As a Clinical Radiology or Radiation Oncology specialist in-training, we understand the importance you place on providing high quality care to your patients.
However, in order to be able to provide this standard of care, you must also prioritise caring for your own health and wellbeing. Issues relating to wellbeing, work-life balance and burnout are a real concern for our members – as they are for the medical profession in general. This page provides practical information and useful resources to support your health and wellbeing and signposts to how you can seek help, and how you can help your colleagues.
Our professions are focused on improving health for others, unfortunately often this comes at the cost of looking after our own wellbeing. If you are struggling, you’re not alone. Doctors are at great risk of issues associated with wellbeing and are often embarrassed to ask for help and support.
The Trainee Liaison Officer (TLO) supports the wellbeing of trainees and is a central point of contact for all trainees in the training program. The TLO delivers outreach to all accredited training sites with a particular focus on rural and regional areas. It is recognised that sometimes a conversation about concerns is more appropriate than completing a survey.
Trainees can provide confidential feedback on the training program via the TLO. Specific issues raised by trainees are remain confidential and only general feedback (which does not identify individual trainees and their circumstances) may escalated for consideration.
To organise a confidential discussion with the TLO, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. alternatively, you can SMS or call +61 437 893 973.
During this unprecedented and trying time it has never been more important to take particular care of your physical, mental, emotional and social health, and seek help when you need it. We reflected on this in our June 2020 Inside News feature, Maintaining Your Wellbeing in Public Health Crises.
In addition to the resources and support listed in the subsequent sections of this page, the following information, specific to maintaining your wellbeing during the pandemic, may be helpful:
Watch Prof Brett McDermott from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists deliver an informative webinar with fascinating research, practical advice and a dose of good humour.
TEN: The Essential Network for Health Professionals, is a mobile app developed by health professionals, for health professionals. It provides you with evidence-based practical tools to help you assess and manage your mental health during the pandemic.
Our COVID-19 Updates pages contain advice in relation to the impact of the COVID-19 on College activities, as well as links to useful information and resources.
We understand that your journey to Fellowship can place you under significant stress. If you are experiencing difficulties in your training, there are a number of actions you can take:
Bullying and Harassment
The College is committed to the prevention of bullying, discrimination and harassment. If you feel like you are being mistreated by your colleagues or supervisors, take a look at our Grievance Policy for advice on how to raise a grievance.
Drs4Drs have developed a series of practical guides on topics that matter to doctors the most, including balancing parenthood and medicine, examinations and burnout.
We understand that members who are working in more remote settings face unique challenges, and there are several options available to help you access targeted support and connect with others in a similar position.
Our Trainee Liaison Officer provides support for our trainees in regional and rural settings. All discussions with the Trainee Liaison Officer are confidential, view the “Contact our Trainee Liaison Officer” section for more information.
Bush Support Services is a free, anonymous 24 hour telephone counselling line for Australian rural and remote health professionals and their families. It is staffed by psychologists experienced in the remote sector.
The Rural Doctor's Association of Australia has branches in each state of Australia and offers significant support and networking for doctors working in rural and remote settings. Membership fees apply.