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Dear <<First Name>>
The year’s end is quickly approaching, and the State Committee has been working to establish our priorities to address our most significant challenges. Seven key initiatives have been identified and brought forth in the advocacy brochure. The brochure provides clarity for the Committee, our RACS statewide membership, government and Queensland Health of those issues that are most important, but by no means our only challenges. This work will be an ongoing effort as we tackle each one together.
Despite conditions and uncertainty, surgeons are trained to be strong, flexible and to endure. Each of us has worked tirelessly over the years, but especially during the pandemic, floods, and fires that this state and others have experienced. We must never forget that we too are human. The strong do not often ask for help nor do others often offer. It has been said that “these are the duties of the physician: first… to heal his mind and to give help to himself before giving it to anyone else.” Epitaph of an Athenian doctor, 2 AD.
One of our key initiatives is to promote wellbeing. Although we have the desire to support our family, friends, and of course patients, we must recognise the most important person, ourselves. We recommend taking time to reflect on your needs. When have you last seen your personal doctor or taken time for screening tests that we recommend to our patients? Ask yourself if you’re receiving adequate sleep and regular exercise. For many of us it’s time for change and it begins with slowing down. Taking care of ourselves is as important as taking care of our patients. Physician advocacy is patient advocacy.
Queensland State Executive
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