MAKING CONNECTIONS: MENTAL HEALTH MEDICAL EDUCATION LEADS AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND (MHMELANZ)

ABSTRACT

Background: The mental health (MH) curriculum within undergraduate and postgraduate medical programmes in Australia and New Zealand is fundamental to MH competencies in graduate doctors. Despite a shared professional practice, there is an absence of a community of MH lead educators in medical degrees. Objectives: To develop a community of practice network, to enhance the quality, consistency and delivery of the MH curriculum and to enhance standards, resource development, teaching learning and assessment methodology. Challenges to consider include space in the curriculum, online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and approaches to curriculum delivery posed by lived experiences of students. Methods: Development of the Mental Health Medical Education Leads Australia and New Zealand (MHMELANZ) Mental Health Educators network will be presented. Findings: MH medical education leads from a range of universities bi-nationally, representing graduate and undergraduate courses, will present an overview of the MH curriculum and current challenges and areas of focus for the MHMELANZ. Conclusion: There will be opportunity for discussion, and further development of a network, and a future special interest group with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists.