The journey back: Why I returned to my psychiatry career after retirement

Dr Alice McGrath shares her story about returning to her consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist role after retirement.?

Alice’s NHS story?

I’m Alice, a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist at NHS Lanarkshire.?

I mainly see young people who have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Often, they also have autism. I meet with them to review their diagnosis and assess their mental health needs. I’ll then develop a care plan to outline how those needs will be met. Once I’ve prescribed the appropriate psychological and pharmacological treatment, I’ll have review appointments with the young person. I’ll adjust their medication dose if needed and ask how they’re doing.?

At these appointments, we discuss more than just medication. I hear about the young person’s life, schooling, friendship, difficulties, and successes. It’s wonderful to know somebody over a long period of time.??

Choosing a career in psychiatry?

Even from an early age, I was interested in working with children and young people. At school, medicine was a career option I was considering. I asked my GP for career advice, which gave me some insight into the role of a doctor. I also worked as a healthcare support worker on a children’s ward before I applied to medical school. Both experiences made it clear that medicine was what I wanted to do.??

In the UK, there are 65 specialties and 31 sub-specialties in medicine. During my medical school training, I was fortunate to have a child and adolescent psychiatry placement. It was interesting, fascinating, and enjoyable, and it helped me decide that psychiatry was the right career path for me.?

Returning to psychiatry after retirement?

I worked as a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist from 2004 until I retired in 2019. Six weeks after retiring, I returned to my career because I love my job and working at NHS Lanarkshire. It’s very rewarding, and I feel supported.?

I love working with my colleagues, too. I have a fabulous secretary who I have known for many years, and we are now friends. Many of my consultant colleagues are also friends, and we meet socially. It’s a very supportive working environment.?

Making a difference??

I enjoy working with children and young people and seeing them develop over time. I also love hearing about their successes, which are always worth celebrating.??

Over the years, I really do hope I’ve made a difference in young people’s lives. I have received cards from them, and I appreciate the very kind things they said about their care.?

I wholeheartedly encourage you to consider bringing your psychiatry career to Scotland. There are lots of opportunities in NHS Lanarkshire and across the country where you can genuinely make a positive impact in the lives of others.?

Find out more?

Check out Alice’s full NHS Story here.?

If you’re thinking about a career in psychiatry, visit our Careers website to find out everything you need to know.?