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How to become a Psychiatrist

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Career progression and salary expectations for a Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

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The role of a Psychiatrist

What does a Psychiatrist do?

Are you fascinated with how the human mind works? Then why not consider training to become a Psychiatrist?

A Psychiatrist is someone who specialises in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. If you become one, you'll be a medically qualified doctor and able to prescribe medication, which is how the profession differs from Psychology.

Psychiatrists work in a range of settings, from their own practices and people's homes, to prisons and residential centres, so this is one of the most varied careers in medicine.

Among a Psychiatrist's main responsibilities will be:

Assessing and diagnosing mental illness using a combination of analytical approaches
Meeting regularly with patients to discuss their problems
Suggesting changes in behavioural patterns as part of treatment programmes
Carrying out long-term psychotherapy and counselling sessions
Prescribing medication to correct chemical imbalances in the brain

Is a career as a Psychiatrist right for me?

To become a succesful Psychiatrist, you will need to be both extremely analytical and very good with people.

Patients will be disclosing extremely confidential information to you on a daily basis, so the ability to build trust is similarly essential in this industry.

A great Psychiatrist will also be:

A great listener
Knowledgeable about science and medicine
Excellent at communicating with others
Caring, and able to put people at ease
Able to make decisions about potentially difficult subjects under pressure
Patient and tactful

What's it like to be a Psychiatrist?

"Being a Psychiatrist is hugely rewarding because you can make a real difference to people's lives when they are at their most troubled. It's fantastic to watch a patient make the transition back to a fulfilling, satisfying life after struggling with a mental illness. It's also a very varied career, because no two cases are ever the same, so I can safely say I've never been bored - although remember it can be very challenging at times."

Get qualified as a Psychiatrist

To become a Psychiatrist you'll first need to complete a five-year medical degree to qualify as a doctor, followed by two foundation years working in a hospital. Finally, you'll begin your six-year specialty training in Psychiatry, after which you can start to apply for consultants' post as a fully qualified Psychiatrist.

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