Dr Jeya Balakrishna

Summary

Connections and conversations matter – we learn together, support one another, and carry people with us. A Ministry of Defence psychiatrist with 37 years’ experience in NHS and independent services, I will prioritise supporting psychiatrists to thrive, reinforcing our leadership in Psychological Medicine, and inclusive decision-making to shape our profession’s future.

My statement in full

This statement will soon be available in Welsh.

Drawing on Experience, Energised for the Future

At the heart of my candidacy for Registrar is a simple commitment: to ensure every psychiatrist feels heard and supported, empowered to provide good healthcare and to fulfil their potential.

As Associate Registrar for Coaching and Mentoring meeting psychiatrists across the four UK nations and internationally, I have seen first-hand how real change happens when we connect, collaborate, and listen to one another. Whether chairing a NATO research group on psychological guidance for military leaders or coaching clinical teams with the NHS clinical governance support service or contributing to national and military patient safety initiatives, my strength lies in enthusing and energising colleagues to achieve shared goals.

I am a community psychiatrist caring for British Forces. A former infantry medical officer with psychiatric training originally in Singapore before moving to London in the ‘90s, I have worked in the NHS and independent sector, with charities, schools, and healthcare consultancies. My passion for Psychiatry is founded in storytelling – every patient has a story to share; we, as psychiatrists, listen, helping patients make sense of their experiences.

My Priorities as Registrar

1. Support psychiatrists to thrive at work.
2. Strengthen our voice in shaping policy.
3. Reinforce our role as leaders in Psychological Medicine.

1. Supporting psychiatrists to thrive

Burnout and challenging workloads are realities for many psychiatrists. In my 37-year career as university teacher, medical manager, and doctors’ appraiser, I have seen how peer mentoring and doing doable jobs in supportive workplaces can turn daily pressures into manageable challenges.

The College must champion policies that allow us to work effectively, provide care and expertise without being overstretched. Through nurturing plus flexible opportunities for learning and career development, we create a positive culture where psychiatrists thrive.

2. Shaping policy together

The College’s decisions must reflect our day-to-day realities. The 2024 Membership Feedback Exercise revealed many members wanting a stronger voice in College positions on topics that matter to us. As an elected officer on the General Adult Faculty, I have seen how insights from the frontline sharpen national strategy – but we need to go further.

I will ensure that Faculties, Devolved Nations, Divisions and forums become genuine platforms for pragmatic engagement, for all members to influence good policy and the future of our profession.

3. Psychiatry as Psychological Medicine

Psychiatrists are leaders in whole-person care. As a frontline clinician in hospitals and the community in general and forensic services, I know our power in interpreting complex narratives and blending biopsychosocial perspectives.

We must strengthen our role in integrated healthcare, building collaborative connections with GPs, psychologists, nurses, public health and social care professionals, informed by patients and carers. By reinforcing our relational skills, we ensure safe, sound, and supportive patient care.

A connected, inclusive College

Drawing on the expertise and experience amongst College members, I firmly believe the position of Registrar to be about connection and collaboration. I intend to help lead a College where psychiatrists feel valued.

It would be an honour to have your support.