Diagnose, treat and prevent human mental, emotional and behavioural disorders with medical knowledge.
As a psychiatrist you will be medically qualified to assess the' mental and physical status of patients to determine the nature and extent of mental, emotional and behavioural disorders.
As part of this you will:
- assess patients' medical, psychiatric and psychological histories
- examine patients to determine general physical condition
- order laboratory tests, imaging, neuro-psychological tests and other diagnostic procedures
- examine the results of tests and examinations to determine the most appropriate forms of treatment
- prescribe and administer medication, psychotherapy and other physical treatments and rehabilitation programs
- arrange admission to hospitals and provide in-patient treatment
- consult, supervise and work with other medical practitioners and health professionals
- determine whether patients require involuntary treatment in accordance with relevant mental health acts
- assist courts and other statutory bodies in managing patients in legal and forensic settings
- teach medical students and registrars, and assess their progress by administering tests.
Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics
Disclaimer: This page provides study pathway and career options as a guide only. You should contact the Admissions Centre, International Centre or relevant Faculties for full details.
Study pathways
The following study pathway shows the most common and direct route for a UWA student to pursue this career.
Undergraduate
- Aboriginal Health and Wellbeing
- Anatomy and Human Biology
- Anthropology and Sociology
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
- Biomedical Science (double major)
- Chemistry
- Exercise and Health
- Genetics
- Indigenous Knowledge, History and Heritage
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Neuropsychology and Cognitive Science
- Neuroscience
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Population Health
- Science Communication
- Social and Applied Psychology
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Postgraduate
Professional training
After completion of the Doctor of Medicine and after working in the public hospital system for two years (internship and residency), doctors interested in becoming a psychiatrist can apply to the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists to undertake further training and ultimately receive Fellowship which normally takes at least five years of study while working as a doctor.
Relevant majors include: