Life as a neurodivergent psychiatrist

In her blog post for the 2023 Choose Psychiatry campaign, Dr. Anna Rebowska, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist, shares her journey as a neurodivergent doctor. Diagnosed with autism, dyspraxia, and dyslexia early in life, she underscores the crucial support she received during her education, enabling her to pursue medicine. Despite facing challenges during medical school and core training, a pivotal taster week in a psychiatric department led her to choose psychiatry as her career path. Dr. Rebowska emphasizes the importance of support networks, citing her involvement with Autistic Doctors International, and encourages neurodivergent individuals interested in psychiatry to explore placements, shadowing experiences, and established support networks. She advocates for diversity in the workforce, emphasizing that clinicians with lived experiences can better cater to the mental health needs of patients.


Additional Details

Subjects: Autistic AdultsFamily SupportGeneralMental HealthProfessional Development

Author: Dr. Anna Rebowska

Additional Authors: Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Publication Location: UK

Publisher: Royal College of Psychiatrists.

Publication Date: 2023

Format: Online Article

Age Range: School Age (5-18)Youth & Young Adults (13-25)Adulthood (19+)