Becoming a Psychiatrist-Researcher: What It Means and How to Do It

Abstract

The title is not a non sequitur. It is possible to be both a psychiatrist and researcher. However, it is not easy. This article provides some information and advice for medical students, residents, research fellows, and junior faculty who have such an ambition, or need to respond to an expectation to do research by, for example, a departmental chair or promotions committee. We describe the financial and other rewards for those doing research, the skills that are required to conduct research, the opportunities for obtaining research funding or training that are available at various stages of a psychiatrist’s career, the obstacles to success in this endeavor, and some strategies for overcoming those obstacles.