About Us

Our Mission

Our mission is to improve the health and wellbeing of doctors and medical students for the good of all New Zealanders.

Connections

Our objectives

• Build partnerships with organisations that share our vision for enhancing doctors wellbeing to support them in their personal and professional lives.

• Enable doctors to connect with one another and access tailored solutions for their unique challenges.

Advocacy

Our objectives

• Be a leading voice on the systemic issues impacting doctor’s mental, physical and emotional health.

• Advocate for reforms that improve working conditions, support systems, and healthcare standards for doctors by engaging with media, regulatory bodies, and professional organisations to ensure doctors' needs are prioritized in public and policy discussions.

Education

Our objectives

• Foster a supportive culture within the medical community that confronts the stigma surrounding doctors' health needs and empowering them to prioritize their wellbeing.

• Raise awareness of various resources, workshops and support services, that provide doctors with the knowledge and skills to address critical issues impacting their lives.

Our History

Doctors Health Aotearoa

The Doctors Health Advisory Service (DHAS) was founded in response to a recognised need for dedicated support services for doctors seeking guidance during challenging times. For over 30 years, DHAS has been at the forefront of addressing the psychological and addiction-related challenges faced by doctors.

Initially led by Dr Robert Crawford and Dr Edwin Whiteside, DHAS has provided essential assistance to approximately thousands of medical and dental practitioners. DHAS originally operated as an 0800 helpline, with a network of skilled clinicians offering early assessments, advice, and referrals.

Through presentations at medical schools and conferences, DHAS actively encouraged doctors, both practicing and future, to prioritize their health and well-being.

In 2018, DHAS received a generous bequest from Dr Garry Seifert-Jones, a former beneficiary of its services. This enabled the establishment of the Doctors Health Advisory Charitable Trust. This expansion marked a shift toward a more comprehensive, preventative, and educational approach, broadening DHAS’s reach beyond individual helpline services.

As of 2024, the Doctors' Health Advisory Service has rebranded as Doctors Health Aotearoa (DHA), focusing on three core pillars: connection, advocacy, and education. It is New Zealand's only independent umbrella organisation for doctors, dentists and medical students.

Through our comprehensive website, which features valuable resources and initiatives such as clinician conferences, seminars with regulatory bodies, and a variety of engaging events, DHA is steadfast in its commitment to supporting doctors, dentists, and medical students.

Meet Our Trustees

Dr. Geoff Robinson

Chair, DHAS Trust

ONZM FRACP FAChAM

Dr. Geoff Robinson is a highly experienced physician, retired from Capital & Coast District Health Board (CCDHB), where he served as both a General and Addiction Medicine Specialist and as Chief Medical Officer. With a longstanding commitment to the health and wellbeing of medical professionals, Dr. Geoff Robinson has published extensively on the topic and has been an influential advocate for the care of healthcare practitioners.

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As a founding committee member of the DHAS, Dr. Geoff Robinson has played a pivotal role in its development. He also served as an assessor for the Medical Council of New Zealand's (MCNZ) Health Committee. His extensive career and expertise reflect his dedication to improving the health and support systems for those in the medical profession.

Edwin Whiteside

Occupational Medical Consultant

Edwin has served as the medical director of DHAS (now DHA) over the past 30 years, following the term of Dr Robert Crawford who was the initial medical director.

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Edwin has represented NZ at many international conferences on Doctors Health, both in Europe, the USA and Australia. He has been a committee member on the Australian Medical Association expert advisory committee on Doctors Health, and also a foundation member of the Australasian Doctors Health Alliance. Over the years, he has been able to assist a number of medical and dental practitioners in NZ through the DHAS support program. His training in both addiction medicine and occupational medicine has been of value when assisting colleagues

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Dr Alexandra Muthu

Occupational & Environmental Physician

Dr Alexandra Muthu joined as a DHA Trustee in 2023. As an Occupational & Environmental Physician she has had a career long interest in worker health and wellbeing, sustainable work, and healthy workplaces.

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Dr Muthu is an elected member of the Medical Council of New Zealand and Chair of the RACP Safety, Health & Wellbeing of Healthcare Workers Working Group. She provides advisory and clinical services through Dynamic Health and is the Clinical Director OH&SS Waitemata and interim National Clinical Lead OH at Health NZ. Her research interests include clinician and organisational wellbeing.

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Dr Muthu has had a diverse career in healthcare and industry including National Telehealth Service Clinical Director, Air New Zealand company doctor, Mayo Clinic USA researcher, RACP Australasian Faculty of Occupational and Environmental Medicine (AFOEM) Councillor, Aotearoa NZ AFOEM Chair, Faculty Education Committee, Masters paper co-ordinator, and NZ Dust Diseases Taskforce co-Chair.

Sean O'Sullivan

Partner, Wotton + Kearney

Sean is a Partner in the Legal Firm Wotton + Kearney, the panel firm providing legal advice to the Medical Protection Society and legal assistance to its members. He is an experienced, trusted dispute resolution advisor and qualified mediator, with deep expertise in healthcare and workplace matters. He assists a range of healthcare providers and regularly represents their interests before a range of disciplinary tribunals and courts, including the Medical Council (disciplinary and health committee) the Coroners Court and the High Court.