I am considering pursuing medical school with the goal of becoming a psychiatrist. Currently I work in an academic medical center and really like this setting. I would like a career that combines clinical practice and research. However, I am also a female in my mid-20's who would like a family some day. Also, while I am driven and the field really interests me, I am not really a type A personality. For this reason I am also considering some of the allied health professions such as PMHNP. Can anyone tell me what the lifestyle is like working in academic psychiatry? Is it a 9-5 type of job and is it possible to balance with family commitments?
Lifestyle in academic psychiatry
- Thread starter mlm55
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 1, 2014
- Messages
- 587
- Reaction score
- 363
Absolutely. I know quite a few people who do just that both in university and university-affiliated (think Audubon Clinic in NYC) hospitals.
I'm in the same position as you. I'm a type B and for a long time thought I wasn't "intense" enough for medicine... the premeds at my school were downright scary at times lol. I figure there is a specialty for everyone though. I'm more concerned with timing I guess... having kids during intern year, etc. I'm looking for family friendly fields even in residency, but I'm not sure how it will work out.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Mar 13, 2013
- Messages
- 2,542
- Reaction score
- 4,260
There are lots of fine examples of very successful academic mothers working in very high powered programs. I just participated in an advancement committee for someone’s promotion to professor and she has 3 children under 10. Having said this, it would take a very unusual person not to have their career priorities somewhat altered by parental duties.
You can have it all, but it is difficult and there will be times for compromise.
You can have it all, but it is difficult and there will be times for compromise.
Similar threads
