VICDOC Autumn 2025 - Magazine - Page 56
I think doctors are very hesitant to ask for help,
and I think having this anonymous service is
invaluable; I'm sure they feel better about
calling knowing it's anonymous.
-
Q1 / WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO VOLUNTEER
Q2 / WHAT KIND OF SKILLS DOES
WITH THE PEER SUPPORT SERVICE?
VOLUNTEERING WITH THE SERVICE DEVELOP?
I’ve lived in the golden era of Australia.
My parents were both new immigrants
escaping the Holocaust, and I've had
remarkable opportunities. I've always
worked part time and have made time for
volunteer work. I feel it's very important
for me to give back to the community,
and to the medical profession. In addition,
both our daughters are doctors, and I’ve
seen the challenges of medical training.
One daughter has been in the public
hospital system for many years, with
many hurdles to climb. I felt that whatever
resources I learned about through the
Peer Support Service that could support
her, were worthwhile – that was another
encouraging factor.
I think as a GP, communication skills
and listening and empathy are vital.
This was a good opportunity to hone
and use those skills and help other doctors
at the same time. The volunteer training
is held over a weekend, and that gives a
framework for listening and empathising
and then assisting. Since then, I’ve
volunteered between four and six times
a year, a week at a time, from 8am until
10pm daily. After each call we receive,
we document a report for AMAV.
We can readily receive specific debriefing
support if we need it. It also involves
quarterly meetings of learning and
debriefing about the cases, and
general collegial conversation.
-
56
AMA VI C TO RIA
-
