Women's History Month: Women Mentoring Women

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, supervision and sponsorship, as well as the benefits and challenges of both organic and formal mentorship programs. The conversation shares personal experiences, emphasises the importance of supportive relationships and advocates for equitable access to mentorship opportunities. With practical advice for those considering mentorship, the discussion highlights how it can be a rewarding experience for both mentors and mentees alike. 

Dr Carol Silberberg is the Director of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry at St Vincent’s Melbourne and has more than fifteen years of experience in asylum seeker mental health. After stepping away from her role in academic psychiatry to raise her children, she has remained an active contributor to clinical research and medical education. Dr Silberberg is passionate about improving gender equity, family-friendly practices and mental wellbeing within the medical workforce. As a psychiatrist, she understands the value of self-care and so dabbles as a ceramicist, cellist, cook, fitness and karaoke enthusiast. 

Dr Susannah Bond is an early-career psychiatrist specialising in eating disorders. She also plays an active role in medical education, supporting prevocational doctors as Director of Clinical Training and psychiatry registrars as Chief Training Supervisor at her health service.  An internationally trained medical graduate (IMG) from the UK, Susannah moved to Australia with her young family eight years ago. 

Dr Ophelia Fernandez is a consultant psychiatrist at the statewide Psychological Trauma Recovery Service at Austin Health, where she provides specialised psychiatric care to first responders and other individuals with trauma-related mental health disorders. She is also the coordinator of the mentoring program for psychiatry trainees at Austin Health. Ophelia completed her undergraduate medical training in Ireland and went on to finish her psychiatry training at the Austin. 

Dr Tina Rizkallah is an early career psychiatrist working in the areas of eating disorders and forensic psychiatry. She has a particular interest in exploring women's experiences and their intersection with mental disorders, focusing on issues such as body image, coercive control, and domestic and family violence.  A passionate advocate for gender equality, she currently serves as the chair of the Women's Psychiatry Network. 

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