Location Location Location: The Role of Place in Career Development

There are many differences between institutions, communities, and regions that can impact career development; obvious and subtle differences can shape the process. Importantly, academic institutions vary in terms of opportunities for mentorship and collaboration, emphasis on clinical care and research, and formal training opportunities. Location also impacts how psychiatry is practiced. Geographic locations differ in terms of local resources for mental health care, number of psychiatrists per capita, access to affordable health insurance, and percentage of the population that is uninsured. Many institutions are more family friendly than others in their policies and resources, which is important to career development for many individuals. Some institutions offer maternity and/or paternity leave, while others do not; on-site child care may also be offered. Cost-of-living expenses vary widely from place to place, as do salaries. Tenure clocks tick faster at some locations, while others have no time limits, and availability of tenure-track positions differs between institutions. On a more personal level, proximity to social supports and opportunities for significant others may also influence career decisions. Clearly, environment plays an important role in career development. Our featured authors of this issue's Early Career Psychiatrists section have generously shared their perspectives of such influences on their career trajectories. Their essays emphasize the importance of mentorship on career development as a crucial aspect of their environment. © Copyright 2009 Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc.