A Psychiatrist In The Making...please Help

[bebella24]

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hey guys,

I have a deep deep desire to pursue a career in psychiatry. I am currently applying to medical schools, and was wondering if it would be appropriate to mention on my personal statement, that I am interested in becoming this particular type of physician..

Also, I currently live in california, and would like to work with psychiatric patients. However, since the laws of confidentiality are so strict, most of the places that i try to inquire about say that they only allow the psychiatrist to come in contact with the patients, which i guess, in essence does make sense. However, i want to be exposed to this field, and was hoping that maybe you could give me advice as to where to look. Thank you SO much for your help.

bebella

 

[doc05]

don't mention it in your personal statement. it will seem weird.

 

[ahsa]

don't mention it in your personal statement. it will seem weird.

I disagree, I mentioned it in my personal statement because it was a large reason for me pursuing medical school. I was accepted at schools in the top 20. You should let admitting committees know who you are - if an interest in psychiatry is part of that, you can mention it.
just my 2 cents...

 

[bebella24]

I disagree, I mentioned it in my personal statement because it was a large reason for me pursuing medical school. I was accepted at schools in the top 20. You should let admitting committees know who you are - if an interest in psychiatry is part of that, you can mention it.
just my 2 cents...

Hey ahsa..in your personal statement then, did you write of a particular reason from your life as to why you were well suited to become a psychiatrist?

 

[ahsa]

Hey ahsa..in your personal statement then, did you write of a particular reason from your life as to why you were well suited to become a psychiatrist?

no, I definately didn't say why I would be a good psychiatrist - It was more to the tune of my interest in psychiatry. I grew up with a shrink for a dad and always was interested in psychiatry - did my college thesis on ASPD and the criminal justice system, so it seemed appropriate to mention this theme of my life that started when I was in high school. I also wrote about my interest in academic medicine because I had been working on a grant for the 3 years between college and med school - anyways, blah, blah, blah - you get the picture.
ahsa

 

[rht]

I'd personally think about what aspects of psych attracts you. For example, with me it was patient-centered interviewing with profound relationships, critical thinking with continual challenges, and a growing field with miles of undiscovered territory and expansive research opportunity. These are all great things to talk about and I'd mention those if they apply, not psych. I think it unwise to label yourself on a personal statement. You always want to keep an open mind and show that you have one. There's lots of time on the game clock and, after all, a surgeon might be the one reading your personal statement.

 

[bebella24]

thankx rht!