Why I Chose Psychiatry: Yelena Davydov, M.D., on Compassion, Equity, and the Power of Being Present

As Mental Health Awareness Month comes to a close, we continue to recognize the providers whose work makes a lasting difference all year long. Yelena Davydov, M.D., a Physician Affiliate Group of New York, P.C. (PAGNY) psychiatrist and Director of Consultation and Liaison Psychiatry at NYC Health + Hospitals/Jacobi, reflects on why she chose psychiatry, what keeps her grounded, and the impact of caring for New York City’s most underserved communities.

Why I Chose Psychiatry

I was drawn to psychiatry because it looks at the whole person—not just symptoms or lab results. Compared to other areas of medicine that often focus more on the physical side of illness, psychiatry gives the chance to really understand what someone is going through on a deeper level. I like that it’s not just about diagnosis and prescribing – it’s about listening, building trust, and helping people heal in ways that aren’t always visible.

Why I Chose PAGNY and NYC Health + Hospitals

I was drawn to working in underserved communities because I believe everyone deserves access to quality support, regardless of their background or environment. Early in my career, I saw how deep the gaps were—stigma, lack of resources, and systemic barriers made it hard for people in many neighborhoods to get the care they need. I wanted to be part of changing that.

What keeps me here is the people. There’s strength and resilience in these communities that is humbling. Working as a psychiatrist, I get to sit with people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives and help them find a path forward. It’s not always easy—there are still so many barriers—but it’s meaningful work.

Practicing in NYC’s public health system has completely shaped how I think about mental health. It’s taught me that care must be flexible, culturally aware, and grounded in real life. In NYC, every patient brings a unique story shaped by immigration, housing insecurity, incarceration, or trauma. These experiences aren’t just background details—they are central to understanding someone’s mental health.

This work has shown me that mental health care needs to be about meeting people where they are.

Once I had a patient with chronic mental illness who said to me, 'I wish I had cancer instead.' What they meant was that physical illness often gets more understanding and support, while mental illness can feel invisible and dismissed.

That conversation stuck with me. Moments like that reinforce why I chose psychiatry. It’s to help people who are often overlooked, to reduce stigma and to ensure that they are not alone.

Staying Grounded in Challenging Work

Working in a high-intensity environment like a city hospital can be incredibly rewarding, but it also demands that I remain intentional about protecting my own well-being.

For me, staying grounded starts with maintaining a clear boundary between work and home. I take time each day to decompress, whether that’s through exercise, time with family or simply a quiet moment to myself.

I also rely on peer support. Regular check-ins with colleagues who understand the challenges of this work help me feel less isolated and more connected.

A Message for Future Providers

If you are considering a career in behavioral health, know that the work is deeply meaningful but also emotionally demanding. Stay curious, be open to learning, and make sure to care for your own well-being along the way. Seek mentors, ask questions, and remember you can’t support others if you are running on empty.

Mental Health Awareness Month is just one reminder of why this work matters. It’s a chance to amplify voices, reduce stigma, and reaffirm that mental health is just as important as physical health.