Abstract
Mr Andrew Peters
As a professional, membership-based organisation, the College is committed to providing a high level of support and services to all members.
This often ranges from specific, tangible services and benefits, through to the provision of timely information and member communications, and opportunities to link in or become involved with the College's structures and groups.
Central to our member services is the College's Continuing Professional Development Program, which not only provides a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for participants to utilise in planning, doing and reviewing ongoing professional development and learning activities, but also satisfies participants’ recertification requirements in a changing regulatory environment. Participants can now also take advantage of the RANZCP CPD Online website, which was introduced in 2010 to provide access to over 80 interactive learning modules covering a wide range of topics relevant to the practice of psychiatry, plus over 40 podcasts.
Accompanying this expansion of online learning resources, College members have access to six international psychiatry journals via the College website: the Harvard Review of Psychiatry, the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice, the International Review of Psychiatry, the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, and Advances in Psychiatric Treatment and The Psychiatrist (both published by the Royal College of Psychiatrists). A group subscription for the Psychoanalytic Electronic Publishing Services (PEP-WEB) is also facilitated annually for members, on an opt-in basis. Of course, every edition of the two College journals Australasian Psychiatry and the Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry is available on the RANZCP website, and College members also receive print copies of both titles.
The College's website is a useful information resource for the benefit of College members, and its continued development is an important focus in 2011. The website includes links to pertinent College information such as position statements, practice guidelines and latest news, and it also hosts the College's online newsletter, Psych-e Bulletin, which is distributed monthly. Members can also access video downloads of recent RANZCP Congress and other conference keynote presentations.
Our Member Advantage benefits program includes a range of benefits, services, discounts and a personalised Member Advantage RANZCP membership card for all members.
RANZCP Congress is always a great opportunity for College members to come together, learn new things and exchange ideas. All College members are encouraged to attend the 2011 RANZCP Congress which will be held in Darwin for the first time ever in late May.
Members can also participate in more specialised conferences run throughout the year, with the Faculty of Psychiatry of Old Age, the Faculty of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the Section of Psychotherapy and Section of Forensic Psychiatry all holding annual conferences, and this year the Section of Addiction Psychiatry is holding a conference for the first time.
For many, the collegial interaction and activity provided through the College's branches is a cherished part of their membership. The College's Branch committees, together with our local administration staff, work hard to represent members and the profession at local levels, and a range of continuing medical education activities and functions are organised throughout the year. Administered through the branches, the RANZCP's Referral Directory – which is also an important service provided to many Fellows in private practice – enables consenting Fellows to provide specific information regarding their contact details, practice activity and preferences for patient referrals.
Members are encouraged to participate in the various avenues of the College, for example by joining a faculty, section, special interest group, network, or one of the College's many standing committees. Late last year, two new special interest groups were established following significant expressions of interest from the membership and we now have a Special Interest Group in Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability and a Special Interest Group in Youth Mental Health.
There are also opportunities for member participation through various education and policy committees. This year the International Affairs Working Group and Policy Development Working Group have been established and both groups seek ideas and input from members.
The College constantly strives to enhance its membership services, to develop new initiatives, and to provide value to each and every member. With this in mind I welcome communication from all members on how best we can serve you, in particular any new suggestions or ideas that the College can consider to improve and expand our array of services. Please feel free to contact me via email (
