I came across a post from a CRNA claiming psychiatrists “aren’t real doctors” because they don’t intubate or run a vent. Apparently, their idea of being a doctor is exclusively working as a critical care physician. Sure, if you have a narrow view of what makes a doctor, maybe you’d agree.
But let’s talk about what psychiatry really entails. Everyone thinks they could handle it—until mom’s hiding a knife under her pillow or someone who’s killed before is sitting across from you, manic and unpredictable. The truth is, most people in med school (or NP school) don’t sign up for that. Managing a vent? Intubating for surgery? Honestly, those sound like a vacation compared to digging deep into the chaos of the human mind.
Practicing psychiatry right is no walk in the park. Sure, you could do it lazily and still get paid, but you’d be hurting patients and leaving messes for those of us who care. We deal with psychotic, dangerous, unpredictable individuals every day. And while it might not be as glamorous as a tube down someone’s throat, we are essential to every medical service. We do the dirty work, behind the scenes, keeping everyone safe.
So next time someone’s in the ED or on the floor going completely bonkers, guess who steps in? The psychiatrist.
And by the way—I still run codes and keep up my ACLS certification. Who knows, I might even toss in a tube if I’m feeling it. 😎 #PsychiatryIsMedicine #MentalHealthMatters #WeDoTheWorkNoOneElseWants