Why We Chose Psychiatry | Introducing The Good Enough Psychiatrist

In the first episode of The Good Enough Psychiatrist, two psychiatry residents reflect on why they chose psychiatry and why they felt compelled to start this podcast. They discuss the emotional complexity of psychiatric training, the tension between being a clinician and being human, and the unspoken experiences that come with residency. This conversation sets the tone for a podcast focused not just on psychiatric knowledge, but on the lived experience of practicing psychiatry.Welcome to The Good Enough Psychiatrist.In this introductory episode, Chris and Ross share the story behind the podcast and explore what drew them to psychiatry. They discuss the fascinating question of human behavior, the power of therapeutic relationships, and the diverse tools psychiatrists use to help patients—from psychotherapy and medications to advocacy and neuromodulation.They also explore something that is rarely talked about openly: the emotional underbelly of psychiatric training. Residency can bring uncertainty, self-doubt, awe, and ethical tension—especially when navigating involuntary treatment, patient autonomy, and the responsibilities of clinical care.Throughout the conversation, they introduce the “good enough” framework—an idea rooted in being present, responsive, and emotionally available rather than striving for impossible perfection.This episode sets the foundation for the podcast: honest conversations about psychiatry, training, and the human side of medicine.Arrival Fallacy in Medical Educationhttps://students-residents.aamc.org/medical-student-well-being/arrival-fallacy-medical-education-and-pursuit-happinessFuture episodes will include:Personal stories from psychiatric trainingConversations about the emotional experience of practicing psychiatryInterviews with mentors, co-residents, and leaders in the fieldDiscussions of clinical topics through a humanistic lensOccasional deep dives into psychiatric research and theoryHave a question, story, or topic you'd like us to discuss?We’d love to hear from you. Reach out and be part of the conversation. Email us at [email protected] available on Apple Music and Substack.