Episódios
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This series is dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped the history of RANZCP as past presidents. Out of the 55 individuals who have held this esteemed position, only nine have been women — and with a female president currently at the helm, we reflect on the legacy of their trailblazing contributions. Each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, offering valuable inspiration and insights for the next generation of women in psychiatry as we continue working towards great gender equity.
In this episode Dr Padmini Howpage interviews Dr Janice Wilson, the fifth female president of the College, to discuss her remarkable journey in mental health leadership. They delve into Dr Wilson’s advocacy for equity and inclusion and the challenges she faced as a women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The conversation also explores the evolution of mental health care, the importance of community-based services, and the future of e-mental health and artificial intelligence in psychiatry.
Dr Janice Wilson served as the president of the RANZCP from 1997 to 1999. With extensive experience in both clinical practice and leadership, she retired in 2023 after a twelve-year tenure as the inaugural Chief Executive of Te Tāhū Hauroa Health Quality and Safety Commission.
Prior to this, Dr Wilson worked at Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health) starting in 1993, holding senior roles in mental health and population health. As Director of Mental Health, she led national policy reforms aimed at reshaping the organisation and delivery of mental health and addiction services in New Zealand.
In addition to her leadership roles, Dr Wilson is passionate about improving mental health systems and continues to contribute through her work as a director on three NGO boards. She now enjoys life in Wellington with her family and cat, where she balances her ongoing professional interests with family activities and the challenges of being an active gardener in a city known for its wonderful climate variations.
Dr Padmini Howpage is the Clinical Director at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, a Sydney-based private practice. She is also the author of two books – Mindful Coco and 7 Magic Minutes for Today – championing mindfulness across generations.
A dedicated mentor and community leader, Dr Howpage chairs two charities – the Mind Connections Foundation and the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire. She founded an annual suicide prevention award for second-year medical students at Western Sydney University. Since 2016, over 700 students have participated, integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum.Her contributions earned Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West (2019) and multiple Hills Shire Citizen of the Year finalist nominations (2020, 2022, and 2024).
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
This episode focuses on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, exploring the inquiry's process, key challenges and the recommendations aimed at addressing the systemic issues contributing to veteran suicides.
Dr Andrew Khoo and Dr Jon Lane interview Dr Peggy Brown AO, one of the Commissioners, who shares insights into the inquiry process, including the challenges of political navigation, the importance of meaningful stakeholder engagement and the complexities of veteran health.
The discussion also examines the issues uncovered by the Commission, the significance of the interim report and the challenges in data collection. It also highlights the need for a robust veteran services commission to ensure ongoing advocacy and support for those who have served.
Dr Andrew Khoo is the Director of Medical Services at Toowong Private Hospital and is the Deputy Chair of the College's Military, Veterans' and Emergency Services Personnel Mental Health Network. He is also the Chair of the Open Arms National Advisory Committee and a member of the DVA Mental Health Expert Advisory Group.
A/Prof Jon Lane, FRANZCP, MBBS (Hons), PhD, has been in the Army since 1989 and is also an Afghanistan veteran. He is a clinician in private practice, as well as holding several different roles. These include being the inaugural Chief Psychiatrist for the DVA; the Psychiatry Lead for the University of Tasmania School of Medicine; and has adjunct appointments and research projects with the Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research and Gallipoli Medical Research Foundation. He is also the current Chair of the College's Military, Veterans' and Emergency Services Personnel Mental Health Network.
Dr Peggy Brown AO is currently the Chief Medical Officer at Medilinks and holds several other key leadership positions. These include Chair of Mental Health Australia, Board Director at Wellways Australia, Chair of the RANZCP Community Collaboration Committee, Member of the Clinical Governance Advisory Committee for the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and Patron of the BPD Foundation.
She has also served as a Commissioner for the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, Senior Clinical Advisor at the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and Chief Executive Officer of the National Mental Health Commission. She has also held the positions of Director-General of ACT Health and Chief Psychiatrist/Director of Mental Health in Queensland, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory. She is also an NHS International Fellow in the United Kingdom.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
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In this episode of Psych Matters, Dr Daniel Brass interviews psychiatrists in public and private practice, psychiatry trainees, GPs and other doctors about their experience of participating in and leading Balint groups and the value of this aspect of healthcare, which is increasingly recognised as vital for maintaining the wellbeing of the healthcare professions and improving patient care.
Dr Daniel Brass is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist in Melbourne. He is the current president of the Balint Society of Australia and New Zealand (BalintANZ).
Balint Society of Australia & New Zealand
Participants:
Dr Osama Ali
Dr Lachlan Angus
Dr Alida Connell
Dr Laura Harnish
Dr Jenny Hellsing
Dr Rachel (Ray) Lau
Dr Lillian Ng
Dr Marion Lustig
Dr Ishan Walpola
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, our speakers discuss the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment for conditions such as depression and PTSD. This podcast is intended for individuals considering whether this approach could be helpful in treating their diagnosed psychiatric conditions. The conversation covers the role of psychotherapy in these treatments, the importance of ongoing research and the potential risks and contraindications involved. The discussion also explores how psychedelic agents uniquely impact brain function, contrasting this with standard treatments.
Prof Mal Hopwood is the Ramsay Health Care Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne and the Director of the Professorial Psychiatry Unit at the Ramsay Clinic Albert Road (RCAR). A former President of the RANZCP, he is a dedicated researcher and clinician specialising in mood disorders and PTSD. He leads an active clinical trials group at RCAR, including in the area of psychedelic treatment.
Dr Nigel Strauss has been a psychiatrist for 45 years and is currently a consultant at St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne, as well as a psychedelic researcher at Swinburne University. He is a trained psychedelic psychotherapist and has written extensively on psychedelic medicine and psychology. He is currently sponsoring a trial on MDMA-assisted psychotherapy at Monash University.
Dr Diana Korevaar is a psychiatrist with experience in private practice, where she integrates trauma-based methods with routine psychiatric care. Over the past five years, she has been actively involved in psychedelic-assisted therapy research trials across a wide variety of psychiatric conditions.
Prof Colleen Loo is a psychiatrist, Australian National Health and Medical Research Council Leadership Fellow, and Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New South Wales and the Black Dog Institute in Sydney. She is a clinical and research expert in electroconvulsive therapy, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and ketamine. She is now also researching psychedelic-assisted therapy.
Prof David Castle; Department of Psychiatry, The University of Tasmania; and Co-Director, Tasmanian Centre for Mental Health Service Innovation. He has wide clinical and research interests and has published widely. He has a current particular interest in psychedelic assisted therapy.
References and Resources:
Professor Richard J Davidson on the neuroplasticity of emotional wellbeingWhite Paper on the science of awe, which describes the impact of training in competencies which overlap with psychedelic mystical experienceCompassion Focused therapy in psychedelic assisted thTopic suggestion:
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Dr Tina Rizkallah discusses the complexities of women's mental health care with Dr Karen Williams and Dr Rajlaxmi Khopade. They explore the systemic barriers and unique challenges that women face, emphasising the importance of gender-specific and trauma-informed care. The conversation also highlights the need for dedicated services that address the specific mental health needs of women, particularly those who have experienced trauma, family violence, and other systemic issues. They advocate for better training, stronger community support and greater collaboration among mental health professionals to improve outcomes for women.
Dr Karen Williams is a consultant psychiatrist who specialises in PTSD and other trauma syndromes, particularly those caused by sexual abuse and domestic violence. In 2022, she founded Ramsay Clinic Thirroul, Australia’s first women-only, trauma-specific mental health service. She is now developing and directing Australia’s first publicly funded trauma recovery service.
Dr Williams is a member of the RANZCP’s Family Violence Psychiatry Network committee and is the Special Advisor on Mental Health at the Illawarra Women’s Health Centre. She is also the founder of the charity Doctors Against Violence Towards Women, an advocacy group aimed at promoting the mental and physical safety of women who are survivors of family violence and sexual assault.
Dr Rajlaxmi Khopade (Raj) is a consultant psychiatrist based in Shepparton and working full time at Goulburn Valley Health, a regional public health service in Victoria. She completed her basic psychiatry training and Advanced Training in Psychiatry of Old Age and became a Fellow of the RANZCP in 2022.
Raj has been actively involved with the Women’s Recovery Network (WREN) since its inception and continues to contribute to WREN in Shepparton. She also works with the community mental health team for older adults. With a passion for women’s mental health, she is dedicated to advancing its management within the public mental health sector.
Dr Tina Rizkallah is an early career psychiatrist working in the areas of eating disorders and forensic psychiatry. She has a particular interest in exploring women's experiences and their intersection with mental disorders, focusing on issues such as body image, coercive control, and domestic and family violence. A passionate advocate for gender equality, she currently serves as the chair of the Women's Psychiatry Network.
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Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Dr Rob Kaplan delves into the extraordinary yet often overlooked life of Mary Barkas, a pioneering New Zealand psychiatrist who defied societal norms and gender barriers in the early 20th century. She became the first female doctor at the historic Bethlem Hospital and one of the four medical officers appointed at the opening of the Maudsley Hospital.
Despite her groundbreaking achievements Barkas faced immense challenges, from entrenched prejudice in her professional field to personal disillusionment. Dr Kaplan examines her profound contributions to psychiatry, her struggles with the limitations placed on women in medicine and the mysterious turn her life took when she returned to New Zealand, never to practice again.
Dr Robert M. Kaplan, MBChB FRANZCP MA MPhil, is a forensic psychiatrist, lecturer and speaker with positions at the University of New South Wales, Western Sydney University and Wollongong University. His fields of expertise are sleep and pain disorders, neuropsychiatry and psychological aspects of physical disorders. He also holds the distinguished position of Chair of the Binational Section of Philosophy and Humanities at RANZCP.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In the second episode of this two-part podcast, Dr Enys Delmage and Dr James Gardiner continue their exploration of the importance of effective, proactive multi-agency collaboration in adolescent forensic mental health settings. They speak to Graeme Penty, Lindsay Yeo, and Kingi Snelgar, who share their experiences working with young people across diverse environments and discuss best practices for providing effective support.
This series introduces key topics that will be explored in greater detail at the upcoming RANZCP Section of Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Conference held in March 2025, Wellington. This podcast will be valuable for professionals working in adolescent forensic settings or those involved with children in the justice system.
Graeme Penty works with young people at Nga Taiohi National Youth Forensic Unit. He trained as a primary school teacher at Otago University and Dunedin College of Education, graduating in 1995 and registered in 1997. Graeme has taught in a wide range of schools since then and specialised in year 7 and 8 until starting work in 2017 with Health school.
Graeme is passionate about re-engaging Rangitahi back into education, who may have been out of this for some time and helping with transition, information and feedback for Clinical teams and contributing to an overall outcome.
Lindsay Yeo is an educational psychologist currently serving on the leadership team at Te Au rere a te Tonga Youth Justice Facility in Palmerston North, New Zealand. Drawing on his experience working in the Severe Behaviour Service at the Ministry of Education, Lindsay brings expertise in providing consultation, training, leadership and supervision to staff at the facility, which accommodates up to 40 young people aged 14 to 18 with complex needs, including high levels of offending.
Lindsay is also involved in the collaborative development and implementation of services within the youth justice sector. He is committed to enhancing the quality of assessment and intervention for this high-needs group of rangatahi.
Kingi Snelgar is a criminal defence lawyer, youth advocate and academic based in Auckland, New Zealand. With 12 years of experience in the legal profession, he is a graduate of Harvard Law and a Fulbright scholar.
Kingi is deeply passionate about criminal justice reform, particularly in the areas of youth justice and the prevention of young Māori and Pacific Islanders from entering the “pipeline” that often leads to a lifetime of offending and incarceration. He has whakapapa to Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Whakaue, Te Whakatohea, and Ngāi Tahu, with knowledge and understanding of tikanga Māori and te ao Māori.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Psych Matters and Women’s Psychiatry Network have collaborated to produce this episode with Dr Tina Rizkallah and her guests, Dr Carol Silberberg, Dr Susannah Bond and Dr Ophelia Fernandez, as they discuss the vital role of mentorship in the field of psychiatry, particularly for women.
They explore the definitions and distinctions between mentorship, supervision and sponsorship, as well as the benefits and challenges of both organic and formal mentorship programs. The conversation shares personal experiences, emphasises the importance of supportive relationships and advocates for equitable access to mentorship opportunities. With practical advice for those considering mentorship, the discussion highlights how it can be a rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees alike.
Dr Carol Silberberg is the Director of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at St Vincent’s Melbourne and has more than fifteen years of experience in asylum seeker mental health. After stepping away from her role in academic psychiatry to raise her children, she has remained an active contributor to clinical research and medical education. Dr Silberberg is passionate about improving gender equity, family-friendly practices and mental wellbeing within the medical workforce. As a psychiatrist, she understands the value of self-care and so dabbles as a ceramicist, cellist, cook, fitness and karaoke enthusiast.
Dr Susannah Bond is an early-career psychiatrist specialising in eating disorders. She also plays an active role in medical education, supporting prevocational doctors as Director of Clinical Training and psychiatry registrars as Chief Training Supervisor at her health service. An internationally trained medical graduate (IMG) from the UK, Susannah moved to Australia with her young family eight years ago.
Dr Ophelia Fernandez is a consultant psychiatrist at the statewide Psychological Trauma Recovery Service at Austin Health, where she provides specialised psychiatric care to first responders and other individuals with trauma-related mental health disorders. She is also the coordinator of the mentoring program for psychiatry trainees at Austin Health. Ophelia completed her undergraduate medical training in Ireland and went on to finish her psychiatry training at the Austin.
Dr Tina Rizkallah is an early career psychiatrist working in the areas of eating disorders and forensic psychiatry. She has a particular interest in exploring women's experiences and their intersection with mental disorders, focusing on issues such as body image, coercive control, and domestic and family violence. A passionate advocate for gender equality, she currently serves as the chair of the Women's Psychiatry Network.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
This two-episode podcast examines the importance of effective, proactive multi-agency collaboration in adolescent forensic mental health settings. In this discussion, Dr James Gardiner and Dr Enys Delmage cover common presentations and highlight best practices across various environments, including inpatient services, community-based care and in-reach programs to youth justice residences (secure units operated by Oranga Tamariki, where some children remanded by the Youth or High Courts may be placed).
This series introduces key topics that will be explored in greater detail at the upcoming RANZCP Section of Child and Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Conference held in March 2025, Wellington. This podcast will be valuable for professionals working in adolescent forensic settings or those involved with children in the justice system.
Dr James Gardiner is a forensic psychiatrist working at Tū Māia, formerly known as Regional Youth Forensic Services in Auckland. Most of his work involves delivering in-reach mental health care to the two youth justice residences in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. James has worked as an in-reach psychiatrist in various correctional settings for around 20 years, with the last 10 years working with young people.
Dr Enys Delmage is an adolescent forensic psychiatrist working at Ngā Taiohi, a secure inpatient service for young people in Porirua, Wellington. With a specific interest in the interface between mental health and the law in relation to young people, his research primarily explores the international landscape of the minimum age of criminal responsibility.
References:
UN Office on Drugs and Crime's International Homicide Statistics database World Bank International Crime Rates and Statistics 2000-2025 dataTopic suggestion:
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
This episode, developed by the RANZCP Section of Leadership and Management (SLAM), Associate Professor Robert Parker (Chair of SLAM) explores Mark’s journey into leadership and management and aims to encourage and inform Early Career and other psychiatrists in pursuit of a career in Leadership and Management. Mark was given the opportunity to take on leadership roles as an early career psychiatrist. He reflects on his successful sporting background and how this compliments his skills in the board room, advocating for Māori voice and all levels of the health care system. He talks about his strengths, weaknesses and learning to embrace the uncomfortableness of these challenges. He gives insights for aspiring young leaders to consider for their journey. For Mark, he considers himself a doer, getting important things completed and ensuring a strong indigenous voice within our binational college. He predicts the future looks bright for our new aspiring leaders who are equipped with competent knowledge in both indigenous worlds and medical worlds.
Dr Mark Lawrence is a Māori adult psychiatrist and current board director who works in Aotearoa NZ public health care system. He holds academic and teaching positions and is a respected leader in the area of Māori mental health.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Dr Elizabeth Moore interviews Dr Ettore Guaia and Dr Sadaf Khan about their personal experiences with disabilities, particularly visual impairments, and the importance of disability advocacy within the field of psychiatry. They reflect on their training experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by trainees with disabilities and the need for stronger support systems.
The Sunflower Initiative Standford Medicine Alliance for Disability Inclusion and Equity Doctors with Albinism Facebook group Doctors with Disabilities podcast Ettore’s interview for International Disability Awareness Day
Join us as Dr Ettore Guaia and Dr Sadaf Khan provide invaluable lessons on resilience, adaptation, and the importance of understanding different perspectives in psychiatry. Their stories are a testament to the power of determination and the positive impact that diverse experiences can bring to mental health care.Dr Ettore Guaia is an Italian Australian child and adolescent psychiatrist. He has worked in public and private sectors in Italy, the United Kingdom and since 2012, in Australia.
He has worked in paediatric consultation-liaison and as well as in inpatient and outpatient child and adolescent psychiatry, and has a keen interest in neurodevelopmental disorders and intellectual disability. He is the Medical Co-director of Youth Mental Health and Eating Disorders at North Metropolitan Health Service in Western Australia.
Ettore is a person with albinism and a visual impairment. He is a member of the Stanford Medicine Alliance for Disability Inclusion and Equity and Doctors with Albinism, and actively mentors doctors with disabilities.
Dr Sadaf Khan is a newly fellowed consultant psychiatrist currently working in adult acute mental health at Eastern Health in Victoria. She began her psychiatry training in Ireland and is a proud member of both the Royal College of Psychiatrists of Ireland and the UK. In 2024, she completed her fellowship with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
In this conversation, Dr Khan shares her personal experiences navigating the complexities of psychiatric training while living with visual impairment. She candidly discusses the obstacles she faced and the innovative strategies she developed to overcome them.
Dr Elizabeth Moore is the current President of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP), 2023 - 2025.Topic suggestion:
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
Kon Karapanagiotidis, the founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), joins Dr Kym Jenkins and Brianna Sleeth to discuss the Centre’s mission of providing holistic support to asylum seekers and refugees. Established 23 years ago, the ASRC aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals who have experienced trauma and persecution. Its comprehensive range of services includes food banks, health and psychiatry clinics, legal assistance, educational programs and more.
The discussion highlights the significance of advocacy and the crucial role psychiatrists play in promoting the rights and wellbeing of asylum seekers. It also addresses the challenges of burnout and the importance of self-care for professionals in this demanding field.
The conversation sheds light on the deliberate cruelty and neglect experienced by asylum seekers in Australia’s offshore detention centres, including the denial of adequate healthcare, loss of dignity, as well as psychological torture and distress. The uncertainty and instability in their lives often lead to mental health crises, such as PTSD, depression, and suicidal ideation.
For more information about the ASRC and ways to get involved, visit https://asrc.org.au/Kon Karapanagiotidis OAM is a passionate humanitarian, changemaker, gardener, cook, public speaker and bestselling author. He is also a qualified lawyer, social worker, teacher and the Founding CEO of Australia’s largest human rights organisation for people seeking asylum, the ASRC.
Dr Kym Jenkins is a former President of the RANZCP and has served as Chair of the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges. She has held a range of roles as a Consultant Psychiatrist in both the public and private sectors and has a strong clinical and academic focus on the health and welfare of the medical profession. In her private practice, Dr. Jenkins specialises in consultation-liaison and women’s psychiatry. Dr Jenkins has had extensive involvement in psychiatry-related medical education, both within the RANZCP and externally. As a founding member of the RANZCP Network for Asylum Seeker and Refugee Mental Health, she served as Chair of the network until May 2024.
Brianna Sleeth is a community health nurse at the ASRC. She is a registered nurse with three years of experience and is currently pursuing a Master of Mental Health Nursing. Brianna has worked with both adolescents and adults in psychiatric inpatient settings, where she has developed a strong skill set for addressing significant and complex mental health issues. In her free time, Brianna volunteers in prison settings and supports people experiencing homelessness on the streets of Melbourne. She is passionate about providing high quality, trauma-informed care to people seeking asylum as well as increasing access to essential mental health services.
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Associate Professor Campbell Paul and Dr Linda Kader explore the intricate world of infant mental health, emphasising the roles of play, trauma awareness and parental involvement in early childhood development. They discuss the importance of observing infants, understanding the impact of early experiences and the necessity of cultural sensitivity in practice. The conversation also highlights global initiatives in infant mental health and the need for mental health professionals to maintain a playful and curious approach in their work.
Associate Professor Campbell Paul is a consultant infant and child psychiatrist at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne and is also an honorary principal fellow in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. He and his colleagues have established a Graduate Diploma and a Masters course in infant and parent mental health.
Dr Linda Kader is a consultant psychiatrist, psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher with a strong interest and commitment to raise and facilitate necessary conversations in healthcare leadership and management. She works at The Royal Melbourne and The Royal Children's Hospitals, where she provides leadership and clinical care, supervises and teaches registrars, and supports various aspects of service development and implementation. She is a mentor for registrars with RANZCP and is committed to refugee healthcare and human rights advocacy through her local council committees. Drawing on her extensive practice and knowledge of mindfulness and compassion, she cultivates a professional, sage and engaging working environment for her teams and all staff.Topic suggestion:
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Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
The Psych Matters team: David, Jo-Rose and Nishta, would like to thank you for your support during the year 2024. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the many topics and like to thank College members and others who have generously given their time to develop and present Psych Matters. We’ll be back on the 3rd of January with the next episode of Psych Matters.
In this episode, Prof Vlasios Brakoulias, Dr Gary Galambos and Dr Mikaela Tracy discuss innovative interventions for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in young people as part of the Uspace OCD Program at St Vincent's Private Hospital co-designed by Prof Brakoulias and Dr Galambos. It incorporates multiple next level technologies such as scent-enhanced Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy, MRI-guided TMS for OCD, online exposure plans, exposure therapy tools and management plans. The program aims to improve the quality of care for patients by integrating research, cutting-edge treatments and a focus on early intervention.
Prof Vlasios Brakoulias, MBBS Syd, PhD Syd, FRANZCP, is a psychiatrist specialising in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. He is a Professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney and a Conjoint Professor at the School of Medicine and the Translational Health Research Institute (THRI) at Western Sydney University. Professor Brakoulias is also an Adjunct Professor at Macquarie University and the University of Notre Dame. Renowned internationally as an expert in obsessive-compulsive disorders, he has presented at numerous international conferences and is a co-author of over 100 peer-reviewed papers.
Dr Gary Galambos is the Chair of the Binational Section of Private Practice Psychiatry for the RANZCP, Associate Professor at the School of Medicine at the University of Notre Dame, and Medical Director of the Uspace Young Adult Mental Health Unit at St Vincent’s Private Hospital in Sydney. Dr Galambos is an innovator in the design, development and research of 21st century mental health services in the private sector. He has effectively integrated in-person mental health services with digital solutions such as a specialist-grade eLearning and training program, online delivered outcome measures, and AI-guided psychometric tools, utilising a purpose-built digital platform he developed called MindSkiller.
Dr Mikaela Tracy holds a Master of Clinical Psychology from the University of Technology Sydney and a PhD from The University of Sydney. Mikaela has a broad range of clinical experience across acute inpatient, outpatient community and university mental healthcare settings supporting individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, behavioural and emotional regulation challenges, relationship issues , trauma, and personality disorders.Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Dr Choong-Siew Yong and Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi discuss the benefits and drawbacks of telepsychiatry and digital mental health delivery for general psychiatric care and specifically for children and adolescents. The pre- and post-pandemic approaches are discussed, including the emergency response for younger people. The conversation also examines the benefits and risks of telepsychiatry, including equitable digital technology access and technical challenges. It also covers the use of telepsychiatry in rural and remote settings, and to allow videoconferencing when patients and their families are in different locations. The discussion also explores new business models of telepsychiatry and the associated benefits and risks.
Dr Choong-Siew Yong is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Sydney, NSW. He has long-standing interests in medical workforce and education, practitioner regulation, doctors’ health and mental health policy. He has served on the executive committees of the Australian Medical Association, NSW Medical Board and Medical Council, and the NSW Doctors’ Health Advisory Service. For the RANZCP, he has served as the Chair of the Committee for Education Evaluation, Monitoring and Reporting and Continuing Medical Education (now known as the Committee for Continuing Professional Development). He is the current Chair of the Member Wellbeing Subcommittee.
A/Prof Jeffrey Looi, MBBS Syd, MD ANU, DMedSc Melb, FRANZCP, AFRACMA, is a clinical academic neuropsychiatrist, in private and public practice, and Head of the Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology. Jeffrey leads the Australian, United States, Scandinavian-Spanish Imaging Exchange and the Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis. He has received multiple research and leadership awards including: a Fulbright Scholarship and Australian-Davos-Connection Future Summit Leadership Award and Fellowship of the AMA. He is a co-author on more than 330 peer-reviewed papers, involving UCLA, Karolinska Institute and University of Melbourne.
Journal articles:
Telepsychiatry & face-to-face psychiatric consultations
COVID-19 medicare benefits schedule telehealth for private psychiatric care
Comparison of out-of-pocket costs of Medicare-funded consultations
Trends of MBS telepsychiatry & consultant physician telehealth services
Client perspectivesTopic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Penny Lewis, a clinical psychologist, interviews her husband, Dr George Blair-West, a psychiatrist, on his presentation at RANZCP 2024 Congress about Unconscious Lateral Intelligence (ULI).
Our minds have an amazing capacity to solve the most challenging problems while not consciously thinking about it and being engaged in something totally unrelated. It can even do this while we sleep. Dr Blair-West outlines his research into how some of history’s greatest minds have creatively solved problems, that have led to Nobel prizes, blockbuster movies and the most covered song of all time. He will explain how ULI works and how you can improve your access to, and make the most of, the most powerful part of your mind.
Dr George Blair-West is an author and psychiatrist. He discusses the subject of his upcoming, sixth book on a subject he started researching and talking on 25 years ago. His books, and two TED talks, reflect his interest in existentialism, couple work and trauma therapy. His most recent book, ‘The Girl in the Green Dress’ documents a legal first in Australia where Dissociative Identity Disorder became the basis for the prosecution rather than the defence.
Penny Lewis is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Brisbane
Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Dr Choong-Siew Yong and Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi discuss computer gaming culture from the viewpoint of understanding the interests and hobbies of patients and community members, as well as considering benefits and harms specifically for children and adolescents. The issues discussed include definitions, how and why people choose to play computer games, and risks such as excessive gaming and introduction to gambling via loot boxes. Learning how to ask patients about the role of gaming in their lives can help in better understanding the sociocultural milieux in which they live.
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/10398562231211137
Dr Choong-Siew Yong is a child and adolescent psychiatrist in Sydney, NSW. He has long-standing interests in medical workforce and education, practitioner regulation, doctors’ health and mental health policy. He has served on the executive committees of the Australian Medical Association, NSW Medical Board and Medical Council, and the NSW Doctors’ Health Advisory Service.
For the RANZCP, he has served as the Chair of the Committee for Education Evaluation, Monitoring and Reporting (CEEMR) and the Committee for Continuing Medical Education (now known as the Committee for Continuing Professional Development). He is the current Chair of the Member Wellbeing Subcommittee.
Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi, MBBS Syd, MD ANU, DMedSc Melb, FRANZCP, AFRACMA, is a clinical academic neuropsychiatrist, in private and public practice, and Head of the Academic Unit of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine at the Australian National University School of Medicine and Psychology. Jeffrey leads the Australian, United States, Scandinavian-Spanish Imaging Exchange (AUSSIE) and the Consortium of Australian-Academic Psychiatrists for Independent Policy and Research Analysis (CAPIPRA). He has received multiple research and leadership awards including: a Fulbright Scholarship and Australian-Davos-Connection Future Summit Leadership Award and Fellowship of the AMA. He is a co-author on more than 330 peer-reviewed papers, involving UCLA, Karolinska Institute and University of Melbourne. In January 2024, he was appointed as Editor-in-Chief of the peer-reviewed medical scientific journal, Australasian Psychiatry published by the RANZCP, through Sage.
References:Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this special Halloween episode, Dr Rob Kaplan explores the intersection of psychiatry and the myth of vampires, particularly through the lens of Renfield’s syndrome, a fictional condition derived from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. It discusses how psychiatric disorders are defined, the historical context of vampirism, and the implications of clinical cases related to blood drinking behaviour. The discussion emphasises the social aspects of diagnoses and the cultural fascination with vampires.
Dr Robert M. Kaplan, MBChB FRANZCP MA MPhil, is a forensic psychiatrist, lecturer and speaker with positions at the University of New South Wales, Western Sydney University and Wollongong University. His fields of expertise are sleep and pain disorders, neuropsychiatry and psychological aspects of physical disorders. He also holds the distinguished position of Chair of the Binational Section of Philosophy and Humanities at RANZCP.
Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
In this episode, Dr Ashlea White and Dr Roderick McKay discuss the professional and interpersonal aspects of wellbeing, emphasising the importance of community and peer support for mental health professionals. Drawing from their own experiences, they reflect on the challenges faced by trainees, the role of mentorship, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues and seeking help as a physician. They explore how the profession can create space to value those that may be struggling.
The conversation also highlights the impact that small, helpful acts and moments can have, and the human element of fostering more supportive environments in psychiatry. They discuss how community can help with regaining perspective in difficult times.
Dr Ashlea White is an early career addiction and adult psychiatrist with a varied career in public and private psychiatry, spanning tertiary and regional healthcare. In a previous life, she was a radiographer and now she is committed to building a flexible career in psychiatry that aligns with her many interests while also spending time with her growing family. Dr White continues to be passionate about gender equity and improving access to quality mental health treatment for all. She also sits on the RANZCP Member Wellbeing Subcommittee.
Dr Roderick McKay is a psychiatrist whose current work focuses on working with older people and postgraduate education with psychiatry trainees and multidisciplinary courses. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW. At RANZCP, he was the former bi-national chairs of both the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age and the Community Collaborative Committee. Dr McKay currently works as a clinician in southern Sydney, having previously worked in southwestern Sydney and Far West NSW.
Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. -
This conversation discusses the development of the Certificate of Postgraduate Training in Clinical Psychiatry (the Certificate), funded by the Australian Government. The Certificate is designed for medical practitioners in Australia (PGY5+) who want to learn foundational concepts in psychiatry and develop practical clinical skills to assess and support patients who present with mental health conditions. The program includes four core areas with an elective that can be related to your interests. It offers flexibility and experiential learning, allowing participants to continue working in their primary places of work -while under clinical supervision by experienced psychiatrists.
Chair of the Expert Advisory Group, Dr Bill Kingswell, and members of the Expert Advisory Group and Curriculum Authorship Steering Group, Dr Matthew Ruhl and Dr Catherine Andronis, discuss why medical practitioners should enrol into the Certificate and the benefits of undertaking the program for general practitioners and rural generalists.
Dr Bill Kingswell is a psychiatrist with a long-term interest in the educational activities of the RANZCP and chaired the Expert Advisory Group which governed this project.
Dr Matthew Ruhl is a rural generalist (FACRRM), with an advanced skill in mental health and special interests in addiction and sexual health, and all facets of LGBTIQAPSB+ health. He has worked for the past decade in hospitals and health facilities across south-east Queensland. Matt is an active clinical educator for the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) and continues to study actively, is a novice researcher and supports medical student and doctor education. In his spare time, he enjoys his artistic pursuits as an amateur stained-glass maker, cooking, gaming, and sleep (especially sleep!).
Dr Catherine Andronis is a Melbourne-based GP with a special interest in mental health, and a family therapist. She is currently the Chair of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Psychological Medicine Specific Interests group, as well as a medical educator and a keen advocate for mental health care in Australia.Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [email protected]
Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website. - Mostrar mais
