Career Choices: Community mental health in an urban/public setting

Dr. Stanciu: What advice do you have for early career psychiatrists and trainees who are contemplating working in an urban-public setting?

Dr. Wadhwania: First of all, realize that there are many misconceptions about serving in the public sector, such as there is no access to new medications, etc. It is important to establish whether public sector service is “in your heart.” You need to learn the organization’s philosophy, mission, and vision, and figure out whether these views align with yours. Getting to know the leadership and how they value psychiatrists and other staff members is also very important. Also, make sure that there are opportunities for you to become a leader in the organization, that there is room for growth, and that it’s a stable organization.