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Support for trainees and SIMGs
Problems during training
If you're experiencing any problems during your training, ask for help early on:
Let your supervisor know
Contact your Director of Training
Contact the College Training, Exams, and Specialist International Medical Graduate teams
Your local Branch training contacts are responsible for local oversight of the Fellowship program
Use the RANZCP Confidential Member Advice Line (formerly the RANZCP Member Welfare Support Line)
Your representatives
The Bi-national Committee for Trainees (BCT) and the Australia and New Zealand Psychiatrists with International Qualifications Committee (ANZPIQC) (formerly the Overseas Trained Psychiatrists' (OTP) Representative Committee) provide formal representation or to raise an issue within the College, and you can contact them directly at any time. Outside the College, you can also contact state-based Associations of Psychiatry Trainees (APTs)
Support options for you
There are many support options available to help trainees and overseas-trained doctors and psychiatrists on a pathway to Fellowship.
Contact the Training, Exams, and Specialist International Medical Graduate teams for assistance with any questions you may have about the training program and assessments.
Every trainee and SIMG candidate in Australia or Aotearoa New Zealand can access the RANZCP Member Support Program for confidential counselling, support or coaching from qualified professionals through an independent service funded by the College. This free service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Apply for the annual RANZCP Mentoring Program and receive career guidance from an experienced psychiatrist. All trainees and select SIMG candidates are eligible.
- The Peer Support Program is a new initiative for rural trainees and Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander trainees, which involves matching new trainees in Stage 1 of their Fellowship with late-stage peers in Stage 2 or 3 of their Fellowship for informal support. Apply below if you would like to participate in the program:
Find a Psychiatrist is a tool available for all trainees and SIMG candidates. Search ‘doctors, psychiatrists and medical students’ patient groups to locate a practicing psychiatrist.
Trainees are eligible to apply for reduced rates of fees for financial hardship, serious medical conditions, parental leave and other extenuating circumstances. Trainees can also apply to pay by instalments. Part-time training fee options are also available.
Medical benevolent associations can offer short-term financial assistance and support to doctors, medical practitioners, and their families/whānau during periods of adversity and loss of income.
Discrimination, bullying and harassment
The RANZCP has a zero-tolerance policy towards discrimination, bullying and harassment that sets out what is expected of people involved in College activities including trainees, supervisors and Directors of Training.
If you feel you're being discriminated bullied, harassed or mistreated by colleagues or superiors please read our information about how to make a complaint and options available to trainees and SIMGs.
You can also contact the RANZCP Confidential Member Advice Line to have a discussion about what you are experiencing and your options.
Safety and wellbeing in the workplace
The safety and wellbeing of psychiatrists and those in psychiatry training is critical for competent and safe psychiatry practice. The RANZCP is committed to supporting and advocating for the health, safety, and wellbeing of all trainees, Fellows, Affiliates and SIMG candidates at an individual, organisational, and systemic level.
If you have concerns about the safety of your workplace, please contact the RANZCP Confidential Member Advice Line for a confidential discussion.
Advice from peers
Head to ‘I need support’ and access the full list of peer support groups available for trainees and SIMGs to join, such as:
- Balint groups
- Hand-n-Hand peer support
- Mental Health Professionals Network
- your local doctors’ association
The 'Staying on track' video promotes the mental health and wellbeing of trainees and SIMGs throughout the Fellowship program and provides an insight into what other services and supports trainees have found useful.
Please note that the RANZCP Member Welfare Support Line is now known as the RANZCP Confidential Member Advice Line. The service continues to be available to all trainees and SIMGs to access.
