Concurrent 11 - Vicarious trauma
Tracks
Track 4
| Saturday, June 27, 2026 |
| 11:20 AM - 12:15 PM |
| Michaelmas Cay 1, Reef Hotel Casino |
Details
In the heart of Australia, rural practice regularly demands profound empathy and clinical isolation. This may require incredible sacrifice and often drives us to push ourselves beyond our clinical and personal comfort zones in an attempt to get the best outcome for our patients.
These experiences often lead to unrecognised and therefore unexamined vicarious trauma. Led by an experienced Rural Generalist, this session explores the concept of vicarious trauma and hopes to open up the conversation to allow the continued cultural shift around recognising this and its impact. It invites colleagues to reflect on the emotional residue of our work and connect through shared experiences.
Together, we will shed some light on this concept and explore practical strategies to protect our wellbeing while maintaining our commitment to rural communities.
Speaker
Dr Briana Van Beekhuizen
Smo
Qld Health And Atherton Health Hub
Vicarious trauma
Abstract
This presentation explores the concept of vicarious trauma within the context of clinical practice, with a particular focus on the lived experiences of rural generalists.
Led by experienced Rural Generalist, Dr Briana Van Beekhuizen, it will begin by defining trauma and vicarious trauma, distinguishing between direct exposure and the cumulative psychological impact of bearing witness to others’ suffering. The session will examine why some clinicians appear more affected than others, and how individual processing styles, including compartmentalisation, influence vulnerability and resilience.
The emotional and psychological toll of repeated exposure to trauma will be explored in depth, including its effects on clinicians both professionally and personally. Topics will include burnout, emotional numbing, clinical bias, and features of post-traumatic stress. We will explore how these impacts extend beyond the workplace—affecting relationships, parenting, and wellbeing—and may manifest in withdrawal, self-medication, and a diminished capacity to engage at home.
The presentation will also interrogate the complex relationship clinicians have with adrenaline, including its role in performance, its potential for reinforcement, and its contrast with the enduring nature of trauma. The role of shared experiences—such as bonding through trauma and formal debriefing—will be critically examined, alongside the reactivation of trauma through delayed processes such as coronial investigations.
Drawing on real-world examples from rural medicine, the session will highlight contributing factors including isolation, resource limitations, prolonged working hours, and the moral distress associated with preventable outcomes. Interactive case scenarios will invite audience reflection and participation, fostering insight into personal responses to traumatic events.
Ultimately, this presentation aims to deepen understanding of vicarious trauma and its impact on our wellbeing. We aim to encourage reflection and conversation around sustainable ways to navigate a demanding and emotionally complex profession promoting wellbeing and longevity in a rewarding career as a Rural Generalist.
Led by experienced Rural Generalist, Dr Briana Van Beekhuizen, it will begin by defining trauma and vicarious trauma, distinguishing between direct exposure and the cumulative psychological impact of bearing witness to others’ suffering. The session will examine why some clinicians appear more affected than others, and how individual processing styles, including compartmentalisation, influence vulnerability and resilience.
The emotional and psychological toll of repeated exposure to trauma will be explored in depth, including its effects on clinicians both professionally and personally. Topics will include burnout, emotional numbing, clinical bias, and features of post-traumatic stress. We will explore how these impacts extend beyond the workplace—affecting relationships, parenting, and wellbeing—and may manifest in withdrawal, self-medication, and a diminished capacity to engage at home.
The presentation will also interrogate the complex relationship clinicians have with adrenaline, including its role in performance, its potential for reinforcement, and its contrast with the enduring nature of trauma. The role of shared experiences—such as bonding through trauma and formal debriefing—will be critically examined, alongside the reactivation of trauma through delayed processes such as coronial investigations.
Drawing on real-world examples from rural medicine, the session will highlight contributing factors including isolation, resource limitations, prolonged working hours, and the moral distress associated with preventable outcomes. Interactive case scenarios will invite audience reflection and participation, fostering insight into personal responses to traumatic events.
Ultimately, this presentation aims to deepen understanding of vicarious trauma and its impact on our wellbeing. We aim to encourage reflection and conversation around sustainable ways to navigate a demanding and emotionally complex profession promoting wellbeing and longevity in a rewarding career as a Rural Generalist.
Biography
Dr Briana Van Beekhuizen
Bsc (Molecular Biology), MBBS, FRACGP, FARGP, DRANZCOG (adv), MPHTM (JCU)
Senior Medical Officer
Atherton Hospital
GP and GPwSI (Women’s Health)
Atherton Health Hub
Briana is Rural Generalist working as a GP Obstetrician at Atherton Hospital and Women’s Health GP at the Atherton Health Hub.
Over her 20-year career, Briana has worked in several rural and remote communities including the Torres Strait, Longreach, Kununurra, and Atherton.
Her work-related passions include Women’s Health, Indigenous health, cross cultural medicine, and most importantly, advocating for Rural Generalists wellbeing to enable longevity in a career that is both fulfilling and rewarding.
Outside work, she is a mum to 2 beautiful girls and loves to travel, hike, cycle, garden, and read.
