Why I Chose Telepsychiatry with Dokotela

By: Dr Chey Bhutia

As a psychiatrist with a young family, finding work-life balance was my primary motivation for joining Dokotela. The flexibility to work when and where I want has been transformative, allowing me to spend precious moments with my four-year-old son while still advancing my career. This flexibility is truly the cornerstone of what makes Dokotela special.

When I first joined, like many, I had anxieties about transitioning to telehealth. What quickly put those concerns to rest was the exceptional support system in place. Senior mentors like Dr. Zelko Mustac were immediately accessible, providing reassurance and guidance whenever I needed it. Our instant messaging group gives you instant access to colleagues and specialists for advice and support, creating a community that's always there for you.

A Supportive Professional Environment

Dokotela fosters professional growth through regular peer support sessions, morbidity and mortality meetings, and specialised training. The weekly teaching sessions on neurodiversity, focusing on autism and ADHD, have been particularly valuable. These sessions go beyond textbook knowledge to provide pragmatic approaches and nuanced understanding that builds confidence in clinical practice.

The entire team at Dokotela creates a cohesive, supportive atmosphere. From senior mentors to administrative staff, everyone is responsive and approachable. This environment makes handling challenging cases much easier. Knowing that you can always reach out for a second opinion really helps to alleviate any stress or anxiety.

Making a Difference Through Telepsychiatry

Working with Dokotela has exposed me to diverse patient populations through Primary Health Networks (PHN’s) funded by the Australian Government, reaching young students, single parents, and others who might not otherwise access psychiatric care. This breadth of experience has expanded my practice and deepened my understanding of mental health needs across many different socio-economic backgrounds.

One of my most memorable moments was treating a young mother who had gone untreated for ADHD for years while caring for three children with autism and ADHD. After our intervention, she told me that for the first time, she could read a story to her young children. That touching moment definitely highlights why this work is so rewarding.

Another patient, working as a cleaner with ADHD, was able to switch careers after treatment, nearly doubling his weekly income. These kinds of success stories demonstrate how our work improves not just individual lives but strengthens families and contributes to building a more productive society.

Looking to the Future

I'm excited about how the Dokotela team is growing, which brings new ideas and diverse perspectives. I’m also excited about the implementation of new software that promises to be more intuitive and effective, along with AI scribe technology that will save time on documentation. These initiatives show Dokotela's commitment to innovation.

My Advice to Colleagues

For psychiatrists considering joining Dokotela, I can tell you it's a warm, cohesive team offering a rewarding opportunity with significantly less stress than a traditional practice. Especially for those with young families, the elimination of night on-calls and the ability to control your schedule is absolutely invaluable.

What started as a "blessing in disguise" when I left public service has become a fulfilling career path. Dokotela offers not just flexibility and competitive compensation, but also a genuine community of professionals who support each other while making a meaningful difference in patients' lives.

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Learn more about joining the Dokotela team of specialists.

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