2022

Preparing Interns for a Healthy Medical Professional Life Project

Doctors’ Health SA (DHSA) was keen to explore to what extent the physical, mental health and wellbeing of final year medical students changes during their intern year. DHSA applied for a Grant through the Perpetual philanthropic funds and were awarded a Grant to conduct a study to explore the impact of intern year. Ethics approval for this important study was also achieved.

The study invited medical students finishing their final year to check their health on two occasions; once just prior to commencing intern year and again mid-way through intern year to assess whether and why this may have changed. Each test included:

• a comprehensive medical, nutritional and psychological assessment with an experienced General Practitioner and

• a VO2 max aerobic fitness assessment with an Exercise Scientist.

"This an exciting and important study and we look forward very much to your participation." Dr Roger Sexton, Medical Director, Doctors’ Health SA, Intern Project Lead.