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Mersidon Fernandez
Mersidon Fernandez
PGY1, Sydney NSW
Attending the 2026 PIF Retreat was pivotal in my journey as a junior doctor, as it broadened my perspective on psychiatry and what it can offer as a future career path. From the beginning of the retreat, PIF created an intimate and welcoming space in which I was able to explore a range of perspectives within psychiatry, including those of clinical academics, specialist psychiatrists, and lived-experience advocates.
A highlight for me was the subspecialty session, where I had the opportunity to form meaningful connections with local psychiatrists. I appreciated how each clinician embraced their individual interests and passions to create a unique space for themselves within the field. This affirmed to me that psychiatry is a specialty I could see myself pursuing, as it encourages authenticity and the integration of your lived experiences, interests, and values into your work. The session on novel therapies was also highly engaging and informative. Previously, my understanding of psychiatry had largely been shaped by textbooks, clinical guidelines, and the realities of working within the public health system. The retreat challenged and expanded these perspectives by showcasing the extensive research and innovation driving the rapidly evolving field of psychiatry. It highlighted that there is still so much to discover as we work towards improving patient outcomes.
By the end of the retreat, I felt refreshed, excited, and more assured about my future direction. While the path ahead is still challenging, I am grateful for the PIF Retreat experience, as it reinforced psychiatry as a rewarding career that can embrace your interests, values, and individuality.
Attending the 2026 PIF Retreat was pivotal in my journey as a junior doctor, as it broadened my perspective on psychiatry and what it can offer as a future career path. From the beginning of the retreat, PIF created an intimate and welcoming space in which I was able to explore a range of perspectives within psychiatry, including those of clinical academics, specialist psychiatrists, and lived-experience advocates.
A highlight for me was the subspecialty session, where I had the opportunity to form meaningful connections with local psychiatrists. I appreciated how each clinician embraced their individual interests and passions to create a unique space for themselves within the field. This affirmed to me that psychiatry is a specialty I could see myself pursuing, as it encourages authenticity and the integration of your lived experiences, interests, and values into your work. The session on novel therapies was also highly engaging and informative. Previously, my understanding of psychiatry had largely been shaped by textbooks, clinical guidelines, and the realities of working within the public health system. The retreat challenged and expanded these perspectives by showcasing the extensive research and innovation driving the rapidly evolving field of psychiatry. It highlighted that there is still so much to discover as we work towards improving patient outcomes.
By the end of the retreat, I felt refreshed, excited, and more assured about my future direction. While the path ahead is still challenging, I am grateful for the PIF Retreat experience, as it reinforced psychiatry as a rewarding career that can embrace your interests, values, and individuality.
