The annual Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) Retreat was held in Gadigal country (Sydney) from 22–23 April, bringing together 21 PIF members from across Australia for an immersive 1.5-day educational program exploring careers in psychiatry. 

Sixteen enthusiastic medical students and six junior doctors joined the program, including 6 Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander members, and 9 from rural areas. The program included a variety of topics and diverse presentations to highlight the various career paths in psychiatry. 

The event began on a relaxed and social note, with a welcome dinner – an opportunity for PIF scholars to connect, share experiences, and build new networks. 

The following day was guided by the event facilitator, Dr Chris Henry, a Walbunja man from Yuin Country, a passionate rural Indigenous trainee and College Rural Champion from NSW, currently working in Albury-Wodonga. 

The program opened with an insightful “day in the life” session by Dr Angelo Virgona, RANZCP President Elect and Chair of the PIF Advisory Group. PIF scholars then took part in a practical, skills-based workshop led by A/Prof Rod McKay focusing on how to begin patient interviews effectively. 

Responding to strong interest from PIF scholars, the program also featured a session on perinatal and infant psychiatry. Dr Alice Dwyer explored the complexities of trauma within parent–child relationships, offering valuable clinical insights. The afternoon shifted to broader perspectives, with Dr Adam Bayes discussing emerging research into novel treatments such as ketamine and a career in academic psychiatry, followed by Dr Stephen Rosenman, who encouraged participants to look beyond diagnoses and consider the patient as a whole. 

A highlight of the day was the subspecialties panel and speed networking session. PIF scholars engaged with clinicians across a wide range of fields, including addiction psychiatry, neuropsychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison, psychotherapy, intellectual and developmental disability, and old age psychiatry. We extend our thanks to Dr Ming Yong, Dr Adith Mohan, Dr Pramudie Gunaratne, Dr Kelsey Josling, Dr Chloe Boateng, Dr Michael Maclean, and Dr Helena Angel-Scott for generously sharing their experiences and insights. 

On Thursday, the program began with Dr Ian Korbel, NSW Branch Chair, who introduced forensic psychiatry through engaging case discussions and dispelling myths about this specialty. This was followed by Dr Natalie Puchalski, addressing the importance of maintaining personal wellbeing throughout training and clinical practice. The program then covered a powerful lived experience talk from an external speaker, Ezra Burke, who reflected on their journey through complex mental health challenges and highlighting the importance of advocacy and co-design in care. 

Later in the morning, A/Prof Anoop Sankaranarayanan provided an overview of the NSW training pathway, offering clarity and practical guidance for those considering the specialty. Dr Chris Henry also shared a personal reflection on their journey into medicine as an Indigenous rural trainee. Throughout the sessions, PIF scholars had numerous opportunities to ask questions and network with the participating speakers.  

The event concluded with a reflective Yarning Circle, which created a supportive space for PIF scholars to share their experiences, insights, and takeaways from the retreat. 

We thank all participating College members and Ezra Burke for contributing their time and expertise to make this PIF Retreat a success.