What is the most difficult part of being a Psychiatrist?

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As a Psychiatrist, you diagnose and treat health conditions related to the mind. If you can listen and show compassion for someone struggling with depression, anxiety, or substance abuse, psychiatry can be a rewarding career. However, you may face some challenges in the profession. Tell the interviewer about a challenging part of being a Psychiatrist. Perhaps you are frustrated with billing, or some of your patients are non-compliant. When you tell the interviewer the difficult part, be sure to follow it up with how you overcame or continue to overcome this challenge.

"Being fresh in the field coming out of residency, the most difficult thing I encountered through my training was working with patients that were on a hold in our unit against their will. A patient that doesn't want care or doesn't think they need care has been the hardest for me to work with. I have developed skills in talking to patients to help them understand why they have been put on a hold and have received great feedback on my ability to do so. Once patients understand the 'why,' they often become more receptive to the care they are receiving."

"One of the most difficult situations is working with patients that do not have healthcare insurance. This situation is improving with changes in healthcare laws, but I have always had difficulty turning away patients knowing they needed my help."

"During my years working on an inpatient unit, the most difficult part of the job was the long, swing-shift type hours and the effect the hours could have on family life. Early in my career, I ensured that my family knew my hours weeks in advance should I miss an important function. As I have progressed later in my career, I am looking to move into more traditional daytime working hours."

Anonymous Answer

"It is the inevitability of patient suicide or working with people that might make you question your ethics and values. It is very important to have space to reflect and a good support network, supervisor, or family to rely on."