AMA Victoria is supporting this Sunday’s National Brain Health Walk in Melbourne, which will honour the memory of a young doctor and highlight the importance of protecting the health and wellbeing of the medical workforce.
Doctors, medical students, health professionals, families, and community members will gather near Parliament House on 8 November to raise awareness of brain health and the importance of supporting those who care for others.
The event will conclude with the announcement of the inaugural Dr Lasith Kulasekara Brain Health Fellowship, established in memory of a young medical graduate whose unexpected death deeply affected his family, friends, and colleagues.
The fellowship will seek to improve understanding of unexpected deaths among young doctors, medical students, and healthcare professionals, drawing on international experience and exploring evidence-based approaches to prevention.
AMA Victoria Chief Executive Officer Seshan Ramaswamy said the wellbeing of doctors and medical students mattered to every Victorian.
“Doctors and medical students spend their working lives caring for others, and their own health and wellbeing deserve the same care. That includes their brain health, their rest and their ability to seek support early and without fear. A healthy medical workforce is essential to a healthy Victoria,” Mr Ramaswamy said.
Dr Mukesh Haikerwal AC, Melbourne GP and former Federal President of the Australian Medical Association, said the fellowship asked the right questions.
“Young doctors give so much of themselves to their patients. They deserve safe rosters, real rest, good supervision and a workplace where asking for help is normal. What can we learn, and what can we change? Looking after doctors is also how we look after patients,” Dr Haikerwal said.
The walk will also raise awareness of neurological conditions, including migraine, epilepsy, stroke, brain injury, and dementia. Supporting organisations include Neurological Alliance Australia, Brain Injury Australia, and Lions Clubs.
Event details
- Date: Sunday 8 November 2026
- Time: Gather at 9.30 am for a 10 am start. The walk concludes at noon, followed by the fellowship announcement.
- Location: Corner of Treasury Place and Spring Street, Melbourne, near Parliament House
- Dress: Green
- Registration: https://migrainefoundation.org.au/steps4migraine
Support information
Doctors and medical students in Victoria can contact the Victorian Doctors Health Program on 1300 330 543. Lifeline is available on 13 11 14 and Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000.
ENDS
Contact details:
Darren Rodrigo
0414 783 405
[email protected]
