Specialty preferences: trends and perceptions among Saudi undergraduate medical students

Negative Impact of Smaller Hometown Size on the Educational Experience of Medical Students: A Nationwide Study in Saudi Arabia

Background and objective Saudi Arabia's rapid medical education expansion has posed unique challenges for its students, particularly concerning specialty selection. Having broad exposure to medical specialties is crucial for making informed decisions. This study explores how the size of students' hometowns influences their exposure to their preferred specialty, thereby affecting their choice. Methods Our cross-sectional study collected data from medical students in their 4th and 5th years, interns, and graduates across Saudi Arabia. An electronic survey gathered information about medical specialty choice, interest levels, students' self-ranking compared to their peers, and level of exposure to the chosen specialty. Overall exposure to specialties was quantified by tallying participants' experiences in preclinical observerships, didactic lectures, research projects, core and elective rotations, and attended conferences. We divided the students into three city sizes: primary urban centers, intermediate urban cities, and small townships and compared the outcomes between these three groups. Results Responses were obtained from 1,072 participants, with 424 (39.6%) from primary urban centers, 367 (34.2%) from intermediate urban cities, and 281 (26.2%) from small townships. Student hometown size was an independent predictor of specialty exposure, with students from smaller cities reporting lower exposure scores (OR = 0.73, (0.63-0.84), p<0.01). The study also identified gender disparities in exposure, with female students found to be correlated with a lower exposure score (OR = 0.72, (0.58-0.89), p<0.01). Conclusion City size is a significant determinant of specialty exposure for Saudi medical students. These findings highlight the need for initiatives that promote equal educational experiences, ensuring comprehensive specialty exposure to all students.

The magnitude of influence of personal and professional factors on the career choices of medical students

Medical students face uncertainty in choosing their future careers, which is influenced by personal and professional factors and can have a direct impact on the healthcare system and society. In this study, we aimed to analyze the magnitude of influence of personal and professional factors on students' choices of a future specialty, among medical students in Saudi Arabia and other Arab countries. This cross-sectional exploratory study used cluster sampling and collected demographic data, influencing factors, preferred specialty, and engagement level, using a 20-item questionnaire. The study included 1,105 students, of which 60.5% were women. Income was the most influential factor for both sexes (68.5%) and was statistically significant for men (P < 0.0001), with personal experience and type of patients served being more important for women. Many students (42.6%) were undecided about their future specialty. However, general surgery was the most preferred specialty, followed by internal medicine (10.9%) and obstetrics and gynecology (5.5%). Women had a significantly higher mean personal score than men, indicating a preference for surgery (3.07 ± 2.2 vs. 2.78 ± 2.1; P = 0.029). In this study, we found that income significantly influenced medical students' choices of specialty, with surgery being the most common, and that many students are undecided about their specialty, needing career counseling and mentoring programs.

Sex Disparities in Ophthalmology From Training Through Practice: A Systematic Review

Importance

Sex-based research in medicine has revealed inequities against females on almost every metric at almost every career stage; ophthalmology is no exception.

Objective

To systematically review the experiences of females in ophthalmology (FiO) from training through practice in high-income countries (HICs).

Evidence Review

A systematic review of English-language studies, published between January 1990 and May 2022, relating to FiO in HICs was performed. PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase electronic databases were searched, as well as the Journal of Academic Ophthalmology as it was not indexed in the searched databases. Studies were organized by theme at each career stage, starting in medical school when an interest in ophthalmology is expressed, and extending up to retirement.

Findings

A total of 91 studies, 87 cross-sectional and 4 cohort, were included. In medical school, mentorship and recruitment of female students into ophthalmology was influenced by sex bias, with fewer females identifying with ophthalmologist mentors and gender stereotypes perpetuated in reference letters written by both male and female referees. In residency, females had unequal learning opportunities, with lower surgical case volumes than male trainees and fewer females pursued fellowships in lucrative subspecialties. In practice, female ophthalmologists had lower incomes, less academic success, and poorer representation in leadership roles. Female ophthalmologists had a greater scholarly impact factor than their male counterparts, but this was only after approximately 30 years of publication experience. Pervasive throughout all stages of training and practice was the experience of greater sexual harassment among females from both patients and colleagues. Despite these disparities, some studies found that females reported equal overall career satisfaction rating with males in ophthalmology, whereas others suggested higher burnout rates.

Conclusions and Relevance

Ophthalmology is approaching sex parity, however, the increase in the proportion of females in ophthalmology had not translated to an increase in female representation in leadership positions. Sex disparities persisted across many domains including recruitment, training, practice patterns, academic productivity, and income. Interventions may improve sex equity in the field.

Factors That Influence Undergraduate Medical Students to Choose General Surgery as a Future Career in Saudi Arabia

Objective The objective of this cross-sectional study conducted in Saudi Arabia was to determine the factors that influence Saudi medical students to choose general surgery as their future specialty and pursue it as a career. Study design The study was conducted over a six-month period from December 2022 to May 2023 and employed a cross-sectional design. Patients and methods Undergraduate medical students from various universities in Saudi Arabia were included as study participants. Only those who met the study's criteria completed a questionnaire, and the data collected was analyzed using IBM Corp. Released 2019. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 26.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp. Results Out of the 283 medical students included in the study, 53% were females, and 55.1% were junior students. The results revealed that the most common influential factors towards selecting a general surgical specialty were "Opportunity to be involved in patient care" (86.9%), "Opportunities for higher studies or further specialization" (85.9%), and "Compatible with personality" (84.8%). Conclusion This study concluded that several factors moderately influenced medical students considering general surgery as their future career. Notably, female students were found to be more likely to be influenced by research opportunities, less stressful working conditions, shorter working hours, and having family members in the same specialty.

The determining factors of medical students in considering a specialty as a future career path: A cross-sectional multinational study in the Middle East

Background and Aims

Throughout their years of study, undergraduate medical students are expected to gain broad comprehension of all medical specialties. After acquiring an undergraduate degree, the decision to choose a specialty is critical for every student's life as it determines the rest of their career path. This study aims to determine factors influencing medical students' choices between various specialties in different countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

Subjects and Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in March 2022 targeting medical students from the Middle East and North African countries. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the students, which consisted of four sections. Ethical approval was obtained from the Unit of Biomedical Ethics Research Committee at King Abdulaziz University. Participation was voluntary and anonymous. For statistical analysis, IBM Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) Statistics for Windows (Version 21.0; IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) was used. Categorical variables were presented using numbers, associated frequencies, and percentages (%). Categorical variables were correlated using the Chi-square test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test was used to compare the means of three or more independent groups. Logistic regression, odds ratio (OR), and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to identify the factors associated with specialty selection. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

A total of 1109 students responded to the questionnaire. Participants' gender characteristics showed that there were 672 (60.6%) females and 437 (39.4%) males. Among them, 127 were in their second year, 180 in their third year, 362 in their fourth year, 85 in their fifth year, 37 in their sixth year, and 108 were interns. The median age of the participants was 22.0 years (mean = 22.09 ± 2.891). There were 473 (42.6%) students who were undecided about their future medical specialty. Income (759, 68.4%) and career prospects (723, 65.2%) were the most preferred factors in their decision to pursue a future medical specialization.

Conclusions

In conclusion, medical and surgical specialties have been identified as the preferred future career path. It was discovered that student's decision-making is influenced by income, career prospects, and the sense of competency needed to choose a future medical specialty. Future research would be more revealing.

Investigating factors that influence residency program selection among medical students

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.

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

Background and objective Choosing a medical specialty is one of the most critical career decisions medical students and interns make. However, little is known about the factors these graduates consider when choosing their specialty. Our study assessed factors that medical students and interns consider when determining their specialty. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey-based study, conducted from November to December 2022. We utilized a previously published questionnaire for 1074 participants, including 837 medical students and 237 interns from Saudi Arabian universities. Results The majority of female participants (80.4%), compared with only 19.6% of male participants, considered interest in specific procedures and techniques typical of the specialty an important factor in choosing a specialty (p = 0.036). Dissertation research experience was an important factor for 83.5% of female participants and 16.5% of male participants (p = 0.024). Additionally, good quality teaching within the study program framework was important for 81.2% of female participants and 18.8% of male participants (p = 0.033), suggesting that male and female participants viewed the importance of good quality teaching differently. Female participants accounted for 80% of those who considered the overseas experience a factor in their specialty choice. Also, 74.4% of female and 25.6% of male participants considered friends, relatives, or other connections in the healthcare field a factor that affects their choice. Furthermore, 79.6% of female and 20.4% of male participants reported having good experiences with physician role models as an impactful factor in their specialty choice. Conclusion Female participants were most interested in obstetrics and gynecology (12.1%,), internal medicine (11.8%), and family medicine (10.8%). Male participants, on the other hand, showed more interest in family medicine (12.7%,), internal medicine (11.0%), and emergency medicine (10.1%). Medical schools and healthcare institutions must provide students and interns with enough information and resources to help them explore different specialties and make well-informed decisions about their careers.

Obstacles Deterring Medical Students From Pursuing a Career in the Field of Surgery in Jazan University, Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Particularly in Saudi Arabia, there is a dearth of trained specialists in the field of surgery. Understanding the obstacles that discourage medical students and residents from pursuing a surgical career is essential for resolving this shortage. This study intended to investigate the characteristics that influence medical students and trainees at Jazan University, Saudi Arabia, to pursue a career in surgery.

METHODOLOGY

This observational study employed a descriptive, cross-sectional approach. The intended audience consisted of fourth- to sixth-year medical students and medical residents. The questionnaire gathered information on demographics, academic year, previous surgical experience, perceptions of surgery as a specialty, and variables influencing career selections.

RESULTS

Out of 413 participants, 74.3% were considering a surgical career, with 24.4% interested in general surgery, followed by cardiac surgery (14.3%) and pediatric surgery (12.4%). Factors influencing career decisions included potential income (82%), the possibility of part-time work (82%), and partial leave (74%). A significant proportion of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the incidence of suicide (62%) and the risk of depression (72%) are higher in surgical specialties. Female participants were more likely to agree that their chance of becoming a spouse could be affected by a surgical career (p=0.002) and that meeting role models could influence their choice of surgical specialty (p=0.015).

CONCLUSION

Work-life balance, long working hours, and mental health concerns are identified as variables that discourage medical students and residents from pursuing a surgical career in the study. Efforts to encourage work-life balance, minimize workload, and provide support and resources for mental health issues should help surgeons suffer less stress and burnout. Moreover, encouraging an open-minded attitude and de-stigmatizing mental health concerns in the medical field should encourage individuals to seek assistance when necessary and lower the incidence of suicide and depression. Finally, tackling gender discrimination and encouraging diversity and inclusion in surgical specialties could attract more skilled surgeons.

A nationwide survey of Turkish medical students' upon interest and decision for cardiovascular surgery as a future career: A cross-sectional survey

Background

In this study, we aimed to investigate the current interest of Turkish medical students to pursue a career in cardiovascular surgery and to identify possible factors which positively or negatively affected their decisions.

Methods

Between January 2022 and August 2022, a cross-sectional survey of 34 questions was created using the Google Forms online survey platform. Questions were directed to participants to evaluate demographic features, interest level in cardiovascular surgery, interest in other specialty programs, and interest in residency abroad using fivepoint Likert scales.

Results

A total of 5338 Medical Students were reached who were balanced to 7 geographical regions across Türkiye and 1233 (23%) medical students participated in the questionnaire. Of the respondents, 544 were males and 689 were females with a mean age of 21.2±0.5 (range, 17 to 28) years. More than half of the students (56.2%) considered residency training programs in Türkiye. Cardiology had the highest preference rate for residency training (8.3%), followed by cardiovascular surgery (7.5%). More than one-third of students (36.5%) who were interested in pursuing a career in cardiovascular surgery decided to be trained abroad. Achieving a prestigious job, motivation for life saving, prioritizing innovations, and high academic studies were the main factors that positively affected the perspective of students on cardiovascular surgery, while stressful surgeries, intense and tiring night shifts, and a relatively poor social life/work balance were the main deterrent factors. Attendance to cardiovascular surgeries positively affected the decisions of students (p=0.008).

Conclusion

Although it is thought that the interest in pursuing a career in cardiovascular surgery has reduced in recent years all over the world, our study shows that cardiovascular surgery still continues to be a popular specialty among Turkish medical students. Therefore, we believe that guiding medical students by using their current potential and encouraging the students to attend cardiovascular surgeries more frequently throughout their education life are essential in choosing cardiovascular surgery as a future career option.

Influencing Factors of Future Specialty Choice for Undergraduate Medical Students: An Updated Experience from the UAE

Background  Medical students' career choices determine the prospects of the future medical workforce, thus influencing the delivery of medical care. This study aims to identify and provide information about factors affecting the selection of future specialties among medical students. Methods  A cross-sectional study was conducted on students in both preclerkship and clerkship phases at a single institution in the United Arab Emirates. A self-administered questionnaire included questions about demographic data, most preferred specialties, and influential factors. The influential factors were measured using a Likert scale. Results  Surgery and internal medicine were the most desired specialties, respectively. Gender has a significant role in influencing career choice. There was no association between preclerkship and clerkship students' career choices. The most influential factors were seeing good treatment outcomes and having abilities for the specialty. Conclusions  Surgery and internal medicine were the most preferred specialties, even though significant gender differences existed in specialty choices among these students.

The Impact of Nursing Education on Emergency Bedside External Ventricular Drain Insertion for Patients With Acute Hydrocephalus

Objectives Acute hydrocephalus is a neurosurgical emergency that requires immediate intervention. With emergency external ventricular drain (EVD) insertion and management, such rapid intervention can be a safe bedside procedure. Nurses play an integral role in patient management. Thus, this study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of nurses from different departments regarding bedside EVD insertion in patients with acute hydrocephalus. Methods EVD and intracranial pressure (ICP) monitoring competency checklists were developed, and a quasi-experimental, single-group, pre/post-test study was conducted at a university hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, in January 2018 during an educational program. The neurosurgery team determined program efficacy using pre/post-questionnaires. All attendees who agreed to fill in the pre- and post-survey and whose data were complete were included in the study. Results Of the 140 nurses who participated in the study, the data of 101 were analyzed. Knowledge level improved significantly between the pre- and post-test; for example, when asked about administering antibiotics before EVD insertion, the pre-test correct response rate of 65% increased to 94% in the post-test (p<0.001), and 98% considered the session informative. However, the attitude toward bedside EVD insertion did not change after the teaching sessions. Conclusion This study emphasizes the importance of ongoing nursing education, hands-on training, and strict adherence to an EVD insertion checklist to achieve successful bedside management of patients with acute hydrocephalus.

Factors Influencing Undergraduate Students' Preference of Health Sciences Specialties

BACKGROUND

It is necessary to determine what motivates students to pursue a particular specialty of their choosing to maintain a balance of medical practitioners from various disciplines.

OBJECTIVE

The study aims to assess factors influencing undergraduate students of Applied Medical Sciences in choosing a specialty or discipline.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted among first-year students of the faculty of applied medical sciences at Taibah University. One hundred and twenty-five participants were enrolled in the study. The students were asked to respond and complete the designed 9-item questionnaire. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (BM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 23.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp.) was used to analyze the data. A comparison between departments of the faculty was carried out.

RESULTS

125 participants were satisfied with their current faculty or discipline. They stated that medicine was the first choice (43.2%), followed by clinical nutrition (11.2%), dentistry (8%), diagnostic radiology (7.2%), and clinical laboratory (5.6%). The most important factors that affect students' choice of discipline were helping patients and the community (32.8%), personal desire (30.4%), personal desire and helping patients (22.4%), and job opportunity and prestige (9.5%), with gender variations. Family enforcement and finances were less frequent factors affecting students' specialty preferences.

CONCLUSION

The human medicine specialization was the first choice for most female and male undergraduate students who entered the faculty of applied medical sciences. Furthermore, the most influencing factor affecting students' choices was helping patients and the community.

Ophthalmology as a career choice among medical students in Eastern India - A cross-sectional study

Purpose

Several factors influence medical students to choose a specialty branch for post-graduate training, and it is important to understand them so that strategies can be made to make it more attractive and hence the shortage in the workforce can be addressed. This study aimed to identify the factors that influenced under-graduate medical students to choose ophthalmology as their specialty for post-graduate training.

Methods

It was a descriptive, cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study, carried out among medical students at a tertiary academic institute in eastern India. In this survey tool, 25 questions were divided into different sections: demographic data, factors influencing the choice and perceptions about ophthalmology as a career option, and the impact of rotatory internship posting on the choice of subject. The various factors were then scored and indexed appropriately.

Results

There were 515 participants. The median age was 23 years. The major influencing factor for choosing ophthalmology was "adequate time" (52.04%), and the discouraging factor was "steep learning curve" (58.64%). Age had an odds ratio of 0.781, showing that the lower the age, the higher the chances of being positively inclined toward ophthalmology as a career choice. Similarly, major deciding factors, perceptions, and experiences in ophthalmology had odds ratios of 1.841, 1.725, and 2.057, respectively, showing a positive inclination.

Conclusion

The study states that a steep learning curve, personal attitudes, and misconceptions may dissuade the students from taking this subject, but adequate clinical exposure and experience, as well as role models during the internship, can create a positive impact on career choice.

Future Dreams of Junior and Senior Medical Students at a Public Saudi Medical School

BACKGROUND

Medical education is a challenging profession requiring students to acquire various skills and develop them continuously before and after graduation. The study aimed to assess the students' preference toward specialty and determine their preferred residency program and future ambitions regarding administrative and leadership positions.

METHODOLOGY

This is a cross-sectional self-administered survey that included medical students in 1st year, and 5th year and internship at Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU). The questionnaire consisted of demographic information and questions about the student's choices regarding plans.

RESULTS

Four hundred and fifty-eight (458) medical students out of 583 students (55.5% junior and 44.5% senior students) enrolled themselves in the study and completed the survey. Findings revealed that medical students' top five preferred future general medical specialties were surgery (34.5), followed by internal medicine (18.3), family medicine (17.2), dermatology (14.6), and emergency medicine (15.9). The junior students were found to be more inclined toward dermatology, medical genetics, and surgical general specialties. The findings showed that 63% of the students were interested in becoming future leaders, with 52.8% of them wishing to become head of a medical department. When asked about their desired qualifications, 85.8% preferred the Saudi Board.

CONCLUSION

Surgery was the most favorable specialty among medical students, followed by internal medicine, family medicine and dermatology, and emergency medicine. The study showed a significant difference between males and females and seniors and juniors in preference of specialty and medical qualification, the female medical students prefer to specialize in dermatology (p=0.027), neurology (p=0.028), and obstetrics and gynecology (p=0.001) as a general specialty significantly more than male medical students. It shows that students are interested in future leadership goals.

The Motivational Factors of Choosing Diagnostic Radiology as a Profession Among Saudi Radiography Students

PURPOSE

To identify factors influencing Saudi students to choose radiography as their academic major and future career field.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

This study involved quantitative (online questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structured interview) approaches. An online questionnaire was distributed among (n = 308) students. The questionnaire contained 30 questions covering the following three domains: economy, vocational and personal. A total of 25 individual semi-structured interviews were conducted with purposive sampling of radiography students in seven universities (public and private) across the western region of Saudi Arabia. Interview responses were coded, and main themes were extracted based on Miles and Huberman's framework.

RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that radiography was the first option as profession for 44% of the study participants. Several factors that study participants considered important were in the realm of patient care, helping patients, radiographer-patient relations, science-based profession, and the desire to work in the healthcare system. A few participants (14%) reported that they are planning to change their profession to another medical speciality. Four themes were identified from the interviews: 1) Profession decision-making, 2) changing career", 3) difficulties and challenges, and 4) recommended radiography as a profession.

CONCLUSION

The results of the study support the need to bridge the gap between high school, universities, and employment through a collaborative network to assist students in exploring their career path by providing sufficient information and experience.

Perceptions of Neurosurgery among Medical Students and Interns: A National Cross-Sectional Study

Background: Neurosurgery is considered one of the most admired surgical specializations. Still, as evidenced by observations over the years, it is not amongst the top choices of medical students in Saudi Arabia. This study will help in understanding the perception and attitudes of medical students and interns toward the neurosurgery specialization, which will aid in developing strategies to increase the interest of undergraduates in neurosurgery specialization and bridge the human resource gap in this vital specialty. Objectives: This study aimed to assess perceptions, attitudes, and gender differences of medical students and interns toward neurosurgery. The influence of demographic factors on perceptions of neurosurgery of interns and senior medical students in Saudi Arabia was also investigated. Methodology: We conducted a cross-sectional study on a convenience sample of medical students (clinical years) and interns studying in different colleges of medicine in Saudi Arabia. A total of 1014 responses were included in this study (518 males and 496 females). The questionnaire comprised of two parts: the first part carried general descriptive questions, while the second part had 24-item Likert scale-based questions. Results: Around 40% of medical students and 26% of interns agreed or strongly agreed to the statement ‘I would consider a career in neurosurgery. Around 70% of both interns and students agreed or strongly agreed with the statement ‘Huge prestige is attached to neurosurgery’. The responses to the statement ‘Neurosurgery is a male specialty’ was significantly different between genders, as 36.5% of the male respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement while just 12.5% of the females responded likewise (p = 0.000). Only 23% of participants reported having completed a rotation in neurosurgery. About 44.7% of respondents were interested in taking an elective rotation in neurosurgery, while the remaining respondents (55.3%) responded with a negative answer. Only 23% of participants had completed an undergraduate rotation in neurosurgery. More males (65.3%) agreed or strongly agreed with the statement ‘Work as a neurosurgery specialist can impede family life as compared to females (57.5%), which was highly significant (p = 0.000). More medical students (45.1%) responded in the agreement or strong agreement in response to the statement’ Neurosurgery should be a compulsory rotation during internship’ as compared to interns (25.8%). Around 65% of the respondents agreed or strongly agreed that teachers/seniors have a great influence on students’ specialization choices. Around 67% of the respondents foresaw a purely clinical role for themselves after graduation, while 17% were interested in a clinical–academician role. Conclusions: The study reflected a generally positive attitude towards neurosurgery amongst medical students and interns. Interest in neurosurgery as a specialization can be strengthened by enhancing the exposure of students and interns to the specialty. Teachers and seniors can be useful influencers to motivate students to consider neurosurgery specialization.

Role models as a factor influencing career choice among female surgical residents in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Role models in the medical field are professional and experienced persons whose actions unconsciously inspire juniors to strive to be like them. To our knowledge, no studies have examined whether having a female surgical role model has influenced women to pursue a surgical career in Saudi Arabia. Hence, we sought to evaluate whether identifying role models in surgery influences career choice and defined the ideal qualities of a surgical role model as perceived by newly qualified doctors.

METHODS

We employed a cross-sectional, survey- based study design, conducted between June 2020 and January 2021, in which female surgical residents completed a questionnaire about their perceptions and influence of role models in general surgery specialty at the time they pursue a career in surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 51 respondents completed the questionnaire. The majority of them (78.4%) had a role model and (19.6%) indicated that their role model was a female. Of those who had a role model, (67.5%) agreed that they experienced a positive influence on their surgical career choice. Clinical and operation skills were reported as the most remarkable factor to be considered in their role models. Working directly with a male surgical consultant and female surgical residents imprinted a positive influence but this did not reach a statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this article contribute empirically to the strong effects of the same-sex role models and highlight the curial role of surgical residents in influencing female's career choices in general surgery as an achievable and attainable domain. Which encourage the creation of national mentorship programs and exploring more in barriers for pursuing a surgical career.

Perceptions of oncology as a career choice among the early career doctors in Pakistan

BACKGROUND

Lack of oncologists is a growing global concern. With the rise in cancer burden across the world, the supply-demand mismatch of the oncology workforce is projected to increase. Furthermore, oncology is a low-ranked field of choice among medical students, and without understanding the perceptions and concerns of early-career doctors regarding oncology, any investments made in cancer care will be futile. This study aims to determine the opinions of young doctors and the factors most affecting their preferences in order to devise focused strategies to attract more doctors into oncology.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 300 early-career doctors across various public and private hospitals in Pakistan, from March to November 2019. A close-ended, self-administered questionnaire was used to assess their opinions in terms of the workplace environment, scope, and the emotional and financial aspects of oncology. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 23 and the influence (positive or negative) of the perceptions on the choice of oncology as a career was determined by binary logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

Almost three-quarters of the participants did not want a career in oncology. The top positive perceptions about oncology in descending order were: progressive field, gender-neutral, stable working hours, financially healthy, and work-family balance. Top negative perceptions were: lack of oncologic facilities in hospitals, radiation exposure, need for private practice, poor patient prognosis, high patient load, and depressing environment. Participants who attended private medical school (p < 0.10), planned to live abroad (p < 0.10), had an oncologist (p < 0.05), cancer survivor or death due to cancer in the family (p < 0.05), were more likely to adopt oncology as a career. Those who believed that poor patient prognosis can have an impact on career choice were less likely to prefer oncology (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Despite the rising cancer burden, early career doctors are reluctant to join oncology. Curricular, infrastructural and policy changes are needed at the level of medical school, oncology training and practice to recruit more young doctors and minimize the existing paucity of the oncologic workforce.

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

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.

Undergraduate Ophthalmology Teaching in Saudi Arabia: Assessment, Analysis, and Comparisons

BACKGROUND

The International Council of Ophthalmology (ICO) considers ophthalmology a core curriculum subject for medical students. To date, there is no unified guideline assessing the efficacy of ophthalmology curricula in Saudi medical schools. Hence, we aimed to investigate the adequacy of undergraduate ophthalmology education in Saudi Arabia compared with the ICO guidelines.

METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, an online questionnaire was distributed randomly to medical graduates in different Saudi medical schools. We reached 31 medical schools (public and private) in different regions of Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

From medical schools across Saudi Arabia, 317 participants were enrolled in the study. Our study outcomes followed the ICO guidelines in multiple areas, including having ophthalmology training during medical school (93.4%), ophthalmology course duration of 2 weeks (56.2%), necessary knowledge for patients' referral (55.8%), competency in most basic ophthalmic skills, and participants receiving different teaching methods (theoretical lectures and clinical settings). In addition, 58.7% of the participants considered ophthalmology education a significant factor in choosing a future residency program.

CONCLUSION

In our study, most Saudi medical schools followed the ICO guidelines, as numerous graduates are competent in many basic ophthalmic skills. A structured national guideline must be established to ensure that future general practitioners can deal with ophthalmic patients and to establish a Saudi gold-standard eyesight health program.

Preference of and factors that influence future specialty among medical students in Jordan: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Choosing future specialty is an important issue that face undergraduate medical students during their university years. Several factors may assist to formulate students' final decision. We aimed to explore the future specialty preferences and the factors that influence the choice of undergraduate students in medical schools in Jordan.

METHODS

A cross sectional study conducted among the sixth year students of two medical schools in Jordan. A questionnaire was used to collect data from the students. It consisted of demographic data in form of gender, GPA, family income, and parents' level of education. In addition to data about preferred specialties, and factors that influence medical students' choice of future specialty.

RESULTS

A total of 223 medical students from two medical schools were recruited to participate. Males were 49.3% while females were 50.7%, and around 22% scored an excellent GPA. Most parents of the students were bachelor degree holders (63.6% for fathers and 62.3% for mothers). Medicine (19.4%), dermatology (12.6%), and obstetrics and gynecology (11.7%) were the most chosen future specialties. Specialty appeal and thoughts of future creativity was the most chosen factor that influenced future specialty (55.2%) choice, followed by family time and less on-call duties (14.8%). Students who selected chances of fellowships as an influencing factor were more likely to prefer medicine as future specialties (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Medicine, dermatology, and obstetrics and gynecology were the most popular future specialty choices among undergraduate medical students. Most of our medical students claimed that selection of their specialty is based on the interest and potential creativity, family time and less on call duties. Further studies are required in a wide range to accommodate more students from the other academic years.

Factors Associated with Choice of Career in Family Medicine Among Junior Doctors in Oman

Objectives

The number of family physicians in Oman is far below that recommended by the World Health Organization. This study aimed to determine factors influencing junior doctors’ choice of a career in family medicine.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and June 2018 and targeted applicants to Oman Medical Specialty Board residency programmes during the 2018–2019 academic year. Applicants were grouped according to their choice of either family medicine (n = 64) or other specialities (n = 81). A self-administered questionnaire was utilised to compare the applicants’ sociodemographic characteristics, factors influencing their choice of career and their Myers-Briggs Type Indicator^® (MBTI) personality traits.

Results

A total of 52 family medicine and 43 other residency applicants participated in the study (response rates: 81.3% and 53.1%, respectively). Most family medicine applicants were female (86.5%), married (65.4%) and resided in rural areas (73.1%); moreover, 19.2% were ≥30 years of age. Overall, emphasis on continuity of care, opportunity to deal with a variety of medical problems, the ability to use a wide range of skills and knowledge, early exposure to the discipline, opportunity to teach and perform research and the influence of family or friends were important factors in determining choice of a career in family medicine. Moreover, the MBTI analysis revealed that family medicine applicants were commonly extroverted-sensing-thinking-judging personality types.

Conclusion

Knowledge of the factors influencing career choice among junior doctors may be useful in determining future admission policies in order to increase the number of family physicians in Oman.

Applicability of American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) competencies to clinical pharmacy practice in Egypt

Background

The American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) prepared clinical pharmacist competencies that have specific recommendations. Recently, many efforts to advance clinical pharmacy services in Egypt exist. The literature revealed that no country has assessed the extent of applicability of ACCP competencies in its current pharmacy practice setting. Egyptian pharmacists can provide feedback about applicability of such competencies in clinical pharmacy settings in Egypt.

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the extent to which ACCP competencies were implemented by Egyptian clinical pharmacists and therefore evaluate development of clinical pharmacy practice in Egypt. The study also investigated factors affecting the applicability of such competencies in the current clinical pharmacy practice setting in Egypt.

Methods

Four hundred and ninety-five randomly selected clinical pharmacists from several hospitals were invited to participate in a cross sectional survey using a self-administered validated questionnaire composed of 31 questions classified into six domains. This questionnaire was designed to determine the pharmacists' perception about applicability of ACCP competencies to clinical pharmacy practice in Egypt.

Results

The response rate was 64% as 317 out of 495 pharmacists completed the questionnaire. These pharmacists were categorized according to age; gender; qualifications; years of previous work experience, years since BSc. and type of hospitals they are currently working at. Analysis of data revealed the professionalism domain to have the highest percentage of acceptance among pharmacists, while the system-based care & population health domain had the lowest percentage of acceptance. Results also showed that qualifications of participants did not affect their response in three domains; "Direct Patient Care", "Systems-based Care & Population Health" and "Continuing Professional Development" (p=0.082, 0.081, 0.060), respectively. Nevertheless, qualifications of participants did affect their response in the other three domains; "Pharmacotherapy Knowledge", "Communication" and "Professionalism" (p<0.05). The age of pharmacists, gender, years of previous work experience, and graduation year did not affect their responses in all six domains. The type of hospital they are currently working at, though, affected their responses where, there was a highly statistically significant increase of the mean score of all domains among participants working at the NGOs/private hospitals compared to governmental hospitals (p<0.001).

Conclusions

Egyptian pharmacists generally apply high percentage of ACCP competencies but the provided clinical pharmacy services need to be improved through applying the standards of best practice.

The Influence of Gender on the Choice of Radiology as a Specialty Among Medical Students in Saudi Arabia: Cross-Sectional Study

Background

Medical undergraduates are the future doctors of the country. Therefore, determining how medical students choose their areas of specialty is essential to obtain a balanced distribution of physicians among all specialties. Although gender is a significant factor that affects specialty choice, the factors underlying gender differences in radiology are not fully elucidated.

Objective

This study examined the factors that attracted medical students to and discouraged them from selecting diagnostic radiology and analyzed whether these factors differed between female and male medical students.

Methods

This cross-sectional study conducted at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, used an electronic questionnaire sent to medical students from all medical years during February 2018. Subgroup analyses for gender and radiology interest were performed using the chi-square test and Cramér’s V test.

Results

In total, 539 students (276 women; 263 men) responded. The most common factor preventing students from choosing radiology as a career was the lack of direct patient contact, which deterred approximately 47% who decided against considering this specialty. Negative perceptions by other physicians (P<.001), lack of acknowledgment by patients (P=.004), and lack of structured radiology rotations (P=.007) dissuaded significantly more male students than female students. Among those interested in radiology, more female students were attracted by job flexibility (P=.01), while more male students were attracted by focused patient interactions with minimal paperwork (P<.001).

Conclusions

No significant difference was found between the genders in terms of considering radiology as a specialty. Misconception plays a central role in students’ judgment regarding radiology. Hence, early exposure to radiology, assuming a new teaching method, and using a curriculum that supports the active participation of students in a radiology rotation are needed to overcome this misconception.

Specialty preferences and factors affecting future career choice among medical graduates in Saudi

Aims:

Our study was conducted to study the future specialty choices and the influencing factors among Saudi medical students.

Settings and Design:

Convenience study.

Methods and Materials:

An online questionnaire was sent to medical students during the period from February to April 2019 with the aim of analyzing the most desired specialty, the reasons behind choosing, and the different factors playing a role in choosing those specialties.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The results were analyzed by the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software version 21. Differences in means were analyzed using t-test. The Chi-square test was used to identify significant differences among groups with a significance level set a P ≥ 0.05.

Results:

A convenience sample of 579 students has completed the survey. Most of the students did not receive any advice for choosing their specialty preferred. The three most desired specialties by both genders (males/females) are surgery, internal medicine, and cardiac surgery, respectively. The data revealed that nearly 42% of students did not receive any advice regarding their preferred career. Interesting cases, challenging, good lifestyle, and impact on patient quality of life were important reasons in selecting all specialties.

Conclusion:

A variety of factors appear to inspire medical students to choose a future career intention in Saudi Arabia. Some career measures and guidance are needed by university mentors and health policymakers to encourage those specialties that are scarce in Saudi Arabia.

Job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout in the population of orthopedic surgeon and neurosurgeon trainees in mainland China

OBJECTIVE

In China, orthopedics and neurosurgery are among the most desired majors for medical students. However, little is known about the working and living status of specialists in these two fields. This study was aimed at evaluating job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout in the population of Chinese orthopedist and neurosurgeon trainees.

METHODS

A nationwide online survey was administered in mainland China. Questionnaires were answered anonymously. Job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout were assessed using the Job Descriptive Index, the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, and the Maslach Burnout Inventory, respectively.

RESULTS

Data were collected from 643 orthopedist trainees and 690 neurosurgeon trainees. Orthopedists and neurosurgeons showed no statistical difference in terms of age, sex, job titles, and preference for working in tertiary hospitals. Orthopedists had a higher marriage rate (p < 0.01), a lower divorce rate (p = 0.017), relatively shorter working hours (p < 0.01), and a higher annual income (p = 0.023) than neurosurgeons. Approximately 40% of respondents experienced workplace violence in the last 5 years. Less than 10% of respondents were satisfied with their pay, and over 70% would not encourage their offspring to become a doctor. Orthopedists were more satisfied with their careers than neurosurgeons (p < 0.01) and had a higher level of work engagement (p < 0.01). In addition, a higher proportion of orthopedists were burnt out (p < 0.01) than neurosurgeons, though the difference between the two groups was not significant (p = 0.088). Multivariate regressions suggested that younger age (≤ 25 years old), being a senior trainee, getting divorced, working in a regional hospital, long working hours (≥ 71 hrs/wk), a low annual income (<¥100,000), sleeping < 6 hrs/day, and experience with workplace violence were significantly related to burnout for both groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Chinese orthopedic surgical and neurosurgical trainees are under significant stress. Orthopedic surgeons showed relatively optimistic data in their assessments of job satisfaction, engagement, and burnout. This study may provide valuable information for orthopedic and neurosurgical candidates considering either specialty as a career.

Determinants of medical specialty competitiveness

BACKGROUND

Although the concept of medical specialty competitiveness may seem intuitive, there are very little existing empirical data on the determinants of specialty competitiveness in USA. An understanding of the determinants of specialty competitiveness may inform career choices among students and their advisors. Specialty competitiveness correlates with availability and appeal.

METHODS

This narrative review examines 2019 National Resident Matching Program (NRMP) data and the existing literature to define the determinants of specialty competitiveness. A statistical analysis of key elements of the 2019 NRMP data was performed.

RESULTS

Using US senior applicant fill rate as a measure of competitiveness, medical specialty competitiveness follows general principles of supply and demand. The demand, or appeal, of a specialty correlates with several factors, including salary, prestige and lifestyle. Salary correlates strongly with US senior fill rate (r=0.78, p=0.001). Relatively few positions are available for the most competitive specialties in the NRMP match. The negative correlation between US senior fill rate and position availability is also strong (r=-0.85; p<0.0001).

CONCLUSION

A 'competitive specialty' correlates strongly with high earnings potential and limited position availability. In an ideal world, a student's pursuit of a medical specialty should be guided by interest, qualifications and ability to succeed in that field. However, students must contend with the realities of competition created by the residency matching system.

A comparison of temperament and character among psychiatry, internal medicine, and surgery residents at Iran University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2013-2014

Background: This study was conducted to compare temperament and character among psychiatry residents, internal medicine, and surgery residents in hospitals affiliated to Iran University of Medical Sciences in the academic year 2013-2014. Methods: This cross sectional analytical study was conducted on 201 residents using the non-probability method of convenience sampling. Cloninger's 125-item Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI) and Maslach's Burnout Inventory (MBI) were distributed among all the residents in their morning session. Once the questionnaires were completed and submitted, the data were analyzed in SPSS 16. The frequency of different personality traits was analyzed among the selected residents. Results: A total of 49.8% of the respondents were female (n=100) and 50.2% were male (n=101). The results of data analysis showed more novelty seeking, reward dependence, and harm avoidance and less persistence (33.93, p=0.006; 9.00, p=0.056; 32.55, p=0.021; and 2.48, p=0.028, respectively) in psychiatry residents than in surgery residents (31.97, 7.87, 30.74, and 3.12 respectively). Reward dependence was more frequent in internal medicine residents than in surgery residents (9.44 and 7.87 respectively, p=0.002). The self-directedness score was lower in psychiatry residents than in internal medicine residents (p=0.761) and higher than in surgery residents (17.96, 18.30, and 17.57 respectively, p=0.824). The cooperativeness and self-transcendence scores were higher in psychiatry residents than in internal medicine (p=0.943, p=0.199, respectively) and surgery residents (p=0.105, p=0.069 respectively). Conclusion: The different dimensions of personality varied between the surgery, internal medicine, and psychiatry residents. Particularly, this study did not show statistically significant differences in dimensions of character (cooperativeness, self-directedness, and self-transcendence) among surgery, internal medicine, and psychiatry residents. The selection of medical specialties based on character traits significantly contributes to more effective treatment of patients and higher satisfaction of the residents.

Specialty income and career decision making: a qualitative study of medical student perceptions

CONTEXT

Medical educators in the USA are interested in the ways medical students make career choices because shortages in key specialties, particularly primary care specialties, limit access to care. Although anticipated specialty income is a strong predictor of student interest, no studies have qualitatively explored the reasons why income is important to students. By better understanding students' perspectives on income and specialty choice, educators can help students make choices that fit their goals and better educate students about the specialties in which the need for expansion is greatest.

METHODS

In 2012, Year-2 students at one USA medical school were invited to write an essay about how debt and anticipated income levels influence their career choices. A total of 132 essays (response rate: 67%) were qualitatively analysed using a hermeneutic phenomenology approach to conventional content analysis, in which themes emerge inductively from the data. Researchers employed peer debriefing, modified member checking, thick description, code-recode strategies, audit trails and reflexivity to ensure quality and rigour. Although this analysis initially focused on student perceptions of specialty income, prestige also emerged as an important related theme.

RESULTS

Three major findings emerged. Income is of varying importance to different students. Students value income because it provides freedom and flexibility, and power and security. Students recognise that high income confers social prestige. Students also define specialty prestige in other ways, including match competitiveness, perceived expertise, opportunities for advancement through fellowships, and power and autonomy.

CONCLUSIONS

Medical students' perspectives of specialty income, specialty choice and prestige are more complex than previously reported. Medical educators should frame conversations about specialty choices in ways that incorporate varied perspectives on income and prestige. Health policymakers should recognise that income and prestige influence medical students' decisions in complex ways. These insights may inform strategies to counteract shortages in key specialties, including primary care specialties.

Factors influencing subspecialty choice among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To characterise the contributing factors that affect medical students' subspecialty choice and to estimate the extent of influence of individual factors on the students' decision-making process.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

A systematic search of the Cochrane Library, ERIC, Web of Science, CNKI and PubMed databases was conducted for studies published between January 1977 and June 2018. Information concerning study characteristics, influential factors and the extent of their influence (EOI) was extracted independently by two trained investigators. EOI is the percentage level that describes how much each of the factors influenced students' choice of subspecialty. The recruited medical students include students in medical school, internship, residency training and fellowship, who are about to or have just made a specialty choice. The estimates were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model due to the between-study heterogeneity.

RESULTS

Data were extracted from 75 studies (882 209 individuals). Overall, the factors influencing medical students' choice of subspecialty training mainly included academic interests (75.29%), competencies (55.15%), controllable lifestyles or flexible work schedules (53.00%), patient service orientation (50.04%), medical teachers or mentors (46.93%), career opportunities (44.00%), workload or working hours (37.99%), income (34.70%), length of training (32.30%), prestige (31.17%), advice from others (28.24%) and student debt (15.33%), with significant between-study heterogeneity (p<0.0001). Subgroup analyses revealed that the EOI of academic interests was higher in developed countries than that in developing countries (79.66% [95% CI 70.73% to 86.39%] vs 60.41% [95% CI 43.44% to 75.19%]; Q=3.51, p=0.02). The EOI value of prestige was lower in developed countries than that in developing countries (23.96% [95% CI 19.20% to 29.47%] vs 47.65% [95% CI 34.41% to 61.24%]; Q=4.71, p=0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

This systematic review and meta-analysis provided a quantitative evaluation of the top 12 influencing factors associated with medical students' choice of subspecialty. Our findings provide the basis for the development of specific, effective strategies to optimise the distribution of physicians among different departments by modifying these influencing factors.

Perceptions and Career Expectation in Ophthalmology among Saudi Undergraduate Medical Students

PURPOSE:

To assess the perceptions about ophthalmology as a career among undergraduate medical students and to investigate the determinants of career choice in ophthalmology.

METHODS:

A questionnaire was administered to all medical students (from 4^th year to interns) in King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. A total of 519 students were included in the study. Students who aspire for ophthalmology as a career, i.e., those who mentioned it in their top three choices (Group A), were compared to those who did not (Group B) regarding demographic and academic factors, factors generally influencing career choice and perception about and experience in ophthalmology.

RESULTS:

Among 519 included students, ophthalmology was the first career choice of 5.6% and in the top three choices of 13.5% of students. Students from Group A had female preponderance and comparable academic skills, by reference to Group B. Group A reported to have a better experience in ophthalmology, including conference attendance, research activity, and community services related to ophthalmology, as well as greater advantage from ophthalmology rotation. Determinants of career choice in ophthalmology included giving importance for workload during their residency (odds ratio [OR] = 3.38; P = 0.021), having concern about challenging instrumental features (OR = 0.29, P = 0.012), believing that ophthalmology should be included in primary care (OR = 13.60, P = 0.002), and having participated in community service activity in ophthalmology (OR = 10.10, P = 0.005).

CONCLUSION:

Students who aspire for a career in ophthalmology showed to have an early involvement in related academic activities and less concern about instrumental and intellectual challenges, as compared to their counterparts. The formal ophthalmology rotation is the key step to recruit future ophthalmologists by correcting misconceptions and enhancing interest about the specialty.

Factors Influencing Saudi Medical Student's Decision Towards Cardiothoracic Surgery as a Future Career, a Cross Sectional Study

Introduction:

There has been a progressive decline in students’ interest to consider cardiothoracic surgery as future career in the distant regions in the world. There are many factors could explain declining interest in cardiothoracic surgery including diminished caseloads due to the expansive growth of interventional cardiology; length of training programs that influences medical student’s perception. King Abdulaziz University student’s interest to join the speciality explored in our study. We determined some factors that influence their decision making toward their cardiothoracic career.

Aim:

We aimed to estimate the current interests of medical students at King Abdulaziz University to pursue a career in Cardiothoracic surgery and to determine the factors that positively or negatively affect their decision.

Material and Methods:

A self-administered online survey designed on Google form was distributed through email to fourth, fifth, and sixth-year medical students. Five domains; demographics, current career intentions, previous exposure to surgery, experiences and perceptions of cardiothoracic surgery were covered in the questionnaire to identify factors affecting student decision to choose cardiothoracic surgery as a future career.

Results:

Among 486 students at our institution, 179 (36, 83%) medical students completed the questionnaire more than half of them 91 (50.8%) were males. The percentage of students who considered cardiothoracic surgery as a future career was (4.5%); when asked if they were serious in pursuing a career in cardiothoracic surgery, (14.5%) of the student were affirmative. Of those participated in the survey, Twenty-four students believed they had adequate introduction to the cardiothoracic surgery during their undergraduate program.

Conclusion:

cardiothoracic surgery is falling away behind other specialties as career of choice for many future physicians. It is believed mainly related to inadequate introduction to the field. Increasing exposure and close mentorship is needed to attract more students to pursue a career in cardiothoracic surgery.

Mapping the factors that influence the career specialty preferences by the undergraduate medical students

It is often perceived that undergraduate medical students do not select their career specialty until they are graduated. This study aimed to probe the preferences of undergraduate medical students about their career specialty and the factors influencing their choices. A self-administered questionnaire was distributed to 3rd through 5th year undergraduate medical students to record their choices of specialties and to identify the factors that influence their career selection. Out of 220 respondents, 29 (13.2%) students selected General Surgery, 24 (10.9%) Pediatrics, and 18 (8.2%) Internal Medicine as their career specialties; whereas 24 (10.9%) students were not able to select a major specialty. The least popular specialties were Gynecology and Obstetrics, Oncology, Histopathology, Orthopedics, Genetics, Psychology, each selected by one student. One hundred and seventeen (53.1%) thought their selected specialty 'matched their capabilities' and 82 (37.2%) perceived their selection as "innovative field in medicine". Career advice by friends and families and the desire to serve academic institutions could not influence career selection. Career preferences by medical students result from the interplay of a range of factors. General Surgery, Pediatrics and Internal Medicine were the most preferred specialties. The professional grooming programs to target specialties matching the trainees' capabilities and the specialties with state-of-the-art innovative technologies attract medical undergraduate students. The attained knowledge is vitally important for the policy makers in modifying the existing framework that can cater the popular and favored specialties.

Specialty preferences and influencing factors: a repeated cross-sectional survey of first- to sixth-year medical students in Jena, Germany

BACKGROUND

Given the expected increase in those entering retirement, the number of practising physicians is predicted to decrease. Conversely, the number of physicians needed is set to increase, due to higher demands resulting from the increasing average age of the German population. This may cause a deficit in the availability and accessibility of medical care for the population in Germany, as well as in other countries. As such, there needs to be a specific focus on the next generation of physicians. Will they fill the gap in those medical specialties where it is most needed? This study aims to investigate (a) preferences for medical specialties over time and (b) the reasoning behind these preferences among students.

METHODS

Over three subsequent years, all medical students from the Jena Faculty of Medicine were repeatedly invited to participate in an online survey. The questionnaire consisted of three parts to explore the students' (1) preferred postgraduate specialty, (2) the reasons for their decision and (3) socio-demographic data. Data analysis was performed using Fisher's exact tests and logistic regression analysis.

RESULTS

The number of students completing the questionnaire in a given year ranged from 180 to 320, resulting in a total number of 720 completed questionnaires. Between 40 and 50% of the students preferred internal medicine as postgraduate specialty. About 25% of the students were interested in a surgical specialty. Diagnostics and psychiatric medical fields were preferred by about 10% of all students for each field in each year of the survey. A large percentage (about 18%) of the students remained undecided. The factors influencing the students' specialty preferences were most frequently reconciliation of work and family life, career goals as well as predicted workload. The factors depended on the preferred medical specialty.

CONCLUSION

The influencing factors should be taken into account for recruiting prospective residents. Doing so could increase the chance to attract the number of physicians needed to ensure adequate medical care in the field of interest, according to the growing health needs of the population.

Specialty preference and intentions to study abroad of Syrian medical students during the crisis

BACKGROUND

Little research addresses how medical students develop their choice of specialty training in crisis and resource-poor settings. The newly graduated medical students determine the future of the healthcare system. This study aims to elucidate the factors influencing Syrian medical students' specialty selection and students' intentions to study abroad.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study carried out at the universities of Damascus, Al-Kalamoon and the Syrian Private University in Syria using self-administered questionnaire to investigate medical students' specialty preferences and plans for career future. The questionnaire included questions about students' demographic and educational characteristics, intention to train abroad, the chosen country for training.

RESULTS

Randomly selected 450 students completed the questionnaire. The two most common specialties selected were general surgery (27.6%) and internal medicine (23.5%). The most influencing factors on their decision were 'flexibility of specialty' (74.8%) and 'Better work opportunities after specializing' (69.1%). Most participants stated that they are interested in specializing abroad outside Syria (78.7%). The two most common countries of choice were Germany (35.5%) and the United States of America (24.6%). Acquiring a visa to the foreign country was the most common obstacle of specializing abroad (n = 186, 53.6%). Male gender, having a previous clinical training abroad, and having friends or relatives living abroad were significant factors in predicting students' interest in specializing abroad.

CONCLUSION

Internal medicine and surgery are the most reported specialties of choice in this study and most of the participants reported intentions to study abroad. Their specialty preferences are influenced by both familiar epidemiological and war-driven factors. These data can be useful to design further cohort study to understand the war-related affecting factors on students' plans for their career in the effort of improving the balance of healthcare system in Syria.

Specialty Preferences and the Factors Influencing Them Among Pre-Clerkship Medical Students: The First Study from Alfaisal University-College of Medicine, Saudi Arabia

AIM

To explore the specialty preferences and the factors influencing them among pre-clerkship (second-year and third-year) medical students at Alfaisal University-College of Medicine, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

METHODS

An online, anonymous, cross-sectional, self-rating survey was administered. The survey explored socio-demographical data, specialty preferences and the factors influencing such preferences. A gender-wise statistical analysis was performed.

RESULTS

Two hundred fifty-two students participated in the survey (n=252/308; response rate: 81.8%). The three main specialties chosen by males were general surgery (33.1%), pediatrics (7.9%), and neurology-ophthalmology (5.5%). Females also opted for general surgery (20.8%) followed by dermatology (11.2%) and pediatrics (8.8%). Gender-wise specialty preferences were noted: general surgery (p<0.028) and anesthesiology (p<0.045) by males, whereas obstetrics & gynecology (p<0.017) and dermatology (p<0.005) by females. Overall, the three major influences in choosing a specialty were "specialty interest" (86.5%), "specialty flexibility" (64.3%), and "anticipated income" (61.9%). Statistically significant differences were noticed between genders regarding the following factors: "specialty prestige" (p<0.005) by males and "culture-no opposite gender patients" by females (p<0.009).

CONCLUSION

The overall two preferred specialties were general surgery (27%) and pediatrics (8.3%). Career counseling should be offered to students about each specialty's challenges/opportunities with an ultimate goal to match the country-specific demand and supply of physicians.

Gender difference in preference of specialty as a career choice among Japanese medical students

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.

Specialty preferences among final year medical students in medical schools of southeast Nigeria: need for career guidance

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.

Gender Associated with the Intention to Choose a Medical Specialty in Medical Students: A Cross-Sectional Study in 11 Countries in Latin America

Introduction

The selection of a medical specialty has been associated with multiple factors, such as personal preferences, academic exposure, motivational factors and sociodemographic factors, such as gender. The number of women in the medical field has increased in recent years. In Latin America, we have not found any studies that explore this relationship.

Objective

To determine whether there is an association between gender and the intention to choose a medical specialty in medical students from 11 countries in Latin America.

Methods

Secondary analysis of the Collaborative Working Group for the Research of Human Resources for Health (Red-LIRHUS) data; a multi-country project of students in their first year and fifth year of study, from 63 medical schools in 11 Latin American countries. All students who referred intention to choose a certain medical specialty were considered as participants.

Results

Of the 11073 surveyed students, 9235 indicated the name of a specific specialty. The specialties chosen most often in the fifth year were General Surgery (13.0%), Pediatrics (11.0%), Internal Medicine (10.3%) and Obstetrics/Gynecology (9.0%). For women, the top choices were Pediatrics (15.8%), Obstetrics/Gynecology (11.0%), Cardiology (8.7%), General Surgery (8.6%), and Oncology (6.4%). In the adjusted analysis, the female gender was associated with the choice of Obstetrics/Gynecology (RP: 2.75; IC95%: 2.24–3.39); Pediatric Surgery (RP: 2.19; IC95%: 1.19–4.00), Dermatology (RP: 1.91; IC95%:1.24–2.93), Pediatrics (RP: 1.83; IC95%: 1.56–2.17), and Oncology (RP: 1.37; IC95%: 1.10–1.71).

Conclusions

There is an association between the female gender and the intention to choose Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, Pediatric Surgery, Dermatology, and Oncology. We recommend conducting studies that consider other factors that can influence the choice of a medical specialty.

Specialty preferences of 1(st) year medical students in a Saudi Medical School - Factors affecting these choices and the influence of gender

Background and Aims:

In recent years there has been a growing appreciation of the issues of career preference in medicine as it affects student learning and academic performance. Various factors influence the specialty choices of medical students. Some specialties tend to attract students more than others. One possible consequence of this would be a mismatch between health needs and specialist numbers in the region. This study investigated the career preferences of 1^st year medical students in a Saudi medical school and to assess factors affecting these choices.

Materials and Methods:

The study was a cross-sectional survey carried out on the 1^st year undergraduate students in the college of medicine, King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia. A total of 109 students (57 female and 52 males) responded to the questionnaire which was initially administered to all the students of the 1^st year – A total of 120 students (response rate was 90.8%). A mixed method approach was used and qualitative data from open-ended questions were analyzed based on thematic analysis.

Results:

The top choices were general surgery, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Among female students; the top specialty choices were: General surgery (23%), pediatrics (18%), and dermatology (15%). Among the male students; the top choices were: General surgery (54%) and internal medicine (23%). Of the total, 57% of the students agreed or strongly agreed that primary aptitude was the main factor affecting the choice. Only 31% felt that there was a significant influence of role model, 48% felt that the advice of others – peers and family, would be a factor influencing their choices, and 53% agreed that specialty choice would influence their future learning patterns. Males were more likely to choose a specialty based on actual aptitude for the specialty, financial rewards, and scope for research; and this gender difference was statistically significant.

Conclusion:

Surgery was the top-choice in both genders. Other popular choices included internal medicine, pediatrics, and dermatology. Important factors affecting these choices included – primary aptitude, advice of peers, reputation, financial rewards, and the challenge involved.

Factors influencing Saudi Arabian optometry candidates' career choices and institution of learning. Why do Saudi students choose to study optometry?

BACKGROUND

Optometry is a primary health-care profession (PHCP) and this study aimed to elucidate the factors influencing the choice of optometry as a career for Saudi students, the students' perceptions of optometry and the effect of gender.

METHODS

Two hundred and forty-seven students whose average age was 21.7 ± 1.5 (SD) years and who are currently enrolled in two colleges of optometry in Saudi Arabia--King Saud University (KSU) and Qassim University (QU)--completed self-administered questionnaires. The survey included questions concerning demography, career first choice, career perception and factors influencing career choices.

RESULTS

The response rate was 87.6 per cent and there were 161 male (64.9 per cent) students. Seventy-nine per cent of the participants were from KSU (males and females) and 20.6 per cent were from QU (only males). Seventy-three per cent come from Riyadh and 19 per cent are from Qassim province. Regarding the first choice for their careers, the females (92 per cent) were 0.4 times more likely (p = 0.012) to choose optometry than males (78.3 per cent). The males were significantly more likely to be influenced by the following factors: the Doctor of Optometry (OD) programs run at both universities, good salary and prospects (p < 0.05, for all). The women were significantly less likely to be influenced by another individual (p = 0.0004). Generally, more than two-thirds of the respondents viewed the desire to help others, professional prestige and the new OD programs as the three most influential factors in opting for a career in optometry.

CONCLUSION

Females were more likely to opt for a career in optometry and males were more likely to be influenced by the new OD programs, good salary and job prospects. Service provision to others in the community was a primary motivation to opt for a career in optometry among young Saudis.

Gendered specialities during medical education: a literature review

The careers of male and female physicians indicate gender differences, whereas in medical education a feminization is occurring. Our review aims to specify gender-related speciality preferences during medical education. A literature search on gender differences in medical students' speciality preferences was conducted in PubMed, Eric, Embase and Social Abstracts, and reference lists from January 2000 to June 2013. Study quality was assessed by critical appraisal. Our search yielded 741 hits and included 14, mostly cross-sectional, studies originating from various countries. No cohort studies were found. Throughout medical education, surgery is predominantly preferred by men and gynaecology, paediatrics and general practice by women. Internal medicine was pursued by both genders. The extent of gender-specific speciality preferences seemed related to the male-to-female ratio in the study population. When a population contained more male students gynaecology seemed even more preferred by women, while in a more feminine population, men more highly preferred surgery. Internationally, throughout medical education, gender-related speciality preferences are apparent. The extent might be influenced by the male-to-female ratio of a study population. Further research of the role of gender in career considerations of medical students on the future workforce is necessary.

Current state of psychiatry in Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

In 1983, an article and accompanying editorial was published on the state of psychiatry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), which was described as "a mental health system in statu nascendi."

METHODS

We provide a 30-year update on advances in mental health care in KSA. Data are reported from a wide range of sources, including the 2007 Saudi Arabian Mental and Social Health Atlas, which compares services in KSA with the rest of the world.

RESULTS

We examine how the current mental health system operates in KSA, including recent changes in mental healthcare policy and development of a national mental healthcare plan. Discussed are current needs based on the prevalence and recognition of mental disorders; availability of services and providers (psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, psychologists, and social workers); education and training in psychiatry; developments in consultation-liaison, addictions, child-adolescent, and geriatric psychiatry; and progress in mental health research.

CONCLUSIONS

Mental healthcare in Saudi Arabia has come a long way in a very short time, despite cultural, religious, social, and political challenges, although there still remain areas where improvement is needed. The development of psychiatry in KSA serves as a model for countries in the Middle East and around the world.

Prevalence of stress in junior doctors during their internship training: a cross-sectional study of three Saudi medical colleges' hospitals

BACKGROUND

Medical science is perceived as a stressful educational career, and medical students experience monstrous stress during their undergraduate studies, internship, and residency training, which affects their cognitive function, practical life, and patient care. In the present study, an assessment of the prevalence of self-perceived stress among new medical graduates during their internship training has been performed, and correlations of self-perceived stress with sex, marital status, and clinical rotations have been evaluated.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Interns of the King Khalid, King Abdulaziz, and King Fahd University hospitals in Saudi Arabia were invited to complete a stress inventory known as the Kessler 10, which is used for stress measurement. Apart from stress evaluation, the questionnaire collected personal data, such as age, sex, and marital status, in addition to information relevant to hospital training, assigned duties, and clinical training rotations.

RESULTS

Our results showed that nearly 73.0% of interns were under stressed conditions. Most of the interns were affected by a severe level of stress (34.9%), followed by mild (19.3%) and moderate (18.8%) levels of stress. The stress level was significantly higher (84.0%) among female interns in comparison with male interns (66.5%) (odds ratio =2.64; confidence interval =1.59-4.39; P<0.0002). There were statistically significant differences between the percentages of male and female interns (P≤0.047) at mild, moderate, and severe stress levels. Marital status had no role in causing stress. The highest stress level was reported by interns during the clinical rotations of medicine (78.8%), followed by surgery (74.7%), pediatrics (72.4%), obstetrics and gynecology (70.1%), and emergency (58.3%). The prevalence of stress among the interns and their corresponding clinical rotations in all three hospitals had significant linear correlations (r≥0.829, P≤0.041).

CONCLUSION

We found a significantly high level of stress among the medical interns. High stress may have negative effects on cognitive functioning, learning, and patient care. Hence, medical interns need support and subsequent interventions to cope with stress.

What determines the selection of undergraduate medical students to the specialty of their future careers?

BACKGROUND

It is important to understand the factors that influence the undergraduate medical students' specialties choice for the post-graduation.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the number of undergraduate medical students who decided their post-graduate specialty career, factors that may influence their decision to select a particular specialty, and their career specialties preference.

METHODS

A self-administered questionnaire was used to achieve the objectives.

RESULTS

Less than half of the students (40.2%) showed a future specialty preference. Senior students and having background about specialties were the significant factors for career choices. General Surgery (27.4%), ENT-Ophthalmology (24.6%) and Internal Medicine (22%) were preferred specialties. Male students preferred General Surgery (15.7%), Internal Medicine (15%), ENT-Ophthalmology (12%) and Orthopedics (9.1%). Female students showed interest in ENT-Ophthalmology (12.1%), Surgery (11.7%), Pediatrics (10.8%) and Dermatology (8.2%). The least popular specialties were Community Medicine, (6.6%), Anesthesia, (6%) and Forensic Medicine (4.6%). Obstetrics and Gynecology (Ob/Gyne) was a less popular branch even in female students.

CONCLUSIONS

General Surgery, ENT-Ophthalmology and Internal Medicine were the most preferred specialties, while Community Medicine, Forensic and Ob/Gyne, even for female students were least selected specialties. Proper information and counseling should be offered to students about the challenges and opportunities to select their future careers.