Seeking Support During Your Own Personal or Professional Health Crises

ACRRM Life Hacks

How do doctors look after their own health while caring for their patients? In this episode of ACRRM Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr Roger Sexton, rural GP and Medical Director of Doctors’ Health SA, about the importance of seeking support during personal or professional health crises.

With over 35 years of experience in rural practice and doctors’ health advocacy, Dr Sexton explores the unique barriers doctors face when accessing care, including stigma, confidentiality concerns, and professional expectations. He also reflects on the cultural shifts that are changing how the profession understands and supports doctors’ well-being.

The conversation highlights the critical link between doctors' health and patient safety, the evolving support systems available to rural clinicians, and the importance of showing up to work ‘in good shape’.

A must-listen for registrars and early-career rural generalists navigating life and work in remote settings, this episode offers clarity, reassurance, and practical strategies for staying healthy and thriving in practice.

Well-being Support Services

• Doctors' Health SA: [phone]
• Doctors' Health NSW: [phone]
• Doctors' Health QLD: [phone]
• Doctors' Health NT: 08 8366 0250 (via SA service)
• Doctors' Health Advisory Service WA (DHASWA): [phone]
• Victorian Doctors Health Program (VDHP): 1300 330 543
• Drs4Drs (National): 1300 374 377 (1300 DR4 DRS)
• Bush Support Line (CRANAplus): 1800 805 391

For more information and additional resources, visit ACRRM Wellbeing Support: https://www.acrrm.org.au/support/wellbeing/well-being-support