RACS Support Program

Surgery can be challenging and we face stressful situations on a daily basis. Coping with the demands of a busy profession, maintaining skills and knowledge and balancing family and personal commitments can be difficult.

Surgeons, like the rest of society, can struggle with depression, anxiety and poor mental health. The work environments surgeons find themselves in may also contribute to high levels of stress due to administrative processes, fear of litigation and inappropriate behaviour such as bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment.

RACS is committed to providing support to surgeons to assist them appropriately through difficult situations.

Fellows, Trainees, International Medical Graduates, Global Health volunteers and their immediate family can access free and independent support through the RACS Support Program.

Now more than ever it is important that we take care of ourselves and our colleagues.  Our mental health is a priority as we navigate the COVID-19 pandemic. We encourage you to contact the RACS Support Program delivered by Converge International to talk confidentially to an experienced counsellor. 

Converge International is offering live chat and extended hours for appointments.  Telephone and videoconferencing is now available on the weekends and weekday evenings until 11pm, in addition to the 24/7 emergency helpline.

A Coronavirus Resource and Support Hub has fact sheets, articles and resources to support you and your family.

Visit Converge International and click on ‘Portal Login’. 

Username: converge
EAP Password: eap

Converge International’s health and wellbeing magazine, Flourish also has advice on prioritising your wellbeing during the pandemic.

RACS has partnered with Converge International to provide confidential support to Fellows, Trainees, International Medical Graduates, RACS Global Health Volunteers and their immediate family members.  

• Support is confidential and private
• Four sessions per calendar year are offered (funded by RACS)
• Assistance can be provided face to face, via telephone or online
• Services are available throughout Australia and New Zealand

Counsellors are available to listen and support you with any personal or work related concerns including:

• emotional stress
• interpersonal conflict
• mental health concerns
• changes to your work environment
• bullying and harassment
• grief and bereavement
• family relationships
• personal crisis or trauma.

You can make an appointment a number of ways:

Telephone 1300 687 327 in Australia or 0800 666 367 in New Zealand

Visit Converge International and click on ‘Live Chat’ or the ‘Make an EAP Appointment’ to complete the booking form.

Email eap@convergeintl.com.au

Converge International also have a smartphone app "EAP Connect". Through the EAP Connect app, you can access a range of information including:

• Making or changing an appointment
• More information about Converge International services
• Articles and resources on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace
• Converge International contact details.