The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) is the principal organisation representing the medical specialty of psychiatry in Australia and New Zealand and has responsibility for training, examining and awarding the qualification of Fellowship of the College (FRANZCP) to medical practitioners. The college was established on 9 October 1946, and received Royal patronage in 1977.
There are currently more than 4000 Fellows of the College who account for approximately 85 per cent of all practising psychiatrists in Australia and over 50 per cent of psychiatrists in New Zealand.[1]
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists is a formal grouping of medical specialists and trainees with the following core purposes:[citation needed]
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists's vision: "To enhance the mental health of our nations through leadership in high-quality psychiatric care".[1]
The Australasian Association of Psychiatrists was formed on 9 October 1946. In 1962, the association resolved to "take the necessary action forthwith to convert the association into a college". and the Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists was officially incorporated in Sydney on 28 October 1963. The Australasian Association of Psychiatrists was officially dissolved at a special general meeting in Melbourne on 12 April 1964. The first formal meeting of the council of the new College took place in Canberra on 25 October 1964. The meeting coincided with the College’s first annual congress.[2]
The RANZCP was granted the Royal prefix with effect from May 1978. An extraordinary meeting of the College ratified the inclusion of "Royal" in the College’s name on 7 May 1978.[2]
The RANZCP is governed by a board of democratically elected directors, led by the college president. The board governs according to the RANZCP Constitution.
The college comprises branches in each state and territory of Australia, and New Zealand. Its governance structure also includes faculties, sections and networks.[3]
The RANZCP publishes:
The college undertakes a postgraduate Psychiatric Training Programme in Australia and New Zealand for obtaining a Fellowship of the college, which requires mandatory supervision by experienced, qualified psychiatrists and is undertaken in approved training hospitals/services. Training takes a minimum of five years to complete, during which time trainees work as registrars under supervision in hospitals and community clinics. They gain wide experience in dealing with the full range of psychiatric problems, including those of children and families, adults and the elderly.[4]