Meet Dr Khopade, Consultant Psychiatrist, Divisional Clinical Director at Goulburn Valley Health Shepparton and RANZCP Fellow.

1) Tell us a little bit about yourself

I am a mother, wife, daughter, sister, friend and a psychiatrist. Within clinical psychiatry my special interests are women’s mental health and old age psychiatry. I have realised my passion in bringing broader systemic changes in betterment of mental health care. My endeavours in clinical psychiatry and administrative psychiatry have been deeply influenced by “If not you then who, and if not now then when?”

I have thoroughly enjoyed living in regional Victoria and the tranquility it offers away from the hustle bustle of metropolitan cities for the last 12 years. In my spare time I love reading and baking. I also find tidying up relaxing and with two growing children it keeps me busy and happy at the same time. 

2) What does it mean to you to be a woman in psychiatry?

Being a woman in psychiatry means being a multitasker and a leader—strong and resilient even when pulled in different directions, balancing the expectations of work, family, and self.
It means knowing when to let go and when to stand firm for what you believe in.
It means recognising that achieving anything requires time and patience.
It means being open and inclusive.
And, most importantly, it means nurturing.

3) The theme of International Women’s Day 2025 is “March Forward: From Promises to Progress.” In your view, is psychiatry making progress toward this goal?

In today’s landscape, it can sometimes feel like progress is slow, and the path forward isn’t always clear. However we have come a long way in the last five decades in terms of gender equity RANZCP has had its first female president, our current president is a woman, and our president-elect is also a woman. Personally, I was able to successfully negotiate my psychiatry training pathway during my pregnancy and while raising young children, thanks to the nurturing and flexibility at my workplace. In my current practice I see emerging leaders in my peers and colleagues and am fortunate to work with a passionate multidisciplinary team of women who are kicking goals. The College at intake has at least 50% female trainees and the establishment of the Gender Equity Working Group is a welcome step forward. 

However, we have a long way ahead of us with regards to equity and inclusiveness at all levels. Being an optimist, I think we are marching forward albeit slowly but surely. 

I feel privileged to be part of this profession.