Medical Student Career Perceptions of Cardiac Surgery and Cardiology

Abstract

Medical students' career choices are influenced by many factors. However, it is unclear how perceptions of cardiology and cardiac surgery affect students' career choices in either specialty. This study assessed impact of advice on specialty interest, sources of advice, and what factors were associated with interest in cardiology and/or cardiac surgery. Important sources of advice were peers, preceptors, lectures, and clinical experiences. Interest in minimally invasive/new technologies and procedure-based care were the most common persuading factors in cardiac surgery and cardiology. Medical educators should acknowledge the importance of early exposure in their field, involvement in lectures, and extracurricular events.