Reducing Risk of Suicide in the Medical Profession
The Final Report of the National Forum on Reducing Risk of Suicide in the Medical Profession was released this week. The Report of the Forum, jointly convened by the AMA and Doctors’ Health Services Pty Ltd (DrHS), included recommendations of 82 doctors from key medical stakeholder organisations on issues that impact on the emotional health and wellbeing of doctors.
AMA Vice-President, Dr Tony Bartone, said there are many factors that can affect how doctors and medical students cope with the stressors of their work roles. He also outlined the importance of doctors having their own regular GP.
“Not enough doctors and medical students have a GP who they see regularly, and not enough doctors engage in preventive health care such as healthy lifestyle, proper work-life balance, and regular check-ups – simple, yet vital, actions that can keep stress and depression at bay,” Dr Bartone said.
Early in 2018, the Doctors’ Health Services Pty Board will re-engage with each of the stakeholders to get their feedback on the Forum report, and seek their organisation’s interest in developing the top five actions in doctors’ health.
DrHS coordinates the delivery of independent, confidential, doctors’ health services across the country, with funding support from the Medical Board of Australia. To access these services, visit www.drs4drs.com.au.
