The RANZCP’s Psychiatry Interest Forum (PIF) held its popular annual essay competitions for PIF members who are medical students and junior doctors in Australia and New Zealand. Eligible PIF members were invited to submit an essay for the chance to win prize money as well as the opportunity for winning essays to be published in the Australasian Psychiatry journal.

Australia 

Topic: A psychiatrist’s role in advocacy

Reflections from the competition winner, Dr Yagiz Aksoy:

“My essay, "Voices of Change," reflects my growing passion for psychiatry and the critical role of advocacy within it. The recognition from the PIF competition is more than an award; it's an affirmation that the path I'm on, one that intertwines clinical expertise with the fight for a better mental health landscape, is not only necessary but impactful. This experience has taught me that change begins with a single voice, and I'm honoured to add mine to the chorus calling for a more empathetic and inclusive approach to mental health care.”

New Zealand 

Topic: “Whakataukī: Naū te rou rou, Nāku te rou rou, Ka ora ai te iwi (With your food basket and my food basket the people will thrive)”

With this whakataukī (proverb) in mind, discuss mental wellbeing within the current global climate change. 

Reflections from the competition winner, Dr Ria George:

“Psychiatry connected with an aspect of myself that enjoyed communicating with patients, extracting stories, writing and working with multi-disciplinary team members closely. Consequently, as of late, psychiatry has been the specialty I have developed a keen interest toward. This year’s essay competition topic has enabled reflection on the role of psychiatry in an imminent global crisis. Having had the opportunity to reflect on climate change and mental wellbeing within a New Zealand context has been enlightening - it has revealed the impacts of the climate crisis on mental health and the ways in which mental health professionals can work collaboratively to foster mental wellbeing. It is a privilege to be recognised for this work.”

A huge congratulations to all the winners and thank you to everyone who participated. 

The PIF team would like to acknowledge the PIF Advisory Group and College’s Te Kaunihera committee for helping develop the competition topic and assessing entries. Thanks also to Dr Kym Jenkins, Dr Sumana Thomson, Dr Emily Hartman, Dr Matira Taikato and Dr Jelena Bennett for assessing entries.