Exploring a Career in Psychiatry with Prof. Malcolm Hopwood

Join us as we chat with an incredibly insightful, genuine and accomplished psychiatrist, Professor Malcolm Hopwood.


Currently holding positions of Professor of Psychiatry with Ramsay Health Care at the University of Melbourne, and Clinical Director of the Professorial Psychiatry Unit at the Albert Road Clinic, Prof. Hopwood provides us with a unique perspective into his long and established career. He talks us through some of his interests in the field (including a passion for learning about mood and anxiety disorders), his role in supporting patients, a word on COVID and the importance of research in psychiatry, being a leading researcher in Australia investigating psychopharmacology and clinical aspects of mood and anxiety disorders.


Not to mention, having been the president of the RANZCP from 2015-2017, he has some profoundly important advice for entering the psychiatry training program here in Australia, and for anyone keen on pursuing psychiatry as a career!


TW: We will be discussing issues relating to mental health, focusing on mental health disorders such as anxiety. We really encourage you to please reach out for support if you feel you need it and to only listen in if you feel comfortable and able to do so (see timestamps below for descriptions of specific sections).


So today, let's start the conversation, let's break down the misconceptions and let's learn more about psychiatry! Key time stamps below (as per questions asked):

• 3:14 - Introduction into career journey from Prof. Hopwood
• 4:10 - Insight into demographic of patients worked with, interests within the field
• 5:50 - Why did you want to become a psychiatrist?
• 9:37 - Research within psychiatry
• 15:30 - Advice for students interested in getting involved in research
• 19:34 - Providing support to patients
• 26:35 - Mental health during COVID
• 33:46 - Looking after your own mental health as a psychiatrist
• 43:44 - Advice for medical students interested in psychiatry
• 53:52 - Wrapping up, final words of advice