Through the looking-glass: private and public practice psychiatry in the RANZCP

Abstract

Objective: To provide reflections on the representation of and engagement with private practice psychiatrists by the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP). Conclusion: We consider some of the reasons for private psychiatrist disengagement with the RANZCP. We suggest approaches to better engage private psychiatrists in the RANZCP, including: involvement in mental health policy, improved committee representation, specific private practice and business training for Fellowship, broader private practice peer support networks (welfare, clinical research, leadership), tailored professional development, branch-based networks of public and private psychiatrists, and collaboration with specialist medical colleges and the Australian Medical Association.