About RPTWA
From the training office in Bunbury, two hours south of Perth, the RPTWA team deliver high-quality RANZCP training across the entire 1 million square mile WACHS catchment, from Broome in the Kimberley to Albany in the Great Southern. The comprehensive program delivers end-to-end training at clinical sites across six WACHS regions.
From the training office in Bunbury, two hours south of Perth, the RPTWA team deliver high-quality RANZCP training across the entire 1 million square mile WACHS catchment, from Broome in the Kimberley to Albany in the Great Southern. The comprehensive program delivers end-to-end training at clinical sites across six WACHS regions.
Dedicated Rural Trainee Support
Due to the small size of the training program and the vast geographic area of the Training Zone, RPTWA has established a comprehensive Trainee support program, including:
- Training and Pastoral Support from experienced RPTWA Staff
- Independent Support & Crisis Pathways
- Peer support and mentoring for Trainees & New Fellows
- Annual Dandjoo and Cultural Immersion weekends for all Trainees
- Length of training contracts for up to 5 years
- Comprehensive Exam & Assessment support including dedicated Psychotherapy & Research coordinators.
- A directory of local services & contacts to help Trainees and their families settle in their community.
- Orientation, safety & security resources to complement existing WACHS policies and procedures.
- A comprehensive library of educational material for self-directed learning.
Our Commitment
RPTWA are committed to creating a culture of safety and inclusivity in our program.
We welcome and value the contribution of psychiatrists and psychiatrists in training:
- who are from the Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, Māori and
Pasifika peoples of Australia and New Zealand. - who have lived experience of mental health.
- who are members of LGBTQIA+ communities.
- who are from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds.
- who live with disabilities.
We are committed to supporting psychiatrists in training from all backgrounds to thrive and succeed in our program.
Our Team
Director of Training - Dr Steven Blefari
Assistant Directors of Training:
Dr Kalliste Black - Great Southern and Goldfields
Dr Belinda Sainsbury - Kimberley and Pilbara
Dr Briony Hart - Midwest and Wheatbelt
Dy Kym Jenkins - South West
Specialist Coordinator of Training:
SCoT Psychotherapy - Dr Walter Hipgrave
SCoT Scholarly Project - Dr Kelly Ridley
Medical Education Registrar - Dr Michael Taran
Manager - Megan Melbourne
Coordinator - Zoe Retallick
Coordinator - Gemma Burns
Program Support Officer - Michelle Inglis