Medical Student Interest in Straight-from-Medical-School Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Specialization

The authors investigated fourth-year medical students' interest in straight-from-medical-school residency training resulting in specialization in child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) and why students are interested in these options. They also examined factors influencing medical student choice of specialty.

The authors distributed an online survey to two consecutive classes of fourth-year students at an urban, public, allopathic medical school. Students were asked about interest in 3-, 4-, and 5-year tracks resulting in board certification in CAP only or CAP and general psychiatry,  factors impacting their interest and CAP-related experiences.

Of 397 students surveyed, 168 (42.3%) responded. Twenty-two students (14.3%) reported psychiatry as a first-choice specialty and 18 (13.1%) reported Pediatrics. Fifty of the students (30%) indicated interest in at least one of the CAP tracks, with those interested in Psychiatry more likely to be interested in all track options. Students interested in Pediatrics were more likely to indicate interest in the 3-year CAP-only track (p < 0.05). Students interested in family medicine were more likely to indicate interest in the 4-year adult and CAP residency track (p < 0.05). Among all students, the 4-year combined CAP and adult track was the most popular.

In this pilot survey, medical students in their 4th year of training, especially those interested in applying to psychiatry, were interested in residencies allowing for specialization in CAP in fewer years. Medical students whose first choice specialty was Pediatrics or Family Medicine also expressed interest. Given the CAP workforce shortage, creation of this type warrants further investigation.