Latest News
Art as Medicine?
"Medical students who are significantly engaged in the arts during their spare time, either as an active or passive participant, tend to have higher levels of empathy, emotional intelligence, tolerance of ambiguity and other traits considered positive in a doctor,...
Listen to Gold Coast doctor Dinesh Palipana and Griffith University alumni in conversation with Richard Fidler on ABC podcast Conversations.
https://www.facebook.com/abcconvos/?hc_ref=ARScUrO9RGMMw6fUEu_q_3PXACDqzTE1rpCocSw2AM2sEevXgZbceKL2JzsMjHBZeJQ&fref=nf&__xts__[0]=68.ARC7N8r5SxGW3ImROaaarA26hPqSn6TiUKj3X2ItQ_gxPjPWAGf16wPyOY113zyE9S7-GzMpqrwd5zM59fRG3c_D0ZIKQ0NH3K4DdSs6MD3w-N63gtfndICSIDo_DrLL8...
Are you a GP and interested in doctors’ health? – come to QDHP and Belmont’s Speed Psychiatry event on 24th May.
For more information and to register go to: https://www.dhq.org.au/…/qdhp-and-belmont-event-doctors-heal…/
TICKETS NOW ON SALE! The Forum on Doctors’ Wellness is for doctors, specialist colleges, medical associations, hospital and health services, medical students, medical education providers, medical defence organisations and others with a keen interest in doctors’ health to participate in an open and frank conversation that aims to focus on pragmatic outcomes towards cultural and organisational change.
The Forum on Doctors' Wellness is for doctors, specialist colleges, medical associations, hospital and health services, medical students, medical education providers, medical defence organisations and others with a keen interest in doctors' health to participate in an...
Over 53,000 doctors are urging the #QueenslandGovernment to improve mental health reporting laws. It will save lives- AMAQ
Mandatory reporting laws discourage doctors from seeking treatment for a mental health condition. The fear of being reported and losing their job is just too high. FACTS: • At least four QLD doctors have committed suicide in 2017-18. • Queensland Doctors' Health...
The public briefing for the Health and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2018 (Department of Health) took place on Tuesday.
The QLD Doctors' Health Programme is deeply concerned regarding the current proposals for legislative change. QDHP would support a change to the legislation that improves doctors’ health access. QDHP understands that the WA amendment would provide doctors and other...
Reflections on last week’s International Physician Health Conference in Toronto, Canada
https://www.facebook.com/DocHealthQLD/photos/a.783316138493825/1090881491070620/?type=3&theater
Watch Dr Di Khursandi, Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme / Doctors’ Health Advisory Service Qld board member and founding member of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists Welfare of Anaesthetists SIG talk to beyondblue about her experience of depression while working long hours as an anaesthetist in rural Australia.
To read more about the Welfare of Anaesthetists SIG go here: http://www.anzca.edu.au/…/special-…/welfare-of-anaesthetists To hear more from Dr Di Khursandi and Dr Genevieve Goulding about their experience setting up the Welfare of Anaesthstists SIG watch:...
Last week Dr Margaret Kay, Medical Director of the Queensland Doctors’ Health Programme, presented at the International Physician Health Conference in Toronto, Canada.
Did you know the Canadian Medical Association now has a dedicated department of physician health?! For more on this conference read: https://cmajnews.com/…/medical-leaders-urge-system-change-…/
UQMind Wine and Die, a Hit!
Wine & Die for medical students was a hit. They discussed their personal and professional experiences with death and dying in an open, non-judgemental forum which helped improve death literacy and confidence. Being comfortable talking about death and dying with...
Latest News via Facebook
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
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!
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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✖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.
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/
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.
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.
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 medical students allowed to grieve? ![]()
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Read final year UQ Medicine student Harry Copeland's poignant insight in MedicGuild on witnessing death and grieving for patients as a medical student.
Are Medical Students Allowed to Grieve?
medicguild.com
A final year medical student reflects on his first time witnessing a patient die and what it means to grieve as a medical student.
The Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework was officially launched today, as part of a national commitment to prioritise the mental health and wellbeing of Australian doctors and medical students.![]()
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The Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework was developed under the guidance of a national working group and in consultation with doctors, doctors in training and medical students in addition to a review of best practice evidence.![]()
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It aims to guide coordinated action on the mental health of doctors and medical students through target areas including - improving training and work environments, recognising and responding to those needing support, improving the response to doctors and medical students impacted, the culture of the medical profession to enable wellbeing and coordinated action and accountability.![]()
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Life in Mind Avant Mutual Deakin University Australian Medical Association Everymind AMSA: Australian Medical Students' Association Doctors' Health in Queensland Doctors' Health Advisory Service NSW & ACT Doctors' Health SA - DHSA Victorian Doctors Health Program
Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework - Life in Mind Australia
lifeinmind.org.au
A national commitment to coordinated action on the mental health of doctors and medical students.
Brené Brown providing wise guidance on burnout in this podcast.Burnout. We’re all there. It’s exhausting. The good news? There’s a path through it.![]()
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In this episode of #UnlockingUs I talk to Drs. Emily and Amelia Nagoski about their book, Burnout.![]()
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I’ve been practicing their 7 “complete the stress cycle strategies” since we recorded the podcast and I must say: Total game changer!![]()
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HUGE learning for me: Dealing with the STRESSOR is just one part of dealing with burnout. The other part is dealing with the STRESS by completing the stress cycle and getting through that emotions tunnel.![]()
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You can listen to our conversation here: bit.ly/3iRRX4Q
The time is right to set a reform agenda in Australia that positions the mental health and wellbeing of the medical profession as a national priority. ![]()
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Join Dr Hash Abdeen, Webinar Facilitator and Chair, AMA Council of Doctors in Training, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, Minister for Health, and our Panel for the launch of Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework to guide coordinated action on the mental health of doctors and medical students, developed with the support of medical leaders in Australia. ![]()
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The webinar will discuss how the Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework can support significant reform and change across a range of settings with actions that can be taken at an individual, organisation, service and government level to support and mental health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students over the long term. ![]()
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Register your attendance at: zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_7TekUnFOSNuzFYHscy6Ljw ![]()
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Find out more about Every Doctor, Every Setting: A National Framework and the webinar program here: ama.com.au/every-doctor-every-setting
Thank you to medical student Jasmine Elliott for writing this piece for MedicGuild "“Burnout isn’t a trophy” – Breaking the Stigma Around Taking Time Off in Medicine"
"Burnout isn’t a trophy” - Breaking the Stigma Around Taking Time Off
medicguild.com
A 3rd year medical student reflects on prioritising recovery over resilience and challenges the toxic cycle of overworking and poor health.
If you are a QLD-based GP trainee and have been affected by the technical outage and subsequent postponement of the AKT and KFP RACGP exams and would like some independent and confidential support you can call us: www.dhq.org.au
Thanks to Vicky Dawes our Counsellor and Education Officer for sharing this story. ![]()
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From Vicky: "It's a scary thing to share your own personal story and to put your name to it, but by doing this I hope to let other doctors and medical students going through tough times know that they are not alone and that it is possible not just to recover but to go on to thrive. This is my small part to help break down the stigma surrounding burnout and showing vulnerability in medicine".![]()
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AMSA Mental Health Beyond Blue AMA Queensland Council of Doctors in Training#WeAreMedicine #WeAreHuman - STORY #5![]()
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“I’m discussing the plan for a man in Resus 1 with the ICU reg, when an RMO pops their head around the curtain to ask if I can review one of their patients. I bark back, “ARE THEY DYING? NO? WELL IT CAN WAIT THEN”. What have I become?” - Dr Vicky Dawes ![]()
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READ VICKY’S FULL STORY HERE: qld.ama.com.au/sites/qld/files/QLD/PDFs/MentalHealthcampaign_Story5.pdf![]()
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MORE INFO: qld.ama.com.au/we-are-medicine-and-we-are-human![]()
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- with Doctors' Health in Queensland Victorian Doctors Health Program Doctors' Health SA - DHSA Doctors' Health Advisory Service Western Australia Doctors' Health Advisory Service NSW & ACT![]()
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#WeAreMedicine_AMAQ #WorldMentalHealthDay #AMAQCouncilOfDoctorsInTraining #LookAfterYourMentalHealthAustralia #InThisTogether
Take a moment for a musical break thanks to these wonderful medical mums from across Australia & New Zealand...
Medical Mums Sing in Solidarity - Hallelujah
youtu.be
Medical mums and their families across Australia and New Zealand collaborated from various stages of COVID lockdown and stress. We shook off our inhibitions,...
If you are a doctor or medical student in QLD experiencing difficulties, no matter whether clinical or personal - you can call the free and confidential Doctors' Health in Queensland![]()
helpline on 07 3833 3452. We are here for you.#WeAreMedicine #WeAreHuman ![]()
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“I still remember my first MET call...”![]()
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READ WHAT HAPPENED HERE: qld.ama.com.au/sites/qld/files/QLD/PDFs/MentalHealthcampaign_Story4.pdf![]()
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SHARE this story to let your colleagues know you are there for support if needed.![]()
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MORE OF YOUR STORIES HERE: bit.ly/33elTU7![]()
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#WeAreMedicine_AMAQ #WorldMentalHealthDay #AMAQCouncilOfDoctorsInTraining #LookAfterYourMentalHealthAustralia #InThisTogether