Factors influencing the choice of a psychiatric residency program: A survey of applicants to the Johns Hopkins residency program in psychiatry

Objective: The authors set out to determine what general factors are important in the selection of a psychiatric residency program, the views applicants have of several aspects of the Johns Hopkins Hospital Psychiatric Residency Program, and what relationships exist among these elements. Methods: A survey mailed to Johns Hopkins Hospital psychiatric residency-interviewed applicants asked applicants to rate six factors in relation to choosing a psychiatric residency program. A second section asked applicants to rate five factors more specific to the Johns Hopkins Hospital residency. Results: The most important general factors in choosing a residency program included the perceived philosophical orientation of a psychiatric department, exposure to different psychotherapy modalities, and the perceived prestige of the department. Several statistically significant correlations were evident among factors. Conclusion: Knowledge of applicants' views could assist residency program directors in their assessment of factors influencing program choices.