Factors influencing career choice in otorhinolaryngology among medical students at King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Background: Objective: The study was designed to investigate factors influencing career choice among medical students interested in Otorhinolaryngology (ORL) at Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, a total of 531 medical students participated. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. Data were analyzed using SPSS-16. Results: A total 531 participating medical students belonged to 4th, 5th, and 6th year. Two hundred twenty-one (41.6%) were interested in ORL specialty. Almost all of the students (95%) agreed that a patient’s ear, nose, throat, and head & neck health plays an important role in their overall health. The majority of the participants (68%) disagreed that that ORL is less important than other specialties. There were several reasons for selecting ORL as career choice such as: a secured and respected job (71%), well-paid job (63%), rewarding work, grateful patients (69%), opportunity to meet people of different age groups and various backgrounds (68%), a window into ordinary people’s everyday life (52%), comprehensive doctor-patient relationships (54%), versatile, challenging work (54%), and long-term doctor-patient relationships (58%). Conclusion: Overall participants’ responses were overwhelmingly positive to pursue a career in ORL specialty.