Apply to Doctors in Secondary Schools: one day out of your everyday

Are you a GP or a practice nurse looking to change up your daily routine and work with Victorian school kids?

Join the Doctors in Secondary Schools (DiSS) program and help give kids the health care they need, where and when they need it.

Since 2017, the DiSS program has delivered more than 55,700 consultations to secondary schools statewide.

The program provides primary health care services to secondary school students in 100 Victorian government secondary schools. It is funded by the Victorian Department of Education and Training and implemented by Victoria’s 6 Primary Health Networks (PHN).

DiSS is an important part of the statewide health system, and a valuable asset for schools, staff, students, parents, and their community. It is also a unique opportunity for participating GPs and nurses, allowing them to become part of the school community, watching kids grow and thrive.

The program objectives are to:

make primary health care more accessible to students
assist young people to identify and address any health problems early
reduce pressure on working parents and community-based GPs.

“It’s a really different program. This is just the best job.”

Get involved – one day out of your everyday

If you are a GP, nurse or general practice interested in the Doctors in Secondary Schools program, register your interest using the online expression of interest form.

You can also check to see if there are current vacancies in your area on this page.

What our DiSS clinicians say

“The benefit of DiSS will be felt by many young people for years to come and it is exciting to play a part in this.” Dr Mark Timlin, DiSS GP
“Being in our portable onsite at the school makes me feel like I am a part of their school community and it takes me out of my usual clinic environment which is a very nice change.” Jessica Chung, DiSS Practice Nurse
“I have learned lots going back to school one day a week but in particular just how incredibly resilient young people are,” Hannah Millard, DiSS Practice Nurse
“Taking on the role has reinforced my belief of a holistic approach in providing care to the adolescent community.” Sharon Okeleke, DiSS Practice Nurse
“It is a rewarding program, and quite different to what I had expected. The variety of presentations has been quite engaging. You never know what will come in through the door.” Dr Dallas Smith, DiSS GP

How does it work?

A GP and a practice nurse are funded to provide primary health services at each school, each week, for 4 hours for the GP and up to one day for the nurse.
PHNs support eligible GPs and practices with funding, inductions, training and resources plus ongoing support.
All GPs, nurses and school staff are provided with training in adolescent health and wellbeing, at no cost.
School-based GPs bulk-bill consultations through Medicare and are remunerated for the time spent that cannot be billed. There are no out-of-pocket expenses for students.
The school’s existing wellbeing support staff and the wider community work with the DiSS team.

For more information

To find Doctors in Secondary Schools locations in Victoria, and eligibility criteria visit vtphna.org.au/diss

To find a list of current vacancies and to apply visit the online expression of interest form.

Please contact your local PHN DiSS team for more information.

The program is funded by the Victorian Government Department of Education and Training (DET)  and implemented by Victoria’s six Primary Health Networks (PHNs). North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) is the lead PHN.