Have you worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings? Do you have a preference of one vs. the other?

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When answering this question, it is essential for you to know the details of the position that you are interviewing for. The interviewer will know your background from studying your CV, and now is an excellent time to talk about your prior experiences in practice in an outpatient and inpatient setting. Suppose the position you are interviewing for is specific to one of these settings. In that case, you can expand upon that setting and how your experiences match what the organization is looking for in a new Psychiatrist.

"During my residency, I saw patients in both the inpatient and outpatient settings. These opportunities have allowed me to become a well-rounded Psychiatrist heading into my first practice. I love that this position will allow me to see patients in both settings."

"During my training, I was exposed to practicing in an inpatient and outpatient setting. Early in my training, I knew I was meant to work with patients in an inpatient setting, and I've been focusing my practice there ever since. Your inpatient opportunity has me very excited to continue growing as a Psychiatrist."

"As you can see from my CV, I have been primarily practicing in an outpatient setting, and that is where my heart lies. After recently pursuing my Addiction Psychiatry fellowship, your position excites me as I am looking for an opportunity to specialize in this area."

Anonymous Answer

"1- I've worked in a range of inpatient units, from subacute to acute across different settings.

2- I've also worked across a variety of CAMHS teams

3- I find that in inpatient units, there is a greater urgency of family members to have things change, so a lot of progress can be made, especially in family therapy. On the other hand, the time restraints also often mean that you can't start meaningful work, which is best suited to the community. I also appreciate the opportunity to work with the under 12's which you can only do in the community"