AMA VICDOC Autumn 2024 - Magazine - Page 33
T
I was overjoyed to
attend and chair
'FLOURISH', our first
meeting organised by
AMA WIM and AMA
Victoria back at AMA
House. The attendance
was great, and everyone
was very excited to be
back meeting face to face.
It was wonderful to see a
broad range of members
from medical students to
retired members.
—
REPORT DR LINDA SCHACHTER
CHAIR OF AMA WIM COMMITTEE
he aim of this meeting was to give
members some ideas of the support
available to those who are struggling at
this difficult time working and studying
in healthcare.
The speakers included Dr Tahnee Bridson,
the founder of Hand-n-Hand Peer Support.
Tahnee is a psychiatry registrar who described
her difficulties being unwell during her training
and the lack of support she encountered during
this time. In response to her struggles, she set up
Hand-n-Hand peer support, a group offering
peer support to all healthcare workers.
There are currently 97 peer support groups
offering hundreds of healthcare workers peer
support through multiple issues.
I was so motivated by Tahnee and her journey,
that I have volunteered to be a facilitator!
Dr Patrick Johnson, Medical Director of the
Victorian Doctors Health Program also spoke.
He explained that this confidential program has
been set up to help doctors with mental health
issues, stress, substance use problems and other
medical problems that affect doctors’abilities
to work and function. This program currently
includes psychiatrists, GPs and psychologists.
Patrick is looking to expand the program and
expedite treatment in other areas.
Dr Dominic Barbaro, President of the
Victorian Medical Benevolent Association,
was in the audience and spoke briefly about
providing financial aid to those in need.
Sarah Thorburn and Vanessa Smith from
Bongiorno Group spoke about financial health
and the differences in women’s financial needs
across their working lives, including during
maternity leave and retirement. Questions
about superannuation, home ownership and
financial independence were also interesting
and started a robust discussion. One question
about homelessness in middle aged women
brought up the vulnerability of women.
Dr Lanka Wijewardena, the Founder/CEO
of Heal with Buddhism was the last speaker
and spoke about Buddhism and its value in
wellbeing of individuals and society. Lanka
led the group in a relaxing meditation.
Lots of delicious food was provided by
caterers Asylum Seeker Resource Centre
Catering. Looking forward to many more
functions together.
—
VI CD O C SU M M ER 2022
33
