CDT Chair update - September
Committee of Doctors in Training Chair Dr Elise Witter talks about R U OK Day, the Resident Hospital Health Check survey and new CPD requirements.
On 12 September, we once again recognised R U OK Day, with this year’s theme being 'I’m here to hear'. R U OK Day encourages people to check in with their colleagues and themselves, listen, connect and check in, and is an important reminder we should be having these discussions every day of the year. Doctors are particularly vulnerable to distress and mental ill health, and it’s essential that we recognise and respond to our colleagues who are struggling and take time to reflect on our own wellbeing. We saw events from bake sales to morning teas hosted across the state to start the conversation around mental health, and it was heartening to see our community coming together to spread this message. From your employee assistance program to your GP or Doctors' Health in Queensland, there are many sources of support available for those in need of someone to speak to.
Contact Doctors' Health in Queensland
As well as focusing on our mental health, we also know how important it is that our working conditions are conducive to our wellbeing. Our Resident Hospital Health Check aims to understand what the workplace is like for doctors in training across Queensland, and is a vital tool in informing our advocacy for the year. The data from last year has been instrumental in recommending changes to eliminate psychosocial hazards for doctors in training at various hospital and health services we have been liaising with over the past few months. If you haven’t already completed this survey I’d encourage you to have your say today – AMA Queensland and ASMOFQ are here to hear your concerns!
Finally, there are big changes coming in 2024 around CPD. By January 2024, doctors will need to register with a CPD home, which includes all specialist colleges and the Doctor Learning Portal. PGY1 and PGY2 doctors working in a structured educational program in a hospital are exempt from this requirement – check out the Medical Board of Australia’s website to learn more about the changes and how it will impact you.
