doing science subjects at school.I want to know what should i do afterwards,how many years its gonna take me etc.Also what do you think of psychiatry as a profession?9 out of 10 people discourage me to opt for this.i don't know why?? i really want to know.What are the degrees which i would need to practice fully as a psychiatrist and what are the fields in which i can specializein psychiatry itself? Please help! thanks!
2007-08-07 06:18:12 · 9 answers · asked by miss brainy 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Medicine
Well, to become a practicing psychiatrist, you have to get a degree in college, then go to medical school. Then you'll do what's called a residency, which is basically a paid learning program, for a few years. I don't recall how long a psychiatric residency program is.
2007-08-07 06:24:52 · answer #1 · answered by Brian L 7 · 2⤊ 1⤋
You need an MD degree and the residency and additional training for a specialty in psychiatry. It will take about 12 years after high school. You will be 30 before your training is complete.
Some people object to psychiatry on goofball religious grounds. You can ignore that. To some, it seems like an unnecessarily arduous path to take. And it's true, you must be really dedicated.
And there has been a decline in the demand for psychiatrists over the last 20 years or so because of conservative politics. The mental health system used to be much larger and better funded, but the Republicans wanted the money to spend on wars and tax cuts for the rich.
You can improve that by the way you vote, and through an effort to educate others who vote.
Medical schools accept applicants with degrees from almost any field, but the biological sciences are the most commonly accepted. Make absolutely top-notch grades, and don't ever do drugs or hang with the wrong crowd. You need a clean record.
Good luck.
2007-08-07 13:29:42 · answer #2 · answered by aviophage 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Following university study, which in the US must be at a minimum cumulative 3.89 average on a 4 point grade scale and having A level grades in all science/prerequisite classes you take the medical school admissions testing, then interviews (if you get any offered) followed in the US by 4 years of med school, in the UK 5 years, then possible internship/house officer rotations. Followed by residency. Luckily psychiatry seems to have a low number of applicants for residency programs normally so the competition may be easier there. Following a 3-4 year residency, you can work as a psychiatrist.
good luck!
2007-08-09 04:03:06 · answer #3 · answered by US_DR_JD 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK, the most difficult part will be getting into medical school. As well as being academically bright and getting high grades at A level, you will also have to pass an interview to get into medical school. At interview you will need to show other skills such as good communication skills and a knowledge of the current affairs effecting medicine.
Outside of school you should try to get some experience of medicine even if it is working in a nursing home. It will give you an insight into illness and help at interview. I would also read a Sunday newspaper and the BBC news health section to keep up to date.
I would not be too concerned about what to specialise in. At medical school you will get a taste of lots of specialities, including psychiatry. Psychiatry is quite an unpopular medical speciality. I think the main reasons for this is that you very rarely cure psychiatric illness and also because of the public's perception of psychiatric illness.
2007-08-07 16:26:28 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the UK, to become a psychiatrist you would indeed need your science A Levels, then would have to study a standard medicine degree (5years at med school) and after you qualify, once you have finished your house officer year you would specialise and work your way up to being a psychiatrist. I looked for a long time at being a psychiatrist and it was only through my own ill health that I couldn't try for medicine - instead I am now finishing my human biology degree, whatever way it is a good choice! All the best
2007-08-09 02:09:03 · answer #5 · answered by kaleidoscope_girl 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well speaking from the UK perspective at school you must try to get as many A's as possible you need to take at least 2 sicence subjects (biology and chemistry) at A-levle along with another A-levle at grade A. Next you will have to take an exam to get into the medical schools you must prove that you want to help people and at this point your aim is to be a doctor. You must not scream or flinch with gore or blood you will see alot of it now theres 5 years (might have changed it) in medical school 3 years of studying and univeristy learning, in the last 2 years clinical experience in the hospital. After that you get to become a junior doctor you must then do 2 years of house jobs where you are qualifed as a doctor but must get 2 years experience to have your registration. After that you can go on to speacialise and go into psychitary its ok i'd like to have done it good pay and you get to look after all those people i have heard that you have to retire early though cos of what it does to you but every professional job is stressful and has somekinda effect on you.
2007-08-07 13:32:59 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better consult a Psychiatrist
2007-08-07 13:36:35 · answer #7 · answered by Pandian p.c. 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You're half way there, already. You know how to spell "psychiatry"...
2007-08-07 16:23:53 · answer #8 · answered by captbullshot 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I was going to be a doctor...but I didn't have the patients. Te-he!
2007-08-08 10:07:18 · answer #9 · answered by brainyandy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋