Psychiatry is the branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. As a Psychiatrist your a medical doctor who specializes in mental health, including substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are qualified to assess both the mental and physical aspects of psychological problems. You treat problems such as a panic attacks, frightening hallucinations, thoughts of suicide, or hearing "voices." Some of your patients may suffer from more long-term issues such as feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or anxiousness that never seem to lift or problems functioning, causing everyday life to feel distorted or out of control. You use a variety of treatments with your patients to include psychotherapy, medications, psychosocial interventions and other treatments, depending on the needs of your patients.
As a Psychiatrist you attend medical school, take a written examination for a state license to practice medicine and then complete four years of psychiatry residency. Your residency may take place in in-patient, out-patient, and emergency room settings. You'll also need to be re-certified every 10 years by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. You'll need to have compassion, effective communication and problem solving skills to be a successful Psychiatrist.
To prepare for your interview, you'll want to be dressed professionally, be on time, maintain good eye contact and greet the interviewers with a firm handshake. Be sure to use the interviewers name throughout the interview as well as take notes. Being a Psychiatrist you are told many personal things so be ready to share personal stories during the interview. Keep patient names and too many details out of your answers. It will be important to speak positively about the practice and the community. Make sure to be enthusiastic and show the interviewer that you want the job.