2 answers
Maddie
Student
Tooele, Utah
1
Question
Updated
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How can I work towards my own psychiatry practice? Is it a good career goal?
I am an undergraduate psychology student and I want to become a psychiatrist. How realistic is it to work towards establishing my own practice, and what would that process look like? I am also curious if I would be able to have a psychiatry practice, and research neuroscience. I have big dreams. I want to write books, and have my own clinical practice, and have a family, and travel, but I don't know if all my ambitions are achievable. Is there anyone who has been able to have a career like this as well as having a thriving personal and family life?
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2 answers
Charlotte Geiger
Public Health Science Student at the University of Maryland
150
Answers
Sykesville, Maryland
Updated
Charlotte’s Answer
Hi Maddie,
Owning your own psychiatry practice is a very realistic and achievable goal if you're willing to put in the time and effort. As a psychology undergrad, you would first need to complete pre-med requirements, go to medical school, and finish a psychiatry residency before opening your own practice. Many psychiatrists also find ways to do research, especially in neuroscience, by working with universities or research hospitals. It's definitely possible to have a career where you run a practice, write books, travel, and have a family — it just takes strong time management and patience, because you won’t do everything at once. Your dreams are big, but they are not too much; with steady steps and a long-term mindset, you can absolutely build the life you’re envisioning.
Owning your own psychiatry practice is a very realistic and achievable goal if you're willing to put in the time and effort. As a psychology undergrad, you would first need to complete pre-med requirements, go to medical school, and finish a psychiatry residency before opening your own practice. Many psychiatrists also find ways to do research, especially in neuroscience, by working with universities or research hospitals. It's definitely possible to have a career where you run a practice, write books, travel, and have a family — it just takes strong time management and patience, because you won’t do everything at once. Your dreams are big, but they are not too much; with steady steps and a long-term mindset, you can absolutely build the life you’re envisioning.
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1016
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Maddie,
This is a good and insightful question. Although becoming a psychiatrist takes a lot of work, starting your own private practice is a very doable and reasonable ambition. Following graduation from college, you will need to go to medical school and then a psychiatry residency.
After receiving your license and board certification, you can start laying the groundwork for your own practice or obtain experience working at clinics or hospitals. A large number of psychiatrists do go on to establish private clinics, in which they control their own schedules and select the patient groups they wish to serve.
Research in neuroscience and psychiatry can be combined, particularly if you associate yourself with academic medical facilities or research institutions. Some psychiatrists see patients and perform research at the same time, however, this can be a taxing schedule. The key is striking the correct balance.
Depending on your priorities at each point in your journey, you can also write books, travel, and have a happy family life, albeit these may take different forms. Many experts in this sector have managed to combine their personal lives, creative pursuits, therapeutic practice, and research; nonetheless, this needs self-compassion, time management, and organization.
You have realistic aspirations, and with determination and encouragement, you can create a life that aligns with your beliefs and career aspirations.
Best wishes!
This is a good and insightful question. Although becoming a psychiatrist takes a lot of work, starting your own private practice is a very doable and reasonable ambition. Following graduation from college, you will need to go to medical school and then a psychiatry residency.
After receiving your license and board certification, you can start laying the groundwork for your own practice or obtain experience working at clinics or hospitals. A large number of psychiatrists do go on to establish private clinics, in which they control their own schedules and select the patient groups they wish to serve.
Research in neuroscience and psychiatry can be combined, particularly if you associate yourself with academic medical facilities or research institutions. Some psychiatrists see patients and perform research at the same time, however, this can be a taxing schedule. The key is striking the correct balance.
Depending on your priorities at each point in your journey, you can also write books, travel, and have a happy family life, albeit these may take different forms. Many experts in this sector have managed to combine their personal lives, creative pursuits, therapeutic practice, and research; nonetheless, this needs self-compassion, time management, and organization.
You have realistic aspirations, and with determination and encouragement, you can create a life that aligns with your beliefs and career aspirations.
Best wishes!