Blogs

Mental Health – a Heads Up on What’s Up

16 Sep 2016

Janet Harry

by Ms Janet Harry

Young female doctor looks pensive

The stigma of mental illness among doctors is preventing young doctors from speaking about it or obtaining treatment. The National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students revealed one in five medical students and one in 10 early career doctors had suicidal thoughts in the 12 months before taking the survey. Close to half the respondents feared their careers would be damaged if they spoke about their illness. 

Recognising the importance of this issue for the profession, MDA National has joined forces with beyondblue to promote mental health awareness throughout the medical community 

beyondblue launched the Heads Up initiative in May 2014 – an Australian-first mental health workplace initiative – with advice for everyone in the workforce about taking care of their own mental health and supporting their colleagues.  

Remember you can also obtain personal advice and support from the Doctors’ Health Advisory Service if you are facing difficulties in relation to stress and mental illness.

 

 

This blog contains general information only. We recommend you contact your medical defence organisation or insurer when you require specific advice in relation to medico-legal matters.

 

Library

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Get yourself a fricking GP stat! is a conversation with Dr Lam, 2019 RACGP National General Practitioner of the Year, rural GP and GP Anesthetics trainee, that explores the importance of finding your own GP as a Junior Doctor.

Podcasts

25 Oct 2022

Systematic efforts to reduce harms due to prescribed opioids – webinar recording

Efforts are underway across the healthcare system to reduce harms caused by pharmaceutical opioids. This 43-min recording of a live webinar, delivered 11 March 2021, is an opportunity for prescribers to check, and potentially improve, their contribution to these endeavours. Hear from an expert panel about recent opioid reforms by the Therapeutic Goods Administration and changes to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. 

Diplomacy in a hierarchy: tips for approaching a difficult conversation

Have you found yourself wondering how to broach a tough topic of conversation? It can be challenging to effectively navigate a disagreement with a co-worker, especially if they're 'above' you; however, it's vital for positive team dynamics and safe patient care. In this recording of a live webinar you'll have the opportunity to learn from colleagues' experiences around difficult discussions and hear from a diverse panel moderated by Dr Kiely Kim (medico-legal adviser and general practitioner). Recorded live on 2 September 2020.