Surgeons mark CrazySocks4Docs Day

Surgeons marked CrazySocks4Doc Day in June by wearing their loudest, zaniest socks, sharing photos on social media with the hashtag #CrazySocks4Docs, and starting important conversations about doctors’ wellbeing with colleagues. In preparation for the day, RACS had a crazy sock giveaway at the recent Annual Scientific Congress in Melbourne and in hubs across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand.

CrazySocks4Docs Day was founded by Dr Geoff Toogood, a Melbourne cardiologist with experience of both depression and anxiety who has faced discrimination at many levels. He was determined that, once recovered, he would create an awareness movement to break down the stigma faced by health professionals and to reduce doctors’ suicide around the world.

CrazySocks4Docs Day has grown significantly over the past few years and is celebrated internationally.

Surgeons shared their colourful socks and messages on social media. Dr Mary Langcake, Trauma surgeon, thanked a colleague for her coffee themed socks, tweeting “We are all vulnerable at times in life. It’s hard to reach out but please know if you are falling, we will catch you.”

Dr Sharon Jay, a General Surgery Trainee from Aotearoa New Zealand, posted “Happy CrazySocks4Docs Day everyone! Let’s start the conversation about doctors’ mental health. Thanks @RACSSurgeons for the super cool socks!”

Mr Jason Chuen, a Vascular Surgeon from Victoria, showcased a week of crazy socks on his Twitter account.

Meanwhile Dr Rhea Liang tweeted, “A big vote of thanks to @gdtoogood for founding #CrazySocks4Docs Day and his immense effort every year to keep the spotlight on #mental health for doctors – and not just on the day.”

The 2021 CrazySocks4Docs Day was launched with a virtual panel, opened by the Hon. Julia Gillard AC, Chair of Beyond Blue. Panellists included Indrani Tharmanason and Graeme Port, parents of junior doctor Tasha Port, who died of depression in June 2020.

Indrani Tharmanason shared that Tasha had suffered from depression for many years while still continuing to achieve high results. “With her smile and laughter, very few people realised the challenge she faced,” Indrani said. “Medicine was her love, but the work demands of the job, the isolation interstate, the stigma associated with mental health within the medical profession leading her to keep silent, all contributed to a deepening of her depression and loss of self-worth. Tasha’s suicide came as a complete shock to us, our family and to those she was working with.”

We all have a role in supporting doctors’ wellbeing as colleagues, leaders and decision makers.

The RACS Wellbeing Working Group is currently undertaking a review of initiatives that support the wellbeing of Trainees, Specialist International Medical Graduates and Fellows.

Need to talk?

The RACS Support Program delivered by Converge International offers confidential counselling to you and your immediate family. The service offers up to four free sessions a year and provides confidential support and counselling for any work or personal issues. Call 24/7 (AU) 1300 687 327 or (AoNZ) 0800 666 367.

Other options include the Australasian Doctors Health Network, Drs4Drs at drs4drs.com.au/, or calling Lifeline (AU) 13 11 14 (AoNZ) 0800 54 33 54, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit the CrazySocks4Docs and RACS Surgeons Wellbeing webpages for more information.