Psychiatry, replete with both its allure and pragmatism, intrigues me.

However,
my appreciation of this specialty did not occur spontaneously. Late in my third year of
medical school I found myself utterly uncomfortable in dealing with the most
intimidating of my schizophrenic patients. The apparent failures in communicating with
this individual were quite disconcerting. My array of techniques for building a
therapeutic relationship was exhausted. After a month of defeat, I began to conclude that
one cant help the helpless.
Less than two weeks later, this individuals insight improved dramatically and the
physician-patient relationship subsequently developed splendidly. The delusions
weakened and the side effects of the antipsychotic medicine abated. His family was
thrilled. I eventually realized my patient had taught me that helpless is no more than an
attitude of the health professional providing the treatment.
My approach to the mentally ill was thereafter transformed. With greater
understanding of their illness and background my empathy continued to improve. I found
myself spending hours at night reading my Introduction to Psychiatry, and soon
graduated to textbooks on abnormal psychology and biopsychology. Neurobiology,
imaging studies, psychopharmacology and behaviours fascinated me. I slowly realized
that the patient population I yearned to help was that which had baffled me in a _____
Hospital interview room. Recent experiences have further solidified my decision to enter
the field of psychiatry. An elective in outpatient psychiatry in _____ exposed me to a
broad range of outpatient settings, including adult and child psychopharmacology,
memory and geriatric clinics, crisis services, and addictions focusing on methadone
treatment.
I was most captivated by the latter. It was unsettling to witness the enormous
detrimental effects of opiate abuse on all aspects of an individuals life. Managing the
inevitable combination of physical, mental and social problems was intellectually
challenging and very rewarding.

An elective in inpatient child psychiatry in ______ broadened my exposure

beyond that received during my ______ clerkship rotation. An inpatient unit of 25-30
children and adolescents allowed me to witness the intimidating and complex challenges
in managing aggressive and behaviourally inappropriate children, along with a spectrum
of mood and psychotic disorders. Participating in the care of such severely affected
children afforded stimulating insight into the unfavorable home environments within
which many children mature, as well as the struggles that some families must endure.
In both electives, I participated in creating practical and hopefully beneficial
psychiatric treatments to incomprehensibly complex situations. Whether through
medicine, behavioural therapy, family therapy, or a combination thereof, we almost
always developed a comprehensive plan that would hopefully result in a positive
outcome. These challenges were stimulating and the results wholly satisfying.
I believe I can contribute strongly to the ______ psychiatry residency program
through sound patient care, team support, teaching and research. Empathy, respect for
patients and an objective approach to assessment will be paramount principles of my
practice. Rather than focusing on out-competing my peers, I strive to mutually enhance
our abilities through my strong communication and interpersonal skills. My creativity,
enthusiasm and energy will help me develop a teaching style that can inspire medical
students, helping to make psychiatry interesting and perhaps even fascinating. In
addition, I intend to contribute to psychiatric research particularly in the areas of
neurobiology and neurochemistry.
With respect to ______s program, I have special interest in the Early Psychosis
Program, especially after having been involved in the care of individuals severely
disabled with schizophrenia, for whom early intervention could possibly have had
tremendous benefit. Intrigued by personality disorders, I wish to receive training on the
forensic ward and at the penitentiary. Having heard the benefits of programs such as the
Bridges Program, I am curious to learn of the interventions involved. I hope to take
advantage of the broad and varied learning opportunities in psychiatry within the ______
area.
On a personal note, I enjoy a variety of hobbies. With encouragement from my
parents, I began taking cello lessons at the age of five. Involvement in orchestras,
quartets, trios, and solo performances brought me satisfaction, joy, and challenges that
continue to the present. Participating in competitive volleyball and basketball has taught
me the benefits of teamwork and how to be assertive. Three years ago I delved into
genealogy and have since made contributions to my family tree, always taking note of the
lifestyles, personalities and sacrifices of my ancestors. I have always enjoyed creative
writing and currently contribute satirical/comical articles for the Faculty of Medicine
quarterly newsletter. I intend to maintain a diverse set of hobbies and extracurricular
activities as an adjunct to a demanding psychiatry residency.
My career plans as a psychiatrist involve individual practice, possibly in a
subspecialty such as addictions, with a university affiliation allowing for teaching of
medical students and residents. I do foresee myself doing a fellowship. With an
expanding interest in neurobiology, chemistry and psychopharmacology, I hope to find
opportunities for research.
The clerkship psychiatry rotation passes so quickly that we tend not to see the
improvements that occur in our patients, leaving many of us with the impression that the
mentally ill do not get better. Hence, some clerks are dissuaded from entering this
specialty. Stigmas against those afflicted with mental illness, present both in the public
and medical communities, do little to counter this perception, despite the significant,
ongoing advances and discoveries. It is imperative that the leading cause of disability in
the world be better understood, and I endeavor to make it so.
The satisfaction of a positive outcome for a patient is very uplifting regardless of
ones medical specialty. Many of my peers have commented on the almost instant
gratification after removing an appendix or relieving a bowel obstruction, leading to
sudden relief of a patients symptoms. The healing process of a patient with a mental
illness is understandably longer. However, the patient-physician relationship that is
gradually built over time, combined with an in-depth understanding of the patient as an
individual rather than as an illness, can be a mutually rewarding experience as the healing
occurs. Engaging in that multifaceted approach to healing, while giving the mentally ill
the respect they deserve, is why I want to be a psychiatrist.