Specialty Preferences Research Articles

The effect of education debt on PAs' specialty choice or preference.

This study investigated educational debt, repayment strategies, and other factors potentially related to recently certified physician associates/assistants' (PAs') choice or preference for primary care versus all other specialties. A national dataset from 2023 of recently certified PAs was used to conduct quantitative and qualitative analyses. Analyses were conducted separately for PAs who had accepted a clinical position and those who had not accepted a clinical position. Overall, 88% of respondents reported having educational debt, with 13.5% owing $200,000 or more. PAs from backgrounds underrepresented in medicine had accrued higher educational debt than their counterparts. Educational debt was significantly associated with specialty choices/preferences: PAs with higher debt were more likely to opt for nonprimary care specialties. Qualitative analyses revealed that PAs rely on different strategies for repaying their loans, depending on whether they choose or prefer primary care or nonprimary care specialties. These results suggest that educational debt plays a role in specialty selection, but other factors also are significant.

The Effects of Medical Students’ Learning Approach and Career Values on Their Specialty Preference

Recent studies have identified various factors influencing how medical students choose medical specialties. An important factor that has been overlooked is learning approach. For Qatar-based medical students aspiring to train overseas, specialty preference often hinges on the relationships between learning approach and career values. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to explore the relationships between learning approach, career values, and specialty preference. Data were collected from two surveys of 108 medical students at Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar (p-Q): the Revised Two-Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F) to assess learning approach and the adapted version of the How Medical Students Choose Questionnaire (HMSCQ) to assess career values and specialty preferences. The results showed significant correlations between learning approach, career values, and specialty preference. Surface learning approach correlated with seeking prestige, imitating role models, and valuing a varied scope of practice while deep learning approach correlated with interest in research and hospital-based careers. Our model accounted for variances in specialty preference to the following degrees: internal medicine (38%), family medicine (25%), neurology (27%), and psychiatry (18%). Medical students in Qatar adopt the learning approach that helps them achieve their career goals and matches their perceptions of medical specialties. Medical educators can foster a deeper learning approach by helping students to clarify their aims for pursuing a medical career, providing early exposure to medical specialties, and fostering a research mindset to enhance intrinsic curiosity. Students interested in physician research careers should be provided opportunities to pursue independent research.

Learning approaches, motivation, and specialty preference form a nexus: a cross-sectional study among preclinical medical students

IntroductionThe learning approach of undergraduate medical students can be influenced by motivations toward learning medicine as well as perceived outcomes such as their specialty preference in the future. In this study, we analyze the relationships between learning approach, motivation to study medicine, and factors related to their specialty preference.MethodsWe conducted a structured questionnaire-based survey of undergraduate medical students after one year of joining. Learning approaches were assessed using a published questionnaire used on medical students after adapting it to our context. Questionnaires validated earlier in our setting were used to assess motivation to study medicine and specialty preference. Factor scores were extracted to examine the relationships between motivations to study medicine and specialty preference with their learning approaches. The data obtained were also analyzed based on the demographic characteristics of students.ResultsDeep learning approach factors such as deep motivation, deep strategy as well as surface motivation were correlated positively (Pearson’s r > 0.2 and p < 0.05 for all mentioned analyses) with the motivation to study medicine factor for professional calling and with the personal satisfaction factor for specialty preference. Deep motivation and deep strategy factors of the learning approach were also correlated with the professional growth factor of specialty preference.ConclusionDeep learning approaches appear to be related to motivation to study medicine factors related to the professional calling and demands of the profession as well as for perceived personal satisfaction related to future specialization requirements.

Speciality preferences and influencing factors among medical students at a South-Western Nigerian University

Speciality choice is an important decision for doctors, often starting during medical school. In Nigeria, where the doctor-to-population ratio is low and worsened by emigration, understanding medical students’ speciality preferences can inform strategies to ensure a balanced distribution of specialists. A total of 500 pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire were distributed among medical students at Obafemi Awolowo University of which only 350 full and suitable responses were retrieved. Data were analysed with SPSS 26, and chi-square test of significance using a confidence interval of 95% was done with p value of less than 0.05 considered statistically significant. The most preferred specialities were surgical (101; 28.9%) and medical (68; 19.4%), while community medicine (9; 2.6%) and laboratory medicine (4; 1.1%) were least preferred. A significant number (124; 35.4%) of students remained undecided, particularly among lower-year students. Gender influenced choices, with males favouring surgery and females leaning towards paediatrics. There was statistical relationship between gender and speciality choice at 95% confidence interval (p = 0.0002 < 0.05, x2 = 26.26, df = 6). Key factors influencing speciality choice included personal interest, abilities, and perceived competence. The prestige associated with surgery attracted males, while females preferred specialities offering better work-life balance, such as paediatrics. This study recommends the need to revise the medical curriculum to encourage interest in underrepresented specialities like community and laboratory medicine.

Specialty choices among new generation of doctors - insights from a Polish survey study

The choice of medical specialty for future doctors is a multidimensional issue, associated with many factors. This study aimed to explore the factors influencing the specialty choices of doctors entering the Polish healthcare system. A nationwide cross-sectional survey was conducted from May until August 2023. The data was gathered via an online nationwide survey among recent medical school graduates. We explored respondents’ preferences regarding medical specialties (in two categories: surgical and non-surgical), and the factors that drive their choices. The U-Mann Whitney test was used to compare the distribution of 19 analysed factors, and the chi-squared test was used if a trend was not observed. 737 responses were collected, and 698 were included in the study. The respondents (60.5% female) preferred non-surgical specialties over surgical ones. The main factors influencing doctors’ choices were remuneration, the ability to maintain work-life balance, interest in the medical field, the ability to start a private practice, skills possessed, and doctor-patient interactions. Doctors pursuing a career in surgical fields are driven by slightly different factors than those who chose a non-surgical specialty. The youngest generation values a healthy work-life balance, and their non-professional life remains crucial.

Perception of Medical Students on Anaesthesiology as a Specialty: A Systematic Review.

Anaesthesia is integral to a wide range of clinical procedures; however, there is a global challenge in the anaesthesia workforce due to several contributing factors. This study seeks to assess the knowledge and perceptions of medical students regarding anaesthesia as a specialty. Understanding these perspectives is essential to addressing the global shortage of anaesthesia professionals. PubMed, Scopus, African Journal Online, and ProQuest were searched from thedatabase inception to July 2024 to identify relevant studies. A total of 2,575 articles were identified. After title and abstract screening, 2,137 articles were excluded. After full-text screening, 2,098 articles were excluded. Eight articles were included in this qualitative analysis. We included primary studies published in peer-reviewed journals that reported the perception and choice of anaesthesiology as a future career by medical students in their clinical years (years five and six), with reasons, irrespective of medical institution, age, or gender, were included. In total, 2,135 students from six countries were included in the eight studies: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Austria, the United States of America, and South Africa, with Nigeria and Saudi Arabia each contributing two studies. The study designs utilised included cross-sectional surveys, descriptive cross-sectional studies, and questionnaire-based studies. The mean age of the students ranged from 23 to 28 years across the studies, with 748 male students, 530 female students, and 857 students whose gender was not specified. A significant proportion of students were aware of the role of anaesthetists; however, only 178 students expressed an interest in specialising in anaesthesia, with the most common reason being a genuine interest in the specialty. The studies reviewed identified several reasons why students did not consider anaesthesiology as a preferred speciality, including limited patient contact, which affects the doctor-patient relationship, lack of recognition or respect from peers, low income, limited availability of local job opportunities or training positions, and the presence of anaesthetic nurses. A critical factor highlighted across all studies was the length of exposure to anaesthesia during clinical rotations. Medical students recognise the importance of anaesthetists but are often deterred from pursuing the specialty due to various factors, which could be mitigated through enhanced exposure, increased visibility, financial incentives, and mentorship.

Barriers to Research Publication for Undergraduate Medical Students in Makkah, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Scientific research is an approach to acquiring information to enhance thequality of the world. The aim of thisstudywasto identify the obstacles among undergraduate medical students to publish their study papers. Materials and methods Thiswasa web-based descriptive cross-sectional study that usedan online survey to collect data frommedical students ofUmm Al-QuraUniversity in Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The minimum sample size required for the study calculated bytheRaosoft websitewas323. Statistical analysis was conducted with IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 25 (Released 2017; IBM Corp., Armonk, New York, United States). Results A total of 337 medical students were included in the study. The frequencies of male and female students were relatively comparable, with a marginally greater proportion of male students (177, 52.5%).The majority of students (294, 87.2%) had participated in at least one research project. Notably, 159 (47.2%) students had engaged in more than three research projects, whereas 42 (12.4%) had experience with only one previous research project.A notable peak in publication rate was observed for the year 2023, indicating the highest rate within the study period.The most frequently encountered obstacle in research publication was poor academic teaching, as reported by 133 (39.5%) students, followed by lack of active research groups (130, 38.6%), lack of time (122, 36.2%), and lack of supervisors in their preferred specialty (91, 27%).Associations were found between students' participation in research projects and various demographic characteristics. Among medical students who had previously participated in a research group, 174 (51.7%) were female, and 163 (48.3%) were male (p=0.001). In terms of academic year, most students who participated in a research project were in their sixthyear (143, 42.5%), followed by medical interns (81, 24.1%) and fourth-year medical students (54, 16%), with these differences being statistically significant (p=0.001). Finally, the medical students' grade point average showed no statistically significant association with participation in a research project. Conclusion To boost publication rates and research experience of graduating medical students, it is important to articulate the barriers that prevent them from publishing their research. Educators and supervisors of medical research should strongly consider developing a framework that addresses current and future obstacles.

Impacts of clinical psychiatric posting experience on specialization intention and associated factors among Nursing Science students

BackgroundGlobally, there is increasingly high prevalence of mental disorders across all age groups and social classes with more being projected by 2030, but without commensurate resources for mental health care delivery especially in developing countries.PurposeThis study examined the impacts of clinical psychiatric posting on career choice in psychiatry among nursing students in Ebonyi state, Nigeria.MethodsA prospective cohort research design was used and data were collected using attitude towards psychiatry (ATP), mental illness clinician attitude scale (MICA-4) and researcher developed questionnaires on career choice in pre and post clinical posting approach. This study was conducted between November, 2023 to May 2024. A sample size of 400 students (with data collected before posting and after posting) were involved in the study. Data were coded, cleaned and analyzed using SPSS version 26. McNemar Test was used to determine effects of clinical posting on career choices in psychiatry. Simple and multiple logistic regressions were used to analyze data on determinants of career choices in psychiatry. The hypotheses (Null and alternative hypotheses) were tested at p-value < 0.05.ResultsPsychiatric and mental health nursing was one of the least preferred specialty, 21(6%) respondents showed interest before clinical posting and 25(7.1%) after the posting. Commonly preferred specialty was pediatric nursing (20.5%), community health nursing (17.1%) and midwifery (17.7%). McNemer test showed no statistically significant differences in choice of psychiatry before and after clinical posting. Key determinants of career choices were interest in psychiatry (AOR = 16.06(95% CI = 1.10, 14.96) P = 0.009), interest in community services (AOR = 4.01(95% CI = 1.32, 12.20)P = 0.014), family influence(AOR = 13.76(95% CI = 1.74, 108.57)p = 0.013) and job satisfaction(AOR = 0.10(95% CI = 0.03, 0.26)P < 0.001).ConclusionThe researcher therefore concluded that clinical psychiatric posting has no significant impacts on career choices in psychiatry among nursing students in Nigeria. Interest of the students, family influence and job satisfaction were significantly associated with career choices among the respondents.

Factors Influencing Medical Students' Decision in Choosing a Surgical Specialty.

The decision to pursue a career in surgery among medical students is influenced by various factors, including personal preferences, perceptions of the specialty, and educational experiences. Understanding these factors is crucial for addressing challenges and fostering interest in surgical specialties. This study analyzed data from 889 medical students to explore demographic characteristics and factors influencing their decisionregarding pursuing a surgical career. Participants completed surveys regarding their gender, academic year, GPA, and intentions regarding surgical careers. Factors influencing career were assessed using closed-ended questions, with both deterrents and motivators considered. The study found a higher proportion of female participants (63.1%) compared to male participants (36.9%). Factors influencing participants' decisionnot to pursue a surgical career included a preference for other specialties (61.8%), a dislike for the lifestyle of surgeons (51.3%), and perceptions of long training durations (33.7%). Conversely, interest in the specialty (71.0%) and a preference for hands-on work (55.6%) were significant motivators for pursuing a surgical career. Additional factors such as concerns about the competitive environment, dislike for hands-on work, and perceptions regarding salary and work environment also emerged as notable considerations. The findings highlight the importance of addressing misconceptions, providing mentorship, and promoting diversity within surgical specialties to encourage interest and diversify the surgical workforce. The study found a high interest in surgical specialty among Saudi medical students; however, some barriers were identified, particularly work-home relations, gender disparity, and pressure put on surgeries.

Declining empathy trends throughout medical curriculum and association factors of low empathy among medical students and residents: a single center study

BackgroundA physician’s empathy level substantially impacts clinical competence, patient relationships, and treatment outcomes. Yet, understanding empathy trends from medical students to resident doctors within a single institution is limited. This study delves into empathy trends within a single-center academic setting and identifies factors associated with low empathy.MethodsThis cross-sectional study enrolled the second—to sixth-year medical students of Phramongkutklao College of Medicine and the first—to second-year residents at Phramongkutklao Hospital. It utilized a standardized questionnaire covering demographics, family relationships, the Maudsley Personality Inventory (MPI), and the Jefferson Scale of Empathy (JSE). The relationship between variables and JSE scores was analyzed using independent t-test, one-way ANOVA, and Chi-square tests. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses examined associated factors and trends across educational levels. A quadratic term was incorporated to evaluate the presence of a nonlinear trend.ResultsA total of 520 participants, comprising 189 (36.4%) preclinical students, 153 (29.4%) clinical students, and 178 (34.2%) residents, completed the survey. The JSE showed a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.83. The average empathy score was 103.8 ± 15.0, with 27.1% of low empathy levels. Specialty preference and sex-adjusted average empathy scores decreased from 114.5 (95%CI: 112.0–117.0) among second-year medical students to 95.2 (95%CI: 92.2–98.2) among second-year residents (Pnon−linear<0.001). The adjusted proportion of low empathy is highest among sixth-year medical students (54.4%, 95%CI: 34.4–73.2%). Factors associated with low empathy included those preferring procedure-oriented specialties (AOR: 4.16, 95%CI: 1.54–11.18) and a higher parental income (AOR: 2.97, 95%CI: 1.09 to 8.10). Subgroup analysis revealed that residents with a GPAX above 3.5 and those in technology-oriented specialties were also associated with lower empathy (AOR: 3.46, 95%CI: 1.40–8.59 and AOR: 2.93, 95%CI: 1.05–8.12, respectively).ConclusionA declining empathy trend was observed among medical students, which then plateaued among residents. Additionally, residents in technology-oriented specialties may require empathy enhancements due to their ongoing patient consultations. Addressing these issues requires collaborative planning between students and teachers to foster empathy throughout the medical curriculum.

Factors Predicting the Choice of Specialization Among Medical Students and Junior Doctors in Oman: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Choosing a medical specialization is a crucial, career-defining decision for medical students and junior doctors. Objectives: This study aimed to identify variables impacting junior postgraduate doctors' and medical students' choice of specialty in Oman. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) and the Oman Medical Specialty Board (OMSB) in Muscat, Oman. A two-part, self-administered questionnaire was electronically distributed to 247 respondents of different positions and levels of education, including doctors enrolled in the General Foundation Program, interns, and medical students undergoing their junior and senior clinical rotations. Sociodemographic characteristics were compared to determine factors influencing the choice of medical specialization. Results: The most popular choice of specialty was pediatrics (14.6%), followed by family medicine (10.9%), psychiatry (9.3%), and general medicine (8.5%). Medical specialties were chosen more frequently than surgical or diagnostic specialties (60.7% vs. 27.5% and 10.9%, respectively), regardless of gender or current position/level. Significant variations in specialty preferences were observed based on the respondents’ level of paternal educational attainment (P = 0.026) and future desired location of residency (P &lt; 0.001). The factors identified by the participants as most important when selecting preferred specialties were working hours/lifestyle after completion of training (77.3%), positive experiences with a clinician/teacher of a particular specialty (72.5%), and income potential (70.9%). Conclusions: The findings of this study may contribute to healthcare workforce planning strategies aimed at supporting insufficiently staffed specialties, taking into account the needs of patients as well as the interests and preferences of future doctors.

Factors affecting physicians’ specialty selection: A demographic and socioeconomic perspective

Objectives: The medical field is advancing toward increasing specialization in knowledge, technology, and expertise. To meet the demands of quality health care, a practical, pragmatic, and well-balanced enrollment and distribution of physicians among specialties is crucial. The process of selecting a specialty as an ultimate future career is sensitive and conveys multidimensional implications on physicians, the health systems and society as a whole. Numerous complex and miscellaneous factors contribute to the development and adjustment of that decision that needs rigorous efforts to understand and hopefully control. Material and Methods: This is a cross-sectional and descriptive study, conducted through a comprehensive questionnaire encompassing demographic information, socioeconomic indicators, and components of the modified Kuppuswamy and MacArthur Scales. Data were collected using simple random sampling with considering design efficiency. Two-variable analysis with Pearson correlation and Chi-squared test was used to identify the associations and their significance. P &lt; 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 389 respondents completed the questionnaire: 58.87% females, 41.13% males. Among them, 67.8% were internship physicians, and 32.2% were general practitioners. The mean Kuppuswamy score was 15.17, and the mean subjective socioeconomic status (SES) score was 4.28. Female physicians presented a critical propensity toward choosing obstetrics and gynecology, and pediatrics as their primary future career (P ≤ 0.01), whereas male physicians were more willing to specialize in surgical specialties (P ≤ 0.01). Obstetrics, gynecology, and family medicine correlated with below-average Kuppuswamy scores (P = 0.010359), while surgical specialties correlated with higher scores (P &lt; 0.01). Physicians with above-average subjective SES scores preferred surgical specialties (P = 0.036596). Family medicine, obstetrics, gynecology, and pediatrics correlated with below-average subjective SES scores (P = 0.041828). Conclusion: Demographic and socioeconomic factors have a significant influence on physicians’ specialty preferences and selection.

Factors Affecting Specialty Training Preference Among UK Medical Students (FAST): Protocol for a National Cross-Sectional Survey.

The UK medical education system faces a complex landscape of specialty training choices and heightened competition. The Factors Affecting Specialty Training Preference Among UK Medical Students (FAST) study addresses the need to understand the factors influencing UK medical students' specialty choices, against a backdrop of increasing challenges in health care workforce planning. The primary objectives of the FAST study are to explore UK medical students' preferred specialties and the factors that influence these choices. Secondary objectives are to evaluate students' confidence in securing their chosen specialty, to understand how demographic and academic backgrounds affect their decisions, and to examine how specialty preferences and confidence levels vary across different UK medical schools. A cross-sectional survey design will be used to collect data from UK medical students. The survey, comprising 17 questions, uses Likert scales, multiple-choice formats, and free-text entry to capture nuanced insights into specialty choice factors. The methodology, adapted from the Ascertaining the Career Intentions of UK Medical Students (AIMS) study, incorporates adjustments based on literature review, clinical staff feedback, and pilot group insights. This approach ensures comprehensive and nondirective questioning. Data analysis will include descriptive statistics to establish basic patterns, ANOVA for group comparisons, logistic regression for outcome modeling, and discrete choice models for specialty preference analysis. The study was launched nationally on December 4, 2023. Data collection is anticipated to end on March 1, 2024, with data analysis beginning thereafter. The results are expected to be available later in 2024. The FAST study represents an important step in understanding the factors influencing UK medical students' career pathways. By integrating diverse student perspectives across year groups and medical schools, this study seeks to provide critical insights into the dynamics of specialty, or residency, selection. The findings are anticipated to inform both policy and educational strategies, aiming to align training opportunities with the evolving needs and aspirations of the future medical workforce. Ultimately, the insights gained may guide initiatives to balance specialty distribution, improve career guidance, and improve overall student satisfaction within the National Health Service, contributing to a more stable and effective health care system. DERR1-10.2196/55155.

The influence of individual factors on the career preferences and specialty choices of final-year nursing students

BackgroundStatistical evidence shows that nursing students prefer a professional career in hospital settings, leading to a lack of career interest in non-hospital settings such as community and residential aged care facilities. The lack of preference for non-hospital settings has persisted over several decades and presents a need for different approaches that may reveal new information to better understand the individual factors that influence specialty choices and preferences from the students' viewpoints. PurposeThe aims of this study were to (1) explore individual factors that impact the nursing specialty choices of final-year nursing students and (2) explore how these factors influence the final-year nursing students' career decision-making process. MethodA narrative inquiry approach using semi-structured interviews was carried out with purposively sampled nursing students (n = 12) who had undertaken a final-year clinical placement(s). Data was analysed using two main steps. First, the interviews were restoried and then analysed using the three-dimensional framework. Subsequently, thematic analysis was applied to generate themes. ResultsData analysis generated three main themes: demographic factors, social factors, and career goals. Participants' characteristics and interactions with other individuals and systems influenced their nursing specialty preferences and professional career plans. ConclusionNursing students' career interests are influenced by individual factors external to their nursing education, such as their age, gender, and life experiences. These student characteristics and experiences facilitated or inhibited a career in some nursing specialties, with the students gauging their ability to practice in a specialty during their CPs. Nursing education should expose and inform students about the core skills, career opportunities, and how to advance their careers in the different nursing specialties. Most importantly, final-year students may need formal career guidance to encourage nursing students' positive attitudes and career interests in different nursing specialties and make realistic career decisions.

Motivation and specialty preferences among final year medical students in east of Democratic Republic of Congo: Cross sectional study at Catholic University of Graben

Objective. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, medicine is practiced in conditions of shortage of human and material resources for certain specialties, as in other countries in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to determine the preferred specialties and motivations of choice for final medical students at the Catholic University of Graben. Methods. This was a prospective, cross-sectional series of 94 finalist medical students from the Catholic University of Graben, academic year 2021 2022. We used a semi-structured questionnaire which was administered online (Kobocollect-Enketo) between January and February 2024. Results. Among the 104 finalist students, 94 agreed to participate. Of these 94 participants, 49 (52.13%) were male. The average age was 28.40 ± 2.62 years. Everyone wanted to specialize. The most preferred specialties were: general surgery (30.85%), public health (25.53%), internal medicine (24.47%), pediatrics (21.28%), anesthesia &amp; intensive care (19.15%) and obstetrics gynecology (13.83%). The most frequent motivations were: specialty theme passion (48.94%), social reasons (31.91%) and the vocation aroused by the supervisors (30.85%). Conclusion. The finalist medical students all intend to specialize in the different specialties of medicine. Their choice is more motivated by specialty theme passion. Incentive and guidance policies are necessary to facilitate access to specialization with a view to filling the shortage in certain areas.

How to successfully secure a higher speciality training post in the United Kingdom: dermatology focus.

Navigating the labyrinthine process of securing higher speciality training poses formidable challenges for doctors in training. Achieving success in this endeavour demands more than a mere grasp of the prerequisites; it necessitates meticulous preparation and foresight. Dermatology, as a medical speciality, stands out on account of its appeal, encompassing a diverse patient population, expansive scope of work, work-life balance, a plethora of procedural variety, intellectual stimulation, and abundant research opportunities. Despite the evolving landscape of medical professions, dermatology maintains its appeal as an exceptionally sought-after speciality in the year 2023/2024. This is evident in the escalating competition ratios, rising from 5.46 in 2021 to 7.53 in 2023 for dermatology training posts. Notably, this fervent competition is not exclusive to dermatology, as evidenced by the competition ratios such as Emergency Medicine ST3 (competition ratio 10.95), Immunology ST3 (competition ratio 6.00), Occupational Medicine (competition ratio 7.14), and Plastic Surgery ST3 (competition ratio 4.23) in the 2023/2024 application cycle. In light of this intensifying competition, this article seeks to furnish aspiring candidates with current and invaluable insights, serving as a guide to clinching a coveted national training number in their preferred speciality. While the landscape of higher speciality training encompasses numerous possibilities, this article concentrates primarily on dermatology, intertwining its guidance with relevance to other medical and surgical specialties. Through this exploration, readers will gain essential perspectives to navigate the intricacies of the application process and emerge as competitive contenders in the higher speciality training application process.

Exploring Factors Influencing Medical Trainees’ Specialty Choice: Insights from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in Jordan

Phenomenon: Choosing a medical specialty is a critical decision that significantly impacts medical students’ future career. Understanding the factors influencing this decision-making process is important for medical educators, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies that support and guide students in making informed decisions. Approach: We distributed an online self-administered questionnaire to clinical-year medical students (Years 4 to 6) and interns from all medical faculties in Jordan. The questionnaire gathered demographic information, specialty preferences, and factors influencing specialty decision-making. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Findings: 1805 participants completed the questionnaire (51.7% women). General surgery was the most preferred specialty among both genders, followed by internal medicine. Women significantly preferred family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology, whereas men significantly preferred urology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, and internal medicine. The factors that most strongly influenced respondents’ specialty preferences were the specialty’s perceived stress levels and working hours, whereas the least influential factors were the specialty’s perceived prestige and role models in the specialty. Women’s specialty preferences were significantly more influenced by their family than men’s. Men were substantially more influenced by specialties’ perceived action-orientation and stress levels than women. Insights: Gender significantly influences medical trainees’ specialty preferences in Jordan. Women tended to prefer specialties that provided greater work-life balance, such as family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology, while men were more drawn toward competitive and profitable surgical specialties like orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, and general surgery. Additionally, family had a stronger influence on women’s decisions, likely due to cultural and social expectations prioritizing marriage and family for women. Career counseling and mentorship programs are needed to provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities that can help women overcome barriers and biases that may hinder their career advancement.

Negative Impact of Smaller Hometown Size on the Educational Experience of Medical Students: A Nationwide Study in Saudi Arabia.

Background and objective Saudi Arabia's rapid medical education expansion has posed unique challenges for its students, particularly concerning specialty selection. Having broad exposure to medical specialties is crucial for making informed decisions. This study explores how the size of students' hometowns influences their exposure to their preferred specialty, thereby affecting their choice. Methods Our cross-sectional study collected data from medical students in their 4th and 5th years, interns, and graduates across Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey gathered information about medical specialty choice, interest levels, students' self-ranking compared to their peers, and level of exposure to the chosen specialty. Overall exposure to specialties was quantified by tallying participants' experiences in preclinical observerships, didactic lectures, research projects, core and elective rotations, and attended conferences. We divided the students into three city sizes: primary urban centers, intermediate urban cities, and small townships and compared the outcomes between these three groups. Results Responses were obtained from 1,072 participants, with 424 (39.6%) from primary urban centers, 367 (34.2%) from intermediate urban cities, and 281 (26.2%) from small townships. Student hometown size was an independent predictor of specialty exposure, with students from smaller cities reporting lower exposure scores (OR = 0.73, (0.63-0.84), p<0.01). The study also identified gender disparities in exposure, with female students found to be correlated with a lower exposure score (OR = 0.72, (0.58-0.89), p<0.01). Conclusion City size is a significant determinant of specialty exposure for Saudi medical students. These findings highlight the need for initiatives that promote equal educational experiences, ensuring comprehensive specialty exposure to all students.

Specialty preferences of undergraduate medical students: What do they choose and why?

BackgroundThe choice of choosing a specialty after completing MBBS is influenced by multiple factors. Personality traits like extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism, and open-mindedness form the intrinsic factors. Factors like early financial stability and cost of education form the external factors. This study evaluates the association between these factors and the specialty choice. MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study including students from first year to intern doctors in India. An online questionnaire was used for data collection which included questions about demographics, choice of specialty, personality traits, and external factors affecting their choice. The Big Five Inventory-2-S 30-item Scale (BFI-2-S) was used to assess the personality traits. ResultsOne thousand nine hundred and twenty-one students participated in this study (57.6% females). Most participants, 1761 (91.7%) opted for clinical branches. Only 13 (0.7%) students wanted to pursue a non-clinical branch. Only 20 (1.0%) participants wanted to pursue a pre-clinical branch. Participants who opted for clinical branches were more extraverted, and more open-minded than those who chose non-clinical branches. Participants who opted for surgical branches were more extraverted, more conscientious, and had fewer negative emotions than their peers who chose medicine-related branches. High income generated per annum (65%), early financial stability (within 2–5 years) (60.7%), cost of postgraduate education (46%), and gender predominance (35.3%) were the most influential external factors. ConclusionThese findings show that there are distinct personality traits and external factors associated with specialty choices. This will aid counselors to guide undergraduate medical students to choose a specialty for post-graduation.

The Effect of Learning Style Preference, Clerkship Training and Role Model on Specialization Selection

Aim: The clerkship period in medical schools is an integrated learning experience that is also helpful in choosing a future career. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of both general surgery clerkshipship and awareness of learning styles on specialty preferences of medical students. Methods: In this study, which was planned as an educational intervention, a questionnaire questioning specialty preferences and a learning style scale were administered to fourth-year medical students before their general surgery clerkships. Following the questionnaire, brief training was given about specialty branches and learning styles. After the clerkship, the students were asked to answer the questionnaire again about their specialty preferences. Changes between clerkship training, learning style awareness and specialty preferences were evaluated. Results: One hundred eight students participated in the study (M:81, F:27). The mean age was 23.0. The most important factor in choosing a specialty is professional satisfaction (64%) with the work in that specialty. The approach of the trainers in the clerkship training (67%) was to focus on the most influential mind-changing factors for the choice of specialty. The most common learning styles among female students were kinesthetic and visual, while the most common learning style among male students was auditory. However, the learning style of students who preferred surgical branches was generally in the kinesthetic group. Conclusions: An effective clerkship program in which students encounter effective positive role models, gain knowledge about their field of specialization and learning styles, and increase their awareness will provide the right guidance in their specialization preferences.