Doctor Health

To our GP members,

Doctor's health and well being is an important and often overlooked issue. Preventing burnout in GPs is vital for the doctor's health as well as the long term health of the community. The evidence is mounting regarding tired and fatigued doctors who feel burnt out are more likely to make more errors in patient care.

MIGA is recognising doctor's stress and poor mental health can lead to adverse outcomes and more litigation. The Medical Board of SA has conducted its own research and found 50% of SA doctors have experienced burnout. The MABEL study has found at least 11% of GPs nationally wish to quit work in the next year, whether it be due to stress or simply retire due to long hours over many years results in job dissatisfaction.

A recent Medical Observer Article suggested GPs take a half day off every week to prolong their effective working life by 5 years and reduce impact of "burnout" for themselves and their patients.

Please look after yourselves: have a flu shot this year, get yourselves a Health Check and attend the Doctors Health Conference being held in Adelaide, 3-5 September, 2009.

If you need help contact the Doctor's Health Advisory Service on 8273 4111 or see your GP!

Visit Healthy Doctors- Better Medicine website for conference details and more information.