Prof. Lois Surgenor1
1University Of Otago, Christchurch, Christchurch, New Zealand
Biography:
Lois is a Professor in Psychological Medicine at the University of Otago, Christchurch and the Health Sciences Divisional Associate Dean (Academic). She previously chaired a NZ regulatory authority (NZ Psychologists Board, 2002-2011) and the collective 16 health regulatory authorities (HRANZ 2010-13). She has researched disciplinary and health rehabilitation for 18 years. As a clinical psychologist, she has chaired many Professional Conduct Committees and supervised disciplined practitioners who have been subject to supervision/educative penalties. Lois is the Co-Principal Investigator (with Professor Kate Diesfeld) of a Royal Society of NZ Marsden Fund focusing on professional misconduct rehabilitation.
Regulation of registered professionals often results in discipline, for those who significantly transgress professional standards. Psychologists, psychiatrists and lawyers may have influential roles in this process. Disciplinary law addresses public safety, the reputation of the profession and often the restoration of the practitioner back to safe practice. This symposium inquires how disciplinary bodies define the boundaries of acceptable conduct, whether they adopt pro-therapeutic responses, and the nature of the corresponding rehabilitation. We welcome dialogue regarding optimum methods to support disciplined practitioners, across professions.