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Eli
Student
Yuba City, California
1
Question
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What should I know as someone that's wants to be a psychiatrist ?
What is like being a psychiatrist? Is it a good paying job? What college did you attend to become e a psychiatrist? Do you enjoy your job? Is your job difficult?
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2 answers
Gregory Barclay, M.D., DLFAPA, FASAP
Psychiatrist
24
Answers
Wilmington, Delaware
Updated
Gregory’s Answer
Eli,
Congratulations on your goal of becoming a psychiatrist! I have been a psychiatrist for 35 years and therefore might be of some help to you through my answers to your questions.
First, being a psychiatrist is a special privilege. I say this because as one, you are granted the privilege and right (with permission) to enter someone else's private world of emotions, experiences, thoughts, impulses, fears, and (sometimes) horrors. This is a place where, as psychiatrists, we are allowed to do what we can to improve people's lives and their ability to function (or possibly just survive) in the world. Being able to help people who are suffering, many of those sufferings being hidden to most other people, has given me a great deal of pleasure and pride over the many years I have done this work.
The work involved in being a practicing psychiatrist is basically a set of skills you learn through medical training and psychiatry residency training, and then refine as you use them, much like a master chef refines his or her skills through continued use and innovation as they go. Since you are first trained in medicine, you are an expert in how physical and mental conditions develop and interact with one another. You also will have the widest range of treatment options available to you, if you choose to develop and refine them, compared to your non-physician mental health professional colleagues. For example, you will be able to use talk therapy skills and training as well as medical skills and training, both of which are taught and practiced extensively during your residency, which follows medical school. Because of this array of skills, psychiatrists often oversee teams of professionals working with many different individuals and work closely with other doctors as well as counselors and therapists to help patients. Others can choose to work on their own and offer their own brand of services based on how they marry the special skills they have learned through medical and residency training.
I have found practicing psychiatry to be very enriching and rewarding since I have been able to help so many people (many of them children and teenagers and their families). Like other professions, of course, psychiatry also has its own stresses and frustrations. It takes energy and practice to be focused and fully attentive to your patients for many hours per day, for example, and because psychiatrists work often with very troubled people, there are times when you worry about them committing a violent act or committing suicide. These events do happen, but fortunately if you are attentive and good at what you do, they are rare.
To answer your other questions: First, psychiatrists are not paid as much as some doctors are, mainly because in the USA physicians who do procedures to patients are paid more than those who talk with patients. But I have always made sufficient money to live comfortably and was able to raise a large and happy family and travel with them many places when they were living with my wife and me, and we have a comfortable life now. It isn't a career for a person who needs to make or wants to make a high six figure annual salary, but I think the rewards and uniqueness of this career far exceed the slightly lower salary.
Second, I grew up in Kentucky so naturally I went to the University of Kentucky and majored first in music before adopting a pre-medicine approach. My grades weren't stellar and my medical college admission test scores were not overly high, but well above average. I then attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where I received a superior medical education before doing my internship and residency in San Diego. I think it is important for you to attend a good undergraduate college or university where you can get a very broad education, since this is the only time in your life you are truly free to do that. While it is true you have to take the basic science and math pre-requisites, in my case at least, the admissions committee was more interested in all my other activities and interests than whether I had majored in biology or chemistry, which other pre-med students did but not me. It is important of course that you study and make good grades since getting into medical school is where the big "cut in the ranks" takes place. The nice thing is that you can reapply to medical school as many times as takes for you to get accepted, all the while working on enhancing your profile through work or additional schooling, and this commitment tends to influence admission committees too. Medical school is busy and tough at times but one no longer has to compete with others anymore since everyone will get the same degree and patients later on don't care what your class rank was in medical school. At this time, there are many more psychiatry residency spots open than are filled, so getting into a residency program (where you are paid, but you work under supervision) isn't much of a challenge.
I hope this helps you, Eli! I will be happy to answer any other questions. We need psychiatrists, very badly! Especially ones who want to work with children and teenagers. So, we will welcome you with open arms if you go forward with your career plan to become a psychiatrist!
Congratulations on your goal of becoming a psychiatrist! I have been a psychiatrist for 35 years and therefore might be of some help to you through my answers to your questions.
First, being a psychiatrist is a special privilege. I say this because as one, you are granted the privilege and right (with permission) to enter someone else's private world of emotions, experiences, thoughts, impulses, fears, and (sometimes) horrors. This is a place where, as psychiatrists, we are allowed to do what we can to improve people's lives and their ability to function (or possibly just survive) in the world. Being able to help people who are suffering, many of those sufferings being hidden to most other people, has given me a great deal of pleasure and pride over the many years I have done this work.
The work involved in being a practicing psychiatrist is basically a set of skills you learn through medical training and psychiatry residency training, and then refine as you use them, much like a master chef refines his or her skills through continued use and innovation as they go. Since you are first trained in medicine, you are an expert in how physical and mental conditions develop and interact with one another. You also will have the widest range of treatment options available to you, if you choose to develop and refine them, compared to your non-physician mental health professional colleagues. For example, you will be able to use talk therapy skills and training as well as medical skills and training, both of which are taught and practiced extensively during your residency, which follows medical school. Because of this array of skills, psychiatrists often oversee teams of professionals working with many different individuals and work closely with other doctors as well as counselors and therapists to help patients. Others can choose to work on their own and offer their own brand of services based on how they marry the special skills they have learned through medical and residency training.
I have found practicing psychiatry to be very enriching and rewarding since I have been able to help so many people (many of them children and teenagers and their families). Like other professions, of course, psychiatry also has its own stresses and frustrations. It takes energy and practice to be focused and fully attentive to your patients for many hours per day, for example, and because psychiatrists work often with very troubled people, there are times when you worry about them committing a violent act or committing suicide. These events do happen, but fortunately if you are attentive and good at what you do, they are rare.
To answer your other questions: First, psychiatrists are not paid as much as some doctors are, mainly because in the USA physicians who do procedures to patients are paid more than those who talk with patients. But I have always made sufficient money to live comfortably and was able to raise a large and happy family and travel with them many places when they were living with my wife and me, and we have a comfortable life now. It isn't a career for a person who needs to make or wants to make a high six figure annual salary, but I think the rewards and uniqueness of this career far exceed the slightly lower salary.
Second, I grew up in Kentucky so naturally I went to the University of Kentucky and majored first in music before adopting a pre-medicine approach. My grades weren't stellar and my medical college admission test scores were not overly high, but well above average. I then attended the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, where I received a superior medical education before doing my internship and residency in San Diego. I think it is important for you to attend a good undergraduate college or university where you can get a very broad education, since this is the only time in your life you are truly free to do that. While it is true you have to take the basic science and math pre-requisites, in my case at least, the admissions committee was more interested in all my other activities and interests than whether I had majored in biology or chemistry, which other pre-med students did but not me. It is important of course that you study and make good grades since getting into medical school is where the big "cut in the ranks" takes place. The nice thing is that you can reapply to medical school as many times as takes for you to get accepted, all the while working on enhancing your profile through work or additional schooling, and this commitment tends to influence admission committees too. Medical school is busy and tough at times but one no longer has to compete with others anymore since everyone will get the same degree and patients later on don't care what your class rank was in medical school. At this time, there are many more psychiatry residency spots open than are filled, so getting into a residency program (where you are paid, but you work under supervision) isn't much of a challenge.
I hope this helps you, Eli! I will be happy to answer any other questions. We need psychiatrists, very badly! Especially ones who want to work with children and teenagers. So, we will welcome you with open arms if you go forward with your career plan to become a psychiatrist!
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity.
3859
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hi Eli,
Your Guide to Becoming a Psychiatrist
If you're considering a career as a psychiatrist, it's important to understand what lies ahead. This profession is deeply satisfying and rewarding, yet it comes with its unique set of challenges and demands. This guide will give you a comprehensive look at the life of a psychiatrist, the education you'll need, job prospects, and the personal traits that will help you succeed.
Understanding the Role of a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health and emotional disorders. They combine psychotherapy and medication to help their patients manage their conditions and enhance their mental health. Psychiatrists work in diverse environments, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Education Pathway
Here's what you need to do education-wise to become a psychiatrist:
Bachelor’s Degree: You'll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While there's no specific major for psychiatry, many hopeful psychiatrists choose psychology, biology, or neuroscience.
Medical School: After your undergraduate degree, you'll attend medical school to earn your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, which usually takes four years.
Residency Program: Post medical school, you'll complete a four-year residency program in psychiatry. This is where you'll gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions under the guidance of seasoned psychiatrists.
Job Prospects and Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for psychiatrists in the U.S. is about $220,000. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth of 14% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Key Personal Qualities for Success
Here are some personal qualities that will help you excel as a psychiatrist:
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with your patients’ emotions and experiences is crucial.
Effective Communication: You'll need to communicate clearly with your patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Analytical Skills: The ability to dissect complex medical and psychological data to make accurate diagnoses and devise effective treatment plans is key.
Ethical Principles: You should be dedicated to upholding ethical principles, such as respecting patients’ confidentiality and autonomy.
Is Psychiatry a Well-Paid Profession?
Indeed, psychiatry is a well-paid profession. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for psychiatrists is about $220,000, higher than the median annual salary for all occupations in the U.S. However, salaries can fluctuate based on factors like location, experience, and specialty.
Do I Love My Job?
As a psychiatrist, I find immense joy in helping my patients navigate their mental health conditions and enhance their overall well-being. It's incredibly gratifying to witness patients progress and achieve their goals. However, the job does demand a high level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong analytical skills.
Is My Job Challenging?
Yes, psychiatry can be challenging. It demands a high level of knowledge, skill, and emotional intelligence. Diagnosing and treating a wide array of mental health conditions, many of which are complex and difficult to manage, is not easy. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental illness can make it hard for some patients to seek help, adding to the emotional challenges psychiatrists face.
Recommended Reading
“The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults” by the American Psychiatric Association
“Psychiatry: A Very Short Introduction” by Allan N. Schore
“Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing” by Mary C. Durham and Susan J. Watson
In summary, becoming a psychiatrist demands substantial education, training, and personal qualities. While it can be challenging, it's equally rewarding and fulfilling. If you have a passion for helping others and possess the necessary skills and qualities, a career in psychiatry might be the perfect fit for you.
Take Care,
James.
Your Guide to Becoming a Psychiatrist
If you're considering a career as a psychiatrist, it's important to understand what lies ahead. This profession is deeply satisfying and rewarding, yet it comes with its unique set of challenges and demands. This guide will give you a comprehensive look at the life of a psychiatrist, the education you'll need, job prospects, and the personal traits that will help you succeed.
Understanding the Role of a Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical professional specializing in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental health and emotional disorders. They combine psychotherapy and medication to help their patients manage their conditions and enhance their mental health. Psychiatrists work in diverse environments, such as hospitals, clinics, and private practices.
Education Pathway
Here's what you need to do education-wise to become a psychiatrist:
Bachelor’s Degree: You'll need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution. While there's no specific major for psychiatry, many hopeful psychiatrists choose psychology, biology, or neuroscience.
Medical School: After your undergraduate degree, you'll attend medical school to earn your Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) or Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.) degree, which usually takes four years.
Residency Program: Post medical school, you'll complete a four-year residency program in psychiatry. This is where you'll gain hands-on experience in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions under the guidance of seasoned psychiatrists.
Job Prospects and Earnings
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the median annual salary for psychiatrists in the U.S. is about $220,000. The job outlook is promising, with a projected growth of 14% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
Key Personal Qualities for Success
Here are some personal qualities that will help you excel as a psychiatrist:
Empathy: Understanding and connecting with your patients’ emotions and experiences is crucial.
Effective Communication: You'll need to communicate clearly with your patients, their families, and other healthcare professionals.
Analytical Skills: The ability to dissect complex medical and psychological data to make accurate diagnoses and devise effective treatment plans is key.
Ethical Principles: You should be dedicated to upholding ethical principles, such as respecting patients’ confidentiality and autonomy.
Is Psychiatry a Well-Paid Profession?
Indeed, psychiatry is a well-paid profession. The BLS reports that the median annual salary for psychiatrists is about $220,000, higher than the median annual salary for all occupations in the U.S. However, salaries can fluctuate based on factors like location, experience, and specialty.
Do I Love My Job?
As a psychiatrist, I find immense joy in helping my patients navigate their mental health conditions and enhance their overall well-being. It's incredibly gratifying to witness patients progress and achieve their goals. However, the job does demand a high level of emotional intelligence, empathy, and strong analytical skills.
Is My Job Challenging?
Yes, psychiatry can be challenging. It demands a high level of knowledge, skill, and emotional intelligence. Diagnosing and treating a wide array of mental health conditions, many of which are complex and difficult to manage, is not easy. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental illness can make it hard for some patients to seek help, adding to the emotional challenges psychiatrists face.
Recommended Reading
“The American Psychiatric Association Practice Guidelines for the Psychiatric Evaluation of Adults” by the American Psychiatric Association
“Psychiatry: A Very Short Introduction” by Allan N. Schore
“Principles and Practice of Psychiatric Nursing” by Mary C. Durham and Susan J. Watson
In summary, becoming a psychiatrist demands substantial education, training, and personal qualities. While it can be challenging, it's equally rewarding and fulfilling. If you have a passion for helping others and possess the necessary skills and qualities, a career in psychiatry might be the perfect fit for you.
Take Care,
James.