Psychiatry Vice Chairs of Education: Expected and Actual Responsibilities, Satisfaction, and Work Barriers

The current study investigated the gap between actual and expected work responsibilities of psychiatry vice chairs of education (VCEs), their work satisfaction, and perceived work barriers.

Psychiatry VCEs were identified through professional memberships and school websites within the USA. In 2021, identified VCEs were emailed an anonymous survey that was based on past research on roles and responsibilities of VCEs. Through qualitative and quantitative questions, the survey assessed demographic characteristics, actual and expected work responsibilities, work satisfaction, and work barriers during time spent in the VCE role.

Of 57 identified psychiatry VCEs, 32 (56.1%) completed the survey. Most respondents (59.4%) said their department/institution did not have a written VCE job description. There were gaps between actual and expected VCE responsibilities, especially with the performance review of education leaders (Δ - 11; actual n = 20 vs. expected n = 31). The greatest satisfaction came from mentoring trainees/faculty (respectively 4.88 ± 0.33 and 4.85 ± 0.37 on a 5-point scale) and overseeing/supporting educational programs (4.66 ± 0.48). Comments on work barriers included limited protected time (n = 11), education budget constraints (n = 6), and having multiple leadership roles (n = 5). The actual full-time equivalent in the VCE role was significantly lower than expected (p < .001).

Considering the role of psychiatry VCEs remains relatively new and is evolving, adequate allocation of resources and improved job descriptions may help close the gap between expected and actual responsibilities. The current findings can assist in developing such job descriptions to attract and define the work of a VCE based on specific responsibilities and associated work satisfaction.