Career progression in psychiatry: perceptions and realities

Abstract

The guidelines on criteria necessary for promotion to senior registrar grade in psychiatry may be found in The Handbook for Inceptors and Trainees 1987. The criteria are essentially those in the 1980 edition, namely the need for possession of MRCPsych status and completion of at least three years general professional training approved by the College. Yet it is undeniable that in recent years eligible candidates have experienced much more difficulty in achieving appointment as a senior registrar. Indeed Holden (1988) comments that “dedicated clinical service and the qualification of MRCPsych is insufficient to guarantee a registrar success in his or her application for a senior registrar post”. In the increasingly competitive job market research experience, possession of publications, and management training have become valuable assets for prospective candidates. Our concern at the lack of pertinent career guidance for trainee psychiatrists prompted us to look at trainees' perceptions of requirements and at the provisions which exist in their training to enhance their career prospects.

Psychiatric trainees' research experiences and activities in the Eastern region of Ireland

“…Specific difficulties reported are similar to those reported in British studies (Junaid & Staines, 1990;Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991;Bartlett & Drummond, 1992). The ten dency for relatively inexperienced researchers (unpublished) to supervise their own work is worrying and emphasises the need for active co ordination of research activities by those super vising training programmes.…”

“…The response rate compares favourably with similar studies conducted in Britain which range from 33% (Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991) to 86% (Junaid & Staines, 1990). The findings reflect a heavy emphasis on research activity in career enhancement.…”

“…Furthermore, various studies (Katona & Robert son, 1993) indicate the importance of having research publications when applying for senior registrar posts. Trainees' experiences of the research process have been investigated in nu merous studies conducted in Britain (Junaid & Staines, 1990;Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1991;Bartlett & Drummond, 1992). This paper presents a comprehensive study of the attitudes and activities of psychiatric trainees in the Eastern region of Ireland.…”

Registrars with research – the right stuff, or the wrong stuff?

“…The literature consistently shows that there is a high level of interest in actually doing research among registrar trainees; however, two-thirds find it difficult to find the time (Junaid & Staines, 1990). Research time has to be "begged, borrowed or stolen" and Bartlett & Drummond (1992), warning registrars of the difficulty of completing their own clinical trials in time, advise that it is more appropri ate for registrars to participate in other people's projects.…”

Training for trainees

“…However, research is of increasing importance in the life of the trainee (Junaid & Staines, 1990). Maden & Lewis (1990) expressed concern that emphasis on research publi cations may become important in determining pro motion to registrar.…”