The Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) delivers a tailored concurrent program at Congress for PIF members each year, providing valuable networking and educational sessions to enhance the Congress experience for PIF members.  

Forty-one (41) enthusiastic PIF members who were medical students and junior doctors received the full scholarships to attend the Congress and take part in the PIF program at Congress, including 8 from Aotearoa New Zealand. Additionally, three (3) PIF members presenting abstracts at the Congress were also supported to cover their full registration costs.

The PIF program was pleased to support four (4) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander PIF members, as well as two (2) Māori PIF members to take part in the PIF at Congress program; this included College’s support to 3 PIF and Aboriginal Indigenous Doctor Association (AIDA) members.  

The PIF at Congress program commenced on Sunday, with a warm welcome of PIF scholars from Congress convenors A/Prof Stephen Parker and Prof Shuichi Suetani, and a member of Congress Local Organising Committee, Dr Michelle Hellyer. Later in the afternoon, two pre-Congress workshops were held; Balint group activity by Dr Bec Wild and Dr Nish Jayarajan; Followed by ‘Learning to Teach’ session by Dr Megan Kalucy. The parallel PIF program then continued throughout the Congress week with a luncheon with College CEO, President, President-Elect and Board members, three (3) distinct networking sessions with Fellows and trainees, a specific meet & greet session for Indigenous PIF scholars with relevant College Committees, and two social events for the PIF scholars to get to know each other, and in place of a Gala dinner.  

The PIF would like to acknowledge and thank our President, Dr Astha Tomar, immediate past President, Dr Elizabeth Moore, and the President-Elect and Chair of the PIF Advisory Group, Dr Angelo Virgona, members of the PIF Advisory Group, and over 30 Fellows and trainees who have contributed towards delivering a very engaging and successful PIF at Congress program yet again.  

Below reflection and feedback demonstrates the success of the PIF program at 2025 Congress: 

Abigail Zhang, Medical Postgraduate Year 2, VIC

Attending RANZCP 2025 Congress with the support of PIF allowed me to explore new aspects of the specialty with like-minded peers at similar stages in their medical careers, from across Australia and New Zealand. 

Both the Congress program and parallel PIF program demonstrated the breadth of what can be done with a career in psychiatry – from attending a symposium on art and design in psychiatry, to watching (and thoroughly enjoying) a lively debate on the psychiatry workforce crisis, and to the opportunity to speak with RANZCP board members over lunch. 

We were also fortunate to have dedicated networking sessions with a range of psychiatrists and trainees, and I was inspired by their integration of leadership, creativity, and their own passions into their careers.

My experiences at Congress as a PIF Scholar have reaffirmed my decision to pursue psychiatry training, and I am extremely grateful to PIF for their generosity. I look forward to keeping in touch with new mentors and fellow scholars, and encourage students and junior doctors curious about psychiatry to apply in future years.

Britney Pham, Medical Student 5^th Year, VIC

Attending the RANZCP Congress on the Gold Coast as a PIF scholar was both intellectually stimulating and personally meaningful. This year’s program, themed ‘Bright Lights and Big Ideas’, offered an expansive view of psychiatry’s evolving role at the intersection of technological breakthroughs, medical ethics and artificial intelligence.

The flexibility of the Congress allowed me to explore sessions that deeply resonated with my interests. Panels discussing AI integration in psychiatric practice prompted important reflections on maintaining therapeutic integrity in an increasingly digitised field. Ethical discussions surrounding data privacy, consent, and algorithmic bias made clear that the future of psychiatry must be guided not only by innovation but also by robust ethical frameworks.

Equally valuable were the networking experiences: from industry breakfasts to designated subspecialty mingling sessions, I had the opportunity to engage with clinicians from a range of unique backgrounds. These informal yet purposeful conversations offered insights into diverse career pathways and helped demystify the challenges and rewards of psychiatric practice. I was especially inspired by leaders who spoke candidly about shaping services in rural and under-resourced areas by grappling with inequities in health politics and economics.

I would strongly encourage applying to attend the Congress - not only for academic interest, but also to initiate meaningful dialogue with professionals tackling real-world challenges. It sharpened my understanding of how psychiatry connects with other disciplines in medicine, and with broader domains such as ethics, law, and community health. I also gained greater clarity on career direction and how to proactively pursue research involvement.

Additionally, I had the chance to connect with other PIF scholars, who were all enthusiastic to share their university and internship experiences and support one another at the Congress. I’m grateful to have participated and look forward to building on these insights in my medical journey.

Naveen Golyala, Medical Postgraduate Year 2, SA

Attending the 2025 RANZCP Congress in the Gold Coast as a PIF scholar was an inspiring and affirming experience. As a junior doctor working within the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), I found the congress to be a timely opportunity to further explore my growing passion for psychiatry and connect with others on a similar path.

The PIF program was thoughtfully curated and provided a supportive space to engage with a range of topics relevant to early-career doctors. Sessions on the RANZCP training pathway, rural psychiatry, and career development were particularly insightful. I appreciated the chance to hear from current trainees and consultants who spoke candidly about their own journeys, the challenges they’ve faced, and the rewards of working in the field.

A standout highlight for me was the keynote discussions on the future of psychiatry in an age of rapid technological change. The integration of artificial intelligence into psychiatric assessment and care delivery sparked meaningful dialogue about innovation, ethics, and the evolving role of the psychiatrist. These conversations left me both excited and thoughtful about the direction of mental health care and the importance of maintaining empathy and human connection at its core.

The congress also offered invaluable opportunities for networking, mentorship, and peer support. Being surrounded by clinicians and researchers who are passionate about improving mental health outcomes was energising and reinforced my decision to pursue psychiatry.

In summary, attending the RANZCP Congress was a pivotal step in my professional development. It has strengthened my resolve to enter psychiatric training and contribute meaningfully to the field. I am thankful to PIF for providing this opportunity and would strongly encourage junior doctors and medical students interested in mental health to apply for future opportunities—it was a thoroughly enriching and motivating experience.

Phoebe Coles, Medical Student 5^th Year, QLD

It was a privilege to attend the 2025 RANZCP Congress with the support of the PIF program and team. Whilst I always had a strong interest in mental health care due to my own lived experience, I was unsure that psychiatry was the career I wanted to pursue. Whilst undergoing my mental health placements, I discovered that I was incredibly fascinated with psychiatry and really loved everything that it had to offer. Psychiatry is a very unique field of medicine and provides what so many specialties lack; time to listen to and empathise with patients. 

During the Congress, I was enthralled by the diversity of research and depth of knowledge I was exposed to. I found the work of Professor Milton Wainberg inspiring in its creativity and demonstration of his humanistic approach. Professor Valsamma Eapen’s keynote was another highlight of the Congress for me. Her presentation highlighted the preventable nature of many mental illnesses and the need for early intervention in the first years of life. I would also love to mention the work of Professor Maree Toombs, Professor Colleen Lee, Dr Isuri Wimalasiri, and so many others who presenting fascinating and enlightening research.  

Throughout the Congress, I heard about many complex clinical scenarios and the frustration experienced psychiatrists felt attempting to provide the best care possible for their patients in a sometimes flawed system. Rather than feeling disillusioned, I felt inspired by the passion of these doctors and their determination to continue to advocate for their patients. I am now confident that psychiatry is the right path for me.

Jazz Ng, Medical Student 6^th Year, SA

I attended the 2025 RANZCP Congress as a final-year medical student from Adelaide, sponsored by PIF. This opportunity was hugely beneficial to my career endeavours, as I had numerous opportunities to meet psychiatrists who are both extremely passionate and knowledgeable. Also, I have furthered my understanding of the latest advancements in psychiatry via attending different sessions throughout the congress. 

One of the most interesting sessions I attended explored the usage of AI Robots in paediatric Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) treatment in Japan, where speakers had showcased different models of AI robots currently available and how ASD children can benefit from these technologies. Another memorable session was about Military Psychiatry, where I learnt about the current mental health demands in the Australian military and how psychiatrists can contribute. 

Another highlight was the networking event with psychiatry trainees across Australia, organised by PIF. It was invaluable to hear detailed explanations about psychiatry training in different states, and to learn strategies to maximise our chances to enroll in the RANZCP training in the future.  

This invaluable opportunity to attend the RANZCP 2025 Congress has further solidified my interest and motivation to specialise in psychiatry.

Madeline Callow, Medical Student 3^rd Year, QLD

I feel incredibly fortunate to have attended the RANZCP Congress this year as a PIF Scholar. As a third-year medical student at the University of Queensland with a growing interest in psychiatry, this experience has truly solidified my passion for the field. My earlier exposure to mental health during placements sparked this interest, but attending Congress has deepened it and confirmed that psychiatry is the path I want to pursue.

I was eager to learn as much as I could about the diverse specialties within psychiatry. I have a particular interest in forensic psychiatry, and the session I attended on this topic was both eye-opening and informative. I also had the opportunity to attend the Rural Psychiatry Special Interest Group night, which gave me a greater appreciation for the unique challenges and rewards of working in rural communities across Australia.

One of the most valuable aspects of the Congress was the chance to connect with people from all stages of their careers. I met fellow medical students, junior doctors, and inspiring psychiatrists working across a wide range of subspecialties. I was especially encouraged to see so many women in leadership roles, and to hear open discussions about maintaining balance and having a fulfilling life outside of medicine.

After such an enriching experience, I am planning to prioritise psychiatric placements during my final year electives and will be actively seeking out further opportunities to get involved. I am incredibly thankful to the PIF program for supporting my attendance — the Congress was not only educational but deeply motivating. I am grateful for the opportunity and excited for what lies ahead in my journey towards a career in psychiatry.

Julian Stevenson, Medical Student 4^th Year, NSW

It was a joy to attend the 2025 RANZCP Congress as part of the PIF program. It was great to befriend other like-minded PIF members from all over Australia and New Zealand. 

The Congress program was massive, often with 10 concurrent sessions. Choosing which interesting talk to attend was tough, although some sessions were recorded fortunately. The passion demonstrated by many of the official speakers was inspiring, as well as audience members, including during multiple heated, but often humorous, debates. I found Professor Loo’s discussion on the use ketamine and psychedelics very impactful, and was personally interested in the sessions on psychotherapy, including further work investigating the efficacy of long-term psychotherapy. I thought that the discussions on the controversy around antidepressants, need for improved inclusion of lived experience in mental healthcare, and underreported burden of mental illness in Indigenous Australians, were extremely important topics.

Psychiatry trainees and Consultants invited by PIF provided invaluable insights into their careers, and helped me better plan my own future journey in psychiatry, such as what to focus on for the training program. Additional events like the Saving Lives: Beach to Bush rural psychiatry evening further enriched my experience. Surf Lifesavers there also told me about innovations in beach safety and shared great intel on the best local beaches for me to try. As they suggested, Burleigh Beach was my favourite swimming beach from my walk down the Gold Coast. 

I sincerely hope to attend future RANZCP Congresses that are as interesting, useful, and successful as this one was.

Huda Abdulridha, Medical Postgraduate Year 2, NZ

Attending the 2025 RANZCP Congress was an incredibly rewarding and affirming experience. As a junior doctor with a growing interest in psychiatry, I found the Congress to be a powerful platform to connect with others in the field, deepen my understanding, and reflect on the broader impact of mental health care in Australasia. 

One of the most moving aspects of the Congress was hearing the lived experiences shared throughout various sessions. These stories offered rich insight into the realities faced by those navigating mental illness, both as consumers and as carers. They reminded me of the human heart of our profession, and the importance of listening, empathy, and patient-centred care in psychiatry. 

I was particularly drawn to the sessions on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, which explored not only the clinical aspects but the cultural, historical, and systemic contexts that shape mental health outcomes. The emphasis on culturally safe practice and Indigenous-led models of care was both enlightening and humbling. These sessions encouraged me to reflect on parallels with Māori health in Aotearoa, and the shared responsibility we have as healthcare providers to advocate for equity and meaningful partnership with Indigenous communities. 

The Congress also offered a chance to meet inspiring psychiatrists, trainees, and fellow students who generously shared their experiences and advice. The networking events facilitated genuine conversations, and it was energising to be surrounded by others who are passionate about mental health and its future. 

Overall, the 2025 Congress has strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in psychiatry and reinforced the values I hope to carry forward in practice—curiosity, compassion, and cultural humility. I am grateful to the Psychiatry Interest Forum for this opportunity and look forward to being part of future Congresses.

Livana Hamad, Medical Student 3^rd Year, NSW

Walking into the convention centre for my first RANZCP congress, I was excited but unsure of what to expect. As a medical student, I felt like a newcomer. But that changed quickly. The first session I attended was a debate filled with sharp insights, laughter, and applause.  In that moment, the narrator voice in my head said, “welcome to psychiatry!” That moment set the tone for the remainder of the congress and was the perfect embodiment of the intellectual and vibrant community that exists within this amazing field. 

Attending the RANZCP congress as a PIF student gave me a rare opportunity to immerse myself into the world of psychiatry. I attended numerous sessions that showcased novel research, clinical insights, thoughtful debates and panels of consultants representing the diverse array of psychiatry subspecialties. This was an eye-opening introduction to what is available in psychiatry, what common presentations are currently being seen in communities and how psychiatrists can implement treatment to optimise patient outcomes. 

The PIF program was also incredibly welcoming and encouraging. It was thoughtfully designed to ensure that we were introduced to all aspects of psychiatry and gave us the platform to network and ask questions. I spoke to consultants and registrars, discussing the intricacies of public and private practice, and how to tackle the day-to-day of being a psychiatrist. 

It was wonderful to be in a supportive environment where everyone from senior psychiatrists to fellow students, were eager to share their experiences and provide advice. Since attending the congress, I have made like-minded friends who I will hopefully have the privilege of calling my colleagues in the near future. Therefore, I am incredibly grateful to the RANZCP and PIF program for making all of this possible!