The Australian Medical Students’ Association (AMSA) welcomes the news of a national Doctors Health Service (DHS), to be jointly established by the Medical Board of Australia and the Australian Medical Association.
“The Doctors Health Service will be a national health program for both doctors and medical students in Australia, and is a huge step forward in improving the health of medical professionals nationwide,” said AMSA President, James Lawler.
“Previously, services have not been consistently delivered and promoted, which has meant the health of doctors and medical students has often deteriorated unnoticed.
“This initiative will see nationally standardised services delivered to medical students and doctors in every State and Territory, ensuring accessibility and equitable delivery.
“The DHS will combine face-to-face health-related triage, advice and referral with telephone help-lines, online tools and appropriate resources to most effectively meet the needs of health professionals.”
Mr Lawler said that “Investing in the health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students will have many positive follow-on effects for the community as healthy doctors are more effective carers for their patients.
“AMSA looks forward to playing an active role on the Doctors Health Service Expert Advisory Committee,” Mr Lawler said.
“This is an opportunity to ensure that available services match the specific needs of medical students, which will allow a particular focus on pressing mental health issues.
“Prior to commencement of their degrees, the mental health of medical students is on par with general student population, but studies show that, as medical school progresses, students begin to exhibit lower psychological wellbeing than age-matched peers and the general population.
“Ultimately we, as future doctors, should always take care of our personal wellbeing, as it underpins the success of our careers. If we are to look after our patients’ health, we must look after our own health as well.”
