Factors affecting career choice in psychiatry: a survey of RANZCP trainees.

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.