Tina Thomas1. 1. Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to identify factors that impact on career choice in order to promote careers in psychiatry to medical graduates. METHOD: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) psychiatry trainees were invited by email to complete an online survey on career planning. The survey included open-ended questions about the reasons for choosing psychiatry and satisfaction with career opportunities in psychiatry. Responses were analysed for main themes. RESULTS: Of the 267 trainees who participated, 84% were currently training in Australia and 16% were training in New Zealand. The reasons given by trainees for choosing psychiatry varied. Over two-thirds of trainees highlighted a general interest in the area or enjoyment of their experience of psychiatry. Trainees also frequently mentioned work-life balance (29%), patient contact (20%), challenge and complexity (17%), helping people (16%), and the holistic perspective (15%) as reasons for choosing psychiatry. Over 80% of trainees reported being satisfied with their choice of medical specialization and were positive about the career opportunities that psychiatry offers. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted a number of factors that impact on career choice and satisfaction with career choice. Promotional materials should utilize these factors in order to more effectively promote careers in psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to identify factors that impact on career choice in order to promote careers in psychiatry to medical graduates. METHOD: Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists (RANZCP) psychiatry trainees were invited by email to complete an online survey on career planning. The survey included open-ended questions about the reasons for choosing psychiatry and satisfaction with career opportunities in psychiatry. Responses were analysed for main themes. RESULTS: Of the 267 trainees who participated, 84% were currently training in Australia and 16% were training in New Zealand. The reasons given by trainees for choosing psychiatry varied. Over two-thirds of trainees highlighted a general interest in the area or enjoyment of their experience of psychiatry. Trainees also frequently mentioned work-life balance (29%), patient contact (20%), challenge and complexity (17%), helping people (16%), and the holistic perspective (15%) as reasons for choosing psychiatry. Over 80% of trainees reported being satisfied with their choice of medical specialization and were positive about the career opportunities that psychiatry offers. CONCLUSION: This study highlighted a number of factors that impact on career choice and satisfaction with career choice. Promotional materials should utilize these factors in order to more effectively promote careers in psychiatry.