Not a Trainee, Not Yet Mid-Career: Navigating being an Early Career Pediatric Psychologist

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Pediatric Psychology
• Professional Development

Background:

• The American Psychological Association defines early career (EC) status as the 10 years post-doctorate.
• EC pediatric and behavioral health psychologists (ECPP) often face challenges mirroring those of the adolescents and young adults (AYA) they serve.
• Lack of training milestones and supervision, coupled with external life events, can complicate this career phase.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe common experiences of ECPPPs from fellowship to mid-career.
• To provide actionable recommendations for improving the EC experience.
• To highlight the importance of supporting ECPPPs to optimize care for pediatric patients and families.

Main Methods:

• This commentary is grounded in the authors' personal and peer experiences.
• It draws upon observations of common challenges faced by ECPPPs.
• Examples of experiences across the early career spectrum are provided.

Main Results:

• ECPPs may experience a "career-based emerging adulthood" without adequate scaffolding.
• Navigating this phase is often difficult, exacerbated by personal life events and external factors like the pandemic.
• Recommendations are proposed at institutional, mentor, and individual ECPP levels.

Conclusions:

• Addressing the developmental norms and support needs of EC professionals is crucial.
• Improved support systems can mitigate burnout risks in a high-demand workforce.
• A well-supported EC workforce ultimately benefits pediatric patients and their families.