time commitment in psychiatry residencies

[swisschard]

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Hi,
I am heavily considering going into medical school for the express purpose of Psychiatry, but I'm concerned about the inhumane work hours that first and second year residents have to work. Anyone in the field care to comment on the hours/week and on call requirements? Maybe some of the easier programs? Thanks,
-Wesley

 

[Doc Samson]

Hi,
I am heavily considering going into medical school for the express purpose of Psychiatry, but I'm concerned about the inhumane work hours that first and second year residents have to work. Anyone in the field care to comment on the hours/week and on call requirements? Maybe some of the easier programs? Thanks,
-Wesley

We've had the mandated 80 hour maximum work week for all medical trainees in place for a few years now, so that should be the upper limit no matter what specialty you pursue. The most hours I've seen for psychiatry is 70, which ultimately figures out to an overnight call about twice every 7 day. Lots of programs have nightfloat systems now where you spend a period of time just working nights, whcih tends to ease the burden greatly.
Honestly, I wouldn't worry about work hours for psychiatry residency, I worked much longer hours as a medical student on surgery and medicine rotations.