Psychiatrist

Duties and Responsibilities:

Psychiatrist are responsible for analyzing a patient's mental health status and providing the necessary treatment. They may admit patients to hospitals, order tests, prescribe medication or recommend therapy. Additionally, they hold regular discussions with patients to diagnose mental disorders or assess a patient's response to treatment. Some clinical psychiatrists manage their own practices, while others, such as those who work in hospitals or clinics, may report to a supervisor.

Salary:

$181,880

Education:

After completing medical school and completing residency requirements, graduates must take and pass the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE), which is a three-step test that covers human science, clinical knowledge, skills and patient management. After passing the test and meeting all state requirements, graduates will be licensed to practice medicine. Board certification is a separate process that requires the completion of a residency. Through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, physicians can become board certified in general psychiatry and in a subspecialty of psychiatry, such as clinical neurophysiology. Clinical psychiatrists must study to keep up with advances in medicine.

Demand for this profession:

The laws of supply and demand also account for the sharp increase in demand for psychiatrists. More than half of psychiatrists in this country are older than 50, and many are approaching retirement. The number of newly minted psychiatrists lags behind the numbers of those who are about to retire. (More and more medical students are pursuing careers in dermatology or radiology.) Currently, nearly one-third of psychiatrists in this country are international medical graduates.