Expert: Dr. Kevin D. Kanz - 9/13/2006

Question
Hello, I am only 16 but i want to become a Psychiatrist. I know you a Chiropracter but I need some help in finding information. I am pretty sure you need 8 years of like Psychology schooling and then 4 years for you Docterits. But I am not positive. Can you please give me an insite on anything if you know it.
                          Kyle

Answer
Kyle,
Here is another link for medical students wishing to explore psychiatry as a career specialty.  This may help answer some additional questions: <http://www.psych.org/edu/med_students/index.cfm?pf=y>
~Dr.K

Kyle,
Psychiatrists are medical physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness.  Undergraduate training is consentrated in the biological and physical sciences just as anyone wishing to enter the field of medicine or health care.  Medical school does not require a undergraduate major in psychology.  Though there are many areas where psychology and psychiatry interact, they are very different disciplines.  Essentially, psychology is a non-medical dicipline dealing largely with issues of human behavior and cognative function.  Psychiatry deals largely with mental illness which includes both behaviorial and physiological problems.  Before specializing in psychiatry, one must complete a four-year medical program.  Then undergo an extensive testing and matching program for internships, residencies and fellowships in the fields of phychiatry and neurology (clinical training).  Then take extensive board certification examinations to show competency in that field.  It is not an easy process, but it is one that is quite rewarding if this is your career of choice.  Try this link for more information: <http://www.psych.org/edu/careers.cfm>
Hope this helps...
~Dr.K