Medical Student Placements

Our university medical elective program is for all medical students with an interest in psychiatry.

Experience the rewards of forensic psychiatry.

If you’re considering a career in psychiatry, a placement at Forensicare will provide a unique opportunity to hone your skills, learn about forensic mental health and be supported by industry professionals who can help you succeed.

Forensic mental health is a niche and specialist area of mental health, but it’s also an area that focuses on truly helping people to manage their mental health.

The medical elective placements are generally for a period of four weeks. The program includes experience across all of our services including:

Hospital Operations- At the Thomas Embling secure psychiatric hospital, you will spend time working collaboratively with consumers who have complex mental health presentations, while being supported by world-class medical professionals dedicated to fostering a fantastic learning experience.
Community Operations- This is an outpatient, community-based program working across Melbourne. Students will have the opportunity to observe psychiatric consultations across our community-based outpatient services, attend court with industry experts, observing clinical review processes and shadowing Mental Health Liaison Officers at the Melbourne Magistrates Court.
Prison Operations- As part of your elective, you may shadow a registrar or nurse practitioner on outpatient rounds within prison services such as the Melbourne Assessment Prison where Forensicare provides specialist mental health specialist clinics, outpatient services, and assessment programs.

For more information, contact Dr Jerome Nicholas, Hospital Training Coordinator Jerome.Nicholas@Forensicare.vic.gov.au.

Frequently asked questions

Who Do We Work With?

Students will work alongside multidisciplinary teams caring for patients with complex mental illnesses who are involved with the justice system. Patients may be in secure hospital, prisons, or under community supervision. Teams include psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, social workers, and allied health staff.

Are there things I should do before I start placement?

Submit required documentation (e.g., immunisation records, WWCC, police checks)
Complete any e-learning modules and pre-reading
Pay elective fee (if applicable)
Familiarise yourself with site-specific guidelines and dress codes

Who can apply for a placement at Forensicare?

Medical students from Australian or international universities.

How long does the placement last?

Typically, 4 weeks, full-time.

Are there placement assessments?

Usually not graded, but you may need supervisor feedback for your university.

What environments will I be working in?

The placement occurs across secure settings like Thomas Embling Hospital, community clinics, and correctional facilities. Despite the security, the focus remains therapeutic and recovery-oriented, with a strong emphasis on dignity, safety, and patient-centred care.

Will I be safe?

Yes. Forensicare prioritises student safety with clear protocols and support.

Students may witness or learn about critical incidents such as agitation or self-harm. Forensicare has strong safety protocols, including duress alarms and trained response teams. Students are never expected to manage incidents alone and are well supported throughout.

Will I have access to supervision?

Yes. You’ll be supported by experienced clinicians.