Things I wish I'd known: desiderata for early career psychiatrists.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to disseminate advice imparted to early career psychiatrists by a panel of senior colleagues at a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists symposium, reflecting on things they wished they had known at the earlier stage in their careers.


METHODS
Key themes were extracted from notes taken at the symposium, where opinions were expressed by three senior psychiatrists.


RESULTS
There are components in building a sustainable career as a psychiatrist, which include considering one's work environment and relationships with colleagues; self-care, mentorship and reflective practice; and seeking opportunities to teach and research for career progression.


CONCLUSIONS
The mentorship and advice from senior colleagues can be highly influential. In order to sustain a career that has reward, meaning and longevity, psychiatrists would do well to pay attention to aspects of self-care, stay connected to their loved ones, seek an optimal work-life balance and take an interest in their long term career plans.
Forensic Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand, and; Honorary Senior Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Lillian
L
Ng
Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand.
Richard
R
Steane
Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand, and; Honorary Senior Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
Emme
E
Chacko
Psychiatrist, Waitemata & Auckland District Health Boards, Auckland, New Zealand.
Natalie
N
Scollay
D001315:Australia; D002321:Career Choice; D006801:Humans; D008611:Mentors; D009520:New Zealand; D011570:Psychiatry; D012648:Self Care; D000072358:Work-Life Balance
early career psychiatrist; mentor; self-care; work-life balance