Dr. Black: As an academic psychiatrist, I feel I have the best of both worlds: patient care combined with opportunities my private practice colleagues do not have. Because I have published widely, and have developed a reputation, I am frequently invited to speak at meetings throughout the United States, and sometimes internationally. Travel is a perk of academia, and as someone who loves travel, that is important.
Dr. Ahmed: Where do you see psychiatry going?
Dr. Black: Psychiatry will always be an important specialty because no one else truly cares about patients with psychiatric illnesses. Mental illness will not go away, and society needs highly trained individuals to provide care. There are many “me too” clinicians who now share in caring for patients with psychiatric illnesses, but psychiatrists will always have the most training, and are in a position to provide supervision to others and to direct mental health care teams.
Dr. Ahmed: What advice do you have for residents contemplating a career in academic psychiatry?
Dr. Black: Because most medical schools now have both tenure and clinical tracks, no one needs to feel left out. Those who are interested in scholarly activities will gravitate to the tenure tract, and all that requires in terms of grants and papers, while those who are primarily interested in patient care and teaching will choose the clinical track.