Behind the stethoscope:
Supporting the mental health of rural doctors, nurses and practitioners
Fran Avon is the CEO of Rural Doctors Foundation. She enjoys doing something different from her daily role by researching and penning articles on health issues.
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Our rural doctors are often the first to ask, “Are you OK?”—but who’s asking them?
We shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by rural health practitioners and the life-saving impact of our GPs4RuralDocs program. Learn how we can all help.
In Australia’s rural and remote communities, doctors and health practitioners are often the backbone of local healthcare. They work tirelessly to care for others, frequently under immense pressure and in isolation. Yet, behind the stethoscope, many are silently struggling with their own mental health.
Suicide among GPs and health practitioners is a deeply concerning issue, particularly in rural areas. Data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics shows that suicide rates are significantly higher in regional and remote parts of the country, driven by a complex mix of social, economic, and environmental factors. For rural health workers, these challenges are intensified by professional isolation, long hours, and limited access to care for themselves.
Rural Doctors Foundation’s research report, The health of our rural practitioners 2023 highlights the urgency of this issue:
- 73% of rural GPs reported experiencing burnout in the past year.
- 32% are the only medical practitioner in their town.
- 44% travel over 300km to access healthcare, with some travelling over 800km.
- Many avoid seeking care due to workload, lack of replacement support, or the discomfort of being treated by a colleague.
These statistics reflect the lived experiences of
rural health workers who often prioritise their patients’ wellbeing over their own.
To address this, the Rural Doctors Foundation launched the GPs4RuralDocs program—a confidential, independent GP service designed specifically for rural health practitioners. This initiative allows doctors, nurses, and allied health professionals to access care without leaving town or consulting a colleague. Through a combination of face-to-face consultations and telehealth, the program ensures privacy, continuity of care, and timely support.
The impact has been profound:
- 100% of surveyed participants reported improved health outcomes.
- Many described the service as “lifesaving,” offering a safe space to discuss sensitive health issues.
- One hospital manager shared, “It has made a huge difference to a couple of staff in the short time we’ve had the service—and has possibly been lifesaving in one of those cases.”
The GPs4RuralDocs program is more than a healthcare service—it’s a lifeline. It helps retain rural doctors, strengthens community health systems, and most importantly, reminds our rural health workers that they are not alone.
We see often how the little things can make a difference – like asking, “Are you OK?” But for rural health professionals, this question must be asked more often, with genuine care and follow-through. They deserve the same compassion and support they offer to others every day.
Having lived in the Northern Territory, Fran understands the challenges of access to health care for those living in remote communities. Fran is working to improve the health outcomes for those living far from major centres.