The wellbeing of Doctors

As doctors, our career is all about improving the health of others — but sometimes this can come at the cost of looking after our own.

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. 

Our position

The Royal Australasian College of Physicians believes that improving the health and wellbeing of medical professionals requires the cooperation of government, employers, colleges, regulators, doctors’ health services, senior leaders, supervisors, colleagues and doctors themselves.

While we have a shared responsibility for doctors’ health, it is essential for doctors to take care of their own health, for their benefit and for the benefit of their families, their patients and the healthcare system.

We have begun to form a coalition of partners across the sector that will focus on systemic issues.

Member Health and Wellbeing Committee
Doctors' Health and Wellbeing FAQ
Respectful behaviour in College training programs
The Health of Doctors Position Statement (2017) (PDF)
Safe Training Environments Summit Report (2021) (PDF)

Statement on Professional Behaviour

What you can do

We encourage all doctors to see their general practitioner on a regular basis. Every doctor should have a General Practitioner (GP) who they see routinely. A GP can assist in general health maintenance, including physical and mental wellbeing. Physicians should never self-diagnose or self-prescribe.

We also urge you to monitor your own physical and emotional wellbeing, and to seek early assistance if you have any concerns or experience significant stress.

Caring for other doctors requires sensitivity. We encourage doctors to provide support and assistance to colleagues — including trainees — in a compassionate and confidential manner.

About mandatory notification

There is some understandable confusion and speculation around the rules of mandatory notification, resulting in reluctance on the part of distressed doctors to seek assistance for personal issues because of fears it may have a career impact.

See the National Boards and APRHA guidelines for specific guidance.