As a clinical radiology or radiation oncology specialist international medical graduate, 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 a colleague.
Seeking help with problems in your pathway to FellowshipStarting a conversationPractising self-careAccessing support in a rural and remote setting
We understand that your journey to Fellowship can place you under significant stress. If you are experiencing difficulties, there are a number of actions you can take:
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.
If you need support or are concerned about a colleague there are many ways you can reach out.
If you work in a hospital in Australia or New Zealand, you will have access to an employee assistance program that offers free, confidential advice to employees. An EAP will also be available in many private practices. Information should be available in your induction pack or staff noticeboard.
Australasian Doctors’ Health Network (ADHN) The ADHN is designed for all doctors and medical students in Australia and New Zealand (and their families and colleagues). ADHN operates 24 hour helplines in every Australian state and New Zealand, providing localised support and advice.
Find your local ADHN support line
Drs4Drs (Australia)
Drs4Drs is a network of doctors’ health advisory and referral services, offering an independent, safe, supportive and confidential service. Each state has a 24/7 helpline staffed by senior GPs and experienced counsellors trained in doctors’ health.
Find your local Drs4Drs support line
General helplines
Australia
New Zealand
The HeadsUp website contains practical advice to help you start a conversation with a colleague who you think may be struggling, whether they are a peer or one of your employees.
Visit the HeadsUp website
Drs4Drs have developed a series of practical guides on topics that matter to doctors the most, including balancing parenthood and medicine, exams and burnout.
Access five minute guides
THIS WAY UP is an evidence-based initiative run by the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression (CRUfAD). They offer clinically proven online courses for a range of mental health conditions, pain management, and general wellbeing.
Visit THIS WAY UP website
The Australian Medical Association (AMA) offers some useful practical resources for all doctors, including tools for fatigue risk management and evaluating the safety of your roster.
It also links to a number of resources specifically geared towards registrars and junior doctors, including resilience resources and self-assessment tools.
Access AMA support and resources
As a clinical radiologist or radiation oncologist, having good visual health is essential. However, the use of computers and screens is known to be related to symptoms of eye strain and eye fatigue.
The College recommends that all members undergo regular eye examinations (particularly visual acuity testing) to protect themselves and their patients. This is particularly important towards the latter part of your career.
Find out more about visual acuity tests
We understand that IMGs 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.
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.
Access Bush Support Services
The RDAA has branches in each state of Australia and offers significant support and networking for doctors working in rural and remote settings. Membership fees apply.
Find your local Rural Doctors’ Association