Congress 2025: Metro Champions of the Bush

In this episode Associate Professor Mathew Coleman interviews Professor Bruce Singh and Professor Pat McGorry as they explore the experiences and insights of rural psychiatry in Australia. They also discuss the challenges and rewards of providing mental health services in regional areas, the importance of community engagement, and the need for training and mentorship for future psychiatrists. The dialogue emphasises the value of continuity of care, leadership, and the social contract that exists between healthcare professionals and the communities they serve. The speakers advocate for increased resources and support for rural mental health services, highlighting the potential for positive change in the field. 

Professor Bruce Singh AM is an Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry and previously Head of Department of Psychiatry at the University of Melbourne. He received his medical and psychiatry training at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in Sydney after graduating from the University of Sydney.  He is currently Chair of the RANZCP Mood Disorders Psychodynamic Psychotherapy Evidence Review Steering Group. 

Professor Patrick D. McGorry is a professor of Youth Mental Health at the University of Melbourne and Director of Orygen Youth Health and Orygen Youth Health Research Centre in Victoria, Australia. Prof McGorry received his medical degree from the University of Sydney and his doctorates from Monash University and the University of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. He is a world-leading clinician, researcher, and reformer in the areas of early psychosis, early intervention and youth mental health. Prof McGorry's work has played an integral role in the development of safe, effective treatments and innovative research involving the needs of young people with emerging mental disorders, notably psychotic and severe mood disorders. The result has been the creation, evaluation and upscaling of stigma-free, holistic and recovery oriented models of care for young people and their families. The work of Prof McGorry and key research colleagues at EPPIC and Orygen has influenced health policy in Australia and many other countries and he has advised governments and health systems in many jurisdictions. 

Associate Professor Mathew Coleman is a consultant psychiatrist with the WA Country Health Service, Clinical Director for the Midwest Mental Health and Drug and Alcohol 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 is the chair of the Binational Section for Rural Psychiatry for the RANZCP.

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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.