title: Seven steps towards a PhD in psychiatry.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present review aims to describe the main steps for completing a psychiatric PhD thesis with success.
  
  
  METHODS
  A selective review of the literature and the author's experience as a psychiatrist completing a PhD.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Deciding upon a topic, choosing a mentor, organising your time, persevering and remaining motivated are the key elements.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preparedness and diligence lead the way towards a PhD. This advice is also relevant for those undertaking research at any stage of their career.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Universitary Hospital Fundación, Rey Juan Carlos University, Madrid, Spain rmolinar@salud.madrid.org.
authors.forename: Rosa María
authors.initials: RM
authors.lastname: Molina-Ruiz
mesh_terms: D004500:Education, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D011570:Psychiatry / Q000193:education*
keywords: PhD; Thesis; methodology; psychiatry; research