Future Career Choices of Women Psychiatric Residents: Is Research Included?

In an attempt to understand the paucity of women in psychiatric research, a descriptive pilot survey of women psychiatry residents in three residency programs was undertaken in 1992 to investigate the factors that influenced career choice and interest in research. Only 5% of the respondents intended to pursue an academic career with an emphasis on research; 60% listed a research career as their last choice. Significant factors that affect professional training and subsequent career choice included the women’s desire for a nurturing training environment, availability of mentors/role models, and personal and family considerations.