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Li W, Gillies RM, Liu C, Wu C, Chen J, Zhang X, Cheng B, Dai J, Fu N, Li L, Liu S, Sun H. Specialty preferences of studying-abroad medical students from low- and middle-income countries. BMC Med Educ 2023; 23:158. [PMID: 36922811 PMCID: PMC10015544 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04123-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study explored the specialty preferences of China-educated international medical students (IMSs), who are mainly from low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and constitute a potential medical workforce both for their home countries and foreign countries, and the influence of migration intentions on their specialty preferences. METHODS A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey was conducted at 5 universities in China. The questionnaire link was distributed electronically among the IMSs at the 5 universities via emails. The questionnaire enquired IMSs' demographic information, migration intentions and their specialty preferences. The Chi-square test was applied to determine the influence of the respondent's gender, intention to practise in the home country and intention to practise in a high-income country on their specialty choices. The Chi-square test was also applied to determine the influence of the respondent's gender, year of study and country of origin on their preferences for generalist-orientated or non-generalist orientated specialties. RESULTS Altogether, 452 IMSs returned their responses, yielding a response rate of 64.1%. Approximately half of the IMSs planned to not return to their home country. The most selected specialty was general surgery and the least selected specialty was physical medicine and rehabilitation. No significant differences were evident in most specialty preferences between those who intended to return home and those who intended to stay abroad. Among the IMSs having intentions of returning to their home country, male students tended to choose a generalist-orientated specialty, while female students tended to choose a non-generalist-orientated specialty. CONCLUSION China-educated IMSs could play important roles in the primary care services as well as other shortage specialties both for their home countries or foreign countries. Therefore, it is recommended that governments in these countries plan migration and recruitment policies that cater for these studying-abroad medical students from LMICs, especially in this challenging time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Li
- School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209 of Tongshan Road, Yunlong District, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, 4072, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Robyn M Gillies
- School of Education, The University of Queensland, 4072, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Chang Liu
- School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209 of Tongshan Road, Yunlong District, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Changhao Wu
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, GU2 7XH, Guildford, Surrey, UK
| | - Jiayi Chen
- School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209 of Tongshan Road, Yunlong District, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoning Zhang
- School of Management, Xuzhou Medical University, 221004, Xuzhou, China
| | - Bin Cheng
- School of International Education, Weifang Medical University, 261053, Weifang, China
| | - Jing Dai
- College of International Education, Guilin Medical University, 541199, Guilin, China
| | - Ning Fu
- School of International Education, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, 271016, Tai'an, China
| | - Lin Li
- Language and Literature School, Hebei North University, 075000, Zhangjiakou, China
| | - Shenjun Liu
- School of International Education, Xuzhou Medical University, No.209 of Tongshan Road, Yunlong District, 221004, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Hong Sun
- School of Basic Medicine, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China.
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Gyekye-Mensah H, Watkins A, Wenden J, Horn I, Beardwood J, Jones M, Metters E. An evaluation of a student led career profiling project to support the exploration of a career in general practice and other specialties. BJGP Open 2022:BJGPO. [PMID: 35504725 DOI: 10.3399/BJGPO.2022.0002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing medical careers is complex but the undergraduate period is formative. St. George's University of London (SGUL) students called for greater careers information. AIM To develop & evaluate students' careers resources. DESIGN & SETTING A quality improvement student staff project at SGUL. METHOD A "Plan, Do, Study, Act" (PDSA) cycle was completed. For the "Plan" element we surveyed students' career intentions and information preferences. For the "Do" element, video interviews with clinicians and infographic posters were produced and published on SGUL's virtual learning environment. For the "Study" element, feedback questionnaires were thematically analysed using Kirkpatrick's framework. For the "Act" element the model was rolled out across SGUL programmes. RESULTS (Plan) 79 students ranked interest in specialties, with GP second most popular. Students were unconfident how to pursue careers and wanted more information. (Do) 13 careers videos & infographics were created for 10 specialties. The (Study) questionnaire showed changes across 3 of Kirkpatrick's levels. Level 1 (Response) students found resources helpful & accessible. Level 2 (Learning) students reported increased understanding of careers. Level 3 (Transfer) students planned using checklists and made career comparisons by specialty. Level 4 (Results) students' career choices were not demonstrated but there were tentative proxy measures such as copying and modelling career routes and choices. (Act) involved rolling out and regularly updating resources. CONCLUSION This PDSA model enabled development of resources by students mapped to students' needs. We demonstrated changes in relation to students' response, learning and transfer, with tentative suggestions of impact on career choice.
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Restellini A, Piguet C. Reflection on career choices in clinical neurosciences. Clinical and Translational Neuroscience 2020. [DOI: 10.1177/2514183x20968367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Medical faculties are responsible for high-level training, not only on clinical skills but also on scientific research and medical advances. There is an evident need to promote academic careers to ensure the continuity and improvement of top-notch health care. Even if Switzerland is one of the countries with the highest medical density per inhabitant, the lack of interest for academic careers has increased, resulting in difficulties to form clinician-scientists and ensure succession. In this article, we reflect on the challenges and the potential solutions in the training of an academic career.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Restellini
- Department of Psychiatry, Adult Psychiatry Service, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
| | - C Piguet
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Switzerland
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Division, Department of Women, Child and Adolescent, Geneva University Hospital, Switzerland
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Olsson C, Kalén S, Ponzer S. Sociological analysis of the medical field: using Bourdieu to understand the processes preceding medical doctors' specialty choice and the influence of perceived status and other forms of symbolic capital on their choices. Adv Health Sci Educ Theory Pract 2019; 24:443-457. [PMID: 30656525 PMCID: PMC6647503 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-018-09872-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that medical students and doctors rank specialties differently in terms of perceived status and prestige. At the same time some of the specialties have problems with recruiting and retaining staff. This study aimed to understand what constitutes status and prestige in the medical field and how it influences medical doctors' choice of specialty. By using a sociological perspective and applying Bourdieu's theoretical concepts of field, symbolic capital and perceived status, we analysed young doctors' journeys towards their chosen specialty. We conducted 15 in-depth semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using content analysis. The findings suggest that medical specialties carry different social status. In the field of power, surgery is seen as the most prestigious of all specialties. However, in the future it might be a less attractive choice when young doctors tend to view their profession less as an identity and more like a job. For specialties perceived as low status, the challenge is to raise popularity by better describing to young doctors the characteristics and advantages of these specialties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Olsson
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Forskningscentrum, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 46, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - S Kalén
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Forskningscentrum, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 46, Stockholm, Sweden
- Stockholm'S läns Landsting (Stockholm County Council), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Ponzer
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Karolinska Institutet, Forskningscentrum, Sjukhusbacken 10, 118 46, Stockholm, Sweden
- Orthopaedics Department and the head of Research, Education, Development and Innovation, Södersjukhuset (SÖS), Stockholm, Sweden
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Eagles JM, Wilson S, Murdoch JM, Brown T. What impact do undergraduate experiences have upon recruitment into psychiatry? Psychiatr bull 2018. [DOI: 10.1192/pb.bp.106.010801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The Scottish Division of the Royal College of Psychiatrists conducted a survey of members and fellows in 2003 on recruitment and retention within psychiatry. Responses relating to retirement intentions of consultants have been published previously (Eagleset al, 2005). Respondents were asked to give views about improving recruitment, and by far the most common suggestion was that this could be achieved by enhancing undergraduate teaching in psychiatry. This paper will discuss the ways in which undergraduate experiences may have an impact upon recruitment.
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES The proportion of junior doctors required to complete psychiatry placements in the UK has increased, due in part to vacant training posts and psychiatry career workforce shortages, as can be seen across the world. The aim of this study was to understand the lived experience of a Foundation Year 1 junior doctor psychiatry placement and to understand how job components influence attitudes. DESIGN The study was conducted using a cross-sectional qualitative phenomenological approach. SETTING Hospital and community psychiatry department settings in the North East of England, UK. PARTICIPANTS In total, 14 Foundation Year 1 junior doctors were interviewed including seven men and seven women aged between 23 and 34 years. The majority had completed their medical degree in the UK and were White British. RESULTS The lived experience of a junior doctor psychiatry placement was understood by three core themes: exposure to patient recovery, connectedness with others in the healthcare team and subjective interpretations of psychiatry. The experiences were moderated by instances of role definition, reaction to the specialty and the organisational fit of the junior doctor capacity in the specialty. CONCLUSIONS The study reinforces and adds to the literature by identifying connectedness as being important for both job satisfaction and morale, which is currently damaged within the junior doctor population. The study provides in-depth insights into the lived experience of psychiatry placements and can be taken forward by educationalists to ensure the placements are meaningful experiences for junior doctors by developing role definition, belonging, structure and psychiatric care responsibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon Beattie
- Medical Education Faculty, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
| | - Paul E S Crampton
- Monash Center for Scholarship in Health Education (MCSHE), Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Research Department of Medical Education (RDME), Royal Free Hospital, UCL Medical School, London, UK
| | - Cathleen Schwarzlose
- Regional Department for Psychotherapy, Northumberland, Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust, Northumberland, UK
| | - Namita Kumar
- Postgraduate Dean, Health Education England North East, Newcastle, UK
| | - Peter L Cornwall
- Medical Education Faculty, Tees, Esk and Wear Valleys NHS Foundation Trust, Middlesbrough, UK
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Cleland JA, Johnston P, Watson V, Krucien N, Skåtun D. What do UK medical students value most in their careers? A discrete choice experiment. Med Educ 2017; 51:839-851. [PMID: 28295461 DOI: 10.1111/medu.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Revised: 09/27/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Many individual- and job-related factors are known to influence medical careers decision making. Previous research has extensively studied medical trainees' (residents') and students' views of the factors that are important. However, how trainees and students trade off these factors at times of important careers-related decision making is under-researched. Information about trade-offs is crucial to the development of effective policies to enhance the recruitment and retention of junior doctors. OBJECTIVES Our aim was to investigate the strength of UK medical students' preferences for the characteristics of training posts in terms of monetary value. METHODS We distributed a paper questionnaire that included a discrete choice experiment (DCE) to final-year medical students in six diverse medical schools across the UK. The main outcome measure was the monetary value of training post characteristics, based on willingness to forgo and willingness to accept extra income for a change in each job characteristic calculated from regression coefficients. RESULTS A total of 810 medical students answered the questionnaire. The presence of good working conditions was by far the most influential characteristic of a training position. Medical students consider that, as newly graduated doctors, they will require compensation of an additional 43.68% above average earnings to move from a post with excellent working conditions to one with poor working conditions. Female students value excellent working conditions more highly than male students, whereas older medical students value them less highly than younger students. CONCLUSIONS Students on the point of completing medical school and starting postgraduate training value good working conditions significantly more than they value desirable geographical location, unit reputation, familiarity with the unit or opportunities for partners or spouses. This intelligence can be used to address the crisis in workforce staffing that has developed in the UK and opens up fruitful areas for future research across contexts and in terms of examining stated preferences versus actual career-related behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Cleland
- Institute of Education for Medical and Dental Sciences, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Peter Johnston
- North Deanery, National Health Service (NHS) Education for Scotland, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Verity Watson
- Health Economics Research Unit (HERU), School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Nicolas Krucien
- Health Economics Research Unit (HERU), School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Diane Skåtun
- Health Economics Research Unit (HERU), School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to disseminate advice imparted to early career psychiatrists by a panel of senior colleagues at a Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists symposium, reflecting on things they wished they had known at the earlier stage in their careers. METHODS Key themes were extracted from notes taken at the symposium, where opinions were expressed by three senior psychiatrists. RESULTS There are components in building a sustainable career as a psychiatrist, which include considering one's work environment and relationships with colleagues; self-care, mentorship and reflective practice; and seeking opportunities to teach and research for career progression. CONCLUSIONS The mentorship and advice from senior colleagues can be highly influential. In order to sustain a career that has reward, meaning and longevity, psychiatrists would do well to pay attention to aspects of self-care, stay connected to their loved ones, seek an optimal work-life balance and take an interest in their long term career plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lillian Ng
- Forensic Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand, and; Honorary Senior Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard Steane
- Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Emme Chacko
- Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand, and; Honorary Senior Lecturer in Psychological Medicine, The University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Natalie Scollay
- Psychiatrist, Waitemata & Auckland District Health Boards, Auckland, New Zealand
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Ossai EN, Uwakwe KA, Anyanwagu UC, Ibiok NC, Azuogu BN, Ekeke N. Specialty preferences among final year medical students in medical schools of southeast Nigeria: need for career guidance. BMC Med Educ 2016; 16:259. [PMID: 27716155 PMCID: PMC5050581 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-016-0781-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2016] [Accepted: 09/27/2016] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In resource-poor settings with low doctor-population ratio, there is need for equitable distribution of healthcare workforce. The specialty preferences of medical students determine the future composition of physician workforce hence its relevance in career guidance, healthcare planning and policy formulation. This study was aimed at determining the specialty preferences of final year medical students in medical schools of southeast Nigeria, the gender differences in choice of specialty and the availability of career guidance to the students during the period of training. METHODS A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among final year medical students in the six accredited medical schools in southeast Nigeria using self-administered semi-structured questionnaire. Information on reason for studying Medicine, specialty preference and career guidance were obtained. Chi-square test of statistical significance was used in the analysis. RESULTS A total of 457 students participated in the study with a response rate of 86.7 %. The mean age was 25.5 ± 2.9 years and 57.1 % were male. Majority (51 %) opted to study Medicine in-order to save lives while 89.5 % intended to pursue postgraduate medical training. A higher proportion (51.8 %) made the decision during the period of clinical rotation. The five most preferred specialties among the students were Surgery (24.0 %); Paediatrics (18.8 %); Obstetrics and Gynaecology (15.6 %); Internal Medicine (11.0 %) and Community Medicine (6.8 %) while Pathology (2.0 %); Anaesthesia (0.7 %) and Ear, Nose and Throat (0.2 %), were the least preferred. Compared to females, a higher proportion of male students intended to specialise in Surgery (32.3 % vs 13.0 %, p < 0.001) in contrast to Paediatrics (11.2 % vs 28.8 %, p < 0.001). Majority of the students, 74.6 % had no form of career guidance during their stay in medical school and 11.2 % were undecided on choice of specialty. CONCLUSION In spite of the high proportion of students willing to pursue specialist medical training after graduation, most opted for the four core clinical specialities of Surgery, Paediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Internal Medicine. Majority of the students made these decisions during clinical rotations. Also, majority had no form of career guidance throughout their stay in medical school. To ensure an equitable distribution of a limited physician workforce in a resource-poor setting, there is need for proper career guidance for the students and this should be in line with the national health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Ndudi Ossai
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Kenechi Anderson Uwakwe
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Medicine, Imo State University Owerri, Owerri, Nigeria
| | - Uchenna Chidi Anyanwagu
- Department of Community Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi, Nnewi, Nigeria
- Epidemiology and Public Health Division, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ntat Charles Ibiok
- Department of Community Medicine, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital Ituku-Ozalla, Enugu, Nigeria
| | - Benedict Ndubueze Azuogu
- Department of Community Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Ebonyi State University Abakaliki, Abakaliki, Nigeria
| | - Ngozi Ekeke
- German Leprosy and TB Relief Association Enugu, Enugu, Nigeria
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Heikkilä TJ, Hyppölä H, Vänskä J, Halila H, Kujala S, Virjo I, Sumanen M, Kosunen E, Mattila K. What predicts doctors' satisfaction with their chosen medical specialty? A Finnish national study. BMC Med Educ 2016; 16:125. [PMID: 27114239 PMCID: PMC4845435 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-016-0643-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2015] [Accepted: 04/19/2016] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Finland the number of medical specialists varies between specialties and regions. More regulation of the post-graduate medical training is planned. Therefore, it is important to clarify what predicts doctors' satisfaction with their chosen specialty. METHODS A random sample contained 50% of all Finnish doctors under 70 years of age. The respose rate was 50.5%. Working-age specialists were asked to value their motives when choosing a specialty. They were also asked if they would choose the same specialty again. The odds ratios for not choosing the same specialty again were tested. RESULTS Diversity of work was the most important motive (74% of respondents). Seventeen percent of GPs would not choose the same specialty again, compared to 2% of ophthalmologists and 4% of pediatricians. A major role of Diversity of work and Prestigious field correlated with satisfaction whereas Chance with dissatisfaction with the specialty. DISCUSSION Motives and issues related to the work and training best correlate with satisfaction with the specialty. CONCLUSIONS When the numbers of Finnish postgraduate medical training posts become regulated, a renewed focus should be given to finding the most suitable speciality for each doctor. Information about employment and career advice should play an important role in this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppo J Heikkilä
- Unit of Primary Health Care, Hospital District of Northern Savo, P.O. Box 1777, FI 70211, Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Harri Hyppölä
- Emergency Department, Kuopio University Hospital, P.O. Box 1777, FI 70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Jukka Vänskä
- Finnish Medical Association, P.O. Box 49, FI 00501, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hannu Halila
- Finnish Medical Association, P.O. Box 49, FI 00501, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Santero Kujala
- Finnish Medical Association, P.O. Box 49, FI 00501, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Irma Virjo
- Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Kalevantie 4, FI 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Markku Sumanen
- Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Kalevantie 4, FI 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Elise Kosunen
- Department of General Practice, School of Medicine, University of Tampere, Kalevantie 4, FI 33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Kari Mattila
- Centre of General Practice, Pirkanmaa Hospital District, P.O. Box 2000, FI 33521, Tampere, Finland
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Abstract
Introduction: Inadequate, inequitable distribution of the medical workforce remains a challenge across the globe, and India is no exception. Odisha, a state in India faces a major shortage of doctors particularly in rural and remote areas. In order to address this challenge, it is essential to understand medical students’ career plans, specialization preferences, choices of job location and sector, and views on working in rural and remote areas. This study explored the immediate and long-term career plans of final year medical students, their intended practice locations and underlying reasons for the choices. Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in all the medical colleges (three government and three private) in the state of Odisha. Through the systematic sampling method, data were gathered from 390 final year students. A semi-structured questionnaire was administered to the students and data were analyzed using SPSS version 20. Results: Of the 390 students, 290 (74.35%) were from a government college. The most preferred immediate career goal was postgraduation studies (45.9% of students in government medical schools and 54% in private). About 17% of government students and 9% of private students showed willingness to work in rural areas, in the long run. Nearly 44.5% mentioned opportunities for career growth, followed by the possibilities for higher education (26.8%) as major the factors for preferring an urban posting. Similarly, higher pay scales, better working conditions were major factors for preferring the private sector. Most of the students maintained that good housing, better salaries, and adequate facilities at the workplace would attract more students toward rural service. Conclusion: Since public funded medical students are not motivated to serve in rural settings, increasing the number of places or establishing new medical institutions may not be an effective solution to the issue. Approaches such as extended clinical apprenticeship in rural health facilities, long-term community engagement during medical studentship could be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivas Nallala
- Public Health Foundation of India, Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Subhashisa Swain
- Public Health Foundation of India, Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Sanju Das
- Public Health Division, Indian Institute of Public Health-Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
| | - Shravan K Kasam
- HIV Division, Public Health Foundation of India, New Delhi, India
| | - Sanghamitra Pati
- Public Health Foundation of India, Indian Institute of Public Health, Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India
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Woolf K, Elton C, Newport M. The specialty choices of graduates from Brighton and Sussex Medical School: a longitudinal cohort study. BMC Med Educ 2015; 15:46. [PMID: 25889968 PMCID: PMC4365809 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-015-0328-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2007 junior doctors in the UK have had to make major career decisions at a point when previously many had not yet chosen a specialty. This study examined when doctors in this new system make specialty choices, which factors influence choices, and whether doctors who choose a specialty they were interested in at medical school are more confident in their choice than those doctors whose interests change post-graduation. METHODS Two cohorts of students in their penultimate year at one medical school (n = 227/239) were asked which specialty interested them as a career. Two years later, 210/227 were sent a questionnaire measuring actual specialty chosen, confidence, influence of perceptions of the specialty and experiences on choice, satisfaction with medicine, personality, self-efficacy, and demographics. Medical school and post-graduation choices in the same category were deemed 'stable'. Predictors of stability, and of not having chosen a specialty, were calculated using bootstrapped logistic regression. Differences between specialties on questionnaire factors were analysed. RESULTS 50% responded (n = 105/277; 44% of the 239 Year 4 students). 65% specialty choices were 'stable'. Factors univariately associated with stability were specialty chosen, having enjoyed the specialty at medical school or since starting work, having first considered the specialty earlier. A regression found doctors who chose psychiatry were more likely to have changed choice than those who chose general practice. Confidence in the choice was not associated with stability. Those who chose general practice valued lifestyle factors. A psychiatry choice was associated with needing a job and using one's intellect to help others. The decision to choose surgical training tended to be made early. Not having applied for specialty training was associated with being lower on agreeableness and conscientiousness. CONCLUSION Medical school experiences are important in specialty choice but experiences post-graduation remain significant, particularly in some specialties (psychiatry in our sample). Career guidance is important at medical school and should be continued post-graduation, with senior clinicians supported in advising juniors. Careers advice in the first year post-graduation may be particularly important, especially for specialties which have difficulty recruiting or are poorly represented at medical school.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine Woolf
- University College London Medical School (UCLMS), Room GF/664, Royal Free Hospital, London, NW3 2PF, UK.
| | - Caroline Elton
- London Deanery, The Careers Unit, Room ST201, Stewart House, 32 Russell Square, London, WC1B 5DN, UK.
| | - Melanie Newport
- Brighton & Sussex Medical School, BSMS Teaching Building, University of Sussex, Brighton, East Sussex BN1 9PX, UK.
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Cleland JA, Johnston PW, Anthony M, Khan N, Scott NW. A survey of factors influencing career preference in new-entrant and exiting medical students from four UK medical schools. BMC Med Educ 2014; 14:151. [PMID: 25056270 PMCID: PMC4131477 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2013] [Accepted: 07/10/2014] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Workforce planning is a central issue for service provision and has consequences for medical education. Much work has been examined the career intentions, career preferences and career destinations of UK medical graduates but there is little published about medical students career intentions. How soon do medical students formulate careers intentions? How much do these intentions and preferences change during medical school? If they do change, what are the determining factors? Our aim was to compare medical students' career preferences upon entry into and exit from undergraduate medical degree programmes. METHODS This was a cross-sectional questionnaire survey. Two cohorts [2009-10, 2010-11] of first and final year medical students at the four Scottish graduating medical schools took part in career preference questionnaire surveys. Questions were asked about demographic factors, career preferences and influencing factors. RESULTS The response rate was 80.9% [2682/3285]. Significant differences were found across the four schools, most obviously in terms of student origin [Scotland, rest of UK or overseas], age group, and specialty preferences in Year 1 and Year 5. Year 1 and Year 5 students' specialty preferences also differed within each school and, while there were some common patterns, each medical school had a different profile of students' career preferences on exit. When the analysis was adjusted for demographic and job-related preferences, specialty preferences differed by gender, and wish for work-life balance and intellectual satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS This is the first multi-centre study exploring students' career preferences and preference influences upon entry into and exit from undergraduate medical degree programmes. We found various factors influenced career preference, confirming prior findings. What this study adds is that, while acknowledging student intake differs by medical school, medical school itself seems to influence career preference. Comparisons across medical school populations must therefore control for differences in input [the students] as well as context and process [the medical school] when looking at output [e.g., performance]. A robust, longitudinal study is required to explore how medical students' career preferences change as they progress through medical school and training to understand the influence of the learning environment on training choice and outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Cleland
- Division of Medical and Dental Education, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, West Wing, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2AZ, UK
| | - Peter W Johnston
- NHS Education for Scotland, North Deanery, Forest Grove House, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Micheal Anthony
- Division of Medical and Dental Education, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, West Wing, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2AZ, UK
| | - Nadir Khan
- Division of Medical and Dental Education, University of Aberdeen, Polwarth Building, West Wing, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2AZ, UK
| | - Neil W Scott
- Medical Statistics Team, Division of Applied Health Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen, UK
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Shen G, Fois R, Nissen L, Saini B. Course experiences, satisfaction and career intent of final year pre-registration Australian pharmacy students. Pharm Pract (Granada) 2014; 12:392. [PMID: 25035715 PMCID: PMC4100949 DOI: 10.4321/s1886-36552014000200004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background In Australia, the profession of pharmacy has undergone many changes to adapt to the needs of the
community. In recent years, concerns have been raised with evidence emerging of workforce saturation
in traditional pharmacy practice sectors. It is not known how current final year pharmacy
students’ perceive the different pharmacy career paths in this changing environment. Hence
investigating students’ current experiences with their pharmacy course, interaction with the
profession and developing an understanding of their career intentions would be an important step, as
these students would make up a large proportion of future pharmacy workforce. Objective The objective of this study was thus to investigate final year students’ career
perspectives and the reasons for choosing pharmacy, satisfaction with this choice of pharmacy as a
tertiary course and a possible future career, factors affecting satisfaction and intention of future
career paths. Methods A quantitative cross sectional survey of final year students from 3 Australian universities
followed by a qualitative semi-structured interview of a convenience sample of final year students
from the University of Sydney. Results ‘Interest in health and medicine’ was the most important reason for choosing
pharmacy (n=238). The majority of students were ‘somewhat satisfied’ with the choice
of pharmacy (35.7%) as a course and possible future career. Positive associations were found
between satisfaction and reasons for joining pharmacy such as ‘felt pharmacy is a good
profession’ (p=0.003) while negative associations included ‘joined pharmacy as a
gateway to medicine or dentistry’ (p=0.001). Quantitate and qualitative results showed the
most frequent perception of community pharmacy was ‘changing’ while hospital and
pharmaceutical industry was described as ‘competitive’ and ‘research’
respectively. The highest career intention was community followed by hospital pharmacy. Conclusion Complex factors including university experiences are involved in shaping students’
satisfaction and perception of career. This may relate to challenges in the community pharmacy
sector, job opportunities in hospital and limited understanding of the pharmaceutical industry. The
results offer insight for the profession in terms of entry into various roles and also to pharmacy
educators for their roles in shaping curricula and placement experiences that attract future
graduates to defined career pathways in pharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace Shen
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney. Sydney , NSW ( Australia )
| | - Romano Fois
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sydney. Sydney , NSW ( Australia ).
| | - Lisa Nissen
- School of Clinical Sciences Medical Radiation Sciences
- Paramedic Science
- Pharmacy
- Podiatry Queensland University of Technology. Brisbane , QLD ( Australia ).
| | - Bandana Saini
- Grad Cert Ed Studies (Higher Edu). Faculty of Pharmacy University of Sydney. Sydney , NSW ( Australia ).
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Career motivations, professional socialization, as well as somatic and mental health of medical students have received a growing interest. AIM To explore gender-related differences among medical students in the fields of career motivations, somatic and mental health, and stress factors. METHOD Nationwide, cross-sectional, quantitative survey on a sample of medical students (n = 731). RESULTS Female medical students choose their profession earlier, and their career motivations are more altruistic than their male colleagues. The lack of the role model is more typical for females. Female students have more psychosomatic disorders, and complain about more stress factors than males. Workload, sleeping disorders and emotional exhaustion are significantly higher among female medical students. CONCLUSIONS The results show that health protection of female medical students may have a key role in the prevention of subsequent morbidity of female physicians in Hungary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsuzsa Győrffy
- Semmelweis Egyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar Magatartástudományi Intézet Budapest Nagyvárad tér 4. 1089
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Farooq K, Lydall GJ, Malik A, Ndetei DM. Why medical students choose psychiatry - a 20 country cross-sectional survey. BMC Med Educ 2014; 14:12. [PMID: 24422951 PMCID: PMC3974144 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2013] [Accepted: 12/18/2013] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recruitment to psychiatry is insufficient to meet projected mental health service needs world-wide. We report on the career plans of final year medical students from 20 countries, investigating factors identified from the literature which influence psychiatric career choice. METHODS Cross sectional electronic or paper survey. Subjects were final year medical students at 46 medical schools in participating countries. We assessed students' career intentions, motivations, medical school teaching and exposure to psychiatry. We assessed students' attitudes and personality factors. The main outcome measure was likelihood of specializing in psychiatry. Multilevel logistic regression was used to examine the joint effect of factors upon the main outcome. RESULTS 2198 of 9135 (24%) of students responded (range 4 to 91%) across the countries. Internationally 4.5% of students definitely considered psychiatry as a career (range 1 to 12%). 19% of students (range 0 to 33%) were "quite likely", and 25% were "definitely not" considering psychiatry. Female gender, experience of mental/physical illness, media portrayal of doctors, and positive attitudes to psychiatry, but not personality factors, were associated with choosing psychiatry. Quality of psychiatric placement (correlation coefficient = 0.22, p < 0.001) and number of placements (correlation coefficient =0.21, p < 0.001) were associated with higher ATP scores. During medical school, experience of psychiatric enrichment activities (special studies modules and university psychiatry clubs), experience of acutely unwell patients and perceived clinical responsibility were all associated with choice of psychiatry.Multilevel logistic regression revealed six factors associated with students choosing psychiatry: importance of own vocation, odds ratio (OR) 3.01, 95% CI 1.61 to 5.91, p < 0.001); interest in psychiatry before medical school, OR 10.8 (5.38 to 21.8, p < 0.001); undertaking a psychiatry special study module, OR 1.45 (1.05 to 2.01, p = 0.03) or elective OR 4.28 (2.87- 6.38, p < 0.001); membership of a university psychiatry club, OR 3.25 (2.87 to 6.38, p < 0.001); and exposure to didactic teaching, OR 0.54 (0.40 to 0.72, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS We report factors relevant to medical student selection and psychiatry teaching which affect career choice. Addressing these factors may improve recruitment to psychiatry internationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Farooq
- Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, 68 The Heights, Charlton, London SE7 8JH, UK
| | | | - Amit Malik
- Surrey and Borders NHS Trust, 18 Mole Business Park, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7AD, UK
| | - David M Ndetei
- Africa Mental Health Foundation, 1st Floor Gakuo Court, Lower Hill Road, Off Haile Sellasie Avenue, P.O Box 48423, 00100 Nairobi, Kenya
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Rojnic Kuzman M, Smoljan M, Lovrec P, Jovanovic N, Lydall G, Farooq K, Malik A, Bhugra D. Are there future psychiatrists among medical students in Croatia? The role of premedical and medical factors on career choice in psychiatry. Int Rev Psychiatry 2013; 25:472-80. [PMID: 24032504 DOI: 10.3109/09540261.2013.804401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Despite the high prevalence of mental disorders, a worldwide shortage of psychiatrists exists. Moreover, the number of students interested in choosing psychiatry as their future profession is low and psychiatry is frequently regarded as one of the least wanted medical specializations. We report the findings of a cross-sectional quantitative survey of final year Croatian medical students as part of the International Survey of Student Career Choice in Psychiatry (ISoSCCiP). The questionnaire consisted of three sections: socio-demographic factors, psychiatric education during medical school, and attitudes and personality characteristics. Out of 200 students, 122 completed the questionnaire (response rate 61%). The overall student evaluation of the compulsory psychiatry curriculum was 'average'. Significantly higher ratings were reported by students who attended special psychiatry teaching modules, or felt more involved in the teaching of the subject. Poor evaluation of medical school psychiatric education significantly increased the likelihood of not choosing psychiatry as a future career. The choice of psychiatry was also predicted by attitudes towards psychiatry and by personal characteristics. In conclusion, student ratings of medical school psychiatric education and involvement in teaching appear to influence choice towards psychiatry. Addressing these issues may increase the number of students motivated to pursue psychiatry as their future career choice.
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Hayes BW, Shakya R. Career choices and what influences Nepali medical students and young doctors: a cross-sectional study. Hum Resour Health 2013; 11:5. [PMID: 23394308 PMCID: PMC3599062 DOI: 10.1186/1478-4491-11-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2012] [Accepted: 01/23/2013] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nepal, as a nation with limited resources and a large number of poor people, needs far more well-trained, committed general practitioners. The aim of this study was to understand medical career choices and the factors that influence medical students' and young doctors' career choices in Nepal and to understand what would encourage them to work in rural areas as generalists. METHODS This was a cross-sectional study of 1137 medical students (first and final year) and young doctors (interns and residents) from six medical colleges in Nepal who completed a voluntary questionnaire, with some also participating in structured focus groups - 170 first years, 77 final years and 80 graduates - with an additional 28, 44 and 49 written responses respectively. RESULTS Without selective admissions policies, 41.7% (464/1112) of respondents had a rural background - most significant in Year 1 students, males and in colleges outside of Kathmandu. Of the respondents, 569 (50.9%) had a specialty choice starting medical school - the greatest proportion in Year 1. Medicine (especially cardiology) and surgery (particularly among males) were most significant choices at all stages. Only five participants initially and four during their course chose general practice. There appears no interest in, recognition of, significant exposure to, or role models in general practice.Serving the sick, personal interest and social prestige were the most significant influencing factors - consistent across all groups. Course availability was also a factor. To attract doctors to work in rural areas most respondents affirmed the need for a good salary, infrastructure and facilities, scholarships and career development opportunities. CONCLUSIONS Challenges include raising generalists' profiles within the medical community, government and patient community; changing undergraduate curricula to include greater exposure to good models of rural generalist practice; and providing incentives and attractions for post-graduate training and service.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce W Hayes
- Nick Simons Institute, PO Box 8975, Kathmandu EPC 1813, Nepal
- Patan Academy of Health Sciences and Patan Hospital, PO Box 252, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Rabina Shakya
- Nick Simons Institute, PO Box 8975, Kathmandu EPC 1813, Nepal
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Mehmood SI, Norcini JJ, Borleffs JCC. Newly qualified doctors' views on the significance and accessibility of career advice during medical training in Saudi Arabia. Med Teach 2013; 35 Suppl 1:S20-S24. [PMID: 23581892 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2013.765552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Career advice is an important instrument to help students with the proper specialty selection. The study aims (1) to explore the views of newly graduated doctors in Saudi Arabia about their experience with the current status of career support system during medical training and (2) to identify cross-cultural similarities and differences. METHODS A cross-sectional design study was conducted using a questionnaire to elicit the responses of participants from newly qualified doctors concerning the availability and significance of career advice. SPSS (version 11.0; Chicago, IL) was used to analyze the data and statistical tests, such as chi-square and unpaired t tests, were used to analyze the observations. RESULTS A response rate of 94.7% was obtained. Among this group, 102 were males and 78 were females. Only 53% did receive career advice. The majority of men felt that career advice during medical studies was inadequate, while women were less negative (69% versus 32%; p = 0.0001). Furthermore, men were more disappointed about the possibilities for career advice after graduating than women (34% versus 13%, p = 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS The results show that only half of newly graduated doctors had received any career advice during medical training. As the health care system cannot afford the potential waste of time and resources for doctors, career guidance should begin in undergraduate training so that the process of thinking about their future career starts longtime before they make their career choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Imran Mehmood
- Medical Education Development Centre, PO Box 641, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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20
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Abstract
BACKGROUND The main subject is the influence of gender and the stage of life on the choice of specialty in medical education. In particular we looked at the influence of intrinsic and external motives on this relationship. The choice of specialty was divided into two moments: the choice between medical specialties and general practice; and the preference within medical specialties. In earlier studies the topic of motivation was explored, mostly related to gender. In this study stage of life in terms of living with a partner -or not- and stage of education was added. METHODS A questionnaire concerning career preferences was used. The online questionnaire was sent to all student members of the KNMG (Royal Dutch Medical Association). 58% of these students responded (N = 2397). Only 1478 responses could be used for analyses (36%). For stipulating the motives that played a role, principal components factor analysis has been carried out. For testing the mediation effect a set of regression analyses was performed: logistic regressions and multiple regressions. RESULTS Although basic findings about gender differences in motivations for preferred careers are consistent with earlier research, we found that whether or not living with a partner is determinant for differences in profession-related motives and external motives (lifestyle and social situation). Furthermore living with a partner is not a specific female argument anymore, since no interactions are found between gender and living with a partner. Another issue is that motives are mediating the relationship between, living with a partner, and the choice of GP or medical specialty. For more clarity in the mediating effect of motives a longitudinal study is needed to find out about motives and changing circumstances. CONCLUSIONS The present study provides a contribution to the knowledge of career aspirations of medical students, especially the impact of motivation. Gender and living with a partner influence both choices, but they are not interacting, so living with a partner is similarly important for male and female students in choosing their preferences. Moreover, external and intrinsic motives mediate this relationship to a greater of lesser degree. First stage students are influenced by life-style and intrinsic motives in their choice of general practice. For second stage students, the results show influences of life-style motives next to profession-related motives on both moments of choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil J M Heiligers
- NIVEL - Netherlands institute for health services research, PO Box 15683500 BN, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Cleland J, Johnston PW, French FH, Needham G. Associations between medical school and career preferences in Year 1 medical students in Scotland. Med Educ 2012; 46:473-84. [PMID: 22515755 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2923.2012.04218.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Little is known about the relationship between the career preferences of medical students and the medical schools at which they are enrolled. Our aim was to explore this relationship early in students' medical training. METHODS Year 1 (2009-2010) medical students at the five Scottish medical schools were invited to take part in a career preference questionnaire survey. Questions were asked about demographic factors, career preferences and influencing factors. RESULTS The response rate was 87.9% (883/1005). No significant differences were found among medical schools with regard to first-choice specialty. Surgery (22.5%), medicine (19.0%), general practice (17.6%) and paediatrics (16.1%) were the top career choices. Work-life balance, perceived aptitude and skills, intellectual satisfaction, and amount of patient contact were rated as the most important job-related factors by most respondents. Few differences were found among schools in terms of the impact of job-related factors on future career preferences. Students for whom the work-life balance was extremely important (odds ratio [OR]=0.6) were less likely to prefer surgery. Students for whom the work-life balance (OR=2.2) and continuity of care (OR=2.1) were extremely important were more likely to prefer general practice. CONCLUSIONS Students' early career preferences were similar across the five medical schools. These preferences result from the interplay among demographic factors and the perceived characteristics of the various specialties. Maintaining a satisfactory work-life balance is very important to tomorrow's doctors, and the data hint that this may be breaking down some of the traditional gender differences in specialty choice. Longitudinal work is required to explore whether students' career preferences change as they progress through medical school and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Cleland
- Division of Medical and Dental Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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Mehmood SI, Kumar A, Al-Binali A, Borleffs JCC. Specialty preferences: trends and perceptions among Saudi undergraduate medical students. Med Teach 2012; 34 Suppl 1:S51-60. [PMID: 22409192 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2012.656753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The exploration of specialty choices by medical students is a hot debate as it affects several important determinants of health care delivery. This study was carried out to determine variation in specialty preferences during medical school training and the perceptions that affect students' specialty choice. METHODS A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed on 590 students with a 93.22% response rate and covered queries on demography, specialty choices, and perceptions influencing specialty choices. Class-wise analysis of specialty choices was carried out. RESULTS The most preferred specialty expressed by male students was surgery, followed by internal medicine and orthopedics, while most preferred by female students were surgery, followed by pediatrics and ophthalmology. Male students' emphasized factors like less competitive field, shortage of specialists, and diversity of patients while the prestige of specialty and teaching opportunities had a greater impact on female students. CONCLUSIONS Surgery, internal medicine, pediatrics, orthopedics, and ophthalmology were the most preferred specialty choices. Gender preference was observed to affect choices of few specialties such as orthopedics and obstetrics/gynecology. Perceptions which have an impact on specialty selection of male and female students may reflect a different tempo of growing up in men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Syed Imran Mehmood
- Medical Education Development Centre, College of Medicine, King Khalid University, PO Box 641, Abha-61421, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
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Heikkilä T, Hyppölä H, Kumpusalo E, Halila H, Vänskä J, Kujala S, Virjo I, Mattila K. Choosing a medical specialty--study of Finnish doctors graduating in 1977-2006. Med Teach 2011; 33:e440-e445. [PMID: 21774641 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2011.586744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choosing a medical specialty is an important element predefining a physician's career and life. Although there has been some research in this area of interest, there has not been much research where the profession has been researched as a whole, or where trend data over different generations has been presented. AIM The aim of our study was to ascertain the motives affecting physicians' choice of a medical specialty. METHODS The study cohort comprised random sample of 7758 doctors who were registered in Finland during the years 1977-2006. Altogether 4167 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 54%. An electronic questionnaire was used in data collection, supported by a traditional postal questionnaire. RESULTS Of the respondents, 76% thought the diversity of the field had affected their choices of specialty considerably or very much. For physicians under 35 years old, especially the good example set by colleagues (48%), and opportunities for career development (39%) were more important motives compared to those of older physicians. CONCLUSIONS According to this study, diversity of the work is the main motivating factor affecting physicians' choices of specialty. Especially, younger physicians follow the example set by more experienced colleagues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teppo Heikkilä
- Unit of General Practice, Kuopio University Hospital, Asemakatu 44 A 4, 70110 Kuopio, Finland.
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Maudsley G, Williams L, Taylor D. Medical students' and prospective medical students' uncertainties about career intentions: cross-sectional and longitudinal studies. Med Teach 2010; 32:e143-51. [PMID: 20218831 DOI: 10.3109/01421590903386773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policy prompts medical students' earlier career awareness. AIM To explore changes and uncertainty in medical (and prospective medical) students' career intentions in a 5-year problem-based curriculum. METHODS Six postal questionnaire surveys of medical students and one survey of prospective medical students sought career intentions from three entry-cohorts (one also seeking why they chose medicine, and one, the reason for the career intention). RESULTS From the 973 (91.4%) 2001/02 admission interviewees responding, 74/189 (39.2%) of those admitted and remaining 'in-year' re-reported career intentions 5 years later (2006/07). Of the 1999 entrants (start-Year 1; end-Year 1; and mid-Year 3) and 2001 entrants (start-Year 1 and end-Year 1), 61.2-77.9% responded. Up to mid-programme, only 9.5-18.8% reported general practice, significantly more of whom described altruistic reasons for choosing medicine (2001 entrants). Tracked longitudinally, career intentions stayed relatively stable, but a small significant retreat from general practice over Year 1 predated clinical placements. From pre-admission to mid-Year 5, uncertainty decreased significantly, but 14.9% replied 'do not know' both times. Significantly more prospective students from the least affluent English or Welsh postcodes specified a career intention. CONCLUSION Many students might delay considering career intentions, particularly general practice. Socioeconomic determinants of early medical career decision making merit further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gillian Maudsley
- Division of Public Health, The University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3GB, UK.
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Ford JC. If not, why not? Reasons why Canadian postgraduate trainees chose--or did not choose--to become pathologists. Hum Pathol 2009; 41:566-73. [PMID: 20004951 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2009.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2009] [Revised: 09/24/2009] [Accepted: 09/29/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Pathology has been frequently identified in the literature as an unpopular choice for medical students. For many years, there have been predictions that this unpopularity would lead to inadequate pathologist numbers, which would in turn contribute to poor quality patient care. In Canada, the predicted crisis has become a reality: after a high-profile failure of laboratory quality, a public inquiry reported that poor pathology recruitment was partially responsible and recommended that medical schools take steps to make pathology more attractive to medical students. There are several published studies into pathology recruitment, but none has asked nonpathology residents why they did not choose pathology. This study uses qualitative techniques to investigate why pathology residents chose to specialize in pathology and why clinical residents rejected a pathology career. Pathology residents across Canada were surveyed, as were clinical (nonpathology) residents in every residency training program at the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. Pathology residents overwhelmingly cited various attractive features of pathology practice, including its academic nature, the opportunity to explore basic pathogenesis, and its interesting and varied daily work. Most clinical residents rejected pathology because they preferred direct patient contact; however, a sizable minority blamed insufficient or inadequate medical school experiences in pathology. Clinical residents also cited several misconceptions and stereotypes about pathology, including misunderstandings about the role of pathologists and the nature of pathology practice. The reasons why clinical residents rejected pathology careers may provide guidance in improving pathology recruitment of medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason C Ford
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, BC Children's Hospital, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6H 3N1.
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Thistlethwaite JE, Leeder SR, Kidd MR, Shaw T. Addressing general practice workforce shortages: policy options. Med J Aust 2008; 189:118-21. [DOI: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2008.tb01936.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2008] [Accepted: 06/12/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen R Leeder
- Menzies Centre for Health Policy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Michael R Kidd
- Discipline of General Practice, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
| | - Tim Shaw
- Office of Postgraduate Medical Education, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW
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Abstract
BACKGROUND According to data regarding number of physicians per 100,000 inhabitants, Croatia is below the European average. Under those circumstances, more attention needs to be devoted to Croatian medical schools and their applicants. AIMS This study sought to investigate admission trends of applicants to Croatian medical schools, analyse their demographics and motives for medical school enrollment. METHODS We collected admissions data of applicants to Croatian medical schools from 1979 to 2006. Motives for and against medical school enrollment were assessed in a survey of 1146 applicants (response rate 84%, 966/1146) and 98 final-year medical students (response rate 82%, 80/98) during July 2006. RESULTS The number of applicants to Croatian medical schools had been declining until 1995, it was lowest during the 1991-1995 war in Croatia and it has been rising from 1996 onwards. Majority of applicants in 2006/07 were women (69%). Most of the applicants attended general high schools. The applicants profess choosing a certain medical school for its quality and reputation, but we showed that they actually chose the closest school. The main motives for medical school enrollment were humanitarian and scientific, while main reasons against were perceived difficulty and financial burden. We showed that final-year medical students profess significantly lower interest in science and that they are less interested in altruistic aspects of medicine. Instead, great number of them would reconsider choosing medical studies again because of the corruption in medicine, fear of mistakes and uncertainty of employment. CONCLUSIONS Following the admission trends in medical schools on a national level gives insight into the prospects of health care. Analysis of motives for and against medical school enrollment can provide guidelines for their improvement. Unless Croatia and other countries in transition devote more attention to recruitment, education and retention of physicians, the prospects of our healthcare are poor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Puljak
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, University of Split Medical School, Soltanska 2, 21 000 Split, Croatia.
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28
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29
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine whether doctors in their first year after qualification wanted career advice, and, if so, whether they thought they had been able to obtain useful advice, and whether older doctors thought that adequate career advice had been available to them. METHODS We carried out a postal questionnaire survey of all UK medical graduates of 1988, 1993, 1996, 1999 and 2002, and a 25% random sample of the graduates of 2000. RESULTS The response rate was 67.4% (24 261/35 976 mailed questionnaires). Of doctors in the first postgraduate year, 95% agreed that: 'It is important to be given career advice at this stage of training.' A total of 38% disagreed with the statement: 'I have been able to obtain useful career advice since graduation.' Of more experienced doctors surveyed between 3 and 11 years after graduation, 34% agreed that: 'Making career choices has been made more difficult by inadequate career advice.' CONCLUSIONS The great majority of junior doctors want career advice after qualification. It cannot be assumed that they are able to seek it out for themselves satisfactorily. Career advice needs to be planned into postgraduate work and training.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Lambert
- Unit of Health-Care Epidemiology, Department of Public Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
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30
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Abstract
This article looks at careers information sources and advice for junior doctors in foundation training programmes and their specialty of choice. The need for targeted career planning is discussed.
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