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- Apr 4, 2012
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I would love some advice on a dilemma I have been chewing over from various angles for a year. I am officially stuck.
I am trying to decide, while working full time, how best to leverage the time between now and the next admissions cycle by taking classes.
The choices are psychology (the PhD) and going straight for the MD in psychiatry. Other programs I have looked at involve speech language pathology and occupational therapy. I have a 3.8 in a non-psych subject from an Ivy, 170 on the GRE, and two non-psych pubs. Not exactly tailored to anything right now.
Applied to 4 Phd programs in my city last cycle- 3 rejected, 1 waitlist then rejected.
What I want: to work with both adults and kids (I have more experience and confidence with kids). Particularly communication and speech difficulties. I am extremely passionate about the idea of doing psychotherapy but will not know where this will take me 10, 15 years down the road. People say it is wise to branch out, and I know I am good with kids, having volunteered/taught kids with learning disabilities.
HOWEVER! I want a kid of my own. My boyfriend is currently encouraging me to try child psychiatry.
I am worried that being a psychiatrist will a) not leave time for a family and b) require a late start for my family. I am 26= 1 post bac year +4 med + 4 residency +1 child fellowship.
Psych residencies in this area purportedly have some VERY family friendly programs but the idea of definitely poppin' one out M4 or 2nd year of residency is scarily definite for me right now. I know I want a family.
I am also not primarily a believer in meds. I love the idea of doing therapy with childen.
The money is not important. Being somewhat in control, autonomous, and secure enough to have a family + middle class existence is.
So- overall, any recommendations? !
P.S. What is the job market like for Phds with a speciality in childhood social skills/language difficulty and communication? What kind of a salary can I aspire to there?
Sorry I know this is a tall order!!!! Any feedback would be much appreciated, as the questions are just whirling around in my head, and I know it's time to jump in.
I am trying to decide, while working full time, how best to leverage the time between now and the next admissions cycle by taking classes.
The choices are psychology (the PhD) and going straight for the MD in psychiatry. Other programs I have looked at involve speech language pathology and occupational therapy. I have a 3.8 in a non-psych subject from an Ivy, 170 on the GRE, and two non-psych pubs. Not exactly tailored to anything right now.
Applied to 4 Phd programs in my city last cycle- 3 rejected, 1 waitlist then rejected.
What I want: to work with both adults and kids (I have more experience and confidence with kids). Particularly communication and speech difficulties. I am extremely passionate about the idea of doing psychotherapy but will not know where this will take me 10, 15 years down the road. People say it is wise to branch out, and I know I am good with kids, having volunteered/taught kids with learning disabilities.
HOWEVER! I want a kid of my own. My boyfriend is currently encouraging me to try child psychiatry.
I am worried that being a psychiatrist will a) not leave time for a family and b) require a late start for my family. I am 26= 1 post bac year +4 med + 4 residency +1 child fellowship.
Psych residencies in this area purportedly have some VERY family friendly programs but the idea of definitely poppin' one out M4 or 2nd year of residency is scarily definite for me right now. I know I want a family.
I am also not primarily a believer in meds. I love the idea of doing therapy with childen.
The money is not important. Being somewhat in control, autonomous, and secure enough to have a family + middle class existence is.
So- overall, any recommendations? !
P.S. What is the job market like for Phds with a speciality in childhood social skills/language difficulty and communication? What kind of a salary can I aspire to there?
Sorry I know this is a tall order!!!! Any feedback would be much appreciated, as the questions are just whirling around in my head, and I know it's time to jump in.