder engagement. Heather’s focus has been on connecting people with the National Scheme and believes safer accessible healthcare, better regulation of practitioners and trust in the National regulator can be achieved through actively engaging with practitioners, different and diverse communities, governments, and employers. ![]()
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A massive thank you to our friends and wonderful sponsors Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS who made this day possible again! ![]()
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Spots are filling quickly so email admin@dhq.org.au to RSVP
Why a doctor's friends kept his silence for 30 years![]()
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Need to chat with a colleague? We provide a free and confidential service to all QLD-based doctors and medical students. Call us on 07 3833 4352.
Why a doctor's friends kept his silence for 30 years
www.afr.com
Ironically, doctors face greater stigma from having a mental illness than many other professions.
Today is the final day of Women's Health Week!![]()
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The theme for this year's Women's Health Week is Grow your knowledge. It's all about supporting women to make informed decisions about their health with information that's easy to understand.![]()
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You can find out more here: www.jeanhailes.org.au/womens-health-week
Did you know that AMSA has a Mental Health Initiatives Guide for Australian Medical Faculties?![]()
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This document was developed in recognition that although many medical faculties are doing exceptional work in this area, often this expertise is siloed. Each medical school should not be required to reinvent the wheel when tackling this complex problem. AMSA believes this expertise should be shared.
www.amsa.org.au
Mentoring relationships supercharge medical careers - for AMA Queensland's Women in Medicine Breakfast on 19 October
Check out the program for our Annual Wellness Day at Victoria Park on the 7th October!![]()
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Join us for a day of informative and insightful speakers around AHPRA, medicolegal research, inspiring junior and senior doctors, then finishing up with some recovery rituals. There will be seated massages, chair yoga, walking, or an optional Paint & Sip.![]()
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A huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS and RACGP for making this day possible again.![]()
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Don't forget to RSVP early to admin@dhq.org.au and invite a colleague as places are limited. We look forward to connecting again in October and seeing you there!
Blue Week is BACK! 🎉🎉 Every year, UQMind creates a week of exciting events, with the purpose of helping you de-stress from uni work, connect with your peers and friends, and to promote and discuss mental health and wellbeing.
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Last chance to register for the NQPHN Virtual GP Focus Group this evening!❗️👩🏻⚕️ LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER 👨🏽⚕️❗️ | Northern Queensland PHN invites all general practitioners (GPs) working in rural and remote northern Queensland to a virtual session for the second round of 2023 GP focus groups. This virtual session provides a platform for GPs to connect and network with their peers and peak organisations.![]()
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GPs who were unable to attend the focus group dinners are also welcome to attend.![]()
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Presenters:![]()
🗣 Doctors’ Health in Queensland – Dr Jennifer Schafer![]()
🗣 Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)![]()
🗣 Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)![]()
🗣 Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).![]()
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📆 Date: Wednesday 30 August 2023![]()
⏰ Time: 6.30pm-8.30pm![]()
📍 Where: Online via Microsoft teams![]()
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For more information or to register, visit nqphn.com.au/events/nqphn-gp-focus-group-virtual
Reform, not resilience, is the key to changing the narrative and culture of the medical profession and will save doctors’ lives, write Dr Emma Hodge and Dr Elise Witter.![]()
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Need to chat with a colleague? We provide a free and confidential service to all QLD-based doctors and medical students. Call us on 07 3833 4352.
Doctors-in-training need system reform, not more resilience
insightplus.mja.com.au
Reform, not resilience, is the key to changing the narrative and culture of the medical
Check out these Healthy Sleep Practices for Shift Workers from the Sleep Health Foundation.![]()
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As a shift worker, it can be difficult to get enough good quality sleep, which can impact health, wellbeing, job performance, and safety. The following guidelines are designed to provide shift workers with advice on healthy sleep practices, which can improve sleep during rostered periods of work.
www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au
www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au
Come and join Rural Doctors Foundation for a bush dance whilst raising money for bush doctors on Saturday 14th October!Come and join Rural Doctors Foundation for a bush dance whilst raising money for bush doctors on Saturday 14th October!![]()
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Doors open at 6pm, and it is shaping up to be a night of fun, delicious food, great company and lots of dancing! ![]()
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Rural Doctors Foundation thanks the team at BNI OASIS Brisbane for all their hard work in bringing together this fantastic event.![]()
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Date: Saturday 14 October ![]()
Time: 6 pm to 11 pm![]()
Location: Brookfield Hall, 550 Brookfield Road, Brookfield![]()
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Buy your tickets here: bni-bush-dance.raisely.com/ticketform
"Only 40% of doctors in training are willing to seek support from a mental health professional should they have a personal or emotional problem."![]()
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If you need a little extra support, we provide a free and confidential service to all QLD-based doctors and medical students. Call us on 07 3833 4352."Only 40% of doctors in training are willing to seek support from a mental health professional should they have a personal or emotional problem."![]()
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insightplus.mja.com.au/2023/27/doctors-in-training-encouraged-to-seek-mental-health-support/![]()
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In this insightful article, authors Samineh Sanatkar and Samuel Harvey discuss the emotional strain doctors regularly face and the attitudes junior doctors have towards mental health within the medical community.![]()
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Most importantly, this article is a call to action, and advocates for systemic change to address the underlying causes for mental health distress, and highlights actions we can take to seek help early if needed. ![]()
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Besides help lines such as the one we offer at DHASWA, a new app named Shift - designed for Doctors in Training - is being developed with the aim of offering therapeutic and psycho-educational content, and strategies contextualised for the needs of doctors in training. ![]()
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To find out more about the app, have a look here: ![]()
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www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-projects/shift/![]()
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#medicine #burnout #mentalhealth![]()
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Doctors' Health SA - DHSADoctors' Health in QueenslandDoctors' Health NSWWAMSS Mental HealthWestern Australian Medical Students' Society - WAMSSRACGPThe Royal Australasian College of Physicians Australian Medical Association (WA) AMSA Mental Health Curtin Association of Medical Students - CAMS Black Dog Institute
The Doctors' Health Alliance is holding the annual Doctors Caring for Colleagues Workshop on the 23rd of September, in person or virtual.![]()
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TOPICS INCLUDE:![]()
- being the doctors’ doctor, including self-care - the sustainable doctor, ![]()
- understanding burnout/moral injury, ![]()
- supporting rural doctors,![]()
- understanding mandatory reporting, and![]()
- managing the suicidal doctor. ![]()
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Don't miss this important workshop! Full program and registration link here: doctorshealthalliance.org.au/event/doctors-caring-for-colleagues-workshop?fbclid=IwAR1lb-LNEKaeMT...
Tickets are still available for the QMWS 'August Dinner' featuring Dominique Lamb, the esteemed 2022 QLD Small Business Commissioner! This is the event you've been waiting for - an evening filled with inspiration, knowledge, and networking opportunities with fellow women in medicine.
mailchi.mp
We are delighted to extend a warm invitation to the highly anticipated QMWS August Dinner, featuring the distinguished Dominique Lamb, the 2022 QLD Small Business Commissioner.
Mark the 7th of October in your calendar for our Annual Wellness Day at Victoria Park.![]()
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A huge thank you to our wonderful sponsors Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS and RACGP for making this day possible again.![]()
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Join us for a day of informative and insightful speakers around AHPRA, medicolegal research, inspiring junior and senior doctors, then finishing up with some recovery rituals. There will be seated massages, chair yoga, walking, or an optional Paint & Sip.![]()
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Don't forget to RSVP early and invite a colleague as places are limited.![]()
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We look forward to connecting again in October and seeing you there!
Have you had your say and taken the Resident Hospital Health Check survey? If not, what are you waiting for?! 😲![]()
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The survey only takes 5-10 minutes to complete but is crucial in driving positive change for junior doctors in Queensland hospitals. 🏥![]()
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Anonymously share your thoughts and experiences regarding access to annual leave, digital health, bullying and discrimination. residency priorities, and more.![]()
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Take the survey now: ama.com.au/qld/2023rhhcsurvey
The Doctors' Health Alliance is holding the annual Doctors Caring for Colleagues Workshop on the 23rd of September, in person or virtual.![]()
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TOPICS INCLUDE:![]()
- being the doctors’ doctor, including self-care - the sustainable doctor, ![]()
- understanding burnout/moral injury, ![]()
- supporting rural doctors,![]()
- understanding mandatory reporting, and![]()
- managing the suicidal doctor. ![]()
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Don't miss this important workshop! Full program and registration link here:
Doctors Caring for Colleagues Workshop | Doctors' Health Alliance
doctorshealthalliance.org.au
Event date: September 23rd, 2023 This hybrid workshop is offered to all doctors interested in doctors’ health and/or see doctors/medical students as patients.You can choose to either: participate on...
We warmly thank the Sunny Coast HOPE4HEALTH team for their invite to 'Picnic 4 Health' on Saturday at Dicky Beach.![]()
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Medical School (and life in general) can get pretty hectic at times! Taking time out for yourself is so important for your well-being and to avoid burnout, and what better way to do that than a picnic by the beach?![]()
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A big thanks to the H4H Team for creating such a fabulous wellbeing event!
DHQ and Medical Indemnity Protection Society - MIPS got together this morning to provide coffee and morning tea for the doctors at Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital.![]()
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Thanks to everyone who dropped by for a chat and coffee!
Check out Jen (DHQ), Robin (NQPHN) and Bruce (RACGP) at the Townsville NQPHN GP Focus Group dinner session.![]()
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The focus groups enable GPs to connect and network with their peers and peak organisations such as Doctors’ Health in Queensland (DHQ), Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM), Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Northern Queensland PHN.![]()
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The final GP focus group is in Mackay on the 16th August and a virtual session has just been announced for the 30th August.
Doctors' health matters. Join AMA Queensland's critical webinar about destigmatising the common experience of serious mental illness among doctors.Doctors' health matters too. Join AMA Queensland's critical webinar about destigmatising the common experience of serious mental illness among doctors. ![]()
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Our speakers are your colleagues with lived experience: ![]()
🩺Doctors who sought help to manage their mental health challenges. ![]()
🩺Mental health experts who treat doctors. ![]()
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Register here: www.ama.com.au/qld/events/webinar-treating-doctors-mental-health