high-paying specialties that aren't competitive?

[bckwood]

Originally Posted by doctormua

but i'm just asking for the average....

Department of Labor Statistics for Avg. Salary and job outlook for physicians.

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos074.htm

[bckwood]

Here are your competative statistics. The higher the % filled the more competative it is going to be; for example Derm is 100% vs. FP is 40%

[Miklos]

Originally Posted by solideliquid

All the psychiatrists I've worked with in private practice make over $250.

There are also lots of psychiatrists who don't work in private practice and make significantly less.

It all depends on the type of practice, patient base, etc...

I would not recommend anyone to get anywhere near psychiatry if their primary reason for choosing the field is money. That's a sure fire way to burn out.

(BTW, there are lots of burned out psychiatrists as well -- in addition, it has one of the highest divorce and suicide rates even among physicians.)

Solideliquid, this criticism isn't directed at you.

I just rather not deal with colleagues in the future who choose psychiatry for the wrong reasons. Considering how many folks applied via ERAS for psychiatry positions as IMGs (1,924) this year I have a feeling that many of them simply listed the field as they thought that it was easy to get into.

There's (IMO) no need to 'add fuel to the fire'.

For everyone else, my advice is: Do not consider psychiatry unless you have not only completed your psych core, but have done electives in 'hard core' psychiatry (geriatrics, psychiatric emergency services, chronic units, etc..). The field really doesn't need anyone who is simply in it for the money.

[bckwood]

Sorry forgot to add the link above........

http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2006/060316.htm

[Khush311]

Originally Posted by miasma

i'm sorry, but damn, this is a sad, sad thread.

mmmmhhhmmmm

[desai29]

so do you want to be doctor for money? not to serve people?

[Khush311]

Originally Posted by Miklos

There are also lots of psychiatrists who don't work in private practice and make significantly less.

It all depends on the type of practice, patient base, etc...

I would not recommend anyone to get anywhere near psychiatry if their primary reason for choosing the field is money. That's a sure fire way to burn out.

(BTW, there are lots of burned out psychiatrists as well -- in addition, it has one of the highest divorce and suicide rates even among physicians.)

Solideliquid, this criticism isn't directed at you.

I just rather not deal with colleagues in the future who choose psychiatry for the wrong reasons. Considering how many folks applied via ERAS for psychiatry positions as IMGs (1,924) this year I have a feeling that many of them simply listed the field as they thought that it was easy to get into.

There's (IMO) no need to 'add fuel to the fire'.

For everyone else, my advice is: Do not consider psychiatry unless you have not only completed your psych core, but have done electives in 'hard core' psychiatry (geriatrics, psychiatric emergency services, chronic units, etc..). The field really doesn't need anyone who is simply in it for the money.

well said. Psych is a demanding field. It can drain you physically mentally and emotionally. Thats why i want to be one

[AUCMD2006]

where do people get the stats that psychiatrists and dentists have higehr suicide rates? i've always heard that but when i look i'vre only found that women docs have 2-3x higher chance regardless of specialty...

anyway, this si why you have to find the right job for you..there is physician burnout in many specialties specially those who go into it for money or family. as far as burned out psychiatrists changing jobs...i've also met a psychiatrist who was an internist for 20 years and got burned out and changed jobs....

[Miklos]

Originally Posted by rrod

where do people get the stats that psychiatrists and dentists have higehr suicide rates? i've always heard that but when i look i'vre only found that women docs have 2-3x higher chance regardless of specialty...

See http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/410643_2

The factors that may contribute to a higher suicide rate among psychiatrists might be: a) a higher rate of psychopathology b) more emotionally draining patients.

Originally Posted by rrod

anyway, this si why you have to find the right job for you..there is physician burnout in many specialties specially those who go into it for money or family. as far as burned out psychiatrists changing jobs...i've also met a psychiatrist who was an internist for 20 years and got burned out and changed jobs....

Agreed.

Just to clarify my point above.

There is my opinion, nothing wrong with being very well compensated for your efforts.

What concerns me is when someone picks a field for all the wrong reasons (as you put it above: money or family). Burnout is a real danger.

[solideliquid]

[quote=Miklos]There are also lots of psychiatrists who don't work in private practice and make significantly less.

I have to disagree there, as $150K is not insignificant. That is what any good psychiatrists should make minimum outside private practice unless they suck as a doctor.

It all depends on the type of practice, patient base, etc...

I would not recommend anyone to get anywhere near psychiatry if their primary reason for choosing the field is money. That's a sure fire way to burn out.

Well, that statement goes for all fields of medicine. We are not in the 80s any more afterall.

Solideliquid, this criticism isn't directed at you.

I just rather not deal with colleagues in the future who choose psychiatry for the wrong reasons. Considering how many folks applied via ERAS for psychiatry positions as IMGs (1,924) this year I have a feeling that many of them simply listed the field as they thought that it was easy to get into.

I came across that in the interview process. Many PD's are concerned that people interviewing for psych are just trying to score an easy residency with plans to transfer in Medicine or something else as a PGY-2.

Again, no one should go into medicine looking to get rich. But medicine is really the only career where anyone who is a decent physician with a license and an MD behind their name can earn at least $150K anywhere in the country. That is not an arbitrary thing, and dentistry is the only other career that comes to mind.

I agree that no one should go into psych without loving the field. That goes for OB, surgery and all the other fields, you should specialize in whatever field you fall in love with, not the one you perceive to make you riches.

Let me add that psych can be a very rewarding field. You have very low amount of call, the hours are great if you like the homelife or want to start a family.