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What does it take to be a successful psychiatrist?
I am a current high school junior, thinking of majoring in psychology for college and on the pre-med track.
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7 answers
Updated
Kira’s Answer
Hi Doris,
To be a successful psychiatrist, I think that you would have to take a wholistic approach to your practice. For a long time, psychiatry focused on medication management. The field is finally evolving to once again treat patients as the complex individuals that they are.
If you look at humans as encompassing a mind, a body, and a spirit, medication and talk therapy would treat the mind, nutrition and somatic therapies would treat the body, and social prescribing - referring patients to activities and groups - would treat the spirit.
Because there are a variety of therapeutic options and because what helps one individual may not help another (including medication), a successful psychiatrist would work with the patient to figure out the optimal combination of treatments specific to them.
Psychiatry incorporates technical knowledge, continual learning, collaboration, and creativity and thus can be a very rewarding discipline.
To be a successful psychiatrist, I think that you would have to take a wholistic approach to your practice. For a long time, psychiatry focused on medication management. The field is finally evolving to once again treat patients as the complex individuals that they are.
If you look at humans as encompassing a mind, a body, and a spirit, medication and talk therapy would treat the mind, nutrition and somatic therapies would treat the body, and social prescribing - referring patients to activities and groups - would treat the spirit.
Because there are a variety of therapeutic options and because what helps one individual may not help another (including medication), a successful psychiatrist would work with the patient to figure out the optimal combination of treatments specific to them.
Psychiatry incorporates technical knowledge, continual learning, collaboration, and creativity and thus can be a very rewarding discipline.
Thank you so much for the advice.
Doris
Updated
Kim’s Answer
That's great to hear that you're considering a career in psychiatry!. Here are a few steps you can take:
1. Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology: As a high school junior, you're already on the right track by thinking of majoring in psychology for college. This will provide you with a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and mental processes.
2. Complete pre-med requirements: Alongside your psychology major, you'll need to complete the pre-med track, which typically includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses are necessary for medical school admission.
3. Attend medical school: After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and will provide you with the necessary medical knowledge and skills.
4. Complete a psychiatry residency: Following medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program in psychiatry. This typically takes around four years and provides hands-on training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
5. Obtain licensure and board certification: Once you've completed your residency, you'll need to obtain a medical license to practice as a psychiatrist. Additionally, you can pursue board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to showcase your expertise in the field.
6. Continual learning and professional development: Psychiatry is a constantly evolving field, so it's important to stay updated with the latest research and treatment approaches. Attend conferences, participate in continuing education programs, and engage in professional organizations to stay current.
If you're interested in volunteering in the field of psychiatry, there are a few ways you can get involved:
1. Research local organizations: Look for mental health organizations or clinics in your area that offer volunteer opportunities. Reach out to them directly to inquire about any available positions.
2. Contact hospitals or psychiatric facilities: Many hospitals and psychiatric facilities have volunteer programs where you can assist with various tasks, such as providing support to patients or helping with administrative work. Contact the volunteer department of local hospitals or psychiatric facilities to inquire about volunteering opportunities.
3. Reach out to mental health nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations focused on mental health often rely on volunteers to help with their programs and initiatives. Research and contact organizations in your area to see if they have any volunteer positions available.
4. Consider crisis hotlines or helplines: Crisis hotlines and helplines provide support to individuals in need of immediate assistance. They often have volunteer opportunities for individuals who are interested in helping others in crisis situations. Research helplines in your area and reach out to them for volunteer information.
1. Pursue a Bachelor's degree in Psychology: As a high school junior, you're already on the right track by thinking of majoring in psychology for college. This will provide you with a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and mental processes.
2. Complete pre-med requirements: Alongside your psychology major, you'll need to complete the pre-med track, which typically includes courses in biology, chemistry, physics, and math. These courses are necessary for medical school admission.
3. Attend medical school: After completing your undergraduate degree, you'll need to attend medical school to become a psychiatrist. Medical school typically takes four years to complete and will provide you with the necessary medical knowledge and skills.
4. Complete a psychiatry residency: Following medical school, you'll need to complete a residency program in psychiatry. This typically takes around four years and provides hands-on training in diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.
5. Obtain licensure and board certification: Once you've completed your residency, you'll need to obtain a medical license to practice as a psychiatrist. Additionally, you can pursue board certification from the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology to showcase your expertise in the field.
6. Continual learning and professional development: Psychiatry is a constantly evolving field, so it's important to stay updated with the latest research and treatment approaches. Attend conferences, participate in continuing education programs, and engage in professional organizations to stay current.
If you're interested in volunteering in the field of psychiatry, there are a few ways you can get involved:
1. Research local organizations: Look for mental health organizations or clinics in your area that offer volunteer opportunities. Reach out to them directly to inquire about any available positions.
2. Contact hospitals or psychiatric facilities: Many hospitals and psychiatric facilities have volunteer programs where you can assist with various tasks, such as providing support to patients or helping with administrative work. Contact the volunteer department of local hospitals or psychiatric facilities to inquire about volunteering opportunities.
3. Reach out to mental health nonprofits: Nonprofit organizations focused on mental health often rely on volunteers to help with their programs and initiatives. Research and contact organizations in your area to see if they have any volunteer positions available.
4. Consider crisis hotlines or helplines: Crisis hotlines and helplines provide support to individuals in need of immediate assistance. They often have volunteer opportunities for individuals who are interested in helping others in crisis situations. Research helplines in your area and reach out to them for volunteer information.
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Doris
Updated
Dino’s Answer
Hello Doris,
Thank you sincerely for reaching out to us. We're excited about the possibility of contributing positively to your career progression. You've posed an excellent question, and it's clear you're on the right path towards achieving your dream of becoming a psychiatrist.
Starting with Psychology as your pre-med is a fantastic plan. In fact, any program in the Sciences, such as Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Biology, and of course, Psychology, can serve as pre-med programs.
Once you complete your BS in Psychology, your next step will be to move on to Medicine Proper. This will be followed by a Residency and a specialization in Psychiatry. After many years of rigorous training in medical school, you'll be ready to take the medical board examination.
Best of luck on your journey, Doris! We believe in you!
Try to interview psychiatrists and learn about the procedure they have gone through.
Thank you sincerely for reaching out to us. We're excited about the possibility of contributing positively to your career progression. You've posed an excellent question, and it's clear you're on the right path towards achieving your dream of becoming a psychiatrist.
Starting with Psychology as your pre-med is a fantastic plan. In fact, any program in the Sciences, such as Nursing, Physical Therapy, Pharmacy, Medical Technology, Biology, and of course, Psychology, can serve as pre-med programs.
Once you complete your BS in Psychology, your next step will be to move on to Medicine Proper. This will be followed by a Residency and a specialization in Psychiatry. After many years of rigorous training in medical school, you'll be ready to take the medical board examination.
Best of luck on your journey, Doris! We believe in you!
Dino recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate this, thank you for the advice.
Doris
You are very welcome! Keep dreaming and keep moving!
Dino Ubalde
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Dear Doris,
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Craft Creations: Create unique items that could be bought as presents or as decor for homes and offices.
2. Tutoring: If you're proficient in subjects like math, science, English, or foreign languages, you could offer tutoring services to students in your area who might be finding these subjects challenging. You can promote your services through local schools or online platforms such as TutorMe or Chegg Tutors.
3. Selling Unwanted Items: Consider selling items you no longer need but still hold value, like toys, books, electronics, clothes, etc., on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Remember to get parental permission first. Alternatively, you could organize a garage sale during weekends when there's a lot of pedestrian traffic in your neighborhood.
4. Participating in Contests: Engage in local contests like essay writing, art competitions, photography contests, etc. This could be a great way to earn money through prizes and scholarships. Make sure to verify the eligibility criteria.
5. Freelance Work: Websites such as Fiverr offer freelance job opportunities. Here, you can offer services like graphic design, writing content, voiceovers, etc., and get paid for each completed project. Parental consent is required.
6. Volunteer Work: Volunteering at local organizations like animal shelters or hospitals can give you valuable experience and possibly stipends. This not only builds character but also provides a chance to learn new skills and network within the community.
For more information, refer to these authoritative sources:
- "How Kids Can Earn Money: A Guide for Parents" - Parenting For Lifelong Health (www.nlm.nih.gov)
- "Jamaica Children’s Registry" - Government of Jamaica (www.jamaicainfo.com)
- "Entrepreneurship Education Programme" - University of the West Indies (www.mona.edu)
God Bless You!
JC.
Here are some practical steps you can take:
1. Craft Creations: Create unique items that could be bought as presents or as decor for homes and offices.
2. Tutoring: If you're proficient in subjects like math, science, English, or foreign languages, you could offer tutoring services to students in your area who might be finding these subjects challenging. You can promote your services through local schools or online platforms such as TutorMe or Chegg Tutors.
3. Selling Unwanted Items: Consider selling items you no longer need but still hold value, like toys, books, electronics, clothes, etc., on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace. Remember to get parental permission first. Alternatively, you could organize a garage sale during weekends when there's a lot of pedestrian traffic in your neighborhood.
4. Participating in Contests: Engage in local contests like essay writing, art competitions, photography contests, etc. This could be a great way to earn money through prizes and scholarships. Make sure to verify the eligibility criteria.
5. Freelance Work: Websites such as Fiverr offer freelance job opportunities. Here, you can offer services like graphic design, writing content, voiceovers, etc., and get paid for each completed project. Parental consent is required.
6. Volunteer Work: Volunteering at local organizations like animal shelters or hospitals can give you valuable experience and possibly stipends. This not only builds character but also provides a chance to learn new skills and network within the community.
For more information, refer to these authoritative sources:
- "How Kids Can Earn Money: A Guide for Parents" - Parenting For Lifelong Health (www.nlm.nih.gov)
- "Jamaica Children’s Registry" - Government of Jamaica (www.jamaicainfo.com)
- "Entrepreneurship Education Programme" - University of the West Indies (www.mona.edu)
God Bless You!
JC.
Updated
Kira’s Answer
Hi Doris,
To be a successful psychiatrist, I think that you would have to take a holistic approach to your practice. For a long time, psychiatry focused on medication management. The field is finally evolving to once again treat patients as the complex individuals that they are.
If you look at humans as encompassing a mind, a body, and a spirit, medication and talk therapy would treat the mind, nutrition and somatic therapies would treat the body, and social prescribing - referring patients to activities and groups - would treat the spirit.
Because there are a variety of therapeutic options and because what helps one individual may not help another (including medication), a successful psychiatrist would work with the patient to figure out the optimal combination of treatments specific to them.
Psychiatry incorporates technical knowledge, continual learning, collaboration, and creativity and thus can be a very rewarding discipline.
To be a successful psychiatrist, I think that you would have to take a holistic approach to your practice. For a long time, psychiatry focused on medication management. The field is finally evolving to once again treat patients as the complex individuals that they are.
If you look at humans as encompassing a mind, a body, and a spirit, medication and talk therapy would treat the mind, nutrition and somatic therapies would treat the body, and social prescribing - referring patients to activities and groups - would treat the spirit.
Because there are a variety of therapeutic options and because what helps one individual may not help another (including medication), a successful psychiatrist would work with the patient to figure out the optimal combination of treatments specific to them.
Psychiatry incorporates technical knowledge, continual learning, collaboration, and creativity and thus can be a very rewarding discipline.
Updated
Akerke’s Answer
Hello Doris🤗
If we talk about the definition, then a “psychiatrist” is a graduate of a medical university who has completed residency in the field of Psychiatry and is constantly improving his qualifications to obtain a category. This is the field of medicine about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
Specialization in mental health is a step-by-step process.
The specialty requires patience. Psychiatrist patients are specific in their communication. This is mentally difficult work. You need to have compassion to consider the benefit for the patient, even if he spits, swears or fights.
What matters is a person’s willingness to study for seven years, and then go to work and study for the rest of his life.
It is possible to become a psychiatrist only after entering a higher medical school and undergoing continuous long-term training.
•Understanding the field of psychiatry
Learning more about the profession is the first step to understanding how to pursue a career in psychiatry. Many people confuse psychiatrists with psychologists. They both treat people with mental illness, but they have different forms of training and education.
Psychiatrists earn a medical degree and advance their training by following the steps listed below. They may prescribe treatment with medications, light therapy, or electroconvulsive therapy, depending on the client.
•Find the right university
Every psychiatrist must obtain a bachelor's degree in pre-medical studies from the university of his choice. Schedule campus tours to get to know the schools in person, and compare top universities to weigh your options.
•Prepare for course subjects
Pre-medical studies prepares students for broad career opportunities in the scientific field. You will study core subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry. You will also take mathematics, statistics, sociology and psychology.
•Update your study skills
You will need to study a lot of course material to earn your MD degree. Many students spend many hours in the library in the evenings and on weekends just to keep up. Update your study skills before enrolling in an undergraduate program. If you know your favorite study methods and have a daily routine, you'll have a much easier time getting through your coursework.
If we talk about the definition, then a “psychiatrist” is a graduate of a medical university who has completed residency in the field of Psychiatry and is constantly improving his qualifications to obtain a category. This is the field of medicine about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses.
Specialization in mental health is a step-by-step process.
The specialty requires patience. Psychiatrist patients are specific in their communication. This is mentally difficult work. You need to have compassion to consider the benefit for the patient, even if he spits, swears or fights.
What matters is a person’s willingness to study for seven years, and then go to work and study for the rest of his life.
It is possible to become a psychiatrist only after entering a higher medical school and undergoing continuous long-term training.
•Understanding the field of psychiatry
Learning more about the profession is the first step to understanding how to pursue a career in psychiatry. Many people confuse psychiatrists with psychologists. They both treat people with mental illness, but they have different forms of training and education.
Psychiatrists earn a medical degree and advance their training by following the steps listed below. They may prescribe treatment with medications, light therapy, or electroconvulsive therapy, depending on the client.
•Find the right university
Every psychiatrist must obtain a bachelor's degree in pre-medical studies from the university of his choice. Schedule campus tours to get to know the schools in person, and compare top universities to weigh your options.
•Prepare for course subjects
Pre-medical studies prepares students for broad career opportunities in the scientific field. You will study core subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics and biochemistry. You will also take mathematics, statistics, sociology and psychology.
•Update your study skills
You will need to study a lot of course material to earn your MD degree. Many students spend many hours in the library in the evenings and on weekends just to keep up. Update your study skills before enrolling in an undergraduate program. If you know your favorite study methods and have a daily routine, you'll have a much easier time getting through your coursework.
Thank you so much!
Doris
Updated
Heidi Ann’s Answer
Psychiatry is quite a varied specialty. The answer is -- depends on which area you choose to practice in, which sub-specialty, what kind of facility, what kind of practice, which geographical location. Examples:
1. Corrections -- jails, prisons, forensics for court.
2. Geriatrics -- heavy on medicine. Medically complicated patients.
3. Children --
4. Addictions --
5. Developmental disabilities --
A practice could be outpatient, inpatient, community, academic, private, traveling as a locum tenens doc, social services, coordinated team with medical docs, recovery units or facilities, eating disorders, telepsych, state hospitals, etc.
1. Corrections -- jails, prisons, forensics for court.
2. Geriatrics -- heavy on medicine. Medically complicated patients.
3. Children --
4. Addictions --
5. Developmental disabilities --
A practice could be outpatient, inpatient, community, academic, private, traveling as a locum tenens doc, social services, coordinated team with medical docs, recovery units or facilities, eating disorders, telepsych, state hospitals, etc.