By Gina Hartoog

Where orthopaedic surgeons work with bone or ophthalmologists concentrate on problems of the eye, the psychiatrist turns his focus on the human psyche. Psychiatry deals with mental illness and diseases of the mind. They’re trained to help people suffering from a range of problems like depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress, phobias or addictions. Psychology and psychiatry should not be confused. The latter is a medical doctor who is able to diagnose illness and prescribe medication. The two professions are often complementary.

All in the mind

Dr Rykie Liebenberg, a psychiatrist in private practice at the Sandton Medi-Clinic, says that the Hollywood stereotypical psychiatrist with the patient on the couch is not accurate. “The medical profession in general is often portrayed in a very ‘starry-eyed’ light,” notes Rykie. “The truth is that it’s hard work. Work days are long and busy and doctors often have to sacrifice family life.”

Rykie says that what makes psychiatry different from other careers within medicine is the marriage of art and science. “The brain is one area of the body that we’re stilling learning so much about and still have more to discover,” she explains. “Psychiatry is about the biological functions of the brain, but it also brings a holistic approach to the overall wellness of the person where differences in personalities and current situations may affect mental health.” 

Emotions and empathy

Psychiatrists must be people-orientated individuals with good communication-skills and a good balance of empathy and understanding. You’ll need to be able to tap into your emotions at times but you shouldn’t be too emotional. “There are times when we have to deal with very difficult patients,” says Rykie. “You must be able to

Patients may also become angry, shout or react in an irrational way. Psychiatrists must be prepared for these confrontations and be able to handle them professionally.  “I can’t say my life has ever been in any real danger,” says Rykie. “But sometimes it can be a challenge to handle the bizarre and sometimes scary delusions of some patients.”

Psychiatrists in private practice are able to choose where they work and have the flexibility to choose their work hours. In state hospitals conditions may not be as ideal and the work load is heavy. “Even if conditions are challenging you can still be a successful psychiatrist because fancy equipment isn’t always a prerequisite to help someone,” says Rykie. “All a psychiatrist really needs is a piece of paper, a pen and his or her mind.”

Lifelong learning

Rykie’s journey into the profession was not a typical one. She was one of the first five women to qualify as a medical doctor at Bloemfontein Medical School. After completing her medical degree, residency and community service, she worked at various outreach and mission hospitals. 

It was after working as a GP in Kimberley for ten years that Rykie decided to specialise in psychiatry. She returned to Gauteng as a registrar at Wits University. During the next four years, she worked at various state hospitals and entered private practice in 2002.

The medical profession is changing and the youth are sometimes discouraged from pursuing a career in medicine. “I feel that it’s still a calling,” Rykie points out. “If you’re interested in medicine and believe it to be your passion, then you should pursue it, despite the negativity from some quarters. There is a huge shortage of psychiatrists in South Africa today, so there is great potentia for growth within the career.”