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PsychiatryThe primary role of the Discipline of Psychiatry is that of education in both the medical curriculum and in postgraduate courses in mental health.
The discipline of psychiatry at the University of Queensland dates back to 1920 when a Chair of Medical Research was established to investigate psychological trauma experienced by large numbers of ex-servicemen as a result of World War 1. The first incumbent of this Chair was John Prain Lowson. In 1937, the Department of Psychiatry and Mental Hygiene was established within the Department of Medicine. In was in this year that medical psychology and psychiatry were introduced into the medical curriculum.
The first Diploma of Psychological Medicine was offered in 1950 and was in direct response to the Queensland Government's concern regarding the lack of qualified psychiatrists in the state, particularly at Wolston Park Hospital. However, it wasn't until 1963 that the Department of Psychological Medicine was established. It was first housed on the outskirts of the Botanic Gardens, the current Queensland University of Technology site. Its name was formally changed to the Department of Psychiatry in 1973.
Since 1995, the main centre of activity for the discipline has been the Mental Health Centre at the Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital. However, extensive teaching and research activity takes place on many other sites. Offices are maintained at:
- Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital
- Princess Alexandra Hospital
- Prince Charles Hospital
- The Park - Centre for Mental Health
- Toowong Private Hospital
Other hospitals also assist with the placement of medical students. These hospitals include:
- Belmont Private Hospital
- Hervey Bay Hospital
- New Farm Clinic
- Nambour General Hospital
- Rockhampton Hospital
- Toowoomba Hospital
- Gold Coast Hospital
- Ipswich Integrated Mental Health Service
- Redlands Hospital
Teaching Activities
The Discipline has the responsibility for teaching two interrelated segments of the MBBS Program: behavioural science as it relates to medical practice, and clinical psychiatry.
Discipline of Psychiatry staff contribute to teaching in all years of the MBBS Program but our major contribution is in the third year when all students complete an 8 week clinical attachment to a hospital, clinic or community mental health service. The Discipline of Psychiatry conducts five such 8-week terms per year.
Postgraduate education is also a major priority of the discipline with students from a variety of health-related backgrounds encouraged to continue their education in various mental health fields. Both coursework and research programs are offered with supervision coming from academic staff with backgrounds in psychiatry and clinical psychology. Academic supervision is available across a wide range of topics related to mental health.
Research Activities
To view details of the research activities of the Discipline of Psychiatry, please consult:
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