Factors affecting the choice of postgraduate specialty among undergraduate medical students: a prospective observational study from India

Abstract

National policies on the number and distribution of post graduate seats in medical colleges are based on estimated projections of the quantum need of medical work force in the country in future. In order to attract talent, it is imperative to know what factors, modifiable or non modifiable, affect the choice of specialization.Methods: This is a cross-sectional, observational study. Subjects were undergraduate medical students, at four different phases of their course. They were asked to fill an anonymous feedback form regarding their family and educational background and prospective fields of specialization and placement. Medium of education, interaction with faculty, practices of evaluation and feedback to and from students and use of media in teaching etc were also studied in order to gain an insight into the temporal progression of the thought process of undergraduates.Results: Majority (88.5%) students wanted to study clinical subjects in post graduation. General Medicine and General Surgery were the most coveted specialties. Passion for the subject, monetary gains and how well the subject was taught were the three main bases for the choice of specialty. Majority of students wanted to serve in government sector after study. Work life balance remained the top priority for more than 78% students in their future lives. Conclusion:Clinical branches remain preferred over non clinical specialties and research remains a low priority among students. Introducing innovative methods in teaching pre and paraclinical subjects and making medical teaching a more attractive career prospect can help improve this picture.

Specialty preferences and factors affecting the choices of postgraduate specialty among undergraduate medical students

“…19,23,24 Chawla et al found that passion for the subject and financial gain were the main reasons behind specialty selection. 3 The most stated reasons behind specialty preference in studies conducted in Kuwait included looking for a good treatment outcome for patients, the presence of interesting cases, and the ability to maintain long-term relationships in the discipline 6 . A study conducted among female students in Taif University, Saudi Arabia stated that the first reason behind specialty selection was career development.…”

“…1,2 The tendency toward the selection of different medical specialties can largely influence the future landscape of the physician workforce in a healthcare system. 3 Failure to adopt the right strategies to plan and adjust the medical specialties selection may lead to undesirable consequences for health systems, one of which is the imbalance between various specialties. 4 This inadequate future planning may lead to a lack of health services in future specialties in the rural areas, while the primary health services will take the most part of it.…”

Segmenting Distance Learners on the Basis of their Career Awareness and Perceived Employability: A Study of PG Economics Students of University of Jammu

“…However, except for limited literature available in this regard, there is still a dearth of studies on particular subjects chosen by students at the PG level, except a few on medical students (e.g. Chawla et al, 2018).…”

Preferences, Career Aspects, and Factors Influencing the Choice of Specialty by Medical Students and Interns in Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…Although the determinants that affect specialty preference are generally similar across different countries, there are some differences resulting from country-specific factors and healthcare systems. For instance, in certain countries, gender and family influence can also be significant determinants [ 7 ].…”