Dr Julie Anderson has become the new chair of RCPsych NI and a vice president of RCPsych.
Previous chair, Dr Richard Wilson demitted his role in June having served a four-year term.
Dr Julie Anderson works in Northern Health and Social Care Trust. She was previously a general adult consultant in a Community Mental Health Team for eight years and is now a consultant perinatal psychiatrist.
Over the years she played a key role in successfully campaigning for funding for specialist perinatal community teams in Northern Ireland. She is also the Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) lead.
Dr Anderson has had a longstanding interest in medical education having previously been an educational supervisor and training programme director for general adult psychiatry.
She has a Masters in Clinical Education from Queens University Belfast (QUB) and is now a undergraduate lead for mental health at the university.
The clinician is also a professional support lead in the Northern Ireland Medical and Dental Agency.
Dr Julie Anderson said:
“I am excited at what the next four years holds for RCPsych NI and feel honoured to have the opportunity to take on the role as chair.
“We have a wonderful staff team and an engaged membership which will make the role much more manageable.
“I will work over the next few months to get a clear view on the member’s priorities. Clear current priorities for me relate to the significant workforce challenges and the economic climate we find ourselves in.
“As a perinatal psychiatrist, I will continue to champion for the Mother and Baby Unit in NI.
“Having recently had the privilege to meet my fellow devolved nation chairs, I am confident we will be a resource and support to each other in the years ahead.
“I am grateful to the hard work and dedication of Dr Richard Wilson and will no doubt seek his council over the incoming months.”
Sonia Walter, chief executive of the College, said:
“I am delighted to congratulate Dr Anderson on her vital new role as chair of the RCPsych in NI.
“Her strong vision for improving mental health services in Northern Ireland is impressive and timely. She will be a worthy successor to her excellent predecessor, Dr Richard Wilson.”
Within RCPsych NI, Dr Anderson has been the chair of the Perinatal SIG and a member of Devolved Council. She has been the NI rep on the Perinatal Faculty executive and chair of the Regional Reps.
For further information, please contact:
- Email: northernireland@rcpsych.ac.uk
- Contact Name: RCPsych in Northern Ireland
- Twitter: @rcpsychni