Rate My Professor Gregory Spencer

Dr. Gregory Spencer serves as a Clinical Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago, Wellington, where he is actively involved in medical student education. As an Adult Psychiatrist practising in Wellington, New Zealand, he has made significant contributions to psychiatric training and professional development. For over 15 years, he has been one of the Directors of Training for the Lower and Central North Island Psychiatry Training Programme. He has previously acted as an examiner and supervisor with the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) and currently chairs the RANZCP Committee for Training. His involvement extends to supporting the department's teaching efforts, particularly in the examination component of the sixth-year psychological medicine attachment programme. This four-week programme, part of the 48-week clinical learning curriculum for medical students, adopts an apprenticeship model that enables students to apply theoretical knowledge in authentic clinical environments through observation and hands-on participation. Placements are offered in diverse settings, including rural locations such as Hawke’s Bay, Palmerston North, Gisborne, and Masterton. Adaptations during the COVID-19 lockdown included the provision of home learning modules for affected students.

Prior to his current academic role, Dr. Spencer worked as a Consultant Psychiatrist at the Regional Rehabilitation Service, Capital and Coast District Health Board in Wellington. In 2007, he co-authored the article 'Forcing family involvement in patient care: legislative and clinical issues,' published in Australasian Psychiatry, in collaboration with Jeremy Skipworth. This publication addresses key legislative and clinical considerations regarding family participation in patient treatment. Dr. Spencer has also contributed to RANZCP educational initiatives, including webinars such as 'IOCAs unpacked' and 'Update on the OCA/IOCA and Clinical Competency Portfolio review,' where he provided updates on training developments alongside other experts. His work underscores a commitment to enhancing psychiatric education and training standards in New Zealand.