Psych Matters

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. 

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 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 

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, 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:

1. Professor Richard J Davidson on the neuroplasticity of emotional wellbeing
2. White Paper on the science of awe, which describes the impact of training in competencies which overlap with psychedelic mystical experience
3. Compassion Focused therapy in psychedelic assisted therapy

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 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. 

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 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.  

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 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. 

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 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. 

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 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 data

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, 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.  

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.