A survey of early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists: professional activities and perceptions

Abstract

Objective: To assess the career paths and work perceptions of early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States.

Method: Analysis of survey data of 392/797 (49.2%) of all U.S. child and adolescent psychiatrists graduating from training in 1996-1998 and on the mailing list of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.

Results: Slightly more than half of those surveyed were women, and most were in their late thirties, white, married, and living in the geographic area in which they trained, with a median income for full-time workers between $121,000 and $150,000. Those with educational debt owed an average of $69,741. The sample was generally very satisfied with their work. They identified clinical work, variety, autonomy, and making a difference as the best aspects, and managed care, paperwork, and overwork as the least desirable aspects. The bulk of hours worked were in solo private practice, public sector, and group practice, with children and adolescents making up 73% of patients treated. The most common treatment modality was medication management.

Conclusions: The present study uses a database approach to defining current practice and workforce issues among early-career child and adolescent psychiatrists. These data may facilitate objective discussion about public policies concerning workforce priorities, barriers, and facilitators to recruitment in this understaffed field.