A new initiative for aspiring addictions psychiatrists in Wales

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The Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales has launched a unique development programme for aspiring psychiatrists with an interest in addictions. 

The Cefnogi programme has been established in tribute to Professor Jan Melichar, and will give an opportunity for medical school students and foundation year doctors across Wales to benefit from a 12-month programme. The development programme offers dedicated mentorship alongside bursaries to attend conferences, and project opportunities that will give exposure to the addictions specialism.

The programme was launched at last weeks’ RCPsych Wales Addictions Conference with the support of the Welsh Government Minister for Mental Health & Wellbeing, Sarah Murphy MS.

Addressing the conference, Minister Murphy said:

“I would really like to pay tribute to Jan Melichar who was a pioneer. He was absolutely instrumental in the success of Buvidal in Wales. 

It gives me a great honour to launch the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Wales’ unique addictions development programme which will support doctors interested in further development in this specialist area, established in tribute to Jan Melichar. It provides mentored support and opportunities for further learning. 

We are positive outliers in the UK when it comes to training in addictions. This is something we should be so proud of and it’s an area that Jan was incredibly passionate about”

We are inviting expressions of interest from medical school students and foundation year doctors across Wales, until Friday 13 March.

Places will be limited, and there will be a short and formal application process; however we are keen to support all who express interest with a training day through RCPsych in Wales.

Whilst the initial programme is focussed upon addictions, we are keen to extend Cefnogi to other specialisms in time.