Exploring Career Choice Among Black Psychiatry Interns: an Exploratory Qualitative Study

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Medical Education
• Sociology

Background:

• Underrepresentation of Black psychiatrists in the USA relative to the Black American population size.
• Need to explore factors influencing Black medical students' career choices in psychiatry.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and explore factors contributing to Black medical students' decision to pursue a career in psychiatry.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study involving interviews with first-year psychiatry residents who identify as Black (N=7).
• Utilized Career Construction Theory as a framework for interviews.
• Employed qualitative analysis with coding to identify concepts and themes.

Main Results:

• All participants highlighted the impact of being a Black psychiatrist within the Black community.
• Strong female role models and personality fit with psychiatric work were significant influences.
• Majority discussed macro-level/cultural events, desire for advocacy, influence of Black role models, perseverance, and work-life balance.

Conclusions:

• Identified key influential factors for Black residents choosing psychiatry.
• Findings can inform psychiatry educators to better support and encourage Black medical students.
• Aims to reduce disparities in psychiatric care and suggests future research on collective career decision-making.