Considering a career as a Private rural psychiatrist but not sure about the pathway? A/Prof. Mathew Coleman explores the practicalities with Fellows working in rural private practice, to answer many common queries.

The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists has received Australian Government funding under the Specialist Training Program to deliver this activity.

Associate Professor Mathew Coleman is a consultant psychiatrist with the WA Country Health Service, Clinical Director for the Great Southern and Midwest Mental Health Service and Clinical Academic with the Rural Clinical School of WA. He is a qualified child and adolescent, and addiction psychiatrist and has experience and qualifications in health service management. He just recently completed two terms as a Commissioner with the National Mental Health Commission.

Dr Tristram Duncan graduated with his medical degree from the University of Newcastle. He has over sixteen years of experience in the psychiatry field. Dr Duncan uses a variety of approaches to medication, neurostimulation, and psychotherapy management of psychiatric disorders. He practices at Dudley Private Hospital, which is located in the heart of Orange in regional NSW. Dr Tristram Duncan also participates in outreach clinics through the MSOAP program to various rural and remote locations.

Dr Rodney Blanch
BSc (Hons), PhD (Chemistry), MBBS, FRANZCP, Cert Adult Psych
Clinical Director Murrumbateman Specialist Center
Growing up in a Central Queensland mining town and having been a Chemistry academic with UNSW@ADFA he developed a passion for both rural and military mental health. Dr. Blanch  continues to be active in his engagement with the college as the Rural Representative for the ACT Branch.

Dr Therese Mary Grotowski is a psychiatrist who completed her training in rural NSW 24 years ago.  She has worked in private practice in Ballina since then, as well as a variety of roles within the local area health service including acute inpatient and community mental health covering Lismore, Ballina, and Nimbin for 20 years, and more recently with the Disaster Recovery Team.  She has also worked with the local Aboriginal Health Service for several years.  Her interests are in working with people living with psychotic conditions, and intellectual disability and mental illness.  She has been Site Co-ordinator of Training for more than 10 years and has enjoyed mentoring registrars continuously during that time.  She has a keen interest in rural psychiatry and has participated in a number of projects and committees at the state and national level aimed at advocating for service development and improved access for people living with mental illness in rural areas.

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This podcast is provided to you for information purposes only and to provide a broad public understanding of various mental health topics. The podcast may represent the views of the author and not necessarily the views of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists ('RANZCP'). The podcast is not to be relied upon as medical advice, or as a substitute for medical advice, does not establish a doctor-patient relationship and should not be a substitute for individual clinical judgement. By accessing The RANZCP's podcasts you also agree to the full terms and conditions of the RANZCP's Website. Expert mental health information and finding a psychiatrist in Australia or New Zealand is available on the RANZCP’s Your Health In Mind Website.