Psychiatrists are medical doctors who are experts in mental health. They specialise in diagnosing and treating people with mental illness.
Psychiatrists have a deep understanding of physical and mental health – and how they affect each other.
They help people with mental health conditions such as schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and addiction, just to name a few
5/6 years
Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery.
This is the degree in Australia that is required to become a Doctor. All Medical Practitioners (including GPs, Surgeons, Neurologists) are required to hold a MBBS enabling eligibility to practice Medicine.
1 Year +
After completion of the MBBS,
doctors are required to undertake entry level position as a Medical Officer in a hospital setting to provide extended training in a number of areas of Medicine throughout the health system. They are often referred to as Resident Doctors.
5 Years
A registrarship program accepts top appliants who have completed their RMO and basic training and performed at a very high level. The Registrar program is intensive are requires long hours of work (typically in an inpatient hospital) whist also sitting exams
On successful completion of the registrarship (including intensive examinations), a candidate is awarded a Specialist Title of Psychiartrist and is required to be a Fellow of the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatry (FRACZP). A Consultant is also required to train junior doctors are registrars.
There are some subspecialties such as Consultant Neuropsychiatrist, which refer to Psychiatrists who have extra training in Neurology. Its important to note that Psychiatrists can prescribe medications to their patients, however Clinical Psychologists can not. The use of the title "Dr" can be confusing and traditionally it refers to a person holding a MBBS or PhD.
The national body (Australian Health Practitioners Regulation Agency) have largely de-regulated who is entitle to use the term "Dr" or "Doctor" which was previously legistlated by state law. It is now possible for many health professionals to use the title Dr without holding a Medical Degree or PhD (which were previously required alongside specific professions). The clinicians at Cygnet Clinic only use the title if they are doctors or hold a doctoral degree from an accreddited Australian university in accordance with the traditional use of the title. Other titles such as A/Prof (Associate Professor) are academic titles referring to a position within the heirarchy of university scholarship.
The use of Doctor as a noun is traditionally reserved for holders of MBBS such a Psychiatrists.