New National Doctors for Doctors website

MEDIA RELEASE

NATIONAL WEBSITE SUPPORTS MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS’ HEALTH AND WELLBEING

A new national website has been launched offering a central coordination point to link doctors and medical students to a range of supports for their own health and wellbeing.

The www.drs4drs.com.au website is supported by a network of doctors’ health advisory and referral services operating across Australia; each offering independent, safe, supportive and confidential programs.

The creation of DR4DRS has been led by the Doctors’ Health Services Board (DrHS), incorporating input from all State and Territory doctors’ health services.

AMA President and DrHS Board member, Dr Tony Bartone, described the site as an important and practical step in ensuring the medical profession can easily find help for their own health when needed.

“The health of our colleagues and future doctors has been a significant focus for the profession in the last few years. Creating a platform so all doctors and medical students can easily access help is vital,” Dr Bartone said.
DRS4DRS has a large menu of wellbeing strategies and where to find health care support, including links to each doctors’ health service, allowing doctors and medical students to find a GP, join a local support network, seek urgent advice, or participate in key events.

Doctors experience a range of barriers when seeking help for their physical health and mental health. The implementation of a national website that brings together a range of information, acting as a ‘one stop shop’ for doctors’ health and wellbeing, aims to break down some of those barriers.

“The ability to access health care out of hours and to find confidential help are two significant barriers,” DrHS Chair, Mr David Brennan, said.

“The DRS4DRS website details supports that can be accessed 24/7, how to connect with a confidential service for doctors only, as well strategies to assist with the many aspects of managing a busy professional life.”
The DRS4DRS site provides guidance for doctors on supporting a medical colleague. Doctors who see doctors as patients can find helpful information about managing the doctor-patient consult and access online learning modules about caring for colleagues.

“Doctors have long called for improved national coordination of information for where and how doctors and medical students can seek support for their health and wellbeing. This website responds to that call, and can also increase awareness for our profession of how to take care of themselves, Dr Bartone said.

The Doctors’ Health Service Pty Ltd is an independent service supported through funding from the Medical Board of Australia.

If this article raises any concerns for you, please contact your local doctors’ health service or LifeLine on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636.

10 December, 2019

MEDIA CONTACT:

Christine Brill - telephone 02 62705423

Twitter: @drs4drs_Aus