DiTs put best foot forward on Crazy socks day
Doctors and medical students and their supporters all around Australia wore odd, silly, colourful, and simply crazy socks to support doctors’ mental health and wellbeing on Friday 1 June 2018.
AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, said the AMA and the State and Territory doctors’ health advisory services are lending their support to this important initiative.
“The ‘crazy socks’ day has become a phenomenon, nationally and now internationally, to raise awareness and normalise the discussion on doctors’ mental wellbeing,” Dr Bartone said.
“Research shows that doctors are at higher risk of suicide, suicidal thinking, and psychological distress. There are significantly higher rates for female doctors and doctors in training.
“This campaign has grown rapidly as a fun and collaborative way to shine the light on a very serious health issue within our profession.
“Last year’s AMA/Doctors’ Health Services Pty Ltd National Forum on reducing the risk of suicide in the medical profession emphasised the need for cultural change and compassion.
“Today’s activity is a great example of a grassroots campaign with willing foot soldiers driving change within the profession to ensure that we better care for the carers.
Doctors and medical students needing help can get access to the Australia-wide network of independent, confidential, doctors’ health advisory and referral services.
These services are coordinated by Doctors’ Health Services Pty Ltd, with funding from the Medical Board of Australia.
To contact your local service, visit:
