The 2024 PIF Retreat in Meeanjin (Brisbane) marked the program's successful delivery in the second year, following a successful pilot in Melbourne. The 1.5-day Retreat program allows PIF members to hear from a variety of presentations and networking opportunities, with a tailored program to understand more about the psychiatry as a specialty. 

The enriching program kicked off with a vibrant ‘Meet & Greet Dinner’, allowing our 22 PIF scholars, who were medical students and junior doctors from across the nation to get to know each other and connect, ahead of the busy program on 28-29 August.

Hosted at the State Library of Queensland, A/Prof Nicola Warren, the Director of Training, offered a glimpse into the dynamic world of psychiatry, highlighting variety of the practice options. Dr Melanie Johnston from Mater Health, alongside a research assistant Ms Catrin Culla, gold winner at the Special Olympics, emphasized the significance of co-design in research on intellectual and developmental disabilities. Another engaging and interactive activity and talk was delivered by a local psychiatrist covering a popular topic of psychotherapy. Followed by A/Prof Shuichi Suetani, sporting his Congress 2025 t-shirt, shared his personal journey into the field and what underpinned his motivations. Throughout the day, participants had opportunities to network with presenters in smaller group and/or as part of the Q&A segment, allowing PIF scholars to ask questions informally. 

In the afternoon, the scholars ventured to the Gallery of Modern Art, QAGOMA to explore the First Nations art collection titled “North by North-West.” This excursion activity was built for PIF scholars to learn about different regions and lands, and connect with the stories though the art. Upon returning to the library, Mr Hamza Vayani, a community member of College’s Community Collaboration Committee shared their lived experience perspective, underscoring the importance of partnerships in enhancing the quality of care for patients and their supporters. Dr Nicola Campbell concluded the day by sharing her experiences training in rural areas and working with First Nations communities.

On the final day, Dr Yoon Kwon Choi discussed about chronic pain and the treatment of functional somatic symptoms as well as life as a trainee. Dr Ursula Byrne highlighted the vital role of mentorship and reflection in combating therapeutic nihilism. Dr Matilda Mackay-Sim presented case studies focusing on the treatment and management of specific eating disorders. Finally, Dr Hethal Hargovan tied it all together, discussing the training program and various psychiatry subspecialties.

These engaging presentations and networking opportunities provided participants with valuable insights into psychiatry that often goes beyond the classroom, enriching their understanding of the psychiatry careers.

The PIF program would like to thank all of our dedicated presenters and participants from Brisbane as well as QLD Branch Committee, making this yet another successful year of the Retreat activity!

Below are reflections by two PIF scholars:

Kirti Smith, 3^rd year Medical Student 

I had the pleasure of attending the PIF Retreat this year in Brisbane. I enjoyed the variety of speakers from Indigenous health, intellectual disability services, refugee health, youth and adolescent and adult mental health. It was also interesting to see a day in the life of a psychiatrist in both a public and private setting. I was intrigued by the diversity of roles and hats that psychiatrists can wear in hospitals and in the community. 

Personally, I am passionate about youth and adolescent mental health and have made some fantastic connections in that area. The talks on eating disorders and psychotherapy opened my eyes to the fact that psychiatrists may be treating and managing young people, but they are also having impacts on the whole family. 

The Retreat has just confirmed to me that I am on the right path, although as a 3^rd year medical student, I still have a way to go!  I am leaving the Retreat more excited than ever to follow the Psychiatry pathway and inspired by the mosaic of roles I can create in the future in public, private, research and education. 

Bec Almond, 4^th year Medical Student

The PIF Retreat helped me gain an insight into psychiatry that is impossible to grasp from the medical curriculum and placement attendance alone. I was amazed by the breadth of the field, the variety of worlds to get lost in and by how personal and engaging the talks were. It was excellent to see how each psychiatrist’s lives have differed and wonderful to be given the opportunity to have conversations with each speaker after their talks.

I become more oriented in my career goals and learnt the next steps between where I am now and consultancy. My favourite learning was that you can live a full life and take breaks as you need to and it will not impede your success. Another important message was that it is who you are that is far more important than what you achieve. 

It was wonderful to make local connections with the speakers, as well as both local and national connections with others who have similar goals in pursuing psychiatry. I cannot recommend this experience enough, especially if you are on the fence about which career path to pursue.