The wife as the professional

Training in psychiatry: an examination of trainee perceptions. Part 1

OBJECTIVE

To look at the perceptions of New South Wales (NSW) psychiatric trainees in relation to their training experiences and the role and quality of the consultant-registrar relationship.

METHODS

A self-report questionnaire was developed to probe trainee perceptions of the consultant-trainee relationship in all those who had completed at least 1 year of training in psychiatry (n = 138) in NSW, as well as all consultants who had completed their training in the last 5 years (n = 95). Test-retest reliability was assessed at 3 months for each of the subscales (r = 0.70-0.89) and found to be acceptable. Validity issues are discussed.

RESULTS

The results are discussed with special reference to the perceived competence, availability, breadth of knowledge and willingness to accept responsibilities of the supervising consultant. Consultant competence as a clinician was consistently rated as more important than being emotionally supportive.

CONCLUSION

In addressing these issues, we aim to increase the degree of self-consciousness and reflectiveness of the profession of psychiatry within the Australian context. If there is to be a substantial shift for the better in trainees' perceptions of consultants, it is likely that the general consultant experience will have to be improved rather than providing small amounts of exposure to high quality consultants.

Women in medicine--socialization, stereotypes and self perceptions

Eleven women in various specialities, including the academic and administrative spheres, were interviewed with regard to their experiences throughout their career. These women all held senior positions in Medicine and represent a broad age range (35-69 years). Information gathered during the interviews was analysed thematically in an attempt to develop a basis for further research examining predictors of success for women in medicine.

The professional woman as patient: a review and an appeal

The unique problems that the professional woman brings to therapy are presented here. It is the author's contention that the career woman's difficulties are not adequately realized or understood by many male therapists. Many of these patients are disappointed with or highly critical of their therapy with male psychiatrists. Two sub-groups of professional women are described: the married professional woman and the unattached professional woman. There are critical sex-role relate issues and countertransference problems which arise with the male therapist: professional woman patient dyad. Other implications for male psychiatrists are outlined and suggestions offered toward therapist enlightenment.