Psychiatrist
Psychiatrists are medical doctors that treat mental and emotional disorders. These physicians spend most of their time interviewing and counselling their patients. By having regular discussions with clients, they are able to help them explore past experiences, change behavioral patterns and find solutions to their problems. Psychiatrists may prescribe medications, and occasionally recommend hospitalization or electro-shock therapy.
The Cool Things They Do:
A Psychiatrist may be responsible for some or all of the following duties:
- Conducting long and often regular interviews with patients
- Diagnosing mental illness, and emotional or behavioral disorders
- Assisting patients and their families in dealing with the illness
- Treating disorders through medication and psychotherapy
- Conducting medical research
Working Conditions:
Psychiatrists work in clinical settings. They typically work long hours with most of their time spent in interviews and counseling sessions with patients. Although psychiatry is one of the healing professions, it can also be emotionally taxing. Some patients can be quite difficult to deal with, and occasionally even violent.
Most Psychiatrist work in:
- Hospitals, including psychiatric hospitals
- Clinics
- Private practices
Personal Characteristics/Skills:
- A genuine interest in helping people overcome their mental and emotional problems
- Emotional strength and maturity
- Excellent communications skills
- Good analytical skills
- Highly perceptive
- Empathetic and compassionate
Education and Training Required:
Bachelor of Science and Doctorate of Medicine followed by a Psychiatric residency program
Length of Study/Training : 10-12 years post-secondary
Certification (s):
National: Licensing by the Canadian Mental Health Association
Ontario : Certification by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario
Helpful High School Courses:
- Math
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
- English
Employment Prospects - VERY GOOD
Demand for doctors and specialists will outstrip the supply provided by Canadian medical schools for the foreseeable future.
Earnings:
Average annual salary: $130,000 to $170,000 depending on location and types of services provided.
More Information:
Canadian Mental Health Association
http://www.cmha.ca
The Canadian Psychiatric Association
http://www.cpa-apc.org
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
http://www.camh.net
Internet Mental Health
http://www.mentalhealth.com
Mental Health Net
http://mentalhelp.net
Psychiatry.com
http://www.psychiatry.com
Canadian Medical Association
http://www.cma.ca
Note:
If you would like further information on any of these careers, be sure to ask your teacher or guidance counsellor.
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The Careers
