Influence of demographic and socio-economic factors in choosing hospitalist careers among US medical students

Abstract

Background The subspecialty of Hospital Medicine (HM) has grown rapidly since the mid-1990s. Diversity and inclusion are often studied in the context of healthcare equity and leadership. However, little is known about the factors potentially associated with choosing this career path among US medical students. Methods We analyzed the results of the Annual Association of American Medical Colleges Survey administered to Graduating medical students from US medical schools from 2018 to 2020. Results We analyzed 46,614 questionnaires. 19.3% of respondents (N = 8,977) intended to work as a Hospital Medicine [HM] (unchanged from 2018 to 2020), mostly combined with specialties in Internal medicine (31.5%), Pediatrics (14.6%), and Surgery (9.1%). Students interested in HM were significantly more likely to identify as female, sexual orientation minorities (Lesbian/Gay or Bisexual), Asian or Black/African-American, or Hispanic. Role models and the ability to do a fellowship were strong factors in choosing HM, as was higher median total debt ($170,000 vs. $155,000). Interest in higher salary and work/life balance negatively impacted the likelihood of choosing HM. There were significant differences between students who chose IM/HM and Pediatrics/HM. Conclusion About one in five US medical students is interested in HM. The probability of choosing future HM careers is higher for students who identify as sexual or racial minorities, with a higher amount of debt, planning to enter a loan forgiveness program, or are interested in doing a fellowship.

Trainee Perspectives of Private Equity's Impact on Ophthalmology

“…In our study, 37% of respondents reported that they had “no debt,” a number higher than the expected percentage based on recent data for graduating medical students. 17 However, a recent report on ophthalmology trainees reported similar levels of debt to our sample: 33% with no debt, 32% with $0–$200,000 of debt, and 35% with greater than $200,000 of debt. 18 Therefore, our sample was likely well representative of the overall ophthalmology trainee.…”