Post-psychiatry residency career choice : current trends

Of 203 psychiatry residency directors surveyed in 1988 about the career choices of graduates, 97 (48%) usable responses represented 1,403 residents. Results were compared to previous surveys (1968-1972 and 1978-1979). The prior increase in post-residency fellowships (from 4% in 1968-1972 to 17% in 1978-1979) has leveled off (16.4% in 1988). Fewer residents chose academic psychiatry (9.7% in 1988 versus 26% in 1978-1979); more are entering hospital-based psychiatry (22.8% in 1988 versus 14% in 1978-1979). The proportions choosing private practice (28.7%) and community psychiatry (10%) are unchanged compared to 1978-1979. These findings reflect a departure from forecast expectations.