The continuing shortfall in recruitment to Psychiatry is examined with suggestions for affirmative action. Recruitment may improve in the near future because of the high demand for psychiatrists, the incentives offered, greater competition for other specialties and a pool of international graduates willing to work in Psychiatry. There remains the long term challenge of how to inspire positive vocational interest given the persisting stigma of mental illness, a legacy of negative attitudes towards Psychiatry, stressful aspects of the work and increasing encroachment on Psychiatry's jurisdiction in the treatment of mental illness. Accepting the importance of giving students and graduates a good exposure to Psychiatry it is also important to make a critical appraisal of what they see. Realistic disincentives may be overlooked against a background of stigma and prejudice and arguably insufficient attention has been given to addressing realistic disincentives. It is suggested that the emphasis on reductionist explanations in Psychiatry today will not benefit recruitment or Psychiatry. Open acknowledgement and discussion of problematical theoretical and practical issues might lead to greater vocational interest and attract graduates interested in advancing and not merely practicing the Psychiatry.