The Victorian Government’s Doctors in Secondary Schools (DiSS) program provided health care to more than 24,000 high school students between 2017 and 2023, according to a recent evaluation by the Department of Education.
The program ensures all secondary school students have access to primary health care, regardless of their background or location.
The Department’s latest evaluation, published in February, found that the program “is highly valued and continues to provide an effective avenue for reaching young people and providing preventative health interventions and primary care”.
The evaluation also highlighted the program’s positive impact on health literacy and outcomes for young people, commending DiSS practitioners for “prioritising effective and comprehensive treatment over the volume of consultations”.
In Gippsland, the DiSS program has served nine secondary schools, delivering 5,951 GP appointments by the end of 2024. Amanda Proposch, Chief Executive Officer at Gippsland Primary Health Network emphasised the program’s significant impact.
“The Doctors in Secondary Schools program breaks down barriers to accessing care, ensuring students receive the help they need, when they need it. With dedicated health professionals working alongside school staff, the program has become integral to school life, easing the pressure on working parents and local GP clinics,” shared Amanda.
“We’re grateful for the collaboration with the Victorian Department of Education to provide a service that positively impacts the lives of thousands of young people.”
In 2025, two vacancies are available at Warragul Regional College and Maffra Secondary College for general practices in Gippsland to deliver DiSS services to secondary schools.
General practices with a community and youth-centred focus are invited to express interest in joining the program. The deadline for expressions of interest is 5pm, Saturday 31 May 2025.
To submit your expression of interest, please complete the form here https://gphn.foliogrc.com/contracts/new?contract_template=273&token=mpVfeyXhkrqUs8Hp78yS
For more information about the DiSS program, visit https://gphn.org.au/what-we-do/programs/doctors-in-secondary-schools-program/
For questions or further support, please email diss@gphn.org.au
