RANZCP Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF)

Partnering with the Australian Medical Students' Association (AMSA) Rural Health, we have offered 10 bursaries for #medicalstudents completing a #ruralpsychiatry placement. Alannah Dawson is a #PIFmember and medical student at Monash University who completed their rural psychiatry placement in Traralgon, Victoria. “The opportunity to undertake a psychiatry placement rurally is an experience I would highly recommend to all medical students. My placement provided valuable exposure to both inpatient and outpatient settings, where I engaged with patients during acute admissions as well as long-term community follow-up. The teams I worked with were welcoming and supportive, fostering both my clinical knowledge and communication skills.” Read more about Alannah’s experience. https://lnkd.in/g8isXWVc #AMSA #AMSARuralHealth #PIF Damian Ferrie Agnew Alexander

Tune into the #PsychMatters episode on Tangled up in blue: a psychiatrist’s journey with #livedexperience 🎧 In this episode, Dr James Le Bas chats with Prof Richard Newton about his personal journey of #mentalillness and the stigma associated with it. He discusses the concept of 'brash humility,' the impact of his experiences on his professional identity, and the importance of open conversations in reducing stigma. Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gcBD2Yed

Had a great couple of days in Perth at the Faculty of Old Age Psychiatry 2025 Conference. Met some great people, learned a lot, and enjoyed the sessions. Really appreciated the ADHD session from Professor Mark Bellgrove, and it was great meeting him as well. The whole experience has made me even more interested in psychiatry going forward.

📢 Calling all Australian #PIFMembers! The 2025 PIF Australia Essay Competition is now open for #medicalstudent, PGY1, and PGY2 members. The 2025 PIF Essay Competition topic is: “Seeing the whole person beyond the diagnosis” The winning entries will receive: 🥇 AU$1000 + publication in the Australasian Psychiatry journal 🥈 AU$500 🥉 AU$250 The word limit of the essay is 1000-1500 words and must be submitted by Monday 19 January 2026. For full details and to submit your essay visit: https://ow.ly/rHm850U5L1f

📣 Attention New Zealand #PIFMembers! The 2025 PIF New Zealand Essay Competition is officially open for #medicalstudent, PGY1, and PGY2 members. The 2025 PIF Essay Competition topic is: “Seeing the whole person beyond the diagnosis”. The winning entries will receive: 🥇 1st place: NZ$1000 + publication in the Australasian Psychiatry journal 🥈 2nd place: NZ$500 🥉 3rd place: NZ$250 The word limit of the essay is 1000-1500 words and must be submitted by Monday 19 January 2026. Read the competition details and submit your essay now: https://lnkd.in/gbNGHYWP

📢 Attention SA PIF Members! Abstract submissions are now open for the 2026 SA Branch Conference – ‘The thinking machine – minds, mastery and meaning’. 📅 Deadline: Monday 8 December 2025 Use the abstract template in the link below and email your submission to: RANZCP.SA@ranzcp.org for your chance to present at the conference. Good luck! 🍀 https://ow.ly/p3Xo50XrqIH

This week from 13–19 November is #TransgenderAwarenessWeek and 20 November is #TransgenderDayofRemembrance, a day to remember those who have lost their lives to transphobia and violence. Being Trans or Gender Diverse (TGD) is not a mental health condition. However, people who identify as TGD experience higher rates of mental illness than the general population, which may include gender dysphoria. Stigma, discrimination, trauma, abuse, and assault contribute to this mental distress. TGD people should have equity of access to health care settings and be supported with culturally safe, person-centred and rights-based non-judgemental, evidence informed care which involves carers, family, and whānau where appropriate.   Psychiatrists have a responsibility to counter stigma, discrimination and violence directed towards TGD people. Read our clinical guideline on the role of psychiatrists in working with Trans and Gender Diverse people: https://lnkd.in/guqrvyCh 

⚠️ Recently graduated or had your graduation year change? PIF regularly updates our #PIFmembers details to provide more targeted opportunities and scholarships suited to #medicalstudents, #juniordoctors and other #medicalpractitioners. If you are now a medical practitioner or had your graduation year change, please verify your details by filing out the relevant form to continue accessing your PIF benefits. 🩺Update to medical practitioner: https://lnkd.in/gDp8ZEqk 🎓 Update graduation year: https://lnkd.in/gR8msseW

The best #mentalhealthcare happens when different professions work together. In a recent Mental Health Professionals' Network interview, Associate Professor Samantha Loi highlights the vital role psychiatrists play in multidisciplinary mental health care. Psychiatrists provide medical expertise in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, and they work closely with colleagues across disciplines to achieve better outcomes for people living with mental health challenges. This video is part of MHPN’s Profession Spotlight series, celebrating the professions that strengthen Australia’s mental health system through collaborative care. Watch the video: https://lnkd.in/eKcJ5BKA