A career in medicine has many challenges. Paying close attention to your physical and mental health is vital for maintaining a balanced life and career success as a GP. Doctors need to be well to provide high-quality health care to their patients and the community, and to experience medicine as a rewarding and satisfying career.
Knowing when to seek help and where to find help when you need it is an important professional responsibility.
For phone number to access support available in your area, look at the following link, or review the numbers listed below:
The following resources are useful when considering self care:
Doctors’ Self-Care Support Services:
Important Phone numbers
Immediate support, call Lifeline Australia on +61 13 11 14
Doctor’s Health Advisory Service (DHAS)
Provides advice relating to stress, mental illness, drug and alcohol problems, personal and financial difficulties.
Location | Service | Hours | Contact |
NSW | DHAS | 24/7 | 02 9437 6552 |
ACT | Colleague of First Contact | 24/7 | 0407 265 414 |
NT | DHAS | 24/7 | 02 9437 6552 |
QLD | DHAS | 24/7 | 07 3833 4352 |
SA | Doctors’ Health SA | 24/7 | 08 8232 1250 |
VIC | Victorian Doctors’ Health Program | Business hours | 03 9280 8712 |
WA | DHAS | 24/7 | 08 9321 3098 |
Australian Medical Association (AMA), Victoria and Tasmania.
AMA peer support service is an anonymous and confidential helpline for any doctor or medical student living, working or studying in Victoria or Tasmania. Can discuss stressful incidents, violence or trauma in the workplace, workplace issues – bullying, workload concerns, inability to cope, burnout, career plans, professional life, personal issues and general well-being.
Available 8am to 11pm, 7 days a week on 1300 853 338.
Bush Support Services
Bush Support Line 24/7 in Australia on 1800 805 391.
Rural Family Medical Network
Location | Service | Contact |
NSW | NSW Rural Medical Family Network | 02 6545 2461 |
QLD | Queensland Rural Medical Family Network | 07 3105 7800 |
VIC | Rural Medical Family Network Victoria | 03 8610 6381 |
WA | WA Medical Family Network | 0407 776 945 |
Rural Doctors Workforce Agency (RDWA) Dr DOC program, South Australia
Dr DOC helpline in South Australia on +61 08 8234 8277.
Medical indemnity agencies
These provide support services and counselling programs to their members.
Service | Hours | Contact |
Avant helpline | 24/7 | 1800 128 268 |
MDA National medico-legal advice | 24/7 | 1800 011 255 |
Medical Indemnity Protection Society clinic-legal support | 24/7 | 1800 021 223 |
Medical Insurance Group Australia emergency support | 24/7 | 08 8238 4444 |
Medical Insurance Group Australia Doctors’ support service | 24/7 | 1800 777 156 |
The Medical Benevolent Association
Assists medical practitioners and their families who are in financial hardship
Location | Service | Contact |
NSW/ACT | The Medical Benevolent Association of NSW | 02 9987 0504 |
QLD | The Medical Benevolent Association of QLD | 07 3872 2222 |
VIC | The Victorian Medical Benevolent Association | 03 9496 4295 |
SA | The Medical Benevolent Association of SA | 08 8267 4355 |
Anxiety and depression
Beyondblue 24/7 1300 22 4636
Alcohol and drugs
Alcoholics Anonymous 24/7 1300 22 22 22
Narcotics Anonymous 24/7 1300 652 820
Gambling
Gambling Help Online 24/7 1800 858 858
Gamblers Anonymous Australia 02 9726 6625