You Never Know When the Medical Benevolent Association’s Safety Net Will Be Your Lifeline

Life in medicine is demanding—and unpredictable. The pressures, demands, continual study, long hours and trying to balance competing work and personal demands—though part of the job—can take a toll. In those moments, having someone to catch you matters.

That’s where the Medical Benevolent Association of NSW-ACT (MBA) steps in.

Since 1896, we've quietly supported doctors and their families through life’s toughest moments—providing financial aid, emotional support, and a compassionate safety net when it's needed most.

But the need is growing, and the numbers speak for themselves:

• 80–84% of healthcare workers have experienced burnout in recent years. On average, we support 25–35 doctors annually through burnout and recovery.
• Female doctors are over twice as likely to die by suicide than other women, and male doctors 40% more likely than other men. At any given time, we’re supporting between 3–5 doctors expressing suicidal thoughts.
• Nearly 50% of junior doctors report moderate to high levels of distress, underscoring the vulnerability of those early in their careers. We support at least 15 junior doctors annually, offering assistance and resources to help them navigate the challenges of their early medical careers. 
• A staggering 42.5% of healthcare workers in Australia have experienced violence or abuse by a family member in their lifetime, with nearly 10% of them being doctors. We assist 12–28 doctors annually escaping domestic or family violence.

These aren’t just statistics. These are real people—your colleagues, mentors, and maybe one day, you.

Our dedicated team of social workers, specifically trained to support doctors, provides compassionate, expert assistance tailored to the unique challenges doctors face. From emotional support to practical solutions, we’re here to lighten the load. For those in crisis, we also offer financial aid for essential household expenses—helping doctors focus on recovery, their families, and their patients.

Our support is completely free, confidential, and independent of the regulator, ensuring doctors get the help they need without fear or stigma.

Your generosity today could be the lifeline that someone, perhaps even you or your family, may need tomorrow.  

Thank you for being part of the solution. Your support makes our work possible.

---

Donations via GiveNow are safe, secure, and tax-deductible. You’ll receive a receipt instantly, helping reduce admin costs so we can support more doctors in need.
 
Read more about what we do, and how we can help you, your family or your colleagues here https://mbansw.org.au/ or phone our team on (02) 9987 0504