Career choices for the woman psychiatric resident

The transition from residency to the active practice of psychiatry is a difficult, complex, and relatively unexplored one for both men and women. Women who have faced this transition have only recently begun to share experiences, problems, fantasies, and special knowledge. The authors illustrate career choices for women that have aspects which are different from those male residents must consider and which create transitional problems. They suggest two possible strategies to those who supervise women professionals during this transition. The first is an active counseling program at the end of residency training, adequately staffed by professional men and women. The second strategy for a new psychiatrist would be to participate in a continuing women's group.