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The Dr Aiden Meade Annual Award

The Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP) is delighted to announce the launch of the Dr Aiden Meade Annual Award. This award is aimed at exploring the issues relating to the mental health and wellbeing of Healthcare Professionals as well as highlighting the work of the PHMP.  

The PHMP was launched in 2015 and provides a confidential service to doctors, dentists and pharmacists who may be experiencing stress, burnout, mental health or substance use issues. This important service acknowledges that practitioners can often find it difficult to access appropriate and confidential medical help particularly when it relates to their own health and wellbeing. 

The award is named in honour of Dr Aiden Meade who was one of the founding members and Chair of the Sick Doctor Trust for many years.

Eligibility
This annual award is open to all registered members of the Dental, Pharmacy or Medical professions in the Republic of Ireland.  It is also open to all full time students of medicine, dentistry and pharmacy in the Republic of Ireland. 

Format
Submissions must be in any of the following formats:

  • Traditional essay, delivered in a reflective or narrative style;
  • Scientific format which may be a literature review, or an audit;
  • A piece of non-sponsored original research.

The subject matter of the submission must relate to the topic of practitioner health and wellbeing. Submissions must have a minimum of 1000 words but should not exceed 2000 words and must be in PDF format.  

Submissions may be made via email to: 
confidential@practitionerhealth.ie

or posted to: 
Practitioner Health Matters, 41 Main St. Blackrock, Co Dublin.  A94Y4E7

Closing date for submissions:
October 31st 2021

Adjudication will be by an independent panel made up of representatives from the three professions in conjunction with representatives of the Board of Trustees of the Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP).  Marks will be awarded for overall presentation, structure, strength of argument, completeness of supporting literature, conclusions and relevance to the topic of practitioner health and wellbeing.  The decision of the adjudicating panel will be final.

Award
There are two awards:

Undergraduate Prize: a cash prize of €400 will be awarded.
Postgraduate Prize: a commemorative Dr Meade Medal will be awarded.

The winning submission may be published in any of the journals of the relevant representative and professional bodies and may also be published on the PHMP website.   The PHMP will be permitted to refer to and quote from the work in any of its publications, publicity or presentations.  The winning author must be prepared to present at the launch of the PHMP Annual Report if requested.

May 11, 2021 - Latest news

Telephone Lament for Coronavirus

This powerful clip illustrates the type of work physicians have been undertaking during the Covid crisis and the emotional toll it can have on individuals. These type of exchanges with families and patients happen regularly in our medical world – they existed before Covid and will continue long after the Covid crisis has passed. It is moving to hear the humanity of the doctor in this radio clip.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08bjlqwhttps://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08bjlqw

May 12, 2020 - Covid19

An Empathic Ear

March 29th 2020

Dear Colleague,

As the Covid-19 situation becomes more serious and the nation has been asked to stay home, we are aware that this is the time your workload has increased. There are added risks for all of you on the front line which in turn causes increased concern for your own health as well as the health of your families. It is essential that in these particularly stressful times you look after your own health and wellbeing. In times of crisis we can sometimes lose sight of the basic requirements for wellbeing: adequate rest, hydration, diet and exercise. Reflect on how you can best ensure these needs are met in the coming weeks.

While keeping yourself appropriately informed, it is also important to take time away from the relentless updates on Covd-19. Continue where possible to connect with activities that help you relax and give you joy – music, poetry and the arts in general can be a great source of solace – and it is often recommended to jot down some positives at the end of what will no doubt be very busy days ahead.

Practitioner Health Matters (www.practitionerhealth.ie) will continue to provide you with an empathic ear. We are here to listen to your concerns and to offer you support if you are experiencing difficulties. The most recent public health restrictions will mean that we cannot offer you that support in person but like many other services we will offer you a consultation by video or by telephone during this crisis.

You can contact us on 01-2970396 or confidential@practitionerhealth.ie
With every good wish for the difficult times ahead.

Dr Íde Delargy, Medical Director, Practitioner Health Matters Programme (PHMP)
Dr Justin Brophy, Consultant Psychiatrist PHMP

May 12, 2020 - Covid19

Coronavirus Notice

16th March 2020

Dear Colleague,

We recognise that these are unprecedented times for Irish doctors, dentists and pharmacists. The demands of the current Coronavirus crisis may leave you feeling stressed and overwhelmed. While this can happen to all of us from time to time regardless of speciality or job, some colleagues will be under great duress at present.

We would like you to know that the Practitioner Health Matters Programme remains operational at this time. We are available to support you if you are experiencing psychological problems or are struggling in any way. You may contact us via confidential@practitionerhealth.ie or by phone on 01 297 0356 and we will endeavor to get back to you as soon as possible. Please note this is a free service funded by your professional bodies and representative organisations.

Look after yourselves during these extraordinary times. Remember that carers often need to be cared for too. This starts with basic self care; we are here to help so do call us.

We wish you all the best over the difficult weeks ahead.

Dr Ide Delargy, Medical Director PHMP
Dr Justin Brophy, Consultant Psychiatrist PHMP

May 12, 2020 - Covid19