Public or private: where would you choose to work? — Public

Psychiatrist Diana McKay explains why she chose the public hospital system

PUBLIC: There’s nothing like surprising your medical colleagues. Almost a year ago, I announced to some colleagues that, after 6 or so years primarily in private practice as a psychiatrist, I was shutting up shop and returning to work as a staff specialist in a busy public hospital. There was a notable pause before the congratulations ensued. Friends and private patients asked me why was I going to work in the public sector? I gave a mixture of responses, such as wanting to improve “the system”, becoming more involved in teaching, and a desire to use my skills with those unable to pay privately for them. Personally, with my children getting older, I felt I had more energy — and hopefully more wisdom and patience — to invest in an often demanding health system.