Determinants of career aspirations of medical students in southern China

Lingbing She,Bingli Wu,Pixian Zhang,Enmin Li,Jianyi Wu,Liyan Xu

doi:10.1186/1472-6920-8-59

Abstract

BackgroundWith recent changes in both the Chinese medical system and compensation of medical doctors, the career aspirations of Chinese medical students have become more diverse. Shantou University Medical College has conducted evaluations and instituted programs to enhance student preparedness to enter a variety of medical careers.MethodsA survey was conducted with 85 students to evaluate medical career aspirations and their association with family background, personal skills, English language proficiency, and interest in biomedical research, which were considered as possible factors affecting their career interest.ResultsChinese students aspire to traditional as well as nontraditional medical careers. A significant minority of students are now interested in nontraditional careers such as medical teaching or research. However, poor proficiency in the English language and lack of computer skills may limit their academic and career opportunities.ConclusionCareer aspirations have changed among medical undergraduates. Although many wish to pursue a traditional clinical doctor career, many are interested in research and teaching careers. Factors such as family background, personal characteristics, school mentoring, and extracurricular support may play a role.

Highlights

With recent changes in both the Chinese medical system and compensation of medical doctors, the career aspirations of Chinese medical students have become more diverse
The traditional view held by Chinese university medical students is that their career path is limited to clinical medicine following graduation [1]
All first, second, and third-year students participating in Shantou University Medical College (SUMC)'s "Outstanding Medical Students Research Project" were invited to participate in a survey on a volunteer basis

Summary

Introduction

With recent changes in both the Chinese medical system and compensation of medical doctors, the career aspirations of Chinese medical students have become more diverse. Shantou University Medical College has conducted evaluations and instituted programs to enhance student preparedness to enter a variety of medical careers. The traditional view held by Chinese university medical students is that their career path is limited to clinical medicine following graduation [1]. There is a growing trend toward nonclinical career aspirations among current medical students [2]. A possible contributing factor is the conflict between increased medical student recruitment and the intensive competition for positions in prosperous cities. Development of students' research skills while in medical school may increase the competitiveness of graduates for future employment options [3]. Shantou University Medical College (SUMC), which offers 5-year and 7-year training programs for clinical medicine, has grown rapidly thanks to (page number not for citation purposes)

Methods

Results

Conclusion