Understanding influences on psychiatry specialty selection in Victoria's Medical workforce

ObjectiveAustralia faces a psychiatrist shortage, making it crucial to understand factors influencing specialty choice and workforce retention.MethodAn online cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical doctors in their prevocational and vocational stages working in Victoria, Australia. Participants were asked about various factors that influenced their choice of specialty. This study focused on those interested in or currently training in psychiatry. To explore differences in factors influencing specialty choice, prevocational doctors interested in psychiatry were compared to those undecided about their specialty.ResultsOf the 107 respondents, 56 expressed interest in or were training in psychiatry. The top five factors influencing psychiatry specialty choice were perceived ability, specialty culture, prior experience, work-life balance, and patient interactions. Both prevocational and vocational doctors shared similar views on these factors. Factors such as the cost of training, influence of family and friends, prestige, length of the training program, and salary were reported as less influential.ConclusionsThis study identified several factors that were important to junior doctors when selecting psychiatry as a specialty. Active consideration of these factors within service and training frameworks may facilitate improved junior doctor wellbeing and greater workforce retention.