The RANZCP’s annual awards program is a wonderful way to celebrate psychiatrists, trainees and others making exceptional contributions to psychiatry and mental health. Applications and nominations for our 2025 awards round will be open from 1 September to 31 October 2024. I encourage you to apply or nominate someone you think deserves to be recognised.

The College events calendar is in full swing as we deliver multiple conferences, workshops, and Branch events over the next few months. There’s something for everyone – local or binational, in-person or virtual – no matter what your speciality or area of interest is.

In less than three weeks, our psychiatry community will gather in Aotearoa New Zealand for three days of inspiring presentations and lively discussions at the RANZCP 2024 New Zealand Conference. In addition to a line-up of expert speakers and thought-provoking sessions, the conference will offer ample opportunities to network with peers, and enjoy the vibrant culture and stunning scenery of Wellington. There’s still time to register and be part of this dynamic exchange of thoughts, ideas, and learnings.

In other news, the College recently issued a new joint position statement with the Royal Australasian College of Physicians on Prevention and Treatment of Gambling-Related Harm. The statement outlines the impact of gambling-related harm and the need for evidence-based preventative measures and therapeutic interventions. It underscores the urgent need for legislative action to combat gambling-related harm in Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand. We have also endorsed an outright ban on all forms of gambling advertising, and are calling on governments to remove barriers that prevent people from seeking treatment for addiction.

Over the past couple of months, the College has completed the roll out of multifactor authentication (MFA) for all online user accounts to improve security and protect your information. At this stage, the College has introduced MFA only via email, and we will continue to review and enhance our security controls in future stages. As cyber threats become increasingly advanced, it’s crucial that we all contribute to maintaining our online security.

With only four months remaining in the 2024 CPD period, now is the perfect time to get everything in order. A reminder to all Fellows and Affiliates to take stock of your CPD progress and ensure that you are on track to complete 50 hours by 31 December 2024. The next CPD newsletter, which will be issued in early September, will include personalised data showing your CPD progress, along with pertinent news, opportunities and resources to earn CPD hours.

And finally, the 2024 Medical Training Survey (MTS) conducted by the Medical Board of Australia is now open, giving trainees the chance to help improve medical training. The MTS generates invaluable, longitudinal data that is being applied to improve medical training across all specialties. I encourage all College trainees to access the survey link when you renew your registration and use your voice to keep improving training.
 

Dr Elizabeth Moore
RANZCP President