Young People and Doctors Building a Healthy Relationship

AMA President, Dr Rosanna Capolingua, said today that young people should be building a relationship with their GP that is based on trust and confidentiality.

"There is a lot happening physically and mentally in the busy lives of young people. They need to know that their GP is available to provide advice and to look after their health - and can keep it confidential," Dr Capolingua said.

"Developing a trusting relationship with a doctor early on will help people to remain aware and informed about their health throughout life.

"Teenagers are routinely confronted with health risks associated with drinking, drugs and sexual activity. They are worried about their friends, or they may feel stressed, anxious, sad, and alone.

"An understanding GP can help them with their fears, uncertainty, and anxiety - and maintain their confidentiality.

"Young people can go and see a doctor and talk to them openly," Dr Capolingua said.

"Being able to go to a GP, who they see as an experienced confidant, provides young people with the confidence to seek information that will help them to see their problems and work through them, and take more control of their health and reduce their risk of harm."

Dr Capolingua said doctors treat young people with respect, do not sit in judgement of them, and are there to understand what their needs are, and help.

Dr Capolingua today launched AMA Family Doctor Week 2007 - a celebration of the hard work performed all around Australia every day by devoted GPs.

The Family Doctor Week theme this year is Your GP: Part of the Family. All this week the AMA will be highlighting the key role that GPs play in the life of every Australian family in all stages of life.