“ X is a doctor working in a general practice with other health professionals and administrative staff. One day, X experiences a severe anxiety attack in the practice, witnessed by several colleagues and patients.  X has to take time off work, begins treatment, and returns to work two weeks later. What issues arise when X returns to the workplace and how do we best support X?” 

This panel session will provide a forum to discuss the above scenario from different perspectives, including a doctor with personal experience of a mental health condition, a treating doctor and a practice manager/director of clinical services. Panel Chair, A/Prof. Michael Baigent, will be joined by presenters who will each speak about issues raised by the scenario and good practice approaches to supporting doctors with mental health conditions in the workplace. Audience members will have the opportunity to participate and contribute to the discussion during the Q&A period in the second half of the session.

This session is sponsored by beyondblue who will launch the findings of the beyondblue National Mental Health Survey of Doctors and Medical Students in early October. The survey will provide an unprecedented insight into the wellbeing of Australia’s medical professionals. The session aims to generate discussion about the issues explored in the survey, and the best ways to tackle barriers to returning to work and support doctors and other health professionals with mental health conditions in their workplaces.