Angaston Medical Centre doctors have chosen their craziest socks to wear tomorrow for Crazy Socks 4 Docs Day.
Held officially on June 1, the day raises awareness of mental health issues experienced by doctors.
It officially began by Dr Geoff Toogood of Peninsula Health in Victoria after his own battle with mental illness.
Dr Toogood wore odd socks to work one day and someone who knew his past mental health history asked him if he was okay?
Truth was, the reason he was wearing the odd socks was because his dog had mauled the washing!
But as such, Crazy Socks 4 Docs began.
Doctors from the Angaston Medical Centre will wear their colourful, odd or crazy socks a day early than June 1, to ensure the day receives as much attention as possible from patients.
Dr Ray Goodwin explained that the Angaston Medical Centre recognises the effect of stress on doctors working in a medical practice.
“As well as the normal routine care of patients, we make life or death decisions,” said Dr Goodwin.
“As evident with the recent suicide in our practice, mental health is very important and doctors need to focus on self-care and care for each other, as much as patients.”
Dr Zibi Setlhong agreed, adding this reminds doctors they aren’t invincible.
“We did this last year on a smaller scale. We hope it will get patients asking questions and spreading the word on mental health and not shying away from it,” said Dr Setlhong.
Dr Goodwin hopes this highlights to patients and the community that doctors aren’t just medical professionals, they are fun people.
“I can wear the same pair of socks this Friday now because I have another sock of each,” laughed Dr Goodwin.
