Volunteering in medico-political professional organisations as a socially rewarding and productive activity: a primer for psychiatrists and trainees

Australas Psychiatry. 2021 Aug;29(4):430-433. doi: 10.1177/1039856220963890. Epub 2020 Oct 18.

Abstract

Objective: To describe the rationale for, and benefits of, trainees and psychiatrists to be involved in medico-political volunteering.

Conclusions: Volunteering for professional organisations and other bodies may be considered as an important advocacy role for psychiatrists. Such volunteering is meaningful through shared goals and achievements, as well as developing a sense of mastery and significance as part of a larger quest. Volunteering is also a professional developmental process that both enhances individual skills/career development as well as organisational efficacy.

Keywords: AMA; ASMOF; RANZCP; medico-political professional organisation; volunteering.

MeSH terms

  • Humans
  • Psychiatry*
  • Societies
  • Volunteers*