Dr Deborah Simmons OAM, an anaesthetist and rural generalist at Proserpine Hospital, is no stranger to crisis. Accustomed to responding to critical incidents across Queensland, she found herself at the centre of an unprecedented trauma event in May 2020.

While on secondment from Mackay Base Hospital to assist with COVID-19 preparation in Moranbah, Deborah was urgently called to respond to a catastrophic underground mine explosion. With no time to prepare, unfamiliar with the hospital or team, she was thrust into leading the emergency medical response for multiple blast victims with life-threatening burns.

What followed for Deborah was not only physical exhaustion but deep psychological impact. Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), she voluntarily admitted herself to a private psychiatric clinic in Townsville, with her recovery supported by WorkCover Queensland. Deborah credits her healing to the compassionate support of her employer, the expertise of her treating team, and structured steps to reintegrate into clinical work.

After returning to practice, Deborah reflects that her experience of trauma—and recovery—has made her a more empathetic and effective doctor. She speaks openly about the toll moral injury can take on medical professionals and is passionate about breaking down stigma around seeking help.

In this presentation, Deborah will share her lived experience navigating moral injury in a high-risk healthcare setting, the importance of early recognition and peer support, and what recovery looks like in a profession that rarely stops to acknowledge its own pain.

“The hardest part is starting the conversation. If you see someone struggling, ask them if they’re okay. That one moment of connection might be the lifeline they need.”