In 2025, many Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) members were sponsored to attend various RANZCP Faculty, Section & Branch Conferences throughout the year. These opportunities were a great way for PIF members to connect and gain deeper insights about psychiatry. 

Read some of PIF scholar's reflections below to hear about their experiences!

Attending the 2025 Faculty of Adult Psychiatry Conference in the beautiful Barossa Valley was a truly inspiring experience. It deepened my interest in psychiatry, especially in two areas that really stood out.

First, I was very impressed by the private psychiatry training model available to senior registrars in Queensland. I hadn’t realised how flexible and high-quality private sector training could be, and it gave me a fresh perspective on career pathways beyond the traditional public system. I also gained a greater appreciation for the dedication of private psychiatrists in balancing their clinical load with teaching and supervision.

Second, I found the sessions on ADHD diagnosis and management in Australia especially engaging. The complexity of adult ADHD, evolving diagnostic criteria, and the increasing demand for evidence-based care really captured my interest, reinforcing my passion for neurodevelopmental psychiatry.

One of the most valuable sessions for me was the presentation on private psychiatry training in Queensland. It was eye-opening to see how senior registrars can work flexibly while still receiving strong supervision and meeting training standards. It’s definitely made me reflect on how I might shape my own training and potential future in the private sector.

Another session that stood out focused on the current challenges in diagnosing and managing adult ADHD. The discussion around evolving diagnostic frameworks, access barriers, and the role of private psychiatrists really emphasised how much need there is in this area—and how much opportunity there is to make a difference.

[The conference] was such a powerful reminder of why I am drawn to psychiatry in the first place, because healing is relational, it’s communal, and it’s rooted in understanding the full context of a person’s life. The talks on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health especially resonated with me. Hearing Spirit described as the core of trust and genuine care: the animating force behind the ability to truly work with someone on their therapeutic journey, resonated very deeply.  It is such critical work for First Nations communities, but also deeply instructive for the future of psychiatry more broadly.

I also found myself captivated by the more specific psychotherapies discussed such as Goodbye Letter Therapy in addiction, with its power to reshape narrative and restore authorship; and Deep Brain Reorienting, especially the way the neural pathways were so clearly laid out. Those sessions reinforced the idea that evidence-based approaches and deep human connection are not opposites, but complementary routes toward the same goal.

Dr Bassiri’s presentation touched something very personal. Earlier this year, during my psychiatry rotation, a young voluntary patient died by suicide the day after discharge. It was devastating, and I felt the painful mismatch between the care she was reaching for and what the system was able to provide. That experience left me questioning whether I wanted to remain in a field that sometimes feels so constrained and disconnected from the values I hold. But listening to Dr Bassiri, and to others throughout the conference, helped me process that experience in a new way, recognising that what I struggled with wasn’t psychiatry itself, but the incomplete systems we practise within.

As someone who has spent a lot of time reading about holistic, integrative, and relational models of mental health, I have always believed psychiatry could become something more expansive and humane. The conference reminded me that this evolution is not hypothetical and it is indeed happening now, led by clinicians and thinkers who refuse to let care, culture, community, and evidence become siloed from one another. I left feeling re-aligned, hopeful, and determined to contribute to that movement both in the relationships I build with patients, and in shaping the systems that hold them.

Attending the RANZCP Faculty of Psychotherapy 2025 Conference was an inspiring experience for me. Before attending, I had assumed that psychotherapy was a standard component of general psychiatric training. I did not realise that psychodynamic psychotherapy, is a big focus of an advanced training with its own advanced skills, specific modalities, and specialised training pathways with the Faculty of Psychotherapy. As Professor McLean noted, “no general psychiatrist is not a good psychotherapist,” which highlighted how psychotherapy remains central to all psychiatric practice. This new insight has given me a deeper appreciation for the diversity and professional development opportunities within psychiatry. This expanded my view of what psychiatry offers as a career. I’ve also included more detailed reflections on certain topics under my “Key Takeaways” section below.

In addition to clinical knowledge, the networking aspect was also invaluable. I was able to connect with peers who share similar interests, and trainees who are genuinely passionate about psychotherapy. Talking to senior registrars about their journeys, gave me a better sense of what the future might look like and how people shape their careers in their own ways. It also made me feel more connected to the broader psychiatric community.

It was also my first proper experience of a psychiatric conference, and I enjoyed learning how knowledge is shared and how sessions are organised. Seeing the balance psychiatrists have in their work and lives made the profession feel even more appealing.

Overall, this conference opened my eyes not only to the role of psychotherapy in treating trauma, but to the richness and flexibility within psychiatry as a whole. This motivates me to keep exploring where I might fit within this specialty.

Several sessions resonated with me and changed the way I think about psychotherapy and trauma recovery. Many presenters shared stories of how patients’ lives changed through psychotherapy, which highlighted how healing often occurs through positive experiences, not just the exploration of suffering. One phrase that stayed with me was, “Neuroscience tells us people only heal from positive experiences.” This reminded me that therapy is not about confronting pain, but more importantly, it is about fostering goodness, kindness, and hope. As “life is not all about suffering.”

Another session that stood out was on grieving and healing for both patients and psychiatrists, especially after a patient’s suicide. The speaker used Edwin Shneidman’s quote, “Suicide is not only the end of life for the deceased, but also the beginning of a highly challenging life for those left behind.” This discussion on moral injury, self-blame, and the psychodynamic model of delusional narrative was deeply moving. It reminded me that psychiatrists are also human, who are vulnerable to loss, guilt, and grief, and that reflective spaces are essential for their own healing and resilience.

These are just a few examples, but they capture how the conference deepened my understanding of trauma, empathy, and the shared humanity between clinicians and patients.

RANZCP Victorian Branch Annual Weekend Conference

Kai Ying Lim's reflection

The conference was inspiring and enriching. It broadened my understanding of current clinical practices, emerging research, and the diverse career pathways within the field. I particularly appreciated meeting participants from different organisations and specialties. These conversations were very helpful for my career development, providing valuable insight into potential pathways. 

Several sessions were particularly valuable to me, including: 

• Treating PTSD and Addiction: Integrated Care, Integration and the Role of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy.  

This session expanded my understanding of the complexities involved in managing comorbid PTSD and substance use disorders. The emphasis on integrated care models underscored the importance of addressing trauma and addiction concurrently rather than in siloed treatment pathways. The discussion on psychedelic-assisted therapy was particularly insightful, highlighting both emerging evidence and the practical considerations involved in implementing such interventions safely and ethically. 

• Psychotherapy and Psychiatrists — Perspectives and Reflections for Training and Service Provision in Public and Private Sectors 

I found the reflections on psychotherapy training pathways particularly relevant. The comparison between public and private sector service delivery highlighted important differences in structure, expectations, and opportunities for incorporating psychotherapy into everyday practice. It encouraged me to reflect on how I can continue building psychotherapy competencies throughout my training.  

• Eliminating Fear-Based Practice

This session was deeply impactful. It addressed how fear-based cultures can influence clinical decision-making, team dynamics, and trainee development.  This session highlighted the importance of fostering psychological and physical safety, reinforced safety assessment and formulation. This encouraged me to consider how I can contribute to creating supportive environments that prioritise patient-centred care.

These sessions collectively strengthened my clinical perspective and inspired further learning. 

Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Conference 

Brittany Bertram's Reflection

Attending the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Conference was a valuable experience that deepened my interest in the field. The conference provided an excellent balance of clinical insight, emerging research, and opportunities to engage with professionals committed to advancing youth mental health. I also appreciated the chance to meet my peers through the PIF program and share our similar experiences. It broadened my understanding of the diverse challenges faced by young people today, as well as service provision of mental health care for children and adolescents. I found it very interesting to hear about the global work being done by the faculty. 
 
One of the most impactful sessions explored climate distress and eco-anxiety in children and adolescents. I found it interesting to hear how climate distress encompasses a wide range of emotional reactions, not just anxiety. Particularly I appreciated hearing about the positive responses including hope that can be found within climate action. I liked the emphasis this session made on the need for clinicians to address their own climate distress in order to care for young people for whom this concern is so present. 

The session on Fixated Threat Assessment Centres (FTACs) provided a fascinating look into the intersection of psychiatry, law enforcement, and public safety. I was intrigued by the multidisciplinary nature of FTACs and their role in identifying individuals at risk of harm to public figures or institutions. The session challenged my assumptions about the ways mental health intersects with these behaviours and I thought the discussion around the role autism plays in young people who develop these behaviours was nuanced and handled incredibly well. 

The scholarly project presentations by peers and early-career professionals were another highlight. This session felt particularly relevant for PIF members who have the scholarly project in our future. These presentations not only showcased the depth of research topics available within psychiatry but also inspired me to consider how I might contribute to the field through future research and academic collaboration. I appreciated the practical tips provided by the recent graduates as well as supervisors of things to consider before embarking on my scholarly project. 

Faculty of Forensic Psychiatry 2025 Conference

Stephanie Schlicht's reflection

I was very fortunate to attend the Forensic Psychiatry Conference as a Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) scholarship recipient. This was my first exposure to the world of Forensic Psychiatry where I learnt the importance of the cross-section between the legal system and mental health and the different role a Forensic Psychiatrist has in these settings. 

Specifically, the civil litigation masterclass with Megan Fitzgerald and Emily Hart was very practical, covering report-writing, testimony and how to keep credibility in the witness box. I also found Abe Stephenson’s talk moving where he spoke with honesty about his lived experience as a doctor who had been incarcerated, and his journey in self-reflection and healing. I also enjoyed learning about the Christchurch formulation as a structured way of thinking through offending, and the session on “pink-collar” crime which challenged some of my assumptions.

A strong theme across the conference was that good forensic psychiatry depends on good general psychiatry. Importantly, I learnt a lot about professional practice, including The Gold Water Rule, declaring conflicts, and respecting colleagues in all facets of the medico-legal system. 

Overall, the conference has strengthened my interest in forensic psychiatry and shown me how the principles of this field can improve everyday clinical practice. I am very grateful for PIF and RANZCP for inviting me to attend and look forward to my future career within Psychiatry. 

The 2025 RANZCP Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age significantly deepened my interest in psychiatry. Being able to speak directly with psychiatrists and trainees was genuinely eye-opening. The conversations gave me an honest sense of what the day-to-day work looks like and what training actually involves beyond the formal curriculum. I walked away with a much clearer and more grounded picture of what a future in psychiatry could look like for me.

I also realised how diverse and complex the field is. Old age psychiatry, in particular, stood out to me. Hearing about the challenges faced in rural and regional settings such as: limited resources, complex multimorbidity, capacity assessments, and the need for strong collaboration between services. These insights gave me a new appreciation for how essential this subspecialty is for rural communities. It made me think more seriously about the role psychiatrists play in ageing populations outside metropolitan areas

Key takeaways

• Old age psychiatry in rural areas: The complexity of managing dementia, behavioural changes, social isolation, and limited specialty access in rural towns highlighted just how important this subspecialty is. It reinforced how much impact a psychiatrist can have in regional health systems.
• ADHD in older adults: Professor Mark Bellgrove’s presentation on ADHD in older adults was one of the most engaging sessions. I hadn’t previously considered how ADHD presents later in life or how it can intersect with cognitive decline, mood disorders, and long-term functional outcomes. His explanation clarified how under-recognised this group is and how much potential there is for improving diagnosis and management.
• AI in psychiatry: I appreciated learning about the emerging role of artificial intelligence particularly around clinical decision-support, pattern recognition in neuropsychological data, and how AI may complement rather than replace the therapeutic and relational aspects of psychiatry.