Retiring well

Adjusting to life after you retire from practice can be challenging, but it can also offer new, exciting opportunities.

The College highly values the wisdom and contribution that Retired Fellows provide to psychiatry and warmly invites you to stay engaged in College life post-retirement. Opportunities include:

being involved in College committees and working groups
participating in a Peer Review Group
attending RANZCP Congress, events and conferences
becoming a Practice Peer Review facilitator.

Note: Once your practicing medical registration has ceased, you can no longer practice as a medical specialist. Learn more about what you can and can’t do once you’re retired.

College membership

As a Retired Fellow, you remain a full member of the College. You have the same access to member services, benefits and communications. This includes:

Discounted rates for RANZCP Congress, events and conferences.
Online journal access, including ANZJP and Australasian Psychiatry.
Complimentary webinars, online keynote presentations from conferences, and podcasts.
Discounts and partner programs, including access to Member Extras.

Making the most of your retirement

With more time on your hands, you might like to think about:

spending more time with family and friends
engaging in old and hobbies and interests
picking up new hobbies and interests
maintaining your health and engaging in physical activity.

Perhaps you’d enjoy an ‘encore career’, where you put your skills and experience towards business or volunteer opportunities, governance roles or management positions in medicine. Doing so can lead to a renewed sense of purpose, create new goals, and drive fresh intellectual and social pursuits.

Looking after your wellbeing

Adjusting to your new life in retirement can be challenging. You may experience feelings of grief or a loss of identity; some people find it difficult to adapt to new family or friendship dynamics.

It’s important to recognise and take steps to support your own wellbeing. If you’re struggling, make sure you speak with and seek support from your GP, family or friends.

You might also like to explore our wellbeing resources for members.

Connecting with other medical professionals

Once you’re retired, it’s important to stay socially connected. You might like to get involved in medical-related social and creative groups such as Creative Doctors, the Australian Doctors Orchestra or your local AMA.

If you know another organisation or activity suitable for retired psychiatrists, let us know by emailing memberhelp@ranzcp.org