Psychiatry Learning Map

Is this path for me?

Rate how true each statement is for you today. This is a reflection tool, not a test: the result suggests what to explore next. Your answers stay on this device and are not sent anywhere.

1. I enjoy science, especially biology, and can cope with a large amount of memorisation.
2. I am prepared for about 15 years or more of study and supervised work before reaching consultant level.
3. I am interested in people's stories, and I can listen patiently for a long time without rushing to fix things.
4. I stay calm with people who are angry, frightened, confused or very distressed.
5. I can hear about sad or disturbing experiences and still look after my own wellbeing.
6. I am comfortable with uncertainty: diagnoses in psychiatry are often unclear at first and change with time.
7. I respect people whose religion, culture, lifestyle or beliefs are very different from mine.
8. I can explain complicated things simply, in Bahasa Melayu and English.
9. I am willing to work night shifts and long hours during housemanship and training.
10. I am interested in the brain, medicines and how the body affects the mind (and the reverse).
11. I would find it rewarding to help someone over months or years, even if progress is slow.
12. I can keep confidential information private and follow strict ethical and legal rules.
13. I am curious about research and like asking why things work.
14. I can accept feedback, supervision and exam failure, and try again.
15. I have spoken to (or shadowed) a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist or counsellor about their work.

Whatever your result: talk to people in the field, try volunteering or work experience, and read the time, cost & career and alternative routes pages.