Psychiatry

Sophie Baldwin, 1/7/24

Psychiatry is the branch of medicine specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychiatrists can prescribe medicine for disorders such as depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia, and they often form deep, long-term connections with patients. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for psychiatrists has increased as more people have reported feelings of depression and anxiety while in lockdown. With a current shortage of psychiatrists, job growth is likely to increase more than most other medical specialties.

Fast Facts

• Salary: $227,000

• DO friendly? Yes

• IMG friendly? Yes

• Competitiveness: Low

• Match rate: 94%

• Average step-one: 227

• Surgical? No

Becoming a Psychiatrist

• 4 years of undergraduate

• 4 years of medical school

• 4 years of psychiatry residency

• 1-2 years of fellowship (optional)

Work-life Balance

Psychiatrists typically have a good work-life balance. As many go into private practice, they have more control over their schedules and the hours they work. Additionally, psychiatrists see a lot of variety in their daily work. Helping people with mental illness is extremely rewarding and leads to more satisfying job outcomes. However, the field of psychiatry can be emotionally draining, and psychiatrists' work can take a toll on their own mental health.

Fellowships

• Addiction Psychiatry (1 year)

• Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (2 years)

• Forensic Psychiatry (1 year)

• Geriatric Psychiatry (1 year)

• Hospice and Palliative Medicine (1 year)

• Pain Management (1 year)

• Psychosomatic Medicine (1 year)

• Sleep Medicine (1 year)

Job Satisfaction and Outlook

• 85% are satisfied with their career (APA)

• 48% report burnout (APA)

• 9% projected job growth (2021-2031) (Health eCareers)

Sources

https://residency.wustl.edu/choosing-a-specialty/specialty-descriptions/psychiatry/

https://www.prospectivedoctor.com/how-competitive-is-a-psychiatry-residency/

https://www.owlguru.com/career/psychiatrists/#google_vignette

https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/Well-being-and-Burnout/APA-BOT-Workgroup-Psychiatrist-Wellbeing-and-Burnout.pdf

https://www.healthecareers.com/career-resources/career-opportunities/what-is-the-job-outlook-for-psychiatrists 

https://www.myhsn.co.uk/top-tip/working-as-a-psychiatrist-5-pros-and-5-cons#:~:text=Most%20trainees%20and%20consultants%20would,interest%20days%20and%20psychotherapy%20training.