Support for your wellbeing

Support for your wellbeing

• Connect with your training team. Your wellbeing is a key focus of your RACGP training team. Reach out to them for advice and support.

• Connect with your peers. A support network is an important part of selfcare. Out-of-practice workshops are a great place to meet other registrars, develop friendships and find a registrar study group.

• The GP Support Program is a free service available to all RACGP members. You can access professional advice to help cope with personal and work-related issues that can impact on your wellbeing, workplace morale, performance and safety, and psychological health.

• The RACGP GP wellbeing webpage has self-care resources and support services.

• General Practice Registrars Australia (GPRA) is an independent organisation protecting the rights of general practice trainees. It offers wellbeing advice. Membership is free.

• Indigenous General Practice Trainee Network (IGPTN) is an advocacy network for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GPs in training that provides professional, educational, cultural and exam preparation support that is led by peers. Each year, in addition to offering online learning and networking opportunities, IGPTN runs two national workshops and all Indigenous GPs in training are invited to attend. Indigenous GP Fellows are engaged to provide support, education and mentorship. IGPTN members support each other by sharing their experiences and knowledge. The support of Indigenous peers during general practice training has a significant and positive impact on the whole training experience. For more information also see the information on the RACGP website about IGPTN.

• Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) offers networking and professional development opportunities. It also provides mentoring which allows members to support and guide each other academically and culturally through their medical studies and careers as Indigenous medical doctors.

• DRS4DRS is an independent program providing confidential support and resources to doctors and medical students across Australia, including helping you find your own GP and providing coordinated access to mental health and wellbeing resources, training on becoming a doctor for doctors, community news and navigation to state and territory helplines and referral services. Confidential phone advice is available 24 hours a day for any doctor or medical student in Australia.

• CRANAplus Bush Support Services provides a free and confidential telephone counselling service for rural and remote health practitioners and is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (1800 805 391). The service is staffed by psychologists, including two Aboriginal psychologists. CRANAplus membership isn’t required to access the service.