From Belgium to Brisbane

Dr Catherine Ruelens and Dr Hendrik-Jan Betrains recently relocated from Belguim to Brisbane, joining The Prince Charles Hospital mental health team.

Belgium in Western Europe is known for its medieval towns, Renaissance architecture and being the headquarters of the European Union and NATO. It’s a long way and quite different from sub-tropical Brisbane.

However, for Dr Catherine Ruelens and Dr Hendrik-Jan Betrains, Brisbane is also the opportunity of a lifetime.

The pair recently relocated from Belgium, drawn by our warmer climate and outdoor lifestyle, joining The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) mental health team recently as Staff Specialists in Psychiatry.

Both doctors have impressive clinical experience in public, private and community mental health settings in Belgium, which is now available to patients at TPCH.

“We are both adult psychiatrists, trained in Belgium and met in Leuven, a university town near Brussels,” Hendrik-Jan said.

“I am excited about the chance to bring my clinical proficiency to a new setting and learn from the diverse perspectives and practices in Australia.”

The idea of living abroad has always intrigued Hendrik-Jan, who found a kindred spirit in partner Catherine.

“Belgium is very rainy and grey so the climate was a big draw,” he said.

“When we learnt of the opportunity, that they were looking for medical professionals, I always had in mind that I wanted to live abroad, so I twisted Catherine’s arm and now we are here.”

Catherine said the challenge and experiencing something new also helped bring them to Brisbane.

“We visited Brisbane in September (2025) and Prince Charles really spoke to us, had that friendly and familiar vibe,” Catherine said.

“Everyone has been so welcoming, we are still both learning being at a new healthcare organisation but that’s why we wanted to move, to come for the challenge and to experience something new.”

Catherine also has experience with eating disorders, expatriate psychiatry and general adult psychiatry patients.

“Brisbane is a very family friendly city, we moved with our two kids, and we have put them through a big change so if all goes well, we would love to stay here,” she said.