To take care of others, you must first take care of yourself. Ignoring your own health can put the wellbeing of others at risk – including your families and patients. That’s why we are committed to promoting a culture that recognises the importance of looking after our health.
RACS is proud to support RU OK?Day (Thursday 12 September 2019), a national day of action in Australia that aims to remind everyone to ask, “Are you OK?” and support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.
By inspiring people to take the time to ask "Are you OK?" and listen, we can help people struggling with life feel connected long before they even think about suicide. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life.
R U OK?'s 2019 national omnibus survey revealed that approximately two-thirds of people (63 per cent) are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life and 41 per cent hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs.
Nearly 1 in 2 respondents (49 per cent) believe they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs. Learn how to recognise the signs and start a conversation that could save a life.
As part of RACS advocacy efforts, we launched the Do you have a GP? campaign in 2018 to encourage surgeons, Trainees and International Medical Graduates (IMGs) to be mindful of their own health.
RACS has also partnered with Converge International to provide confidential support to surgeons and their immediate family members. All Converge counsellors are experienced in working with medical professionals and can assist with any personal or work-related matter.
Visit the RACS Surgeon Support Program web page for more information on support available for Fellows, Trainees and IMGs.