Transitioning to Retirement

This episode explores the experiences and insights of the transition to retirement in psychiatry. Dr Joanna MacDonald, Dr Brian Craig, Dr Graeme Croft, Dr Nick O’Connor, and A/Prof Chanaka Wijeratne share personal stories, emphasizing the need for mentorship, community involvement, and the significance of maintaining social connections post-retirement. The discussion covers the challenges faced during retirement, the importance of financial planning, and the emotional aspects of leaving a long-term career in medicine. They include practical advice for those approaching retirement, highlighting the importance of flexibility and the potential for a fulfilling retirement life.

Dr Joanna MacDonald (TTRWG Chair) is from Wellington in Aotearoa/New Zealand. She was a member of the TTWRG from its inception, and took over as Chair from Dr Nick O’Connor, in 2024. She worked as a community psychiatrist for 44 yrs before retiring from paid employment in 2021. In addition she was an academic psychiatrist, member of the MCNZ and Chair of its Health Committee, Director of training and held various roles on binational College committees.

Dr Nick O’Connor retired in May 2024 at age 67. He worked in NSW Health services for 43 years including as Area and Clinical Director of mental health services. Nick’s 7-year term on the College Board and 6-year term on the Education Committee including 4 years as Chair concluded in 2024.

Dr Brian Craig is a retired Consultant Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist and an IMG from Scotland. He holds specialist qualifications in both UK and Australasian Colleges and was a Clinical Director and worked in inpatient and outpatient services in Christchurch New Zealand. He was an IMG practice reviewer for the NZMC and was also actively involved with the medical specialist union ASMS being made a life member in 2014. He has been a member of the TTWRG since its inception.

A/Prof Chanaka Wijeratne graduated in medicine from UNSW and trained in old age psychiatry at the Maudsley Hospital, London. He is a clinician who divides his time between public and private practice. He is Clinical Lead of Older Persons' Mental Health at Prince of Wales Hospital. He has a longstanding interest in doctors' health, in particular late career practitioners and doctors from an ethnically and racially diverse background, and in medical regulation

Dr Graeme Croft’s career in psychiatry included public and private practice and work as a  psychiatrist with the Mental Health Review Board.  His retirement from practice in 2011 provided him with an opportunity to develop his longstanding interest in music and music performance, and he successfully undertook  tertiary studies in music (Bachelor of Music and then Master of Fine Art (Research)).  He is now actively involved as a musician, in community music.

Topic suggestion:
If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Please contact us by email at: [e-mail]

Disclaimer:
This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.