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Huda Abdulridha
Congress 2025 Reflection
Huda Abdulridha
Medical Postgraduate Year 2, NZ
Attending the 2025 RANZCP Congress was an incredibly rewarding and affirming experience. As a junior doctor with a growing interest in psychiatry, I found the Congress to be a powerful platform to connect with others in the field, deepen my understanding, and reflect on the broader impact of mental health care in Australasia.
One of the most moving aspects of the Congress was hearing the lived experiences shared throughout various sessions. These stories offered rich insight into the realities faced by those navigating mental illness, both as consumers and as carers. They reminded me of the human heart of our profession, and the importance of listening, empathy, and patient-centred care in psychiatry.
I was particularly drawn to the sessions on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which explored not only the clinical aspects but the cultural, historical, and systemic contexts that shape mental health outcomes. The emphasis on culturally safe practice and Indigenous-led models of care was both enlightening and humbling. These sessions encouraged me to reflect on parallels with Māori health in Aotearoa, and the shared responsibility we have as healthcare providers to advocate for equity and meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities.
The Congress also offered a chance to meet inspiring psychiatrists, trainees, and fellow students who generously shared their experiences and advice. The networking events facilitated genuine conversations, and it was energising to be surrounded by others who are passionate about mental health and its future.
Overall, the 2025 Congress has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in psychiatry and reinforced the values I hope to carry forward in practice—curiosity, compassion, and cultural humility. I am grateful to the Psychiatry Interest Forum for this opportunity and look forward to being part of future Congresses.
Attending the 2025 RANZCP Congress was an incredibly rewarding and affirming experience. As a junior doctor with a growing interest in psychiatry, I found the Congress to be a powerful platform to connect with others in the field, deepen my understanding, and reflect on the broader impact of mental health care in Australasia.
One of the most moving aspects of the Congress was hearing the lived experiences shared throughout various sessions. These stories offered rich insight into the realities faced by those navigating mental illness, both as consumers and as carers. They reminded me of the human heart of our profession, and the importance of listening, empathy, and patient-centred care in psychiatry.
I was particularly drawn to the sessions on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which explored not only the clinical aspects but the cultural, historical, and systemic contexts that shape mental health outcomes. The emphasis on culturally safe practice and Indigenous-led models of care was both enlightening and humbling. These sessions encouraged me to reflect on parallels with Māori health in Aotearoa, and the shared responsibility we have as healthcare providers to advocate for equity and meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities.
The Congress also offered a chance to meet inspiring psychiatrists, trainees, and fellow students who generously shared their experiences and advice. The networking events facilitated genuine conversations, and it was energising to be surrounded by others who are passionate about mental health and its future.
Overall, the 2025 Congress has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in psychiatry and reinforced the values I hope to carry forward in practice—curiosity, compassion, and cultural humility. I am grateful to the Psychiatry Interest Forum for this opportunity and look forward to being part of future Congresses.
