Ep5: Physician, Heal Thyself

Most preventive health messages focus on diet, exercise, and stress reduction. But are doctors taking this advice for themselves?

The Doctors' Health Advisory Service, or DHAS, was created in 1981 to offer confidential help to practitioners in both Australia and New Zealand. This episode features Dr Jill Gordon FASPsychMed, president of DHAS New South Wales; Dr Roger Sexton FRACGP, medical director of the South Australia office; and Dr Edwin Whiteside FRACP, director of the New Zealand office. They discuss why doctors may experience higher rates of depression and anxiety, and common fears around mandatory reporting. The conversation also includes Dr Kieran Le Plastrier (Western Sydney University), who is currently completing a PhD on 'the fit professional.

Dr Gordon's 'five steps to help a colleague' are:

1. Don't ignore the situation. Approach the person and the problem and ask if you can help.
2. Listen non-judgementally to what they say.
3. Give emotional support and any information you think might help.
4. Encourage them to seek professional help.
5. Encourage other forms of support.

Links to resources mentioned on the show are provided below. View the RACP's support services page for more organisations supporting doctors' health.

 This episode was produced by Alastair Wilson, with editing by Anne Fredrickson. Music from Podington Bear ('Driftwood'), Nick Jaina ('Mississippi Turn-Around'), Cory Gray ('Low Rollers'), and Doctor Turtle ('G of the Bang'); photo by University of Liverpool Medical Archive (via Flickr).

Editorial feedback was provided by RACP Fellows Dr Hugh Aders, Dr Terence Donald, A/Prof Matthew Links, Dr Martina Moorkamp, Dr Kathryn Patchett, Prof Peter Procopis, Dr Simon Quilty, Dr Elizabeth Smales, Dr Emma-Leigh Synnott and Dr Barry Taylor.

Please visit the RACP website for a transcript embedded with citations. Fellows of the College can claim CPD credits for listening and additional reading.