Support
Information on how Medical School students can access dedicated support services, and University support services.
Health and Wellbeing Practitioner Service
Who the Service is for:
As a current student with the Melbourne Medical School, you can access free health and wellbeing support from a qualified practitioner (Psychologist or Social Worker) providing short to medium term social, psychological, and emotional support.
Your time in the Melbourne Medical School provides terrific opportunities to learn and grow, both personally and professionally. For some it can also prove challenging for a variety of reasons. The service can be accessed for a range of individualised support, from discussing strategies to stay well, study pressures, referral to other support providers, isolation, relationship issues, to concerns regarding mental health, bullying or harassment in the medicine environment, or life in general.
The health and wellbeing practitioner can also assist you in accessing external support services. With student consent, the practitioner may make a referral to a local healthcare provider, or refer you to internal university supports.
How it works:
Appointments can be arranged by students through the following link https://the-university-of-melbourne.cliniko.com/bookings. Once on the booking site you will be able to find a Health and Wellbeing Practitioner either in person at your nearest clinical school location or online via zoom and schedule an appointment time with them. When booking an appointment you will be asked to enter some of your personal details. For information regarding the privacy of your information, please see the service privacy statement. Alternatively, sessions can be arranged through direct communication with the Health and Wellbeing Practitioners:
Danielle Clayman
Works across all metropolitan sites, including the Austin, Epworth, Northern, Parkville, Royal Melbourne, St Vincent's and Western clinical schools. Workdays are Monday to Friday.
danielle.clayman@unimelb.edu.au +61 466 474 547
Lisa Power
Works across the Shepparton, Wangaratta and Echuca sites. Workdays are Monday, alternating Tuesdays, and Wednesday to Friday.
lisa.power@unimelb.edu.au +61 435 588 863
Jamie McDonald
Works across the Bendigo and Ballarat sites. Work days are Monday, Tuesday, and alternating Wednesdays.
jamie.mcdonald@unimelb.edu.au +61 428 933 952What to expect:
When you attend an appointment with the health and wellbeing practitioner, you can expect a professional, responsive and respectful service. Our practitioners are qualified and experienced in the wellbeing field, with extensive knowledge and understanding of the personal, family and work problems that may exist for students. A practitioner can assist you to gain a clearer understanding of whatever concern you have, and identify appropriate strategies or options for you to consider. They aim to be independent, good listeners, without judgement. Sessions will likely involve an initial assessment of the presenting issues and the development of appropriate support plan.
Indigenous Primary Health Practitioners
The Melbourne Medical School has two Indigenous Primary Health Practitioners available to provide free support to Indigenous students. Appointments can be arranged by directly contacting Cathy or Alice via email or telephone.
Cathy Garlett
Working days: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday.
cathy.garlett@unimelb.edu.au +61 468 713 864
Alice Pettit
Working days: Tuesdays.
alice.pettit@unimelb.edu.au +61 401 119 994Cathy’s role as the Indigenous Primary Health Practitioner offers free support to all indigenous students currently enrolled within MDHS and this includes the Melbourne School of Public and Global Health (MSPGH) to assist with issues that impact on students’ health and wellbeing. Cathy provides a culturally safe space and environment that is professional and respectful.
Alice Pettit is a proud Wemba Wemba, Ngiyampaa and Wiradjuri woman living on Yorta Yorta Country and working at the University Department of Rural Health, as both the Indigenous Primary Health Practitioner and the Project Coordinator in Aboriginal Health. Alice has a natural passion and strong cultural commitment towards First Nations health and education and more recently, completed her Bachelor of Human Services and Master of Social Work at La Trobe University.
University Support Services
The University provides a number of support services, which are available to Medical School students. These include:
- Chaplaincy
- Children's Services
- Counselling Service
- Student Financial Aid
- Health Service
- Student Housing Services
Scholarships, Grants and Bursaries
There are a number of grants and bursaries offered by the Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences and the Medical School for students who are experiencing financial need. For further information on the available scholarships and bursaries see the Faculty Professional Scholarships and Bursaries page.
The Medical Student Relief Bursary
The Medical Student Relief Bursary is a scholarship for medical students by medical students. It can provide support to students during periods of unexpected financial distress. Students who experience sudden, unforeseen circumstances, which have an impact on their overall well-being and level of financial need should click here to read more and find out how to apply.
Support Services for Doctor of Medicine students
Directors and Deputy Directors of Medical Education
If at any stage during the clinical years of the course you have concerns related to your studies, you can contact your Director or Deputy Director of Medical Student Education.