MEDICUS FEBRUARY 2016

O P I N I O N

Mental health of doctors not trivial

Dr Michael Page Co-Chair, AMA (WA) Doctors in Training Committee

L ong before studying medicine I knew that doctors had some of the highest rates of adverse mental health outcomes, including suicide, amongst the professions. Why did I know this? I would read about it from time to time in the lay press, and it was something that occasionally came up in casual conversation.

it was raised as an interesting irony, a factoid or item of trivia, about which we could theorise as to the reasons.

colleagues, and it starts in our own workplaces.

The Doctors in Training Committee has taken on this issue and has formed a new Welfare Subcommittee, chaired by Dr Ros Forward and Dr Sarah Newman, to look at how we can improve the ways in which the mental wellbeing of doctors in training is supported in our health system. We would encourage you to contribute your thoughts and get involved. ■

Being a doctor is stressful, and doctors have access to various

abusable and toxic substances, so it all seemed to stand to reason, lending itself to matter-of-fact discussion. This might be good enough for the disinterested observer, but it shouldn’t be good enough for us. We have a responsibility to look after our

In hindsight, the context was never appropriate to the gravity of the issue:

Making medicine more life-friendly for junior doctors

We know being a doctor can be tough, and it’s not just the hours. Dealing with life and death everyday can take its toll, and sometimes you just don’t know who to talk to about it. Only having control of your life at most 10 weeks ahead – and sometimes as little as one week – makes it difficult to engage and commit outside of work. Lack of leave cover, administrative support sometimes lacking in empathy and job cuts are leading to low morale amongst juniors throughout hospitals. We know such issues take their toll on physical and mental health. And yet we don’t talk about it. In 2015, after the tragic loss of a WA registrar, the AMA (WA) DiT Committee made a commitment to promote and protect junior doctor health, and the DiT Welfare Subcommittee was created. The group aims to identify the issues relevant to DiTs and reduce the stigma associated with mental health issues within the profession. Focus points include: Wellbeing, Mental health, Physical health, Work-life balance, Stress, Drug and Alcohol, Bullying, Harassment. We aim to promote the wellbeing of many, and no less significantly protect and support individuals at risk, assist

retention in the workforce, and prevent loss of life. In forming the link between resources, supports and systems currently available, we hope to create a holistic approach to junior doctor wellbeing that will lend itself to application to the whole clinician community. Despite only recently coming into being, we have had many positive responses from junior doctors, consultants, allied health and medical administration. We held a DiT Welfare Forum at the AMA office in January, which was attended by a diverse cross section of interns, RMOs and registrars. Current issues were explored and some potential areas for change identified. We are now in the process of forming our subcommittee, and refining our plan for the year ahead. We are interested to hear from DiTs, consultants, allied health and support staff who would like to stay informed or to contribute experience, knowledge or skills to our project. Please email dit@amawa.com.au Any queries, don’t hesitate to contact the Co-chairs of the DiT Welfare Subcommittee:

DR SARAH NEWMAN sahenwman@gmail.com DR ROS FORWARD rosforward@yahoo.com.au

If you are experiencing any trouble and need advice, please contact: Doctors Health Advisory Service WA http://dhas.org.au/contact/personal-health-resources-for-doctors-medical-students-and-families-in-wa. html or phone: 08 9321 3098.

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