Proposal
Establishment of a ‘Men in Psychiatry’ Special Interest Group
Dr Ishaan Gosai
MBBCh, MRCPsych, BSc(Hons) Addictions
Consultant General Adult Psychiatrist
Editor in Chief of the Journal of Psychiatric Training
Senior Lecturer in Psychiatry – University of East Anglia
Consultant Psychiatrist – Priory Norwich
Dr Lawrence Mynors-Wallis
Proposal for Men in Psychiatry Special Interest Group (MIPSIG)
Preamble
The women in psychiatry special interest group (wipsig) has flourished, spearheading the cause of women psychiatrists and highlighting sad deficits that sometimes exist in the provision of woman-centric services.
Leading on from this success, I propose a “Men in Psychiatry” Special Interest Group (mipsig).
Rationale
Men’s health issues are a burgeoning problem. The provision of appropriate services and recognition of matters pertaining to men’s health has gone largely unrecognised. Tie to this the changing roles of men in society and issues such as psychosexual disorders, self-esteem issues and an unwillingness to appear weak, and a group within the College could/ would be instrumental in providing strong direction in awareness-raising amongst fellow psychiatric colleagues both nationally and internationally of what are, potentially, hidden problems.
Vision
The group will serve as a focal point within the College for matters pertaining to men’s health and the provision of services for this under-reported and perhaps overly-stigmatised epidemiological sector.
I propose a group charged with the responsibility of assisting in the destigmatisation, as well as establishing central standards on what is often an exceptionally sensitive area in psychiatry. Development and perpetuation of research would also be one of the key pillars of this SIG.
I propose the group be open to men with an interest in positively promoting men’s health issues; however it would not exclude women who recognise men’s health issues as a problem and would like to contribute in some way. This would clearly need to be ratified by the executive committee.
I expect the group would be well subscribed to, with a regular newsletter highlighting important issues while keeping members abreast of developments both at home, and away. There should also be, at least, annual meetings for discussion of pertinent issues.
The executive would reflect the structure of other new-start SIG’s and comprise:
A chair, secretary, financial officer, senior trainee, and other members as and when the need arises. The roles of the committee would be decided by mutual agreement.
Clearly as founder of the group and as one who is passionate about driving the cause of men’s health forward, I am in a very good position to co-ordinate the formation and running of the group as chair, in the first instance.
We would clearly need to hold elections in due course and would seek to shine a further light on the already glowing reputation of the college’s special interest groups.