Training in Clinical Neuropsychology – an Australian Experience Dr. Ruth Breen Clinical Neuropsychologist, Ninewells Hospital and The Centre for Brain Injury Rehabilitation, Royal Victoria Hospital, Dundee

Outline  Studying in Melbourne  Clinical Neuropsychology training in Australia –Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology  Psychology networks and employment in Australia  Differences between Australian and UK Training

Melbourne, Australia

University of Melbourne

Universities in Melbourne  University of Melbourne  Monash University  La Trobe University  Victoria University  RMIT (Royal Melbourne University of Technology)

Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Melbourne, Australia  Parallel courses: –Clinical Psychology –Child Clinical Psychology –Forensic Psychology –Health Psychology  Course No: 6  Course length: 3+ years

Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Melbourne, Australia, continued…….  Practical: placements – Neuropsychological within different settings  Year 1: observational  Year 2: 4 three-month placements  Year 3: two six-month placements  Typical Example: –Yr 1: Observe clinician in Royal Melbourne, General Adult Neuropsychology –Yr 2: 3 months in Acute Neurology (Adult); 3 months Royal Children's Hospital; 3 months CDAMS (Cognitive, Dementia and Memory Service); 3 months Specialist Epilepsy Service (Neurosurgery) –Yr 3: 6 months TBI Rehabilitation Centre; 6 months Neuropsychiatry

Doctorate in Clinical Neuropsychology, University of Melbourne, Australia, continued…….  Theory: –Lectures/exams –Coursework  Examples of Modules: –Adult Neuropsychological disorders –Child Neuropsychological disorders –Structure and Function of the Brain –Psychological Assessment and Formulation –Psychological Interventions –Neuroanatomy seminars –Neuropsychological Rehabilitation

Thesis  Topics of Interest  “Neuropsychological and Psychosocial Outcome Profiles following Endovascular Coiling for Intracranial Aneurysms”

Return to the UK  Statement of Equivalence: –Set number of days in different specialties –Therapeutic focus –Essays  BPS/HPC Chartered Accreditation

Training Focus/Ethos  Embedded in Neurology  Use of Neuroimaging  Hypothesis-testing  Differential Diagnoses

Australian Psychological Society (APS)  The APS is the largest professional association for psychologists in Australia, representing over 20,000 members.  APS members form a dynamic group that advocate for psychologists at all levels of government.  Promote the contributions Psychology makes to people's health and wellbeing, and to understanding important social issues facing Australian society.

Medicare  Australia's publicly funded universal healthcare system, operated by the government authority Medicare Australia.  Reciprocal agreement with Other countries worldwide (except for students!)  April 2006: Private Psychology to be publicly funded through Medicare. Currently not including Neuropsychology.  APS: Clinicians apply to be assessed in order to practice under Medicare

CCN – College of Clinical Neuropsychologists  Mechanism for Neuropsychologists all over Australia to stay linked with colleagues who share similar clinical and research interests.  Brings together neuropsychologists in local areas interested in a wide variety of neuropsychological topics.  250 members (not latest figures)  State-wide

Melbourne Hospitals  Departments within Hospitals  Approx 20 hospitals with active Clinical Neuropsychology departments, not counting rural centres  Between two and six fulltime/part-time Clinical Neuropsychologists working within each dept, plus trainees (Graduate Neuropsychologists)  Typical Rehab Team make-up: –Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Speech and Language Therapist, Nursing staff, Clinical Psychologist, Clinical Neuropsychologist  Types of Brain Injury

Austin Health  The Department of Clinical Neuropsychology at Austin Health provides inpatient and outpatient services to neurosciences, psychiatry, aged care services, and all medical and surgical units. The department caters for adults, with a restricted service available to children (epilepsy only).  The department provides patient care, incorporating diagnostic assessment services, involvement in rehabilitation programs, and contributes to treatment/discharge planning procedures.  In addition to the clinical program, the department offers student placement programs to those undertaking university post- graduate training courses in clinical neuropsychology. The department also has a heavy involvement in both independent and collaborative research projects.  The department is the historical ‘home’ of the profession of clinical neuropsychology in Australia, having been established by Dr. Kevin Walsh (AO BA MBBS MSc FBPsS) in the 1970’s under the aegis of The University of Melbourne.

Differences with UK Training  Point of specialisation  Differentiation of specialties –Application in clinical practice  Neurology-focus rather than Psychiatry

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