Why psychiatry? The perspective of a medical student

In the midst of CaRMS (Canadian Resident Matching Service) season—what I like to call “introspection season”—one question keeps coming up: Why psychiatry? 

So many reasons come to mind that I find it difficult to pinpoint just one. A mentor has suggested to put my thoughts on paper and here I am!

So Neyra, why psychiatry?

At my core, I believe in giving back. I recognize the privilege I’ve had in life and feel a duty to help those who haven’t had the same opportunities. Psychiatry allows me to serve a population that often faces immense adversity—a population that is frequently misunderstood, labeled, or cast aside simply for being different. 

This desire to give back is what draws me to psychiatry, a field that offers the chance to work with vulnerable populations and foster understanding. Community service has always occupied an important part of my life. Whether it’s helping asylum seekers and refugees access healthcare, getting involved with homeless populations, or providing psychological support to women undergoing cancer treatment, I’ve found deep meaning in these human connections. 

I love the way psychiatry allows us to see people for who they are—beyond their symptoms or diagnoses. We get to understand their mental states and disorders through the lens of their life stories, which brings a profound sense of humanity to our work. It’s not about reducing someone to a label; it’s about walking alongside them in their journey and helping them find meaning in their suffering.

There is something sacred about being the guardian of someone’s vulnerability. People open up when they feel safe and seen, and I’ve noticed that people tend to share their stories with me because I create a space where they can be their authentic selves without fear of judgment. I want to use this ability in my career to make meaningful connections and provide the support that so many need. 

Being someone who often finds herself in a state of existential questioning, I appreciate how psychiatry offers a unique lens on the human experience while keeping me grounded in the tangible aspects of medical practice. It’s a field that challenges me to grow both personally and professionally, and I am excited to see where this journey takes me.

Ultimately, it all comes down to two things: Psychiatry is where I feel at home, and it’s where I know I can make an impact. I am a humanitarian at my core, and this field allows me to live that value every day. 

By Neyra Mekideche 

Student in the MDCM Program, McGill University