The annual Crazy Socks 4 Docs campaign saw hundreds of doctors going bright in the foot department, but one prominent clinician chose black to mark the recent loss of a medical colleague. 

Canberra obstetrician Professor Steve Robson’s black socks in remembrance of a doctor friend, who died two weeks ago, was a sombre reminder of what the campaign is all about — raising awareness of doctors’ mental health.

“It’s ‘Crazy Socks 4 Docs’ day very soon but I’m wearing black socks this year. I’m too sad after losing a friend yesterday,” Professor Robson, a former past president of RANZCOG, posted on Twitter on 27 May.

“The pressures in our health system are taking lives that need not be lost, both patients and the people caring for them.”