Current perspectives on chief residents in psychiatry.
OBJECTIVE
The authors examine qualitative data from outgoing chief residents in psychiatry from the 2004-2005 academic year to 1) determine common characteristics between programs, 2) examine the residents' perspectives on their experiences, and 3) determine their common leadership qualities.


METHODS
The authors sent out self-report surveys via e-mail to 89 outgoing chief residents who attended the APA/Lilly Chief Resident Executive Leadership Program.


RESULTS
Fifty-three (60%) chief residents responded. Although most chief residents are senior residents, over 20% are in their third postgraduate year. Two-thirds of programs have more than one chief resident each year. Most chief residents believe that their "participating" leadership style, existing leadership skills, and interpersonal skills contributed to their overall positive experiences.


CONCLUSIONS
Successfully performing duties as a chief resident entails functioning in a variety of roles and demands attention to leadership qualities of the individual. Developing existing leadership skills, clarifying expectations, and providing mentorship to chief residents will ensure successful transition into practice, and the advancement of the field of psychiatry.
Warner
Christopher H
CH
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. christopher.h.warner@us.army.mil
Rachal
James
J
Breitbach
Jill
J
Higgins
Michael
M
Warner
Carolynn
C
Bobo
William
W
D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D003479:Curriculum; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D007857:Leadership; D008297:Male; D008611:Mentors; D008486:Physician Executives / Q000193:education*; D010819:Physician's Role; D010817:Physician-Patient Relations; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*; D014481:United States