A UK Doctor’s Journey into Psychiatry in Australia

In this episode of BluePrint MedTalks, our co-founder Michael Fernandes sits down with Dr Moses, a psychiatry registrar currently training in Victoria. Moses shares his journey into medicine, from growing up in the UK and studying at Bristol, through to working across emergency medicine, paediatrics and ultimately finding his path in psychiatry after moving to Australia during COVID. He opens up about what drew him to mental health, the realities of starting fresh in a new healthcare system, and how working across both metropolitan and regional hospitals has shaped his approach to patient care. He shares What it was really like moving to Australia during COVID, from visa challenges to arriving in a regional town with just two suitcases and starting again. Why psychiatry stood out to him as a specialty, and how its holistic approach to patient care changed the way he practices medicine. How experience across emergency medicine and paediatrics has influenced his perspective in mental health, particularly when it comes to understanding patients and their wider environments. The key differences between working in metro and regional hospitals, from access to services and team structures to on call demands and autonomy. Why on call shifts can be some of the most valuable learning experiences for doctors, offering exposure to a wider range of cases and decision-making responsibility. What has changed in mental health in Australia in recent years, including increased awareness, earlier intervention, and growing pressure on services. The biggest challenges facing psychiatry trainees today, from workload and exam pressure to managing increasing demand. Why community follow up and support networks are critical in mental health recovery and long-term patient outcomes. What doctors in the UK should consider before making the move to Australia, from career planning and visas to lifestyle and being away from family. What separates a good medical recruitment agency from a great one, and why trust, communication and understanding individual goals matter so much. If you’re considering a move to Australia, exploring a career in psychiatry, or want a real-world perspective on life working across different healthcare settings, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.