Avant doctors' well-being podcast
This series of five podcasts features conversations between Avant General Manager of Research, Education and Advocacy Georgie Haysom and Professor Michael Myers, a clinical psychiatry professor at SUNY Downstate Medical Center in Brooklyn, New York. Professor Myers specialises in doctors’ health and advocates for doctor wellbeing.
The podcasts explore practical strategies to help doctors manage stress and look after their wellbeing throughout their medical and surgical careers.
Avant has generously made the podcasts available to AOA members.
Confidential Mental Health Counselling Service
Doctors and medical students around Australia can access a free, confidential telehealth mental health services through the new 24/7, 365 days a year, Drs4Drs Support Service, which has been established by Doctors’ Health Services Limited (DrHS).
The Drs4Drs Support Service provides crisis support as well as non-urgent mental health support, and complements services provided by the network of State-based doctors’ health advisory services that are also funded by DrHS.
Corporate mental health provider, Converge International, will deliver the Drs4Drs Support Service, deploying mental health professionals who are experienced in helping people work through workplace issues, conflict management, relationship concerns, financial problems, legal matters, and lifestyle issues.
All services funded by DrHS are completely confidential. DrHS does not receive any information that could identify anyone using this service, as we appreciate patient privacy is paramount, and we provide the option of anonymity.
DrHS is a subsidiary of the AMA, established with funding from the Medical Board of Australia to provide health and wellbeing support to medical students and doctors.
The Drs4Drs Support Service is funded by a grant from the Federal Department of Health, allowing participants to have up to three free telehealth counselling sessions.
To access the Drs4Drs Support Service call 1300 374 377 (1300 DR4 DRS) or visit
Drs4Drs.com.au
Doctors’ Health Alliance
The national
Doctors’ Health Alliance emerged in 2022 with the mission of improving the health of the medical profession for the good of the Australian community. The Doctors’ Health Alliance is an independent not-for-profit company with charitable and DGR status. It is overseen by a skills-based board and governance structure that includes a national doctors’ health expert panel to advise on clinical service delivery, training, education and research.
Doctors' Health SA
Find a GP – Doctor's Health SA offer clinical, training and educational services for those in the medical community who aim to improve their overall health and wellbeing.
Primary Health Tasmania
Tasmanian Health Directory – this directory is aimed at connecting those within the medical community and provides links to other professionals from several fields such as:
- general practitioners
- medical specialists
- allied health providers
- community pharmacies
- aged care facilities.
AMA Victoria
AMAVIC offer a range of services to assist and support doctors and medical students in maximising their wellbeing.
The BMJ
The
BMJ has launched their well-being campaign to advocate for medical professionals to be able to take breaks, which are necessary to improve their well-being and for patient safety.
Medical Benevolent Association of NSW (MBANSW)
The
MBANSW provides counselling and financial assistance during crises, illness, impairment and grief in support of medical practitioners and their families including retired doctors and families of deceased practitioners.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides information and support for all Australians, assisting in the improvement of mental wellbeing and health.
Lifeline
As a national charity,
Lifeline aims to connect Australians experiencing a personal crisis with services that will help them overcome any situation impacting their psychological wellbeing. They provide 24 hour access to crisis support and suicide prevention services.
SANE Australia
As a national mental health charity,
SANE Australia aims to support all Australians affected by mental illness. Their work includes raising awareness and advocating for mental health, reducing the stigma surrounding mental illnesses and provide several services including a helpline.
Medical Defence organisations
Alternatively, you may like to contact your Medical Defence organisation – they have expert resources to provide information and support for their members, including extensive wellness support programs/ external counselling providers.