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Iktidar MA, Sakib MM, Munni UR, Rimti FH, Yousuf R, Majumder K, Saha T, Golpo FL, Sayed MSU, Monsur S, Al Galib A, Hossain MK, Shupti SA, Nawar N, Mazumder S, Hasan MT. Medical students' career preferences in Bangladesh. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:81. [PMID: 38263095 PMCID: PMC10804597 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05050-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to investigate the career preferences among Bangladeshi medical students, identify the factors that influence their present choices, and additionally report the role of gender and academic year behind their decisions. METHODS This cross-sectional study conducted in Bangladesh from August 2022 to April 2023 included 801 medical students conveniently selected from medical colleges in eight divisions. Data were collected using a web-based survey and analysed using STATA version 16.0. Statistical tests included the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, frequency, and Kruskal-Wallis H test. The response rate was 94.6%, and the CHERRIES guideline was followed for reporting the results. RESULT The majority of the participants were female (64.42%) and under the age of 23 years (58.8%). The study revealed that medicine was the preferred career choice for the majority of students (65%), with surgery being the most popular first choice (30.21%) among them. Female medical students showed a significantly higher preference for gynaecology & obstetrics (p < 0.001), while male students had a significantly higher tendency to choose general practice (p = 0.002). There is a significant gender difference (p < 0.05) in the career preference factors, including professional prestige, role model influence, easy money, family time, promotion opportunities, income for lifestyle, and research opportunities. Academic year differences were also observed, with increasing interest in medicine and public health (p < 0.001), a decrease in interest in surgery (p < 0.001), and a decline in preference for non-medical careers as students progressed through their MBBS life (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION Overall, medicine was the most popular speciality choice, however, male students preferred general practice and female students preferred gynaecology and obstetrics more. Personal passion, opportunities for contribution to society, professional prestige, having a direct dealing with patients, and income will allow an enjoyable lifestyle were the most important factors in the choice of their career.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Azmain Iktidar
- Directorate General of Health Services, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Department of Public Health, North South University, Plot # 15, Block # B, Bashundhara R/A, 1229, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- School of Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh.
| | - Md Muid Sakib
- Chattogram Medical College, 57 K.B. Fazlul Kader Road, 4203, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | | | - Fahmida Hoque Rimti
- Chattogram Medical College, 57 K.B. Fazlul Kader Road, 4203, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Renessa Yousuf
- School of Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- Chattogram Medical College, 57 K.B. Fazlul Kader Road, 4203, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Koushik Majumder
- Chattogram Medical College, 57 K.B. Fazlul Kader Road, 4203, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Tirtha Saha
- Rajshahi Medical College and Hospital, 6000, Rajshahi, Bangladesh
| | | | - Md Samee U Sayed
- Chattogram Medical College, 57 K.B. Fazlul Kader Road, 4203, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Sabrina Monsur
- Dhaka Medical College Hospital, 1000, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Asadul Al Galib
- Sir Salimullah Medical College and Mitford Hospital, 1100, Mitford, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md Kamran Hossain
- IBN Sina Medical College and Hospital, 1216, Kallyanpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sigma Alam Shupti
- Mymensingh Medical College and Hospital, Chorpara, Mymensingh, Bangladesh
| | - Noshin Nawar
- School of Research, Chattogram, Bangladesh
- University of Chittagong, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - Sudeshna Mazumder
- Chattogram Medical College, 57 K.B. Fazlul Kader Road, 4203, Chattogram, Bangladesh
| | - M Tasdik Hasan
- Action Lab, Department of Human Centred Computing, Faculty of Information Technology, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Public Health, State University of Bangladesh (SUB), Dhaka, Bangladesh
- Public Health Foundation, Bangladesh (PHF, BD), Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Alaqeel SA, Alhammad BK, Basuhail SM, Alderaan KM, Alhawamdeh AT, Alquhayz MF, Alzunaidi AM, Alrashed FA. Investigating factors that influence residency program selection among medical students. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2023; 23:615. [PMID: 37644551 PMCID: PMC10466777 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-023-04602-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUNDS Medical students and interns face several decisions during their career development. One of the most critical decisions they have to make is choosing a residency program that suits their career goals and aspirations. The selection process can be challenging, as several factors can influence the decision-making process. There was limited research on the role of GPA and opportunities in residency program selection. Therefore, this study examines the factors that influence interns' and 5th-year medical students' choices of residency programs. METHODS Observational and analytical cross-sectional studies were conducted at King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. A sample of 5th-year medical students as well as medical interns was included in the study. This study only includes students who were interested in choosing a residency program in one of these eight domains: Medicine, Family Medicine, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Radiology, Surgery, Obstetrics/Gynecology, and Ophthalmology. RESULTS The total number of students with 5th-year medical students was 205 (60.1%) and the number of students with medical interns was 135 (39.5%). The majority of students (51.0%) had a GPA above 4.5 out of 5, followed by 3.5 to 4.5 among 146 (42.8) students, and only 21 (6.2) had a GPA below 3.5. Those students with less than a 3.5 GPA out of 5 were found not to have any favorite residency program specialties when it came to academic achievement. Furthermore, in the case of those students whose GPA was 3.5 to 4.5, they had a certain mindset when it came to choosing a residency program. A 1.9 times greater likelihood of selecting obstetrics and gynecology (OR = 1.9, p = 0.19) was achieved by students with GPAs between 3.5 and 4.5, followed by a 1.5 times greater probability of selecting radiology (OR = 1.5; p = 0.55). High achievers, ophthalmology (OR = 1.7; p = 0.32) and surgery (OR = 1.4; p = 0.31) were the most popular residency programs. A student with a high GPA (mean score = 7.3) also chooses his or her career based on better opportunities than a student with a low GPA (mean score = 6.8). CONCLUSIONS The study highlights the correlation between academic achievement and preferred specialties for future careers among medical students. While the study's findings should be considered in the context of various other factors such as lifestyle, social life, and income can influence students' preferred specialties for residency programs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Fahad Abdulaziz Alrashed
- Department of Cardiac Sciences, College of Medicine, King Saud University (KSU), P.O. Box 7805, Riyadh, 11472, Saudi Arabia.
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Kahvo M, Whelan R, Vallabhaneni P. Why choose paediatrics? A scoping review of factors affecting the choice of paediatrics as a career. Eur J Pediatr 2023; 182:9-23. [PMID: 36316579 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-022-04659-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Despite being a popular speciality at the undergraduate level, paediatrics lags behind most other medical and surgical specialities for postgraduate recruitment. As many individuals decide on their future career choice while still in medical school, it is essential to identify the factors that attract individuals to a career in paediatrics. To determine the positive influencing factors determining paediatrics as a career choice. A scoping review of primary research articles was conducted using a comprehensive electronic search strategy and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews recommendations. Studies exploring medical students, junior doctors, and current paediatricians' perceptions of paediatrics were included. Factors affecting career choice were identified. Thirty-six studies out of a possible 3106 met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Six key influencing themes were identified. These were early undergraduate and clinical exposure to paediatrics; an attractive work-life balance; the presence of role models and mentors; an enjoyable working atmosphere and varied clinical work; a personal commitment to paediatrics; and working with children. CONCLUSION Medical students are drawn by the wide clinical variety in paediatrics, enjoyable working atmosphere, and enthusiastic colleagues. Given the importance of early clinical exposure in determining student motivation, paediatrics needs to do more to advertise the wide variety of clinical and research work available, starting early in medical school. In addition, medical students need to be offered more opportunities to experience the speciality through student selected components, summer schools, or workshops, requiring coordination between medical schools and regional paediatric departments. WHAT IS KNOWN • Research suggests that many medical students make choices on their future career based on medical school experiences. • Paediatrics is a popular subject among medical students, however applications for the specialilty are in decline. WHAT IS NEW • Six key factors influencing paediatrics as a career choice have been identified, the most common being early exposure to paediatrics at medical school and lifestyle factors. • Interventions aimed at increasing student involvement in paediatrics at the undergraduate level have been shown to be associated with an increase in the number of individuals applying for the speciality following graduation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mia Kahvo
- Regional Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, St Michael's Hospital, Southwell Street, Bristol, BS2 8EG, UK.
| | - Rhys Whelan
- Library & Knowledge Services, Swansea Bay University Health Board, Swansea, UK
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Riedel M, Hennigs A, Dobberkau AM, Riedel C, Bugaj TJ, Nikendei C, Amann N, Karge A, Eisenkolb G, Tensil M, Recker F, Riedel F. The role of gender-specific factors in the choice of specialty training in obstetrics and gynecology: results from a survey among medical students in Germany. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2022; 305:129-137. [PMID: 34550446 PMCID: PMC8782790 DOI: 10.1007/s00404-021-06232-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The field of obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) is facing growing competition for young professionals in Germany, with high interest rates among female graduates and a declining proportion of male students who choose residency training in the field. The aim of this study is to analyze general and gender-dependent factors that influence the decision for or against specialty training in OB/GYN among medical students in Germany. METHODS Between February and November 2019, n = 346 medical students in their 5th and 6th year of undergraduate training at Heidelberg University received a questionnaire with 44 items. RESULTS n = 286 students (61.3 female; 38.7% male) participated in the study. 28% of the female students and 9% of the male students had considered OB/GYN for their specialty training. The students reported different general and gender-specific influencing factors in their choice of a specialty. Both genders desired a good work-life-balance, however, in comparison with their female colleagues, male students had heavily weighted factors related to their later careers and professional success, including competition among colleagues. Male students had gained little practical experience during compulsory internships (26.9% for females vs. 8.8% for males) or had chosen their final-year elective in OB/GYN (15.9% for females vs. 5.5% for males). Female students had worried about the negative effects of their sex on their career (35.4% for females vs. 5.9% for males). CONCLUSION OB/GYN must become more appealing and attractive to young female and male professionals alike. A better compatibility of career and family should go hand in hand with the implementation of differentiated, (extra) curricular teaching approaches that take the different preferences of female and male students into account.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - André Hennigs
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Maria Dobberkau
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Caroline Riedel
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Till Johannes Bugaj
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Nikendei
- Department of General Internal Medicine and Psychosomatics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Niklas Amann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ludwig Maximilians University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Anne Karge
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriel Eisenkolb
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maria Tensil
- Kirinus Clinic for Psychotherapy, Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Recker
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bonn University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Fabian Riedel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.
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Ryan JF, Istl AC, Luhoway JA, Davidson J, Christakis N, Bütter A, Mele TS. Gender Disparities in Medical Student Surgical Skills Education. JOURNAL OF SURGICAL EDUCATION 2021; 78:850-857. [PMID: 33020039 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.09.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Female medical students and surgical trainees are more likely to lack confidence in their clinical abilities than their male peers despite equal or superior performance. This study aims to examine the role of gender in medical student experience and confidence performing technical skills in surgical clerkship. DESIGN This was a single-center survey study conducted over 2 academic years (2016-2018). Students were surveyed on their experience and confidence performing a set of 9 technical skills during surgical clerkship and to identify skill-specific barriers to learning. SETTING This study was performed at Western University, London, Ontario, Canada. PARTICIPANTS All third-year medical students were invited to participate. RESULTS A total of 253 students participated yielding a survey response rate of 74.0%. Both male and female students reported similar levels of preclerkship interest in a surgical career, enjoyment in performing technical skills, confidence in ability to learn surgical skills and pursuit of available learning opportunities. At the conclusion of their surgical rotations, female students reported less experience and confidence performing technical skills compared to their male colleagues. Female students were more likely to cite an insufficient number of learning opportunities from consultant and resident teachers, time constraints, and lack of confidence as barriers to the achievement of technical proficiency. CONCLUSIONS Female gender was associated with less procedural experience and inferior confidence performing procedural skills. It is important for educators to be aware of this gender disparity and to actively promote equitable learning opportunities for female trainees.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna F Ryan
- Division of General Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Alexandra C Istl
- Division of General Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacqueline A Luhoway
- Division of General Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jacob Davidson
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicole Christakis
- Division of General Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andreana Bütter
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tina S Mele
- Division of General Surgery, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada.
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Gosling FJ, Bellodi PL. Alterações de rota na medicina - reescolhendo a especialidade médica. SAUDE E SOCIEDADE 2021. [DOI: 10.1590/s0104-12902021200677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Resumo Transições profissionais na Medicina são particularmente difíceis para os médicos, devido ao tempo e ao custo da formação. O objetivo deste trabalho é compreender as experiências de médicos que reescolheram a sua especialidade, investigando motivação e as implicações da mudança. O método adotado foi um estudo qualitativo com entrevistas de profissionais que mudaram de especialidade. A pesquisa mostrou que entre os motivos para a mudança de especialidade estão a insatisfação com a área, mesmo com pouco tempo de prática, o estresse do cotidiano profissional e o estilo de vida. Apesar das críticas recebidas, os entrevistados demonstraram grande satisfação com a mudança. Como estratégia individual para lidar com a insatisfação, a mudança parece positiva. Entretanto, é importante refletir sobre o risco de vazio de significações para o sujeito e as práticas médicas.
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Cronin FM, Clarke N, Hendrick L, Conroy R, Brugha R. Factors influencing specialty choice and the effect of recall bias on findings from Irish medical graduates: a cross-sectional, longitudinal study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:485. [PMID: 33267801 PMCID: PMC7709240 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02405-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite being a vital part of medical workforce planning and development, how medical students and graduates choose their career specialty is still not well understood. This study aimed to identify the factors medical graduates consider important influences in their choice of specialty after their first year of practice, and to test the validity of relying on respondent recall to measure changes in specialty choice. METHODS The baseline survey was administered online to all final year students in Ireland's six medical schools. Those who consented to follow-up (n = 483) were surveyed 18 months later (June 2018), during the final month of first year of practice. RESULTS The baseline survey had a 67% (n = 483) response rate. At the follow-up survey, (n = 232, 48% response rate) the top specialty choices were: Medicine, n = 54 (26%); Surgery, n = 34 (16%); General Practice, n = 28 (13%); Anaesthesia, n = 16 (8%) and Paediatrics, n = 14 (7%). Of the 49 respondents (28%) reporting a change of specialty since baseline, 13 (27%) selected the same specialty in both surveys; of the 121 (69%) reporting no change, 22 (18%) selected a different specialty at follow-up. Over 90% of respondents rated as 'important or 'very important': 'Own aptitude', 'Work-life balance' and 'What I really want to do'. Over 75% rated as 'not at all', or 'not very important' 'Current financial debt' and 'Inclinations before medical school'. When adjusted for sex and age, compared with Medicine, General Practice rated as more important: continuity of patient care (RRR 3.20 CI(1.59-6.41), p = 0.001); working hours/conditions (RRR 4.61 CI(1.03-20.60), p = 0.045) and a career that fit their domestic circumstances (RRR 3.19 CI(1.27-8.02), p = 0.014). Those choosing Surgery rated as less important: patient contact (RRR 0.56 CI(0.33-0.95), p = 0.033) and working hours/conditions (RRR 0.55 CI(0.31-0.96), p = 0.035). CONCLUSIONS The different demographic and motivational profiles by specialty choice are consistent with other studies suggesting a distinct profile for doctors intending to enter General Practice. In addition, our results suggest longitudinal study designs guard against recall bias and so provide more robust medical workforce models to inform and direct recruitment drives and interventions in future medical workforce planning.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicholas Clarke
- School of Psychology, Dublin City University, Glasnevin, Dublin 9, Ireland
| | - Louise Hendrick
- Dr Steevens' Hospital, Health Service Executive, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Ronan Conroy
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Ruairi Brugha
- Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin 2, Ireland
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Wu H, Li S, Zheng J, Guo J. Medical students' motivation and academic performance: the mediating roles of self-efficacy and learning engagement. MEDICAL EDUCATION ONLINE 2020; 25:1742964. [PMID: 32180537 PMCID: PMC7144307 DOI: 10.1080/10872981.2020.1742964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Background: Motivation matters in medical students' academic performance. However, few studies have specifically examined how motivation and external environmental factors (e.g., institutions) affect medical students' performance with large-scale data sets. The roles of self-efficacy and learning engagement in the mechanisms that govern how motivation affects academic performance are still unclear.Objective: This study aims to advance a comprehensive understanding about the relationships between medical students' motivation, self-efficacy, learning engagement, and academic performance in a nationwide survey, taking students' demographic factors and sociocultural environments into consideration.Design: We collected data from 1930 medical students in China. We probed the relations between studying variables. We then performed structural equation model (SEM) analysis to examine the mediating roles of self-efficacy and learning engagement on the relationship between motivation and academic performance. We further carried out multiple-group SEM analyses to compare differences between males and females, and between students in key universities and colleges (KUCs) and non-key universities and colleges (NKUCs).Results: Medical students in KUCs demonstrated significantly higher intrinsic motivation, better academic performance and lower extrinsic motivation than those in NKUCs. Male students reported higher intrinsic motivation but surprisingly lower academic performance than females. The total effect of intrinsic motivation on academic performance was larger than that of extrinsic motivation. There were significant indirect effects of either intrinsic or extrinsic motivation on academic performance through learning engagement. Besides, both intrinsic motivation and extrinsic motivation predicted self-efficacy; however, the direct effect of self-efficacy on academic performance was not significant.Conclusions: This study provided researchers with a holistic picture of students' types of motivation in relation to academic performance. Findings from this study can help in rethinking the role of self-efficacy in medicine, in finding more effective interventions for promoting medical students' levels of motivation, and in developing motivation-related counselling methods for different groups of medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongbin Wu
- Institute of Medical Education/National Center for Health Professions Education Development, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
- CONTACT Shan Li McGill University, B148, 3700 McTavish St, Education Building, MontrealH3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Juan Zheng
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jianru Guo
- Graduate School of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Ahmed I, Ashar A. To be or not to be an Obstetrician / Gynaecologist. Pak J Med Sci 2020; 36:1165-1170. [PMID: 32968374 PMCID: PMC7501043 DOI: 10.12669/pjms.36.6.3080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives This qualitative study aimed to explore motivational sources of physicians, at the time of selection and while pursuing ObGyn career. Secondary aim was to explore challenges and strategies adapted by these physicians to overcome these challenges. Methods This is qualitative study with constrictive worldview. ObGyn residents and consultants of Aga Khan University, Karachi, were interviewed from July 2017 till Jan 2019, after ethical approval, using purposeful maximum variation sampling. Analysis were conducted by identifying keywords and phrases, these unedited verbatim with no assumptions provided basis for codes, which then clustered as trends. Emerging findings were discussed among authors and themes were finalized with consensus. Conclusion was formulated by linking these themes. Results Four themes emerged were, 'grounds for selecting ObGyn as career', 'Motivational Factors', 'Demotivating Factors' and 'Strategies to Cope with Challenges'. Results showed that aptitude and passion not only have pivotal role in career selection but also helped in pursuance. Personal fulfilment and hands-on experience satisfy emotional needs, while family and friends supported participants in maintaining work-life balance and in over-coming challenges. Conclusions Considering personal preference and aptitude at the time of career selection helps in endurance and keep motivations high, while challenges in pursuance can be overcome by strong support system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iffat Ahmed
- Iffat Ahmed, Assistant Professor, Department Obstetrics Gynaecology, The Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Abid Ashar
- Prof. Abid Ashar Principal, College of Dentistry, Professor of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Fatima Memorial Hospital, College of Medicine & Dentistry, Shadman, Lahore, Pakistan
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Süß M, Benson S, Herbstreit S, Dudda M, Knobe M, Hebebrand J, Gradl-Dietsch G. [Where did all the men in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy go? The influence of gender on the choice of specialization]. ZEITSCHRIFT FUR KINDER-UND JUGENDPSYCHIATRIE UND PSYCHOTHERAPIE 2019; 48:194-203. [PMID: 31657662 DOI: 10.1024/1422-4917/a000692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Where did all the men in child and adolescent psychiatry and psychotherapy go? The influence of gender on the choice of specialization Abstract. Objective: To examine the factors influencing graduates to choose child and adolescent psychiatry (CAP) or orthopaedic surgery (OR) as a career specialty. Method: We distributed a web-based survey to residents in child and adolescent psychiatry and orthopedic surgery in Germany. The survey included questions related to the factors contributing to their career choice, particularly sociodemographic, workplace, and education-related matters. Results: 101 participants completed the questionnaires (CAP: 49 women, 10 men; OR 21 women and 21 men). CAP residents were significantly older and more often married with children. Exposure to the subject during medical school was significantly more common among OR residents. CAP residents rated the factors "time for breaks," "regular work hours," "structured workday," "reconciliation of work and family life," "overall work load," and "sufficient time for each individual patient" as significantly more important than did OR residents. OR residents in turn considered "spectacular cases," "fast decision-making," "high technical requirements," and "positive experiences during medical school" as significantly more important. A family-friendly workplace was especially more important to woman in CAP. Conclusions: There is a need to rebrand the perception of psychiatry and to expose medical students early on to the subject if we are to attract more (male) psychiatrists in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Süß
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Essen
| | - Sven Benson
- Institut für Medizinische Psychologie und Verhaltensimmunbiologie Universitätsklinikum Essen
| | - Stephanie Herbstreit
- Universitätsklinik für Orthopädie und Unfallchirurgie, Universität Duisburg-Essen
| | - Marcel Dudda
- Klinik für Unfall-, Hand- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Universität Duisburg-Essen
| | - Matthias Knobe
- Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Uniklinik RWTH Aachen
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Essen
| | - Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch
- LVR-Klinikum Essen, Kliniken und Institut der Universität Duisburg-Essen, Klinik für Psychiatrie, Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie des Kindes- und Jugendalters, Essen
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Fehlmann A, Abbiati M, Dällenbach P, Savoldelli LG. Motives influencing students' preferences for obstetrics and gynaecology speciality: A cross-sectional multi-site Swiss study. Eur J Obstet Gynecol Reprod Biol 2019; 237:157-163. [PMID: 31051419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejogrb.2019.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Knowing and understanding the reasons why medical students choose postgraduate medical specialities are essential to help influence the workforce for a balanced national healthcare system. The objective of this study was to determine motivating factors for choosing a speciality career in general and, more specifically, for the choice of obstetrics and gynaecology (OBGYN) over surgery or general practice. STUDY DESIGN This study was based on prospectively collected data from a large research multi-site cross-sectional study. We sent a survey to medical students in the sixth year, which contained questions about demographics, choice of speciality and motives for choosing. We grouped the specialities into families of specialities and motives into motivating factors clustered by principal component analysis. We used a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) test to identify differences between motivating factors in speciality categories and gender. We performed logistic regression analyse to compare the choice of OBGYN to choices of surgery and general practice as well as undecided. RESULTS A total of 1749 students responded with an average return rate of 56%. Our study revealed four motivating factors: "experiential", "relational", "occupational" and "scientific". Logistic regression analysis showed that the choice of OBGYN was particularly influenced by "experiential factor" (OR 1.5; 95%CI [1.2; 1.9]) and by gender (OR 4.5; 95%CI [2.2; 9.2]). When we compared the motivational profile of OBGYN to other speciality categories, OBGYN appeared to stand between surgery and general practice for the "experiential" and "relational" factors, more like surgery for the "occupational factor" and more like general practice for the "scientific factor". CONCLUSION This study highlighted the importance of "experiential factor" and gender for choosing OBGYN as a career. OBGYN seemed to stand between surgery and general practice from a Swiss students' point of view. These findings provide useful information for targeted interventions to promote OBGYN at the undergraduate level. Such interventions could include providing more hands-on experiences, improving integration of male students and encouraging student involvement in patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurore Fehlmann
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland.
| | - Milena Abbiati
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Patrick Dällenbach
- Department of Paediatrics, Gynaecology and Obstetrics, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - L Georges Savoldelli
- Unit of Development and Research in Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Anaesthesiology, Clinical Pharmacology, Intensive Care and Emergency Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals and Faculty of Médecine, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Kristoffersson E, Diderichsen S, Verdonk P, Lagro-Janssen T, Hamberg K, Andersson J. To select or be selected - gendered experiences in clinical training affect medical students' specialty preferences. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2018; 18:268. [PMID: 30453953 PMCID: PMC6245780 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-018-1361-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The literature investigating female and male medical students' differing career intentions is extensive. However, medical school experiences and their implications for professional identity formation and specialty choice have attracted less attention. In this study we explore the impact of medical school experiences on students' specialty preferences, investigate gender similarities and differences, and discuss how both might be related to gender segregation in specialty preference. METHODS In a questionnaire, 250 Swedish final-year medical students described experiences that made them interested and uninterested in a specialty. Utilizing a sequential mixed methods design, their responses were analyzed qualitatively to create categories that were compared quantitatively. RESULTS Similar proportions of women and men became interested in a specialty based on its knowledge area, patient characteristics, and potential for work-life balance. These aspects, however, often became secondary to whether they felt included or excluded in clinical settings. More women than men had been deterred by specialties with excluding, hostile, or sexist workplace climates (W = 44%, M = 16%). In contrast, more men had been discouraged by specialties' knowledge areas (W = 27%, M = 47%). CONCLUSIONS Male and female undergraduates have similar incentives and concerns regarding their career. However, the prevalence of hostility and sexism in the learning environment discourages especially women from some specialties. To reduce gender segregation in specialty choice, energy should be directed towards counteracting hostile workplace climates that explain apparent stereotypical assumptions about career preferences of men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emelie Kristoffersson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
- Umeå Centre for Gender Studies, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Saima Diderichsen
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Petra Verdonk
- Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, School of Medical Sciences, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Toine Lagro-Janssen
- Department of Primary and Community Care, unit for Gender and Women’s Health, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Hamberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jenny Andersson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, 901 87 Umeå, Sweden
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Peel JK, Schlachta CM, Alkhamesi NA. A systematic review of the factors affecting choice of surgery as a career. Can J Surg 2018; 61:58-67. [PMID: 29368678 PMCID: PMC5785290 DOI: 10.1503/cjs.008217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interest in surgical careers among medical students has declined over the past decade. Multiple explanations have been offered for why top students are deterred or rejected from surgical programs, though no consensus has emerged. METHODS We conducted a review of the literature to better characterize what factors affect the pursuit of a surgical career. We searched PubMed and EMBASE and performed additional reference checks. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and Newcastle-Ottawa Education scores were used to evaluate the included data. RESULTS Our search identified 122 full-text, primary articles. Analysis of this evidence identified 3 core concepts that impact surgical career decision-making: gender, features of surgical education, and student "fit" in the culture of surgery. CONCLUSION Real and perceived gender discrimination has deterred female medical students from entering surgical careers. In addition, limited exposure to surgery during medical school and differences between student and surgeon personality traits and values may deter students from entering surgical careers. We suggest that deliberate and visible effort to include women and early-career medical students in surgical settings may enhance their interest in carreers in surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- John K. Peel
- From the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Peel); and Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont. (Schlachta, Alkhamesi)
| | - Christopher M. Schlachta
- From the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Peel); and Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont. (Schlachta, Alkhamesi)
| | - Nawar A. Alkhamesi
- From the Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC (Peel); and Canadian Surgical Technologies and Advanced Robotics (CSTAR), London Health Sciences Centre and Department of Surgery, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, Ont. (Schlachta, Alkhamesi)
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van de Pol MHJ, Lagro J, Koopman EL, Olde Rikkert MGM, Fluit CRMG, Lagro-Janssen ALM. Lessons learned from narrative feedback of students on a geriatric training program. GERONTOLOGY & GERIATRICS EDUCATION 2018; 39:21-34. [PMID: 26886481 DOI: 10.1080/02701960.2015.1127810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Geriatrics continues to draw insufficient numbers of medical students today. Currently, little is known regarding how education can motivate students to choose geriatrics. The authors' aim was to examine geriatrics from the students' perspective to identify elements that can be useful in education and improving attitudes toward, interest in, and knowledge about geriatrics. The authors analyzed narrative reflection essays of 36 students and clarified the themes from the essays during focus group sessions. Four overarching themes that influenced students' perspective on geriatrics were identified: professional identity, perception of geriatrics, geriatric-specific problems, and learning environment. Students have an inaccurate image of clinical practice and the medical professional identity, which has a negative impact on their attitude toward, interest in, and knowledge of geriatrics. Furthermore, this study yielded the important role of the hidden curriculum on professional identity, the novelty of geriatric-specific problems to students, and the importance of educational approach and good role models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjolein H J van de Pol
- a Department of Primary and Community Care , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Joep Lagro
- b Department of Internal Medicine , Haga Teaching Hospital , The Hague , The Netherlands
| | - Elise L Koopman
- a Department of Primary and Community Care , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | | | - Cornelia R M G Fluit
- d Academic Educational Institute , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
| | - Antoine L M Lagro-Janssen
- a Department of Primary and Community Care , Radboud University Medical Center , Nijmegen , The Netherlands
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Kawamoto R, Ninomiya D, Kasai Y, Kusunoki T, Ohtsuka N, Kumagi T, Abe M. Gender difference in preference of specialty as a career choice among Japanese medical students. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2016; 16:288. [PMID: 27829461 PMCID: PMC5103608 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-016-0811-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 11/01/2016] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In Japan, the absolute deficiency of doctors and maldistribution of doctors by specialty is a significant problem in the Japanese health care system. The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors contributing to specialty preference in career choice among Japanese medical students. METHODS A total of 368 medical students completed the survey giving an 88.2 % response rate. The subjects comprised 141 women aged 21 ± 3 (range, 18-34) years and 227 men aged 22 ± 4 (range, 18-44) years. Binary Logistic regression analysis was performed using specialty preferences as the criterion variable and the factors in brackets as six motivational variables (e.g., Factor 1: educational experience; Factor 2: job security; Factor 3: advice from others; Factor 4: work-life balance; Factor 5: technical and research specialty; and Factor 6: personal reasons). RESULTS Women significantly preferred pediatrics, obstetrics & gynecology, and psychology than the men. Men significantly preferred surgery and orthopedics than the women. For both genders, a high odds ratio (OR) of "technical & research specialty" and a low OR for "personal reasons" were associated with preference for surgery. "Technical & research specialty" was positively associated with preference for special internal medicine and negatively for pediatrics. "Work-life balance" was positively associated with preference for psychology and negatively for emergency medicine. Among the women only, "technical & research specialty" was negatively associated with preference for general medicine/family medicine and obstetrics & gynecology, and "job security" was positively associated for general medicine/family medicine and negatively for psychology. Among men only, "educational experience" and "personal reasons" were positively, and "job security" was negatively associated with preference for pediatrics. For both genders, "work-life balance" was positively associated with preference for controllable lifestyle specialties. CONCLUSION We must acknowledge that Japanese medical students have dichotomized some motivations for their specialty preference based on gender. Systematic improvements in the working environment are necessary to solve these issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Kawamoto
- Department of Community Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon-city, Ehime-ken 791-0295 Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seiyo Municipal Nomura Hospital, 9-53 Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo-city, Ehime-ken 797-1212 Japan
| | - Daisuke Ninomiya
- Department of Community Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon-city, Ehime-ken 791-0295 Japan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seiyo Municipal Nomura Hospital, 9-53 Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo-city, Ehime-ken 797-1212 Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Kasai
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seiyo Municipal Nomura Hospital, 9-53 Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo-city, Ehime-ken 797-1212 Japan
| | - Tomo Kusunoki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seiyo Municipal Nomura Hospital, 9-53 Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo-city, Ehime-ken 797-1212 Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Ohtsuka
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seiyo Municipal Nomura Hospital, 9-53 Nomura, Nomura-cho, Seiyo-city, Ehime-ken 797-1212 Japan
| | - Teru Kumagi
- Department of Community Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon-city, Ehime-ken 791-0295 Japan
| | - Masanori Abe
- Department of Community Medicine, Ehime University Graduate School of Medicine, Toon-city, Ehime-ken 791-0295 Japan
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Querido SJ, Vergouw D, Wigersma L, Batenburg RS, De Rond MEJ, Ten Cate OTJ. Dynamics of career choice among students in undergraduate medical courses. A BEME systematic review: BEME Guide No. 33. MEDICAL TEACHER 2016; 38:18-29. [PMID: 26372112 DOI: 10.3109/0142159x.2015.1074990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Due to the lack of a theoretically embedded overview of the recent literature on medical career decision-making, this study provides an outline of these dynamics. Since differences in educational routes to the medical degree likely affect career choice dynamics, this study focuses on medical career decision-making in educational systems with a Western European curriculum structure. METHODS A systematic search of electronic databases (Medline, Embase) was conducted from January 2008 to November 2014. A panel of seven independent reviewers performed the data extraction, quality assessment and data synthesis using the Bland-Meurer model of medical specialty choice as a reference. RESULTS Fifty-seven studies met the inclusion criteria for the review. Factors associated with specialty preference or career choice can be classified in five main categories: (1) medical school characteristics (e.g., curriculum structure), (2) student characteristics (e.g., age, personality), (3) student values (e.g., personal preference), (4) career needs to be satisfied (e.g., expected income, status, and work-life balance), and (5) perception of specialty characteristics (e.g., extracurricular or curricular experiences). Especially career needs and perceptions of specialty characteristics are often associated with medical career decision-making. CONCLUSION Our results support that medical career decisions are formed by a matching of perceptions of specialty characteristics with personal needs. However, the process of medical career decision-making is not yet fully understood. Besides identifying possible predictors, future research should focus on detecting interrelations between hypothesized predictors and identify the determinants and interrelations at the various stages of the medical career decision-making process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie J Querido
- a Royal Dutch Medical Association , the Netherlands
- b Universiteit Utrecht, Center for Research and Development of Education , the Netherlands
| | - David Vergouw
- c Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel) , the Netherlands
| | | | - Ronald S Batenburg
- c Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research (Nivel) , the Netherlands
| | | | - Olle T J Ten Cate
- b Universiteit Utrecht, Center for Research and Development of Education , the Netherlands
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Leyerzapf H, Abma TA, Steenwijk RR, Croiset G, Verdonk P. Standing out and moving up: performance appraisal of cultural minority physicians. ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2015; 20:995-1010. [PMID: 25549932 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-014-9577-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2014] [Accepted: 12/16/2014] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Despite a growing diversity within society and health care, there seems to be a discrepancy between the number of cultural minority physicians graduating and those in training for specialization (residents) or working as a specialist in Dutch academic hospitals. The purpose of this article is to explore how performance appraisal in daily medical practice is experienced and might affect the influx of cultural minority physicians into specialty training. A critical diversity study was completed in one academic hospital using interviews (N = 27) and focus groups (15 participants) with cultural minority physicians and residents, instructing specialists and executives of medical wards. Data were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. A thematic and integral content analysis was performed. In addition to explicit norms on high motivation and excellent performance, implicit norms on professionalism are considered crucial in qualifying for specialty training. Stereotyped imaging on the culture and identity of cultural minority physicians and categorical thinking on diversity seem to underlie daily processes of evaluation and performance appraisal. These are experienced as inhibiting the possibilities to successfully profile for selection into residency and specialist positions. Implicit criteria appear to affect selection processes on medical wards and possibly hinder the influx of cultural minority physicians into residency and making academic hospitals more diverse. Minority and majority physicians, together with the hospital management and medical education should target inclusive norms and practices within clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Leyerzapf
- Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, School of Medical Sciences, VU University Medical Center, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Tineke A Abma
- Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, School of Medical Sciences, VU University Medical Center, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Reina R Steenwijk
- PGV (Pastoral and Spiritual Care), VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gerda Croiset
- VUmc School of Medical Sciences, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Verdonk
- Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, School of Medical Sciences, VU University Medical Center, Postbus 7057, 1007 MB, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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McFarland DC, Holland J, Holcombe RF. Inpatient Hematology-Oncology Rotation Is Associated With a Decreased Interest in Pursuing an Oncology Career Among Internal Medicine Residents. J Oncol Pract 2015; 11:289-95. [DOI: 10.1200/jop.2015.003798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
An inpatient hematology-oncology ward rotation does not lead to increased interest and, for some residents, may lead to decreased interest in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel C. McFarland
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Jimmie Holland
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Randall F. Holcombe
- Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai; and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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Osman NY, Schonhardt-Bailey C, Walling JL, Katz JT, Alexander EK. Textual analysis of internal medicine residency personal statements: themes and gender differences. MEDICAL EDUCATION 2015; 49:93-102. [PMID: 25545577 DOI: 10.1111/medu.12487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2013] [Revised: 01/17/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Applicants to US residency training programmes are required to submit a personal statement, the content of which is flexible but often requires them to describe their career goals and aspirations. Despite their importance, no systematic research has explored common themes and gender differences inherent to these statements. OBJECTIVES This study was conducted to analyse US applicants' Electronic Residency Application Service (ERAS) personal statements using two automated textual analysis programs, and to assess for common themes and gender-associated differences. METHODS A retrospective cohort study of 2138 personal statements (containing 1,485,255 words) from candidates from 377 national and international medical schools applying to US internal medicine (IM) residency programmes through ERAS was conducted. A mathematical analysis of text segments using a recursive algorithm was performed; two different specifications of the text segments were used to conduct an internal validation. RESULTS Five statistically significant thematic classes were identified through independent review by the researchers. These were best defined as referring to: the appeal of the residency programme; memorable patients; health care as public policy; research and academia, and family inspiration. Some themes were common to all applications. However, important gender-specific differences were identified. Notably, men were more likely to describe personal attributes and to self-promote, whereas women more frequently expressed the communicative and team-based aspects of doctoring. The results were externally validated using a second software program. Although these data comprise part of the national pool, they represent applicants to a single specialty at a single institution. CONCLUSIONS By applying textual analysis to material derived from a national cohort, we identified common narrative themes in the personal statements of future US physicians, noting differences between men and women. Together, these data provide novel insight into the dominant discourse of doctoring in this generation of students applying for further training in US IM residency programmes, and depict a diverse group of applicants with multiple motivations, desires and goals. Furthermore, differences seen between men and women add to the growing understanding of bias in medical education. Training programmes may benefit by adapting curricula to foster such diverse interests.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora Y Osman
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Importance of work–life balance among German medical students who wish to become gynecologists. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 291:239. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3527-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/22/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Alers M, Verdonk P, Bor H, Hamberg K, Lagro-Janssen A. Gendered career considerations consolidate from the start of medical education. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MEDICAL EDUCATION 2014; 5:178-184. [PMID: 25341228 PMCID: PMC4216727 DOI: 10.5116/ijme.5403.2b71] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/31/2014] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore changes in specialty preferences and work-related topics during the theoretical phase of Dutch medical education and the role of gender. METHODS A cohort of medical students at Radboudumc, the Netherlands, was surveyed at start (N=612, 69.1% female) and after three years (N=519, 69.2% female), on specialty preferences, full-time or part-time work, motivational factors, and work-life issues. Chi square tests were performed to analyze gender-differences, and logistic regression to explore the influence of gender on considerations. RESULTS A total of 214 female and 78 male students completed both surveys. After three years, the male students remained highly interested in surgery, but the female students increasingly preferred gynecology. These initial preferences were predictive. Four out of five male students versus three out of five female students continued to show a full-time preference. Women increasingly preferred part-time work. After three years, the combination of work, care, and patient contact motivated female students more, whereas salary remained more important to male students. Female students indicated that their future careers would influence their family life; male students assumed having a family would only affect their partners' careers. CONCLUSIONS Against an international background of the feminization of medicine, our study shows that career considerations are reinforced early in medical studies. Women prefer to work fewer hours and anticipate care tasks more often. Students' preferences reflect Dutch cultural norms about working men and women. Therefore, guidance in choice-making much earlier in medical education can create opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margret Alers
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Primary and Community Care, Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Petra Verdonk
- VU University Medical Centre, Department of Medical Humanities, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, School of Medical Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Hans Bor
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Primary and Community Care, Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Katarina Hamberg
- Umea University, Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umea, Sweden
| | - Antoine Lagro-Janssen
- Radboud University Medical Center, Department of Primary and Community Care, Gender and Women’s Health Unit, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
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Verdonk P, Räntzsch V, de Vries R, Houkes I. Show what you know and deal with stress yourself: a qualitative interview study of medical interns' perceptions of stress and gender. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2014; 14:96. [PMID: 24884583 PMCID: PMC4035857 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-14-96] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical students report high stress levels and in particular, the clinical phase is a demanding one. The field of medicine is still described as having a patriarchal culture which favors aspects like a physicians' perceived certainty and rationalism. Also, the Effort-Recovery Model explains stress as coming from a discrepancy between job demands, job control, and perceived work potential. Gendered differences in stress are reported, but not much is known about medical interns' perceptions of how gender plays in relation to stress. The aim of this study is to explore how medical interns experience and cope with stress, as well as how they reflect on the gendered aspects of stress. METHODS In order to do this, we have performed a qualitative study. In 2010-2011, semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with seventeen medical interns across all three years of the Masters programme (6 male, 11 female) at a Dutch medical school. The interview guide is based on gender theory, the Effort-Recovery Model, and empirical literature. Transcribed interviews have been analyzed thematically. RESULTS First, stress mainly evolves from having to prove one's self and show off competencies and motivation ("Show What You Know…"). Second, interns seek own solutions for handling stress because it is not open for discussion (… "And Deal With Stress Yourself"). Patient encounters are a source of pride and satisfaction rather than a source of stress. But interns report having to present themselves as 'professional and self-confident', remaining silent about experiencing stress. Female students are perceived to have more stress and to study harder in order to live up to expectations. CONCLUSIONS The implicit message interns hear is to remain silent about insecurities and stress, and, in particular, female students might face disadvantages. Students who feel less able to manifest the 'masculine protest' may benefit from a culture that embraces more collaborative styles, such as having open conversation about stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra Verdonk
- Department of Medical Humanities, VU University Medical Centre, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, School of Medical Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Inge Houkes
- Department of Social Medicine, Maastricht University, School Caphri, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Diderichsen S, Johansson EE, Verdonk P, Lagro-Janssen T, Hamberg K. Few gender differences in specialty preferences and motivational factors: a cross-sectional Swedish study on last-year medical students. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2013; 13:39. [PMID: 23497262 PMCID: PMC3599519 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6920-13-39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Today, women constitute about half of medical students in several Western societies, yet women physicians are still underrepresented in surgical specialties and clustered in other branches of medicine. Gender segregation in specialty preference has been found already in medical school. It is important to study the career preferences of our future physicians, as they will influence the maintenance of an adequate supply of physicians in all specialties and the future provision of health care. American and British studies dominate the area of gender and medical careers whereas Swedish studies on medical students' reasons for specialty preference are scarce. The aim of this study is to investigate and compare Swedish male and female medical students' specialty preferences and the motives behind them. METHODS Between 2006 and 2009, all last-year medical students at Umea University, Sweden (N = 421), were invited to answer a questionnaire about their future career and family plans. They were asked about their specialty preference and how they rated the impact that the motivational factors had for their choice. The response rate was 89% (N = 372); 58% were women (N = 215) and 42% were men (N = 157). Logistic regression was used to evaluate the independent impact of each motivational factor for specialty preference. RESULTS On the whole, male and female last-year students opted for similar specialties. Men and women had an almost identical ranking order of the motivational factors. When analyzed separately, male and female students showed both similarities and differences in the motivational factors that were associated with their specialty preference. A majority of the women and a good third of the men intended to work part-time. The motivational factor combining work with family correlated with number of working hours for women, but not for men. CONCLUSIONS The gender similarities in the medical students' specialty preferences are striking and contrast with research from other Western countries where male and female students show more differences in career aspirations. These similarities should be seized by the health care system in order to counteract the horizontal gender segregation in the physician workforce of today.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saima Diderichsen
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, 901 85, Sweden
| | - Eva E Johansson
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, 901 85, Sweden
| | - Petra Verdonk
- Department of Medical Humanities, VU Medical Center, EMGO Institute for Health and Care Research, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Toine Lagro-Janssen
- Department of General Practice and Community Care, Institute for Gender Studies, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Katarina Hamberg
- Department of Public Health and Clinical Medicine, Family Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, 901 85, Sweden
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Mena G, Llupià A, Sequera VG, Aldea M. [Specialized health education: medical students' preferences and perceptions]. Med Clin (Barc) 2013. [PMID: 23199832 DOI: 10.1016/j.medcli.2012.09.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Mena
- Servicio de Medicina Preventiva y Epidemiología, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Universidad de Barcelona (UB), Centro de Investigacion en Salud Internacional de Barcelona (CRESIB), Barcelona, España.
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