Not a Trainee,Not Yet Mid-Career: Navigating Being an Early Career Pediatric Psychologist

Abstract

Objective: The American Psychological Association defines early career (EC) status as occurring in the 10 years following earning a doctorate. As EC pediatric and behavioral health psychologists (ECPPs) who work with and conduct research with adolescents and young adults, we have noted that our own and our peers’ experiences during this career phase have mirrored that of our adolescents and young adults research participants and patients. Namely, no longer scaffolded by training milestones and supervision, yet still often viewed as green, EC psychologists may often feel and be treated like they are experiencing a career-based emerging adulthood. Despite the presence of some institutional support during this career phase, we and our peers have found difficulty in navigating this career phase—something compounded by concurrent life events (e.g., parenting and pandemic). Method: Grounded in our own current and recent histories, this commentary provides the examples of common experiences across the EC—from fellowship to nearing mid-career. Results: To improve the EC experience for pediatric psychologists and beyond, recommendations are made at the institutional, mentor, and ECPP levels. Conclusions: Given the risks for burnout during this phase of career, when workforce demands are at all-time high, this commentary aims to draw attention to the developmental norms of EC and improve the EC experience for pediatric psychologists and our peers. The hope is that, in doing so, pediatric patients and their families may be better served via a well-supported EC workforce.

Implications for Impact Statement

Based on the existing literature and the personal experiences of the authorship team, common experiences and challenges relating to being an early career pediatric psychologist are stated and normalized. Recommendations to better support individuals through this career phase are posed to ultimately better support the workforce that serves pediatric populations.

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