Rural Psychiatry Training WA brings nationally recognised leadership to Country WA
Country WA psychiatrists are benefitting from the nationally recognised experience and leadership of Dr Kym Jenkins.
As South West Assistant Director of Training at Rural Psychiatry Training WA (RPTWA), Dr Jenkins supports locally-based trainee psychiatrists and a wider team focused on attracting, training and retaining psychiatrists in country WA.
Recently appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the General Division, named the COVID-19 Honour Roll, Dr Jenkins has made significant contributions to the medical profession throughout her career, particularly in rural mental health and medical education, as well as through her leadership during the pandemic.
She was one of just six medical doctors nationwide to receive the Australia Day Honour, adding to a list of accolades which includes the AMA Women in Medical Leadership Award (2022) and the RANZCP College Citation (2024), recognising her unwavering dedication to the medical community.
Dr Steven Blefari, Director of Training at RPTWA, said Dr Jenkins is highly influential in building a new pipeline of quality mental health specialists in country WA.
“The Rural Psychiatry Training WA program enables psychiatrists to meet the diverse and unique needs of rural communities,” he said.
“We’re extremely fortunate to have Dr Jenkins working to support South West psychiatry trainees as well as the wider RPTWA team and program.
“I congratulate her on her latest, well-deserved honour, which represents a career of passionate care for her peers and community.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr Jenkins co-founded Hand-n-Hand Peer Support, providing confidential peer support to healthcare professionals, where she now sits as Board Chair.
She also supported the industry during this time by rebuilding the Victoria Doctors Health Program.
Additionally, she chairs the Migrant and Refugee Mental Health Partnership – highlighting her dedication to supporting vulnerable populations.
Dr Jenkins’ has also been extensively involved with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP).
As a past President of the College, she has held various key positions including membership on the Psychiatry Interest Forum Advisory Group and the Asylum Seeker and Refugee Mental Health Network.
Prior to commencing in her role at RPTWA, Dr Jenkins has served as a visiting specialist, and acting clinical director.
RPTWA is RANZCP-accredited and led by WA Country Health Service.
Since its launch in 2023, the program has exceeded expectations with 37 trainees in 2025 and five recent graduates who have become fellows and taken on consultant psychiatrists roles in much needed locations across rural WA.