Caring for Veterans in General Practice

Veterans and their families often present to general practice carrying the long-term impacts of military service, transition to civilian life, and complex interactions with healthcare systems. In this episode of RG Life Hacks, Dr Emily Moody speaks with Dr David Leaf and Dr Andrew Clarke, both veterans and Rural Generalists, about how doctors and registrars can provide culturally safe, practical, and effective care for veteran patients.

David and Andrew draw on their own experiences of military service to explain how veterans approach healthcare, what respectful listening looks like in practice, and why simple, open questions such as “Have you ever served?” and “Tell me about your service” matter. They explore the “sheer cliff” of leaving Defence, the loss of community and psychosocial supports, and how this transition can amplify moral injury, trauma, and distress, sometimes years after discharge.

For registrars, this conversation offers clear, practical guidance on taking an ADF history, avoiding common pitfalls, and recognising the role of partners and families in help-seeking and recovery. The discussion also outlines key referral pathways and supports, including Open Arms, DVA training resources, and navigating DVA cards and access to treatment in rural settings.

This episode is essential listening for registrars who want to better identify veterans in their patient population, build rapport with confidence and cultural sensitivity, and connect veterans and their families to the supports they’re entitled to.

Key resources for supporting veterans

• Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA): https://www.dva.gov.au/
• Open Arms Veterans & Families Counselling: https://www.openarms.gov.au/
• Provisional Access to Medical Treatment (PAMT): https://www.dva.gov.au/access-benefits/compensation-claims/get-treatment-while-you-wait-claim-pamt
• The Veterans’ & Families’ Centre: https://theveteransandfamiliescentre.org/

Disclaimer: The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed are those of the speaker and do not necessarily reflect those of the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine. The material presented is for general information purposes only.