Home/Executive Messages/Chief Medical Officer/Message from the Chief Medical Officer

Message from the Chief Medical Officer

2022-11-10T08:27:37+10:002 June 2022|Executive Messages, Chief Medical Officer|
Medical Services, Executive Director: Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook

Medical Services, Executive Director: Dr Elizabeth Rushbrook

Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day – is tomorrow Friday 3 June 2022

I encourage all staff, but particularly Medical Staff to be silly to get serious.

Socked feet stroll past unnoticed through our corridors each day. But tomorrow these feet will be speaking volumes:

  • They’re telling another doctor, or health practitioner that it is ok to not be ok.
  • They’re prompting an individual to start or seek the conversation.
  • They’re reminding us all to normalise the conversation.

Australian Cardiologist Dr Geoff Toogood has lived experience of depression and anxiety.

Some years ago, his new puppy had eaten virtually all his socks forcing him to wear odd socks to work. He didn’t mention the socks but people noticed and talked behind his back, questioning his mental health.

But not one actually asked if he was ok. And so Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day was born.

So tomorrow, let your feet speak to support doctors’ mental health and wellbeing:

  • recognise that the Medical Profession is not immune from poor mental health;
  • acknowledge the potential contributors to this within your workplace;
  • embrace and support vulnerability
  • contribute to cultural change

Put your best foot forward and start a conversation!

For more information about Crazy Socks for Docs Day, or to view an online panel discussion, please visit: https://www.crazysocks4docs.com.au

Don’t forget to share your socks and the message using the hashtag #crazysocks4docs.

I would also be delighted to receive a message and/or photo of your socked feet in my ‘in-box’ CMO-MNHHS@heatlh.qld.gov.au

Kind Regards,
Liz

Back to top