The Black Woman Academic Psychiatrist

Abstract

The various influences contributing to the decision of black women psychiatric residents to select a career in academic medicine are explored. The role of mentors and national fellowships in facilitating the development of the professional identity of black psychiatrists are discussed. The complexity of a black woman as an academic psychiatrist is presented in the context of examples of coping strategies. These strategies ameliorate negative interactions and anticipated questions of competence, leadership, and the effective mastery of confrontation. Specific experiences unique to the black academic psychiatrist, including the effect of gender and race on various interactions, are illustrated. Career development, from the first academic position following residency training to the transition to associate professor, are reviewed with attention to the specific concerns unique to each stage.