The RANZCP Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) successfully delivered the Introduction to Psychiatry Short Course at the College WA Branch Office in Perth on Saturday 18 October. Twenty-three PIF members were fully supported to participate in the one-day course. 

Attendees had the opportunity to network, learn and connect with College Fellows, trainees and a local community member with lived experience. 

The program commenced with a social dinner, the evening prior to the Short Course, and included a diverse range of presentation topics, such as rural and metro training pathways, rural psychiatry, First Nations mental health, a day in the life of a trainee, and psychiatry subspecialties. PIF members also participated in two ‘Speed Networking’ sessions during the day. 

The PIF team would like to acknowledge and thank Dr Jarrard Paul for facilitating the Short Course; Drs Kalliste Black, Murugesh Nidyananda, Vinesh Gupta, Binu Jayawardena, Jodi Eatt, and Lianne Leung for their presentations and engagement with the PIF members; a special thanks to Ms Sharon Taylor (community member) for her generous participation in the Short Course; as well as Angie Padoan for her support as the WA Branch Coordinator. 

It was wonderful to see engagement, enthusiasm and participation from PIF members throughout the Course. 

Below reflection and feedback demonstrates the success of the PIF Introduction to Psychiatry Short Course program and its impact: 

Kavindya Perera, Medical Postgraduate Year 2, WA

It was a privilege to attend the Psychiatry Interest Forum’s Short Course in Perth, an opportunity that was both inspiring and motivating as a junior doctor interested in psychiatry. This short course featured multiple unique aspects, including sessions from a diverse panel of speakers, including experienced psychiatrists from subspecialties such as forensic, consultation-liaison, and old age psychiatry, as well as psychiatry trainees, who all shared their valuable insights. However, a crucial highlight for me was the platform this short course provided for individuals with lived experience of mental health, as it offered a space for them to share their voices. This part of the course was particularly moving for me because it addressed an aspect that I often feel is overlooked, thus serving as a powerful reminder of the core of psychiatry and humanised the day's proceedings. 

Moreover, attending this course provided an excellent opportunity to network with this expert panel. Each networking session encouraged all forms of experience and questions to be brought forth, cultivating an atmosphere for meaningful exchange throughout the day. 

Prior to attending this course, I was eager and mindful that I would learn more about the various opportunities in psychiatry. With hindsight, attending this course achieved much more than I had anticipated. It has provided a comprehensive understanding of subspecialties, the training program, and career opportunities that I had not previously considered, all the while facilitating multiple networking sessions throughout the day, all of which I am sure will be invaluable for my career aspirations. Therefore, attending this course has reaffirmed my passion for mental health care and has further reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in psychiatry, and I am very grateful to the Psychiatry Interest Forum for facilitating this wonderful course.

Jacinta Truda, Medical Student 3^rd Year, WA

Over the weekend of the 17-18th October, I was fortunate enough to be granted a scholarship to attend the Introduction to Psychiatry Short Course, held in Perth and hosted by PIF. As a penultimate year medical student who has been interested in psychiatry for many years, it was incredibly rewarding to learn and connect with future colleagues. I have always had an interest in psychiatry, however it has been hard to find specific information about the training pathways, and this is why I initially applied to attend this course. Not only were all my questions answered, but I was able to network with likeminded students who I’m sure I will continue to connect with through our future careers.

One of the unique things about this course was the ability to network with both other participants and the speakers. The night before the course we were treated to an amazing ‘social dinner’, which allowed us to make personal connections with the other delegates. On the Saturday, there were scheduled networking sessions with every speaker in small groups, so all our questions were answered. I found that the breadth of speakers, in both their specialty areas, and their progression through their career, meant that there was someone available to answer any question I might have. One of the things I learned from this course was the scope of psychiatry practice available, even as an individual clinician. We also had the privilege of hearing from someone with a lived experience of mental illness, giving us such valuable insight as future practitioners. I’m so grateful to PIF for this opportunity and highly recommend the course to anyone thinking of psychiatry!

Josephine Younan, Medical Student 1^st Year, WA

Before attending the PIF short course, I anticipated simply having an opportunity to hear about psychiatry, but what I experienced went far beyond these expectations. 

The PIF team turned a one-day course into an enriching and in-depth experience through their exceptional support and organisation.

The social dinner on Friday provided a great opportunity to connect with other medical students and doctors. I received invaluable advice that extended well beyond psychiatry, offering guidance on how to navigate the next few years of medical school and internship.

As a medical student based in Broome, I found it particularly rewarding to hear from the healthcare team working in the city. Their insights broadened my understanding of the diverse ways psychiatry and mental health care are practised across different regions in WA.

Hearing from each speaker during the course was amazing, with such a varied range of experience and advice. Dr Jodi Eatt’s talk especially resonated with me as her reflection on the tea ceremony beautifully illustrated the importance of human connection that underpins psychiatric practise. 

Hearing from community members about their lived experiences was equally powerful. It offered a genuine understanding of how psychiatrists play a vital role in improving patient outcomes and fostering compassion in care.

After attending the PIF short course, I feel truly inspired to pursue further training and placements in psychiatry as part of my medical journey. As a student with financial challenges, the scholarship to attend the short course made this opportunity possible, so thank you very much to PIF and RANZCP for the support.

Thank you to the entire PIF team for creating such a meaningful and transformative experience.

Caleb Pellowe, Medical Student 3^rd Year, WA

My interest in psychiatry blindsided me in my second year of medical school. Prior to my first placement in the field, I had not even considered psychiatry. I don’t think I even knew it existed as a pathway after medicine. Yet an aptly timed word of advice to “go in with an open mind” led to the most incredible rotation I’ve ever had. The stories that were shared with me and the people I got to meet left a profound impact on me. Since then, I’ve sought to explore as much as I can of the world of psychiatry.

So, you best believe that when I saw an opportunity for the PIF Introduction to Psychiatry Short Course, I applied immediately. I thoroughly enjoyed the day, hearing from both psychiatrists in different fields and community members who had benefited from psychiatric intervention. One of my highlights was hearing what each of the psychiatrists enjoyed about their careers. As a medical student, it can be very difficult to gauge whether you enjoy a field of medicine due to novelty or because it would be a good fit. Many of the reasons they enjoyed their job were the same things I enjoyed during my placements in psychiatry, which has been a big encouragement. My determination to chase a career in psychiatry was strong beforehand, and the short course further cemented my dreams. I am thankful for all the day taught me.

Michael Addis, Medical Postgraduate Year 2, WA

Attending the RANZCP Short Course and Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) program was a valuable and inspiring experience that gave me greater clarity about my future direction in psychiatry.

One of the most meaningful aspects of the course was hearing directly from psychiatrists about their varied paths into the specialty. Each speaker brought a unique perspective — from those working in metropolitan teaching hospitals to others thriving in regional and remote settings. I found it particularly encouraging to hear how many had trained in various areas and places, demonstrating that psychiatry is embedded throughout all areas of the community.

The pragmatic, career-focused sessions were especially helpful in outlining the next steps toward training and fellowship. Topics such as application preparation, supervision, and maintaining wellbeing during training provided practical insight into the realities of the pathway.

Before attending, I had limited awareness of the rural psychiatry training program. Dr Kalliste Black’s presentation offered an engaging and authentic account of the benefits of working and living rurally — both professionally and personally. This has encouraged me to explore rural training opportunities, where the close-knit communities and continuity of care align strongly with my values and interests.

Overall, the course reinforced my enthusiasm for psychiatry as a field that combines science, curiosity, and advocacy. It was great to meet and listen to psychiatrists who had achieved so much in their fields.