Reflections on Aboriginal perinatal mental health, mothers, babies, families and community: a South Australian trainee's experience

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This paper explores novel training opportunities that the Expanded Setting Training Program (ESTP) provides for advanced psychiatry trainees. It is a reflection of a trainee's learning experiences during a year-long posting in Aboriginal Perinatal Mental Health, working alongside the Aboriginal Family Birthing Program, coupled with reflection and supervision. CONCLUSIONS: ESTP provided a fertile area to hone an advanced trainee's skills in the niche areas of Aboriginal mental health, perinatal mental health, culture and psychiatry. In addition, it provided skills in the area of leadership, health advocacy and the establishment and maintenance of successful programs in disadvantaged, culturally and linguistically diverse communities. The ESTP Aboriginal Mental Health rotation provides a unique experience for training, and the learning opportunities are limited only by the creativity of the trainee and supervisor.