Choice of medical specialty and personality traits measured with the EPQ-R(S) in medical students and specialist doctors

Abstract

Aim of the studyThe study was conducted to examine the differences between personality traits of medical students choosing future specialties and among specialist doctors.Subject or material and methodsTwo groups were tested: students and specialist doctors, in total 87 people. The first group consisted of 5th and 6th year medical students (48 people), and the second group of doctors of various specialties (39 people). The statistical analysis was performed using the Statistica 10 software. The significance level of p <0.05 was chosen. The EPQ-R(S) test was used to assess the personality traits.ResultsIn the group of students, there were no differences in the personality traits measured by the EPQ-R(S) test depending on their preferred specialty (surgical, non-surgical, pediatric, internal medicine specialties or areas, which do not require contact with the patient). In the group of specialist doctors there were no differences in personality traits measured by the EPQ-R(S) test for pediatric and surgical specialists. It was confirmed that internal medicine specialists have a higher level of extraversion.DiscussionPersonality traits are not the most important factor influencing the choice of the professional path of young Polish doctors. Contrary to the stereotypes prevailing in the medical environment, also among specialist doctors, the personality differences are not so obvious.ConclusionsThe results of this study can be used in medical career counseling, in order to help young medical students to choose their future career path.