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

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.

No effects of piroxicam on osteopenia and recovery after Colles' fracture. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, prospective trial

In a randomized double-blind study involving 42 postmenopausal women with a displaced Colles' fracture, we investigated whether piroxicam, a nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drug, can reduce posttraumatic osteopenia and improve the rate of recovery. In an earlier study [3] we found a bone-sparing effect caused by piroxicam after external fixation of the rabbit hindleg. The patients were treated with a below-elbow paster slab for 4 weeks after the reduction. The bone mineral content of the forearm bones was measured with a single-photon absorptiometer 8 weeks after the fracture. There was a mean 7% bone mineral decrease in the radius and 5% in the ulna among the patients treated with piroxicam versus 10% in the radius and 7% in the ulna in the placebo group. However, this difference was not significant. Piroxicam did not decrease the rate of fracture healing. The patients who received piroxicam had significantly less pain during plaster treatment, but there was no difference in the rate of functional recovery between the groups.

Bone mineral loss after Colles' fracture. Plaster case and external fixation equivalent

The bone mineral content of the radius and ulna was analyzed in 31 postmenopausal women with displaced Colles' fractures. Sixteen fractures were treated with a below-the-elbow plaster case and 15 with primary external fixation. The bone mineral content of the forearm bones was measured with a photon absorptiometer 9 (6-24) months later. There was a mean 15 percent mineral decrease in the radius, but no difference between the two treatment groups. The decrease did not correlate with the age of the patient, nor was there any correlation with grip strength or range of wrist motion. The more severe fractures, according to the Frykman classification, had a more pronounced mineral loss than the simpler fractures.