Psych Matters

In this episode Associate Professor Mathew Coleman interviews Professor Bruce Singh and Professor Pat McGorry as they explore the experiences and insights of rural psychiatry in Australia. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of providing mental health services in regional areas, the importance of community engagement, and the need for training and mentorship for future psychiatrists. The dialogue emphasises the value of co...

Recorded live at the RANZCP 2025 Congress in the Gold Coast, this podcast features members of the Section of Private Practice Psychiatry. Dr Michelle Atchison and Dr Gary Galambos join host A/Prof Jeffrey Looi to discuss the benefits and challenges of telehealth in psychiatry. They also explore the future of private practice psychiatry in the context of developments in telehealth, digital technology and the private healthcare secto...

This podcast on Female phenotype in Autism and implications for clinical care in psychiatry explores the autistic characteristics in women and girls - often referred to as the female phenotype - which suggests that autistic women and girls have characteristics that are different from the traditional profile observed in males and boys and may be missed. For example, females may have more social skills and are more likely to mask the...

This episode delves into the complex issue of elder abuse, exploring its various forms, including financial and institutional abuse, and the impact of ageism on care for older adults. Dr Yoram Barak and Professor Henry Brodaty discuss the importance of public awareness, education, and the need for systemic changes to address the vulnerabilities faced by the elderly. They emphasise the role of family dynamics and societal expectatio...

This series is dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped the history of RANZCP as past presidents. Out of the 55 individuals who have held this esteemed position, only nine have been women — and with a female president currently at the helm, we reflect on the legacy of their trailblazing contributions. Each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, offering valuable inspi...

This podcast explores the implementation and challenges of Competency-Based Medical Education within the RANZCP Fellowship Program. It features insights from medical educators and trainees on the importance of flexible assessments, effective feedback, and the role of supervisors in fostering a supportive learning environment. The discussion emphasises the need for a curriculum that aligns with workplace realities and the significan...

This series is dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped the history of RANZCP as past presidents. Out of the 55 individuals who have held this esteemed position, only nine have been women — and with a female president currently at the helm, we reflect on the legacy of their trailblazing contributions. Each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, offering valuable inspi...

In this episode, Associate Professor John Allan and Dr Rory Hutchinson interview recent recipients of RANZCP Foundation grants and scholarships, discussing their research projects, what inspired them to pursue psychiatric research, and the challenges and rewards of their work. Associate Professor Nicola Warren, Chair of the Committee for Research, also joins the conversation to explore what makes a successful grant, the importance ...

This series is dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped the history of RANZCP as past presidents. Out of the 55 individuals who have held this esteemed position, only nine have been women — and with a female president currently at the helm, we reflect on the legacy of their trailblazing contributions. Each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, offering valuable inspi...

This episode focuses on the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide, exploring the inquiry's process, key challenges and the recommendations aimed at addressing the systemic issues contributing to veteran suicides. 

Dr Andrew Khoo and Dr Jon Lane interview Dr Peggy Brown AO, one of the Commissioners, who shares insights into the inquiry process, including the challenges of political navigation, the importance of meani...

In this episode of Psych Matters, Dr Daniel Brass interviews psychiatrists in public and private practice, psychiatry trainees, GPs and other doctors about their experience of participating in and leading Balint groups and the value of this aspect of healthcare, which is increasingly recognised as vital for maintaining the wellbeing of the healthcare professions and improving patient care. 

Dr Daniel Brass is a psychiatrist and psyc...

In this episode, our speakers discuss the use of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy in the treatment for conditions such as depression and PTSD. This podcast is intended for individuals considering whether this approach could be helpful in treating their diagnosed psychiatric conditions. The conversation covers the role of psychotherapy in these treatments, the importance of ongoing research and the potential risks and contraindica...

In this episode, Dr Tina Rizkallah discusses the complexities of women's mental health care with Dr Karen Williams and Dr Rajlaxmi Khopade. They explore the systemic barriers and unique challenges that women face, emphasising  the importance of gender-specific and trauma-informed care. The conversation also highlights the need for dedicated services that address the specific mental health needs of women, particularly those who...

In this episode, Dr Rob Kaplan delves into the extraordinary yet often overlooked life of Mary Barkas, a pioneering New Zealand psychiatrist who defied societal norms and gender barriers in the early 20th century. She became the first female doctor at the historic Bethlem Hospital and one of the four medical officers appointed at the opening of the Maudsley Hospital.

Despite her groundbreaking achievements Barkas faced immense chall...

In the second episode of this two-part podcast, Dr Enys Delmage and Dr James Gardiner continue their exploration of the importance of effective, proactive multi-agency collaboration in adolescent forensic mental health settings. They speak to Graeme Penty, Lindsay Yeo, and Kingi Snelgar, who share their experiences working with young people across diverse environments and discuss best practices for providing effective support. 

This...

In celebration of Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day, Psych Matters and Women’s Psychiatry Network have collaborated to produce this episode with Dr Tina Rizkallah and her guests, Dr Carol Silberberg, Dr Susannah Bond and Dr Ophelia Fernandez, as they discuss the vital role of mentorship in the field of psychiatry, particularly for women.  

They explore the definitions and distinctions between mentorship, supervisio...

This two-episode podcast examines the importance of effective, proactive multi-agency collaboration in adolescent forensic mental health settings. In this discussion, Dr James Gardiner and Dr Enys Delmage cover common presentations and highlight best practices across various environments, including inpatient services, community-based care and in-reach programs to youth justice residences (secure units operated by Oranga Tamariki, w...

This episode, developed by the RANZCP Section of Leadership and Management (SLAM), Associate Professor Robert Parker (Chair of SLAM) explores Mark’s journey into leadership and management and aims to encourage and inform Early Career and other psychiatrists in pursuit of a career in Leadership and Management. Mark was given the opportunity to take on leadership roles as an early career psychiatrist. He reflects on his successful sp...

In this episode, Dr Elizabeth Moore interviews Dr Ettore Guaia and Dr Sadaf Khan about their personal experiences with disabilities, particularly visual impairments, and the importance of disability advocacy within the field of psychiatry. They reflect on their training experiences, highlighting the challenges faced by trainees with disabilities and the need for stronger support systems.
Join us as Dr Ettore Guaia and Dr Sadaf ...