Why Psychiatry Doesn’t Have to Be Public vs Private

One thing I’ve become increasingly passionate about through my work in psychiatry is moving away from the idea that it has to be public vs private.

Honestly, I don’t think it takes a genius to figure out that Australia needs psychiatrists in both sectors.

The public system is absolutely essential for acute care, training, complexity, and caring for some of our most vulnerable patients. At the same time, private hospitals and private practice are also critically important in improving access to care, supporting continuity, developing specialised programs, and creating sustainable long-term careers for psychiatrists.

Can you work across both? Absolutely. Many psychiatrists do — and some of the most fulfilled doctors I meet are the ones who have found a balance that works for them across public and private practice.

I think sometimes the conversation becomes unnecessarily polarised, particularly for trainees and early-career psychiatrists. Exploring private practice doesn’t mean you’re “anti-public,” and continuing public work doesn’t mean you can’t also build a meaningful and rewarding private career.

The reality is we need more psychiatrists overall, and we need doctors to stay in the profession long term without burning out. Different career models will suit different people at different stages of life — and that’s okay.

I’m passionate about helping psychiatrists better understand all of the options available to them, particularly hospital-based private practice, because I think informed and balanced conversations are important.

If you do want to have an open and honest conversation about whether private hospital work might be a good fit for you — either alongside public work or as part of a mixed career model — please don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to chat.