Dr Jerry Chong

Dr Chong graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Queensland. Dr Chong worked as a Principal House Officer in the public mental health services for 10 years, at The Prince Charles Hospital. During his time there, he worked in the Acute Adult Inpatient Unit, the High Dependency Unit, the Acute Care Team, Consultation Liaison Psychiatry team and the Community Mental Health Outpatient Clinics.

Dr Chong is a Senior Medical Officer in Psychiatry, who is keen on providing comprehensive and compassionate care for his patients. Dr Chong understands that each patient is unique, and he will take the time to listen to their concerns, provide thorough examinations, and develop tailored treatment plans that fit their individual lifestyle and needs.

He believes in a holistic approach to health, focusing on both physical and mental well-being. Dr Chong strives to empower patients with the knowledge they need to make informed health decisions.

A Senior Medical Officer (SMO) is a doctor who has worked in a particular field of medicine eg psychiatry, without enrolling in the Formal Training Programme of that specialty. In the public health sector, SMO’s are common in all fields of medicine, including psychiatry. A SMO is typically a very experienced doctor in that field of medicine and in some cases have been working for decades in that field. There are various terms that describe the same role: career hospital doctor, career medical officer, etc.

The difference between a Senior Medical Officer and a Consultant Psychiatrist is that a SMO is an individual who does not have postgraduate specialist qualifications, but works in a specialty under the supervision of a specialist. Every patient’s case will be discussed in supervision with either Dr Matthew Hocking, Dr Peter Devadason or Dr Belinda Oddy.

Dr Chong can prescribe medications including psychostimulants, under the supervision of a Consultant Psychiatrist.