The first national conference on the health of doctors was held in Dublin today.
Organised by the Irish College of General Practitioners, the conference looked at ways of promoting the physical and psychological health and well being of doctors themselves.
Research shows that doctors as a group experience occupational stress that can lead to depression, substance misuse and in some cases suicide.
According to the ICGP, most doctors do not attend a GP, have regular health checks or take sick leave.
The group now runs a ‘health in practice’ programme which provides a network of doctors and other health care professionals to allow doctors and their families access to confidential health care.
The conference also heard that self-care for doctors is important for themselves and for the health of their patients and families.
