"Doctors may be more at risk of health problems than the general population because of sedentary lifestyles and inevitable stressors associated with medical practice. Annual preventive health checks are recommended for healthy Australians, but rarely undertaken by doctors themselves. Many doctors have become more aware of the need to refrain from self diagnosis and self treatment.  Others have requested more individual support at certain stages of their careers, including during their transition from medical student to doctor in training, throughout registrar training or while adjusting to a new environment as an international medical graduate. However, only 25% of medical practitioners have their own GP. The current medical workplace shortage deters many doctors from taking time out of their busy practices to seek health care."
- Medical Consulting Victoria

Are you a doctor or medical student seeking medical help for your own health and wellbeing? Speak up! The following organisations offer confidential health and medical services directed to assisting doctors in physical or psychological distress.

Medical Consulting Victoria

Practice Principle: Dr. Leanne Rowe AM, MB BS, MD, Dip RACOG, FRACGP, FAICD has over 25 years experience as a rural general practitioner. A former Chairman of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, she is now Deputy Chancellor of Monash University and on the board of Beyond Blue: the national depression initiative. She has also been involved in teaching and research and was awarded a Doctor of Medicine Degree in 2006 on the topic of youth depression.
Her most recent book includes “Save your Life and the Lives of Those you Love: your GP’s 6 step plan for staying healthy longer” coauthored by Professor Michael Kidd, endorsed by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners and published by Allen and Unwin.  She has been awarded the Rose Hunt Medal by the RACGP and “Best Individual Contribution Health Care in Australia".
Contact details: Telephone: 03 99398875, email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Victorian Doctors’ Health Program

VDHP is a confidential and compassionate service for doctors and medical students with health concerns including stress & anxiety problems, substance use disorders, mental health disorders, any other health problems, including physical health concerns. The Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP) has been established to ensure that a full time dedicated service is available to meet the needs of sick and impaired doctors and medical students. It is a fully independent legal entity funded by the Medical Practitioner’s Board of Victoria, and operates independently from any other organisation. VDHP provides prompt advice to doctors and medical students who feel at risk, or who think that they may have a problem. Advice is also provided to anyone who is concerned about a doctor or medical student. This includes family, friends, professional colleagues, and hospital and clinical staff.
Contact details: (03) 9495 6011