Psych Matters

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 ...

Kon Karapanagiotidis, the founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre (ASRC), joins Dr Kym Jenkins and Brianna Sleeth to discuss the Centre’s mission of providing holistic support to asylum seekers and refugees. Established 23 years ago, the ASRC aims to create a safe and welcoming environment for individuals who have experienced trauma and persecution. Its comprehensive range of services includes food banks, health and psychiatry...

In this episode, Associate Professor Campbell Paul and Dr Linda Kader explore the intricate world of infant mental health, emphasising the roles of play, trauma awareness and parental involvement in early childhood development. They discuss the importance of observing infants, understanding the impact of early experiences and the necessity of cultural sensitivity in practice. The conversation also highlights global initiatives in i...

The Psych Matters team: David, Jo-Rose and Nishta, would like to thank you for your support during the year 2024. We hope that you’ve enjoyed the many topics and like to thank College members and others who have generously given their time to develop and present Psych Matters. We’ll be back on the 3rd of January with the next episode of Psych Matters.

In this episode, Prof Vlasios Brakoulias, Dr Gary Galambos and Dr Mikael...

In this episode, Dr Choong-Siew Yong and Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi discuss the benefits and drawbacks of telepsychiatry and digital mental health delivery for general psychiatric care and specifically for children and adolescents. The pre- and post-pandemic approaches are discussed, including the emergency response for younger people. The conversation also examines the benefits and risks of telepsychiatry, including equitabl...

In this episode, Penny Lewis, a clinical psychologist, interviews her husband, Dr George Blair-West, a psychiatrist, on his presentation at RANZCP 2024 Congress about Unconscious Lateral Intelligence (ULI).  

Our minds have an amazing capacity to solve the most challenging problems while not consciously thinking about it and being engaged in something totally unrelated. It can even do this while we sleep. Dr Blair-West outlines his ...

In this episode, Dr Choong-Siew Yong and Associate Professor Jeffrey Looi discuss computer gaming culture from the viewpoint of understanding the interests and hobbies of patients and community members, as well as considering benefits and harms specifically for children and adolescents. The issues discussed include definitions, how and why people choose to play computer games, and risks such as excessive gaming and introduction to ...

In this special Halloween episode, Dr Rob Kaplan explores the intersection of psychiatry and the myth of vampires, particularly through the lens of Renfield’s syndrome, a fictional condition derived from Bram Stoker's novel Dracula. It discusses how psychiatric disorders are defined, the historical context of vampirism, and the implications of clinical cases related to blood drinking behaviour. The discussion emphasises the so...