In this episode, Dr Ashlea White and Dr Roderick McKay discuss the professional and interpersonal aspects of wellbeing, emphasising the importance of community and peer support for mental health professionals. Drawing from their own experiences, they reflect on the challenges faced by trainees, the role of mentorship, and the stigma surrounding mental health issues and seeking help as a physician. They explore how the profession can create space to value those that may be struggling.

The conversation also highlights the impact that small, helpful acts and moments can have, and the human element of fostering more supportive environments in psychiatry. They discuss how community can help with regaining perspective in difficult times.

Dr Ashlea White is an early career addiction and adult psychiatrist with a varied career in public and private psychiatry, spanning tertiary and regional healthcare. In a previous life, she was a radiographer and now she is committed to building a flexible career in psychiatry that aligns with her many interests while also spending time with her growing family. Dr White continues to be passionate about gender equity and improving access to quality mental health treatment for all. She also sits on the RANZCP Member Wellbeing Subcommittee.

Dr Roderick McKay is a psychiatrist whose current work focuses on working with older people and postgraduate education with psychiatry trainees and multidisciplinary courses. He is an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame, Adjunct Senior Lecturer at the University of NSW. At RANZCP, he was the former bi-national chairs of both the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age and the Community Collaborative Committee. Dr McKay currently works as a clinician in southern Sydney, having previously worked in southwestern Sydney and Far West NSW.

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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.

Connections and Community in Psychiatry

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