The crucible of early career psychiatry.

Objective: To capture the voices of psychiatrists as they reflect on challenges at the early stages of the career trajectory.

Method: Early career psychiatrists contributed reflections that identified various challenges in the transition from trainee to consultant psychiatrist.

Results: Common difficulties included negotiating role transition and conflict. Specific events had deep impact such as involvement with a patient who had committed suicide.

Conclusions: Challenges in the early career stage as a consultant psychiatrist may have lasting or career defining impact. Written reflection is a valuable tool that can impart collective learning, provide validation and engender support among peers.