A day in the life of a psychiatry resident: a pilot qualitative analysis.

OBJECTIVE The topic "A Day in the Life of a Psychiatry Resident" is an opportunity to explore residents' experiences to inform the delivery of education. METHODS An open-ended, qualitative approach was used in a pilot project to explore contemporary residents' experiences with education, similar to a patient-centered model of health care. RESULTS Key themes for residents include balancing multiple roles at work, balancing work and home, identity formation, diversity (gender, ethnic, cultural, learner styles, and other dimensions), and challenges in training with advances in the field (e.g., neuroscience, technology, culture, spirituality). Contemporary residents have some issues as did their predecessors, but they also have unique experiences, issues, talents, and interests. CONCLUSIONS A larger qualitative analysis of these issues, followed by testing of theories by quantitative methods, is indicated.