Currumbin Clinic’s Mood and Mind Medley: A Night of Insightful Discussions

This event, held on Wednesday, August 21, 2024, brought together mental health professionals for an evening of enriching discussions and collaborative learning. The event was designed as an informal yet highly educational experience, featuring rotational dinner discussions. Attendees had the opportunity to engage with experts on various critical topics in mental health, making it a unique blend of culinary delight and professional development.

Key Topics and Esteemed Presenters

The evening’s discussions were led by a panel of distinguished psychiatrists, each focusing on a specific area of mental health:

1. Mood and Anxiety:
   • Presenter: Dr. Tim MacDonald
   • Objective: To examine patients presenting with anxiety disorders, differentiate them from normal emotional responses, and recommend effective intervention strategies.
2. Treatment-Resistant Depression:
   • Presenter: Dr. Paxie Olm
   • Objective: To identify when depression is treatment-resistant and explore neurostimulation therapies like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and specialized day programs.
3. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
   • Presenter: Dr. David Batten
   • Objective: To identify effective assessment and intervention strategies for PTSD and determine when a referral to a psychiatrist is beneficial.
4. Older Persons Mental Health:
   • Presenter: Dr. John Perera
   • Objective: To differentiate between age-related changes and mental health disorders, and determine when escalation of care is necessary, including referrals to specialized services and support programs.

A Night to Remember

The event was not only educational but also a delightful social gathering. Attendees enjoyed a three-course dinner and refreshments while engaging in meaningful conversations. The interactive format allowed for the sharing of challenging case studies and collaborative problem-solving, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose among mental health professionals.

Continuing Professional Development

The Mood and Mind Medley was an RACGP CPD-approved activity, offering participants valuable educational hours in reviewing performance and measuring outcomes. This added an extra layer of value for attendees, ensuring that their time spent was both enjoyable and professionally rewarding.

Conclusion

Currumbin Clinic’s Mood and Mind Medley was a resounding success, providing a platform for mental health professionals to learn, share, and grow together. The event highlighted the importance of continuous education and collaboration in the field of mental health, and we look forward to more such enriching events in the future.

For more information about upcoming events and activities at Currumbin Clinic, visit our Events page