Doctors in Secondary Schools
The Doctors in Secondary Schools program provides school-based health services to 100 Victorian secondary schools considered most in need. It complements existing student-wellbeing programs.
On this page:
Program overview
The Doctors in Secondary Schools program has been running since 2017 and there are 12 participating schools in the EMPHN region. The funding provides students with access to no-cost healthcare in purpose-built facilities located at the school.
A GP and a Practice Nurse (PN) attend the school once a week. GPs, PNs and Primary Care Service Providers are paid and supported to participate in the program.
The core objectives of the program are to:
- Make primary health care more accessible to students
- Provide assistance to young people to identify and address health problems early
- Reduce pressure on working families
Program impact
The snapshot below highlights the program’s impact over 2024-2025.
“As a new doctor to DiSS, I am so happy to say that the service provides young people with the time and space to talk. There is no rush, and the students sense that… That is the crux of mental health – time, support, and a listening ear.”
Dr Libby Rochstein, GP, Yarra Hills Secondary College
“The program has allowed our school to offer a more comprehensive suite of care to our students, particularly at a time when cost of living is high. In visiting our DiSS building recently… I was again blown away by the care and synergy that such an arrangement enables… a win for schools and for students that is much appreciated in our school.”
Matthew Lee, Principal, Melba College
Read more testimonials from health professionals, students and teachers about the program’s impact
“I first met this student when she was in year 10… She was terribly nervous and spent most of her time in wellbeing… She eventually linked in with DiSS and then spent most Tuesdays there with us. Unfortunately, during Covid lockdown, the wheels fell off. Somehow, after all the turmoil and chaos, she managed to get herself safely admitted to Northern Hospital… She has since re-engaged with GWC, and I had the opportunity to see her yesterday…. she openly shared with me her horrific experiences… and very clearly stated that there was no way she would have been able to take herself to hospital or see a doctor by herself if it had not been for her positive experience at HHS DiSS.
Claire Oettinger, PN, Get Well Clinic
“A student with severe substance use, depression, disordered eating and a history of relationship violence has gradually engaged with our DISS program… Gaining her trust has been a very gradual process and would not have been possible without the consistent presence of the DiSS program at school. With the support of school wellbeing staff and the DiSS clinic, she has been able to access inpatient detox treatment and ongoing drug and alcohol support, as well as effective contraception and sexual health care. She continues to see the DiSS clinic regularly… And thanks to the intensive support provided by the school wellbeing team, she has managed to remain engaged with her education.”
Dr Natalie Barton, GP, Croydon Community School
“I can remember was a student who told me she was ‘very grateful for all the support and kindness she received through her time with the DiSS clinic.’ She had accessed the DiSS clinic for around a year for bullying, low self-esteem, eating disorder and had a mental health care plan and counselling through the external MHP at school.”
Jo Morkham, PN, Manningham General Practice
“Through our DiSS program, we identified that 50% of student presentations were related to disordered eating… In recognition of this, eight members of our wellbeing team and staff have completed Body Project Facilitator Training and are now delivering proactive, small-group programs for students who choose to opt in.
Tracey Smedley, Wellbeing Coordinator, Upper Yarra Secondary College
Participating schools
Eligibility
General practices/clinics
Primary Care Service Providers must be accredited against the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Standards for General Practice. Practices that are accredited or registered for accreditation and committed to working with the school on an ongoing basis are encouraged to apply.
Primary Care Service Providers are required to provide bulk-billing services for students, have a medical software program and have – or are willing to have – a clinical audit tool installed to record and report data.
All clinicians will be required to undertake mandatory training in-line with program requirements.
General practitioners
The program requires GPs with:
- A medical degree with licence to practice in Australia
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration with no restriction on scope of practice
- Appropriate Medical and Professional Indemnity Cover
- A satisfactory Working with Children Check
- A National Police Check
Practice nurses
The program requires PNs with:
- Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) registration with no restriction on scope of practice
- A satisfactory Working with Children Check
- A National Police Check
Resources and information
Department of Education
UoM (webinars)
Consent and Confidentiality
Get involved
The Doctors in Secondary Schools is an ongoing program, funded by the Department of Education. Our goal is to ensure that the 12 participating schools in our region can consistently offer this service. If you are a GP, PN or Primary Care Service Provider interested in the Doctors in Secondary Schools program, complete the form below. We will contact those who have submitted an expression of interest before releasing vacancies to an open market.