Psych Matters

In this episode, Professor Mal Hopwood and Professor Colleen Loo discuss the introduction of esketamine to the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) in Australia. They explore the mechanism of action of esketamine, its clinical trials, practical applications, treatment protocols, costs, safety monitoring, and the importance of informed consent. The conversation emphasises the need for proper patient expectations and long-term treatment considerations in managing treatment-resistant depression.

Professor 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.

Professor 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.

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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, we explore ethical leadership in psychiatry, particularly in the context of the Royal Commission into Mental Health Care. Dr Nardine Elzahaby leads the discussion with Professor Sharon Lawn, Kerry Hawkins, and Professor Neeraj Gill on incorporating lived experience into decision-making and the need for systemic transformation to better serve patients and families. This conversation delves into the complexities of ethical leadership, exploring themes such as power dynamics, cultural humility, and reflective practice. The speakers discuss psychiatry’s historical context, the responsibilities of mental health professionals, and the need for systemic change to address disparities in care.

Victorian Psychiatrist Leadership Development Framework

Dr Nardine Elzahaby is a Consultation-Liaison psychiatrist and the unit Director of the Adult Mental Health Service at Dandenong hospital, Monash Health. She runs a Telehealth Psychiatry clinic. She is a former co-founder, co-director and tutor at IMGSOS, an online tutoring business for IMG and local graduates of medicine, pharmacy and dentistry. She is interested in Telehealth implementation and the use of AI in psychiatry, business, mentoring and doctors’ health.

Professor Sharon Lawn is the Executive Director of Lived Experience Australia with over 24 years of Lived Experience advocacy, 23 years as a mental health professional, and similar period as a mental health researcher focused on consumer and family perspectives and experiences of healthcare systems. Professor Lawn is involved in a number of state and national committees, including as a Board Director for Mental Health Australia and the Australian Self-Care Alliance.

Ms Kerry Hawkins from a Lived Experience perspective as a family member. Her interests lie in systems transformation. She is a graduate of Boston University's Global Leadership Institute's Recovery Class of 2013 and returned this year from a Churchill Scholarship investigating international rights-based contemporary approaches to mental health that recognise the integral role of families in mental health.

Professor Neeraj Gill is a psychiatrist at Gold Coast Health. He is the Regional Vice-President, Oceania of the World Federation for Mental Health and the Secretary of the World Psychiatric Association Section on Psychiatry, Law and Ethics. Neeraj was awarded his Doctor of Public Health degree from the University of New South Wales (UNSW) based on his doctoral thesis on 'human rights of people with mental disabilities'. He has published many papers on human rights, mental health law, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.

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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.
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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 Mathew Coleman interviews Professor Bruce Singh and Professor Pat McGorry as they explore the experiences and insights of rural psychiatry in Australia. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of providing mental health services in regional areas, the importance of community engagement, and the need for training and mentorship for future psychiatrists. The dialogue emphasises the value of continuity of care, leadership, and the social contract that exists between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. The speakers advocate for increased resources and support for rural mental health services, highlighting the potential for positive change in the field. 

Professor Bruce Singh AM is an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and previously Head of Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. He received his medical and psychiatry training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney after graduating from the University of Sydney.  He is currently Chair of the RANZCP Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Steering Group. 

Professor Patrick D. McGorry is a professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and Director of Orygen Youth Health and Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Victoria, Australia. Prof McGorry received his medical degree from the University of Sydney and his doctorates from Monash University and the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. He is a world-leading clinician, researcher, and reformer in the areas of early psychosis, early intervention and youth mental health. Prof McGorry's work has played an integral role in the development of safe, effective treatments and innovative research involving the needs of young people with emerging mental disorders, notably psychotic and severe mood disorders. The result has been the creation, evaluation and upscaling of stigma-free, holistic and recovery oriented models of care for young people and their families. The work of Prof McGorry and key research colleagues at EPPIC and Orygen has influenced health policy in Australia and many other countries and he has advised governments and health systems in many jurisdictions. 

Associate Professor Mathew Coleman is a consultant psychiatrist with the WA Country Health Service, Clinical Director for the Midwest Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol Service and Clinical Academic with the Rural Clinical School of WA. He is a qualified child and adolescent, and addiction psychiatrist and has experience and qualifications in health service management. He is the chair of the Binational Section for Rural Psychiatry for the RANZCP.

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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.
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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.

Recorded live at the RANZCP 2025 Congress in the Gold Coast, this podcast features members of the Section of Private Practice Psychiatry. Dr Michelle Atchison and Dr Gary Galambos join host A/Prof Jeffrey Looi to discuss the benefits and challenges of telehealth in psychiatry. They also explore the future of private practice psychiatry in the context of developments in telehealth, digital technology and the private healthcare sector. 

A/Prof Jeffrey Looi, MBBS Syd, MD ANU, DMedSc Melb, FRANZCP, AFRACMA, FAMA, is a clinical academic neuropsychiatrist in private practice and leads the Social Psychiatry and Epidemiology Research Unit at the School of Medicine and Psychology, The Australian National University. He conducts research in health services, health policy and neuroscience, and is Editor-in-Chief of the peer-reviewed journal Australasian Psychiatry. 

Jeffrey has received numerous research and leadership awards, including a Fulbright Scholarship, the Australian-Davos-Connection Future Summit Leadership Award, and Fellowship of the AMA. He is a co-author of over 375 peer-reviewed papers, with 6,056 citations and an h-index of 36. 

Dr Michelle Atchison is a private psychiatrist based in Adelaide, where she runs a practice focused on military psychiatry and independent medical examinations (IMEs) in civil law. She has been a strong advocate for private psychiatry within the College and is a former Chair of the Section of Private Practice Psychiatry. 

She currently serves as an elected Board Director of the College and is Chair of the Education Committee.

Dr Gary Galambos is Chair of the Binational Section of Private Practice Psychiatry for the RANZCP, Associate Professor at the Medical School of the University of Notre Dame, and Medical Director of the Uspace Young Adult Mental Health Service at St Vincent’s Private Hospital Sydney. At Uspace, he has established a medtech incubator and R&D innovation program focused on developing advanced treatment programs for OCD, TRD and ADHD. 

He is the founder of the mental health utility platform MindSkiller.com, designed to support these programs through the integration of next-generation technologies. MindSkiller incorporates digital CBT interventions using VR and scent-based devices, person-centred shared care models with single- or multi-team case management software, remote psychiatric governance and a consent-based approach to data sharing. It also includes a service-based care pathway form tailored to individual consumer needs, enabling integration of all clinical activities, as well as additional digital tools such as telehealth-enabled eLearning modules.

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 podcast on Female phenotype in Autism and implications for clinical care in psychiatry explores the autistic characteristics in women and girls - often referred to as the female phenotype - which suggests that autistic women and girls have characteristics that are different from the traditional profile observed in males and boys and may be missed. For example, females may have more social skills and are more likely to mask their difficulties and camouflage autistic traits. While the features of female phenotype fit into current diagnostic criteria, they may be expressed in ways that exclude them from traditional methods of assessing and diagnosing autism. Moreover, because research on autistic females is lacking, our understanding is limited. For example, there may be more mental health challenges and burn out from camouflaging, and this has clinical implications for both assessment and management. 

Prof Valsamma Eapen is Professor and Chair of Infant, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, UNSW Sydney & Head, Academic Unit of Child Psychiatry South West Sydney (AUCS). Eapen is also Director of BestSTART Child Health Academic unit; Chair, Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, RANZCP; and Treasurer and President Elect of International Neuropsychiatry Association.  Clinically trained in India and the UK, Eapen completed advanced training in Child Psychiatry at the Great Ormond Street Hospital Rotational Scheme and Institute of Child Health, and PhD from University of London with research on Tourette Syndrome undertaken at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. Known internationally for expertise in neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and Tourette Syndrome, Eapen’s work focuses on health equity.

Dr Pramudie Gunaratne is the current Chair of the NSW Branch of Psychiatrists and has previously completed a term with the Board of Directors for the RANZCP as the inaugural Director from the trainee cohort. She has received multiple awards, including the World Psychiatric Association Early Career Psychiatrists Fellowship and a Fellowship in Intellectual Disability Neuropsychiatry with the Health Education and Training Institute. Pramudie has been a consultant to the Brain Health Unit at the World Health Organization in Geneva where her work centred on improving research and diagnostic rates for dementia in low- and middle-income countries. She is the co-founder of Seriph Clinics, a specialist private service caring for people with complex neuropsychiatric disorders. She is also a Research Fellow at the Department of Developmental Disability Neuropsychiatry (3DN).

References/Resources 

• Autism in women and girls | Autism Awareness 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.

This episode delves into the complex issue of elder abuse, exploring its various forms, including financial and institutional abuse, and the impact of ageism on care for older adults. Dr Yoram Barak and Professor Henry Brodaty discuss the importance of public awareness, education, and the need for systemic changes to address the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly. They emphasise the role of family dynamics and societal expectations in perpetuating abuse and highlight the necessity for community engagement and advocacy to combat these issues.  

Dr Yoram Barak is an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at the Otago School of Medicine, Dunedin and consultant psychogeriatrician at Te Whatu Ora - Health New Zealand Southern (formerly SDHB). He is the convenor for 4th year students in the Department of Psychological Medicine. 

He trained in medicine and psychiatry at the Sackler School of Medicine. In 1993, he became an Israel Medical Scientific Council Specialist in psychiatry, and in 2004 was awarded a Master in Health Administration from Ben-Gurion University, Beer-Sheva, Israel. Dr Barak was the medical director of Israel’s inpatient psychiatric services for Holocaust survivors for 25 years. He is past president of the Israeli Association of Old Age Psychiatry, and the associate editor for Aging Psychiatry of the Frontiers in psychiatry. Dr Barak serves on the board of the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age for RANZCP. 

Dr Barak's research interests include a wide range of psychiatric conditions with special emphasis on old age psychiatry, dementia prevention, and suicide. He has published extensively in these areas, and he is an author and co-author of over 200 peer-reviewed journal articles. His book "Preventing Alzheimer's Disease" has been published in the US.  

Professor Henry Brodaty is a researcher, clinician, policy advisor, and strong advocate for people with dementia and their carers. At UNSW Sydney, he is scientia professor of Ageing and Mental Health and co-director of the Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing. He has published extensively, is a senior psychogeriatrician at Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney. He serves on multiple committees for the NSW and Australian governments and WHO. 

References/Resources: 

• Older people - Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 

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 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 Kym Jenkins shares her journey in psychiatry, discussing her leadership roles, the challenges faced in asylum seeker health, and the importance of peer support in mental health. She reflects on her early life influences, the issue of substance abuse in the medical profession, and the need for cultural changes in medical training. Dr Jenkins emphasises the significance of mentorship and supervision in psychiatry, while also offering advice for aspiring female leaders in the field. The discussion concludes with a focus on personal wellbeing and the impact of healthcare professionals on their patients' lives.

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.

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).

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 podcast explores the implementation and challenges of Competency-Based Medical Education within the RANZCP Fellowship Program. It features insights from medical educators and trainees on the importance of flexible assessments, effective feedback, and the role of supervisors in fostering a supportive learning environment. The discussion emphasises the need for a curriculum that aligns with workplace realities and the significance of faculty development in enhancing educational practices.

This podcast was recorded following a symposium at the RANZCP Congress 2025 on CBME.

Prof Andrew Teodorczuk is a consultant old age psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Training at the Prince Charles Hospital, and Adjunct Professor at The University of Queensland. He has published over 100 papers and is recognised for his work in interprofessional education, work-based learning and wellbeing, earning awards including the Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA).

Dr Anthony Llewellyn is a general and adult psychiatrist working within the RANZCP Education team, providing academic leadership in education and assessment design for the Fellowship Program. With experience across the full spectrum of medical education, including roles in the Hunter New England Psychiatry Training Program and as Executive Medical Director of HETI NSW, he brings extensive expertise to the role.

Julie Hatty has been CEO of the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria since 2019. With a background in clinical nursing and previous experience as Director of Medical Workforce at Eastern Health Melbourne, she has led key initiatives including the rollout of the National Framework for Prevocational Medical Trainees.

Dr Sarah Rickman is Medical Director at the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria and a practising Emergency Physician. She has extensive experience in prevocational medical education, including roles with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. At PMCV, she has led stakeholder collaboration and training efforts to support the implementation of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) in Victoria.

Dr Simon Fleming is a consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon, medical education PhD, and internationally recognised advocate for culture change. A former trainee leader, he held roles with the UK Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and British Orthopaedic Trainees’ Association. He's a founding board member of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance and sits on the NIHR Clinical Education Incubator board.

Dr Georgia Ramsden is a stage three psychiatry trainee working in Older Adult Mental Health in Palmerston North, New Zealand. As Chair of the Binational Committee for Trainees, she sits on several RANZCP committees and has gained different perspectives of the College’s operations. 

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 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 Elizabeth Moore, who has recently completed her term as president. They reflect on Dr Moore’s formative years, her entry into psychiatry, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male profession. The conversation also explores key topics such as the ‘Yes’ campaign for Aboriginal representation, the importance of cultural safety in mental health, and the role of epigenetics in psychiatric care. Dr Moore also shares her insights on leadership, work-life balance and the future of mental health advocacy, highlighting the importance of collaboration and cultural understanding in advancing mental health care. 

Dr Elizabeth Moore served as the president of the RANZCP from 2023 to 2025. Born in Malaya and educated in England and Australia, she completed her medical degree at the University of Adelaide before attaining Fellowship of the RANZCP in 1990. 

Dr Moore has extensive experience across public and private hospital and community settings. She has held both clinical and administrative roles in psychiatry in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. She is also the inaugural ACT Coordinator-General of the Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing. 

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).

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, Associate Professor John Allan and Dr Rory Hutchinson interview recent recipients of RANZCP Foundation grants and scholarships, discussing their research projects, what inspired them to pursue psychiatric research, and the challenges and rewards of their work. Associate Professor Nicola Warren, Chair of the Committee for Research, also joins the conversation to explore what makes a successful grant, the importance of teamwork in research and the power of infectious curiosity! 

The RANZCP Foundation is the College charity and funds clinical research in psychiatry. Discover more: https://www.ranzcp.org/grants-awards-giving/ranzcp-foundation/about-the-foundation.

Dr Sean Halstead is a trainee and is studying at the University of Queensland. He was awarded the inaugural Foundation Partners PhD scholarship for his research into the health burden of multiple chronic physical conditions in people living with severe mental illness. 

Dr Jacqueline Huber is a Senior Staff Specialist Psychiatrist at St Vincent’s Hospital and is studying at the University of Sydney. She was awarded the 2024 Trisno Family PhD scholarship and for her research: Psychiatric Emergency Care Centres: what are they good for? 

Dr Yoon Kwon Choi is a trainee at the Queensland Centre of Excellence for Autism and Intellectual Disability at Mater Hospital. In 2024, he was awarded a Beverley Raphael New Investigator Grant for his research into the barriers faced by Korean-speaking people in Australia with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder in accessing healthcare. 

Dr Malcolm Forbes is a consultant psychiatrist and psychogeriatrician at Barwon Health. In 2022, he was awarded the Trisno Family PhD Scholarship for his research into the biological factors associated with depression in older Australians, with the aim of improving diagnosis and identifying new treatments. 

Associate Professor Nicola Warren is a neuropsychiatrist, Queensland Director of 
Psychiatry Training, and the Mental Health Course Coordinator at the University of Queensland. She was the recipient of the RANZCP Early Career Psychiatrist Award in 2019 and is the Chair of the RANZCP Committee for Research. 

RANZCP-Foundation-2024-Impact-Report.pdf

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.