Doctors and medical students now have access to a national ‘one stop shop’ website to make it easier to find services and support for their own health and wellbeing,
The www.drs4drs.com.au site is supported by a network of doctors’ health advisory and referral services operating across Australia; each offering independent, safe, supportive and confidential programs.
The site is open to doctors, medical students and to family and colleagues of doctors, with a large menu of wellbeing strategies and where to find health care support, including links to each doctors’ health service.
It aims to break down the barriers to doctors finding a GP, joining a local support network, seeking urgent advice, or participating in key events.
DRS4DRS has been set up by the Doctors’ Health Services Board (DrHS), incorporating input from all State and Territory doctors’ health services.
“The ability to access health care out of hours and to find confidential help are two significant barriers,” DrHS Chair Mr David Brennan said.
“The DRS4DRS website details supports that can be accessed 24/7, how to connect with a confidential service for doctors only, as well strategies to assist with the many aspects of managing a busy professional life.”
AMA President and DrHS Board member Dr Tony Bartone said the platform will be an important and practical step in ensuring that all doctors and medical students can easily access help.
“Doctors have long called for improved national coordination of information for where and how doctors and medical students can seek support for their health and wellbeing. This website responds to that call, and can also increase awareness for our profession of how to take care of themselves, he said.
As well as medical students and doctors in training the DRS4DRS website recognises groups such as rural and isolated doctors, international medical graduates, senior medical officers, and retiring doctors.
The Doctors’ Health Service Pty Ltd is an independent service supported through funding from the Medical Board of Australia.