REFLECT and CONNECT - Workshops and Networking Dinner - ORANGE NSW - A FREE EVENT for Western NSW Doctors ONLY - Facilitated by MBA NSW-ACT and funded by the NSW Government.

Join our REFLECT and CONNECT event for doctors in rural, regional, and remote areas of Western NSW. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the distinct challenges faced in these regions, including the impact of the 2022 floods.

Through a series of interactive workshops led by experienced medical professionals, you'll gain practical tips on maintaining wellbeing and rediscovering the joy in your professional life. You'll also connect with colleagues with similar experiences, including  Lismore doctors who endured the Northern Rivers floods. This event aims to foster a sense of community and support among medical professionals, providing tools and insights for staying resilient and connected.

Additionally, you'll learn about and have the opportunity to join a formal peer support program, ensuring that you have local ongoing support beyond the event. 

Don't miss this chance to reflect, connect and rejuvenate with your peers.

SCHEDULE - (Note: The schedule may vary slightly) 

12:45 pm: Registration 

1:00–6 pm: Formal Workshops (Note: All sessions will conclude with 10 mins Q & A)

1:00-1:50 pm: Aligning your values with your medical career: Led by Dr Ashe Coxon - GP and Director/ Principal at Medical Career Planning. Unlock a deeper understanding of your personal values and their impact on your career choices in this transformative workshop. Discover the critical link between value alignment and long-term career satisfaction. Ashe will delve into how doctors often get swept up in the "busy-ness" of medicine—studying, training, and job applications—losing sight of what truly brings them joy and fulfilment. This workshop offers a dedicated space to rediscover what matters most to you, reflect on your core values, and learn how to integrate them into your future career planning decisions. Reignite your passion and pave the way for a more satisfying career journey.

1:50–2:40 pm: Finding joyful moments at work: Led by Dr Jo Braid - The Burnout Recovery Doctor/ Podcaster and Neuro /Rehab specialist. In this dynamic workshop, you'll have the opportunity to reconnect with what truly matters to you in your workplace. Discover how to distinguish between what you can control and what is beyond your influence. Gain practical tips for rediscovering your purpose and navigating the uncertainties of a medical career and your broader life experience. This session is designed to empower you with strategies to manage challenges and enhance your sense of fulfilment in both professional and personal realms.

2:40–3:00 pm - Afternoon Tea

3:00-4.00 pm: Creative Writing Workshop:  Led by Dr Claire Noonan - Rediscover your creativity and have fun in this interactive session run by Claire, a local doctor from Orange.

4:00–4:50 pm: Over our Heads - Lessons from the Northern Rivers Floods: - Led by Dr Sue Velovski (Senior Specialist Surgeon in Northern Rivers NSW) and Dr Michele Blandford (GP and co-owner of Keen Street Clinic in Lismore) and Dr Oliver Bennett (Senior Resident Medical Officer at Lismore Base Hospital). Join us for an impactful presentation that delves into the first hand experiences of Lismore-based doctors as they navigated the challenges and recovery from the 2022 Northern Rivers Flood. This session will reveal the crucial lessons they learned, including the significance of self-care, the courage to seek help, and the healing power of sharing personal trauma. Discover the benefits of expressing and making sense of your own experiences. We’ll also explore the necessity of a collaborative approach to disaster planning, involving peers, governments, NGOs, and the community, and discuss the importance of classifying GPs as essential services for recovery. Gain practical tips for enhancing disaster preparedness in your practice.

4:50–5:25 pm: Self-care essentials in modern medical practice: - Led by A/Prof Antonio Di Dio, a GP with over 30 years’ experience and Director of the Professional Services Review Board, MBA NSW-ACT Councillor and a past President of AMA-ACT): Join Antonio for an insightful online session focused on the crucial importance of self-care and supporting your medical colleagues. Through compelling real-life stories, Antonio will share practical tips and straightforward steps to enhance your well-being and professional success. This engaging presentation also covers the range of services available to doctors in Western NSW, providing you with valuable knowledge to navigate and utilize these resources effectively. Don't miss this opportunity to gain actionable insights and foster a supportive medical community.

5:25–6:00 pm: MBA NSW-ACT’s work and the Power of Connection: Join the MBA NSW-ACT team for an engaging presentation where we'll delve into real-life case studies showcasing how our organisation integrates into the doctor support landscape. Discover what to expect when you reach out or refer a colleague. We'll also highlight the benefits of connection and vulnerability and our desire to establish some local Peer Support Groups in the region. These groups, with the ongoing support of MBA NSW-ACT, aim to foster lasting connections and a robust support network well after you leave todays workshops.

6:00 - 7:00 pm: Drinks and Networking: Enjoy drinks and more networking as other colleagues unable to attend todays workshops join us.

7:00 - 10 pm: Three course dinner, drinks and live music by Patrick Butterworth.