We’re showcasing how RANZCP members have a positive impact for their communities and collectively help to build a connected, strong and thriving psychiatric profession across Australia and New Zealand. Dr Heather Collyer shared with us her reflections on the Psychiatry Interest Forum and how this helped strengthen the pipeline into psychiatry by connecting medical students with local networks and opportunities, while building more sustainable pathways for future engagement.

1. Can you tell me a little about your role and how you became involved with the RANZCP’s Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF)?

Professionally, I’m an advanced trainee in adult psychiatry with the Hunter New England training network, based in Newcastle, and outside of work I’m also a parent (which has been my biggest role for the last eight years).

I became involved with PIF when I was seconded to the University of Newcastle Joint Medical Program as a psychiatry education fellow. From there I worked with PIF, the university, and our local network to support medical students and strengthen links into psychiatry.

2. Were you formerly a PIF member yourself?

Yes. I joined PIF as a junior medical officer in 2013, when PIF was still getting established. At the time I wasn’t set on psychiatry, but an intern term in psychiatry encouraged me to consider it, and I found PIF through that process.

PIF was really important for me in those early years as it helped me see psychiatry as a legitimate pathway and gave me a sense of belonging when I didn’t know anyone else aiming for the specialty. Once I became a registrar, my focus naturally shifted to getting through training, but those JMO years were pretty crucial.

3. What areas of psychiatry are you practicing in currently?

I’m currently working and training in adult psychiatry as an advanced trainee with the Hunter New England training network, based in Newcastle. Alongside my clinical work, I’ve also been involved in medical education through my psychiatry education fellow role with the University of Newcastle, which has linked closely with my PIF involvement.

4. What inspires or motivates you in the work you do, and what’s your vision to inspire the next generation into psychiatry?

I’m motivated by the privilege of doing meaningful work in psychiatry, advocating for people, stepping into their worlds, and contributing to a healthier community. My personal faith is part of that motivation, because themes like healing, teaching, and advocacy align closely with how I understand the work I do.

My vision is to strengthen a sustainable pipeline into psychiatry by supporting students early and connecting them with role models and local networks. Practically, that’s included running a medical student careers night in 2024 (with PIF funding and College support) and then seeing students take more ownership in 2025. I want this work to be sustainable beyond any one person, with student societies and education fellows continuing the momentum.

5. What do you enjoy most about being part of the College community?

I most enjoy the medical education work itself and the sense of working as part of a wider community toward a shared goal. I’ve been surrounded by psychiatrists, administrative staff, students, the university, and our local health network who are all contributing in different ways.

I also value the practical support the College can provide through programs like PIF, including funding and structure that help local initiatives feel possible and legitimate. I genuinely enjoy teaching, and being part of the College community has been a way to turn that enjoyment into something that supports students and strengthens pathways into psychiatry.

6. What message would you share with other members who might be thinking about getting involved or contributing?

I’d encourage people to find their team and work collaboratively because contributions are much more sustainable when you’re alongside others (clinicians, admin staff, students, and local partners) who share the same goal.

I’d also say: build on what your local networks already do well and accept the support the College can offer. Also be realistic about capacity: saying yes to one thing often means saying no to something else, so focus on what you’re passionate about and commit in a way that’s sustainable.