Dr Kachi Onyeaso

I joined the PRDC to better understand how the College works at a national level and, more importantly, contribute to shaping the future of psychiatry. I am particularly interested in increasing engagement between resident doctors and the College, ensuring that trainees have a stronger voice in discussions that affect their training, careers and the future of the profession. One issue I would be particularly keen to explore is trainee satisfaction and job security, particularly in the context of changes to the mental health workforce and the expansion of non-medical roles. It is important that workforce planning recognises the significant time, training and resources invested in developing specialist psychiatrists, while also ensuring that patients continue to have access to appropriate medical expertise. I would be interested in engaging resident doctors to better understand their concerns around future employment, career progression and opportunities following completion of training, and to work collaboratively on how these concerns can be addressed.

I enjoy General Adult, Old Age and Liaison Psychiatry because of the diversity of presentations and the opportunity to work across different clinical settings and patient groups. I also have a strong interest in academic psychiatry, particularly in understanding the cognitive, psychological and social factors that contribute to mental illness. I am passionate about applying a biopsychosocial approach to the assessment and management of mental illness. Alongside clinical practice, I hope to develop a career that combines clinical work, research, education and leadership, with the longer-term aspiration of contributing to and shaping the policies and direction of psychiatry through active leadership and management.

Outside of work, I enjoy playing and watching football, photography and podcasting. I particularly enjoy the creative side of photography and podcasting, which give me an opportunity to explore interests outside medicine and develop skills in communication and storytelling.