Am J Psychiatry 1991; 148:853-858
Copyright © 1991 by American Psychiatric Association
The future of psychiatry: psychiatrists of the future
M De Titta, CB Robinowitz and WW More
American Psychiatric Association, Washington, DC 20005.
OBJECTIVE: The authors' goal was to examine the changing demographic trends
in psychiatry manpower. These changes have important implications for the
practice of the profession in the future. METHOD: Each year, the APA Office
of Membership, in collaboration with the American Association of Directors
of Psychiatric Residency Training, conducts a census of all residents in
psychiatry. A survey instrument is sent to the director of residency
training in each U.S. program accredited by the Accreditation Council for
Graduate Medical Education. Using data from this survey and from the
American Medical Association, the authors conducted a study of the changes
in the number of psychiatric residents over the last decade, particularly
the increases in the number and percentage of women in medicine and
psychiatry. RESULTS: They found that the number of psychiatric residents
has grown from 4,674 in academic year 1978-1979 to 5,829 in 1987-1988, an
increase of 25%. The percentage of women has increased from 32% of all
psychiatric residents in 1978-1979 to 41% in 1987-1988. The largest
proportions of female physicians and psychiatrists were found in the age
groups younger than 35. CONCLUSIONS: Previously documented gender
differences that affect practice patterns and career opportunities may very
well change as a function of the increasing representation of women in the
profession of psychiatry, and these changes need to be taken into account
in planning for future patient care and research needs.
