Factors Influencing the Choice of a Psychiatric Residency Program: A Survey of Applicants to the Johns Hopkins Residency Program in Psychiatry

Abstract

The authors set out to determine what general factors are important in the selection of a psychiatric residency program, the views applicants have of several aspects of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Psychiatric Residency Program, and what relationships exist among these elements. A survey mailed to Johns Hopkins Hospital psychiatric residency-interviewed applicants asked applicants to rate six factors in relation to choosing a psychiatric residency program. A second section asked applicants to rate five factors more specific to the Johns Hopkins Hospital residency. The most important general factors in choosing a residency program included the perceived philosophical orientation of a psychiatric department, exposure to different psychotherapy modalities, and the perceived prestige of the department. Several statistically significant correlations were evident among factors. Knowledge of applicants' views could assist residency program directors in their assessment of factors influencing program choices.