Our services
Wellbeing goes beyond the absence of distress. It includes feeling challenged, thriving and achieving success in various aspects of personal and professional life.
If you struggle with these issues, you're not alone. Doctors are at greater risk of issues associated with wellbeing than other professions and stigma prevents many from accessing the support they need.
Policies and statements
Education policies | Flexible Training Policy and Trainee in Difficulty Support (TIDS) Policy
Respectful Behaviour in College Training Programs
Trainee support | Learn more about how we can coordinate additional support to keep you on track to complete your training requirements
Safe Training Environments Summit Report (PDF) | 2021
The Health of Doctors Position Statement (PDF) | 2017
Improving workforce health and workplace productivity Position Statement (PDF) | 2013
Trainee support
Maintaining balance while juggling your training commitments and personal life can be challenging. It’s not uncommon for trainees to need some additional support to keep their training on track.
Difficulty with your training program? Find more about the training support process and resources for trainees.
Difficulty with a colleague? Deciding what to do to resolve a difficulty with a colleague can be hard. The Decision Tree (PDF) may help as you consider your options.
Difficulty with your health and wellbeing? We have a Flexible Training Policy (PDF) which takes personal circumstances into consideration and can include taking a break from training for a 12 month period.
We work closely with trainees, supervisors and committees to coordinate additional support for trainees experiencing training challenges to keep their training on track.
Watch Dr Aidan Tan and Dr Jessica Wong show us how to connect and engage with trainees, and hear Dr Sabine Hennel share her experience as a supervisor and suggested ways to start meaningful conversations.
Being healthy means more than just the absence of ill-health. It encompasses mental, physical and social wellbeing, and it enables us to practice effectively throughout our careers — including during our training.
While doctors are less likely to suffer from lifestyle related illnesses linked to smoking, diet or exercise, they are more vulnerable to mental health and wellbeing issues compared to the general population.
In Australia, doctors report substantially higher rates of attempted suicide and suicide compared to other professionals, with suicide more common in female doctors. Help us turn this around.
Recognise warning signs in yourself and others
- feeling the need to put on a brave face
- struggling at work, or feeling overwhelmed
- poor concentration
- inability to make decisions
- disappearing while on shift
- increasing use of alcohol or drugs
- poor attention to physical appearance
- loss of energy
- low moods, increased anxiety or irritability
- withdrawing or feeling isolated
- sleeping too much or too little
- colleagues raising concerns