Psych Matters

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 inspiration and insights for the next generation of women in psychiatry as we continue working towards great gender equity. In this episode, Dr Kym Jenkins shares her journey in psychiatry, discussing her leadership roles, the challenges faced in asylum seeker health, and the importance of peer support in mental health. She reflects on her early life influences, the issue of substance abuse in the medical profession, and the need for cultural changes in medical training. Dr Jenkins emphasises the significance of mentorship and supervision in psychiatry, while also offering advice for aspiring female leaders in the field. The discussion concludes with a focus on personal wellbeing and the impact of healthcare professionals on their patients' lives. Dr Kym Jenkins is a former President of the RANZCP and has served as Chair of the Council of Presidents of Medical Colleges. She has held a range of roles as a Consultant Psychiatrist in both the public and private sectors and has a strong clinical and academic focus on the health and welfare of the medical profession. In her private practice, Dr Jenkins specialises in consultation-liaison and women’s psychiatry. Dr Jenkins has had extensive involvement in psychiatry-related medical education, both within the RANZCP and externally. As a founding member of the RANZCP Network for Asylum Seeker and Refugee Mental Health, she served as Chair of the network until May 2024. Dr Padmini Howpage is the Clinical Director at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, a Sydney-based private practice. She is also the author of two books – Mindful Coco and 7 Magic Minutes for Today – championing mindfulness across generations. A dedicated mentor and community leader, Dr Howpage chairs two charities – the Mind Connections Foundation and the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire. She founded an annual suicide prevention award for second-year medical students at Western Sydney University. Since 2016, over 700 students have participated, integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum. Her contributions earned Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West (2019) and multiple Hills Shire Citizen of the Year finalist nominations (2020, 2022, and 2024). 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: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org 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.

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 significance of faculty development in enhancing educational practices. This podcast was recorded following a symposium at the RANZCP Congress 2025 on CBME. Prof Andrew Teodorczuk is a consultant old age psychiatrist and Director of Clinical Training at the Prince Charles Hospital, and Adjunct Professor at The University of Queensland. He has published over 100 papers and is recognised for his work in interprofessional education, work-based learning and wellbeing, earning awards including the Principal Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (PFHEA). Dr Anthony Llewellyn is a general and adult psychiatrist working within the RANZCP Education team, providing academic leadership in education and assessment design for the Fellowship Program. With experience across the full spectrum of medical education, including roles in the Hunter New England Psychiatry Training Program and as Executive Medical Director of HETI NSW, he brings extensive expertise to the role. Julie Hatty has been CEO of the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria since 2019. With a background in clinical nursing and previous experience as Director of Medical Workforce at Eastern Health Melbourne, she has led key initiatives including the rollout of the National Framework for Prevocational Medical Trainees. Dr Sarah Rickman is Medical Director at the Postgraduate Medical Council of Victoria and a practising Emergency Physician. She has extensive experience in prevocational medical education, including roles with the Australasian College for Emergency Medicine. At PMCV, she has led stakeholder collaboration and training efforts to support the implementation of Entrustable Professional Activities (EPAs) in Victoria. Dr Simon Fleming is a consultant orthopaedic hand and wrist surgeon, medical education PhD, and internationally recognised advocate for culture change. A former trainee leader, he held roles with the UK Academy of Medical Royal Colleges and British Orthopaedic Trainees’ Association. He's a founding board member of the International Orthopaedic Diversity Alliance and sits on the NIHR Clinical Education Incubator board. Dr Georgia Ramsden is a stage three psychiatry trainee working in Older Adult Mental Health in Palmerston North, New Zealand. As Chair of the Binational Committee for Trainees, she sits on several RANZCP committees and has gained different perspectives of the College’s operations.  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: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org 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.

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 inspiration and insights for the next generation of women in psychiatry as we continue working towards great gender equity. In this episode, Dr Padmini Howpage interviews Dr Elizabeth Moore, who has recently completed her term as president. They reflect on Dr Moore’s formative years, her entry into psychiatry, and the challenges she faced as a woman in a predominantly male profession. The conversation also explores key topics such as the ‘Yes’ campaign for Aboriginal representation, the importance of cultural safety in mental health, and the role of epigenetics in psychiatric care. Dr Moore also shares her insights on leadership, work-life balance and the future of mental health advocacy, highlighting the importance of collaboration and cultural understanding in advancing mental health care.  Dr Elizabeth Moore served as the president of the RANZCP from 2023 to 2025. Born in Malaya and educated in England and Australia, she completed her medical degree at the University of Adelaide before attaining Fellowship of the RANZCP in 1990.  Dr Moore has extensive experience across public and private hospital and community settings. She has held both clinical and administrative roles in psychiatry in South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria and Western Australia. She is also the inaugural ACT Coordinator-General of the Office of Mental Health and Wellbeing.  Dr Padmini Howpage is the Clinical Director at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, a Sydney-based private practice. She is also the author of two books – Mindful Coco and 7 Magic Minutes for Today – championing mindfulness across generations.  A dedicated mentor and community leader, Dr Howpage chairs two charities – the Mind Connections Foundation and the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire. She founded an annual suicide prevention award for second-year medical students at Western Sydney University. Since 2016, over 700 students have participated, integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum. Her contributions earned Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West (2019) and multiple Hills Shire Citizen of the Year finalist nominations (2020, 2022, and 2024). 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: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org 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.

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 of teamwork in research and the power of infectious curiosity!  The RANZCP Foundation is the College charity and funds clinical research in psychiatry. Discover more: https://www.ranzcp.org/grants-awards-giving/ranzcp-foundation/about-the-foundation [https://www.ranzcp.org/grants-awards-giving/ranzcp-foundation/about-the-foundation]. Dr Sean Halstead is a trainee and is studying at the University of Queensland. He was awarded the inaugural Foundation Partners PhD scholarship for his research into the health burden of multiple chronic physical conditions in people living with severe mental illness.  Dr Jacqueline Huber is a Senior Staff Specialist Psychiatrist at St Vincent’s Hospital and is studying at the University of Sydney. She was awarded the 2024 Trisno Family PhD scholarship and for her research: Psychiatric Emergency Care Centres: what are they good for?  Dr Yoon Kwon Choi is a trainee at the Queensland Centre of Excellence for Autism and Intellectual Disability at Mater Hospital. In 2024, he was awarded a Beverley Raphael New Investigator Grant for his research into the barriers faced by Korean-speaking people in Australia with intellectual disabilities or autism spectrum disorder in accessing healthcare.  Dr Malcolm Forbes is a consultant psychiatrist and psychogeriatrician at Barwon Health. In 2022, he was awarded the Trisno Family PhD Scholarship for his research into the biological factors associated with depression in older Australians, with the aim of improving diagnosis and identifying new treatments.  Associate Professor Nicola Warren is a neuropsychiatrist, Queensland Director of  Psychiatry Training, and the Mental Health Course Coordinator at the University of Queensland. She was the recipient of the RANZCP Early Career Psychiatrist Award in 2019 and is the Chair of the RANZCP Committee for Research.  RANZCP-Foundation-2024-Impact-Report.pdf [https://www.ranzcp.org/getmedia/334d821c-d46a-4810-a9d1-d6e1756a2738/RANZCP-Foundation-2024-Impact-Report.pdf] 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: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org 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.

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 inspiration and insights for the next generation of women in psychiatry as we continue working towards great gender equity.   In this episode Dr Padmini Howpage interviews Dr Janice Wilson, the fifth female president of the College, to discuss her remarkable journey in mental health leadership. They delve into Dr Wilson’s advocacy for equity and inclusion and the challenges she faced as a women in a traditionally male-dominated field. The conversation also explores the evolution of mental health care, the importance of community-based services, and the future of e-mental health and artificial intelligence in psychiatry. Dr Janice Wilson served as the president of the RANZCP from 1997 to 1999. With extensive experience in both clinical practice and leadership, she retired in 2023 after a twelve-year tenure as the inaugural Chief Executive of Te Tāhū Hauroa Health Quality and Safety Commission.  Prior to this, Dr Wilson worked at Manatū Hauora (Ministry of Health) starting in 1993, holding senior roles in mental health and population health. As Director of Mental Health, she led national policy reforms aimed at reshaping the organisation and delivery of mental health and addiction services in New Zealand.  In addition to her leadership roles, Dr Wilson is passionate about improving mental health systems and continues to contribute through her work as a director on three NGO boards. She now enjoys life in Wellington with her family and cat, where she balances her ongoing professional interests with family activities and the challenges of being an active gardener in a city known for its wonderful climate variations.  Dr Padmini Howpage is the Clinical Director at Mind Connections Specialist Health Services, a Sydney-based private practice. She is also the author of two books – Mindful Coco and 7 Magic Minutes for Today – championing mindfulness across generations.  A dedicated mentor and community leader, Dr Howpage chairs two charities – the Mind Connections Foundation and the Women’s Shed – Hills Shire. She founded an annual suicide prevention award for second-year medical students at Western Sydney University. Since 2016, over 700 students have participated, integrating mental health awareness into the curriculum.  Her contributions earned Western Sydney University’s Woman of the West (2019) and multiple Hills Shire Citizen of the Year finalist nominations (2020, 2022, and 2024). 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: psychmatters.feedback@ranzcp.org 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.