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A key role of a doctor is to care for others. However, what happens when a doctor is not caring for themselves?
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In October 2013, beyondblue released a report (National Mental Health Survey) which revealed some startling statistics. Doctors reported substantially higher rates of psychological distress and attempted suicide compared to both the Australian population and other Australian professionals. In particular, young doctors and female doctors appeared to have higher levels of general and specific mental health problems and self-reported greater work stress. On a positive note, doctors appear to have a greater degree of resilience of the negative impacts of poor mental health.
Within South Australia, the health care system is undergoing major change over the next four years, with Transforming Health. In addition the current intern training program is being reviewed at a national level to ensure that the training meets the changing needs of the Australian population. There are also concerns around the possibility of the demand for medical training positions exceeding the availability of positions. For some, uncertainty and change, increases feelings of stress. With all this in mind, it is important that the wellbeing for all doctors, especially junior doctors, remains a focus.
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From the Chair | Professor Kevin Forsyth
Considering the welfare of our junior doctors is an important aspect of our health service and its provision of clinical care. Junior doctors are, by definition, the most inexperienced doctors in our health service, yet they are frequently in the front line of clinical care provision, inducing in them considerable stress and pressure. We need our junior doctors to be well supported, with provisions to enable them to function to their optimal level. Supports around them are an important component of such stress reduction and junior doctor support.
We know that adverse events occurring to junior doctors can have far-reaching consequences for many of them, including altering career pathways. Supporting our junior doctors as best we are able is critical to them and their professional future. I encourage all who read this edition to consider ways that they can better support our junior doctors.
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