The crucible of early career psychiatry.

OBJECTIVE: To capture the voices of psychiatrists as they reflect on challenges at the early stages of the career trajectory. METHOD: Early career psychiatrists contributed reflections that identified various challenges in the transition from trainee to consultant psychiatrist. RESULTS: Common difficulties included negotiating role transition and conflict. Specific events had deep impact such as involvement with a patient who had committed suicide. CONCLUSIONS: Challenges in the early career stage as a consultant psychiatrist may have lasting or career defining impact. Written reflection is a valuable tool that can impart collective learning, provide validation and engender support among peers.

Leadership mindset in mental health.

OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to explore the concept of mindset for psychiatrists who are considering stepping into the leadership arena. METHODS: Qualitative themes were extracted from dialogue on leadership development at a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists forum for early career psychiatrists. RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: adapting to a professional identity as psychiatrists; developing a mindset for leadership; and acting intentionally to seek opportunities for leadership. CONCLUSIONS: Shifts in professional identity occur in the transition from trainee to specialist as early career psychiatrists become increasingly aware of broad systemic factors in clinical care. The concept of a mindset, distinct from a skillset of knowledge and expertise, may be an emergent quality for psychiatrists who are seeking to develop their leadership potential.

Things I wish I'd known: desiderata for early career psychiatrists.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to disseminate advice imparted to early career psychiatrists by a panel of senior colleagues at a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists symposium, reflecting on things they wished they had known at the earlier stage in their careers. METHODS: Key themes were extracted from notes taken at the symposium, where opinions were expressed by three senior psychiatrists. RESULTS: There are components in building a sustainable career as a psychiatrist, which include considering one's work environment and relationships with colleagues; self-care, mentorship and reflective practice; and seeking opportunities to teach and research for career progression. CONCLUSIONS: The mentorship and advice from senior colleagues can be highly influential. In order to sustain a career that has reward, meaning and longevity, psychiatrists would do well to pay attention to aspects of self-care, stay connected to their loved ones, seek an optimal work-life balance and take an interest in their long term career plans.