Medical student Hassan Ali-Mohamad completed an honours year in 2023, conducting a project through Monash Rural Health looking at the perceptions of Victorian mental health professionals on the impacts of global climate change.

Supervised by Dr David Reser, Hassan interviewed mental health professionals (MHPs) including psychologists, psychiatrists and mental health nurses and found that most agreed that there are severe and complex mental health impacts on their patients as a result of climate change. However, those surveyed felt that there was inadequate training available to address this emerging issue.

According to Hassan, mental health professionals also identified many barriers that complicate their ability to advocate for climate action, both personally and professionally to combat Anthropogenic Global Climate Change (AGCC) which is climate change induced by humans.

“These findings highlight the urgent need for broad and swift decision-making by governing bodies and authorities that directly facilitate changes to education and training of MHPs, in order to better address the likely mental health impacts of AGCC.”

Having completed this project, Hassan now plans to work towards publishing this research. Reflecting on his honours year, Hassan found undertaking this project was both illuminating and challenging.

“Getting to hear so many different and diverse perspectives from a range of professionals was very humbling and illuminating. Furthermore, the challenge of conducting and writing a mixed methods study was a welcome one, and I believe I've benefited academically because of it.”

Overall, Hassan has a positive experience during his honours year, and felt he was given enough support, time, and guidance from his supervisors to ensure his work was of the highest standard. He also recognised the importance of having an external support system in place.

“An external support system in my friends and family meant that I could feel encouraged throughout the whole year, regardless of any major setbacks.”

For all those considering undertaking an honours year in the future, Hassan offered some advice.

“My main piece of advice is to choose a topic you're particularly interested in, never shy away from asking for help, and keep all your work organised (trust me, the amount of files and folders begin to pile up!). Finally, know that feedback of any kind is ultimately positive, as it serves as an opportunity to reflect and improve on your work.”

Learn more about the Doctor of Medicine or Bachelor of Biomedical Science Honours program