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

Exploring Factors Influencing Medical Trainees' Specialty Choice: Insights from a Nationwide Cross-Sectional Survey in Jordan

Phenomenon: Choosing a medical specialty is a critical decision that significantly impacts medical students' future career. Understanding the factors influencing this decision-making process is important for medical educators, policymakers, and healthcare providers to develop effective strategies that support and guide students in making informed decisions. Approach: We distributed an online self-administered questionnaire to clinical-year medical students (Years 4 to 6) and interns from all medical faculties in Jordan. The questionnaire gathered demographic information, specialty preferences, and factors influencing specialty decision-making. We analyzed the data using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Findings: 1805 participants completed the questionnaire (51.7% women). General surgery was the most preferred specialty among both genders, followed by internal medicine. Women significantly preferred family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology, whereas men significantly preferred urology, orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, general surgery, and internal medicine. The factors that most strongly influenced respondents' specialty preferences were the specialty's perceived stress levels and working hours, whereas the least influential factors were the specialty's perceived prestige and role models in the specialty. Women's specialty preferences were significantly more influenced by their family than men's. Men were substantially more influenced by specialties' perceived action-orientation and stress levels than women. Insights: Gender significantly influences medical trainees' specialty preferences in Jordan. Women tended to prefer specialties that provided greater work-life balance, such as family medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and dermatology, while men were more drawn toward competitive and profitable surgical specialties like orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, and general surgery. Additionally, family had a stronger influence on women's decisions, likely due to cultural and social expectations prioritizing marriage and family for women. Career counseling and mentorship programs are needed to provide guidance, support, and networking opportunities that can help women overcome barriers and biases that may hinder their career advancement.

Factors Affecting the Choice of Neurosurgery as a Future Career: A Cross-Sectional Study

Introduction Selecting a specialty is a very important and stressful decision that students must make, as it will have a lasting impact on their professional lives. Medical students could gain insight into a variety of specialties during their clinical years, especially the work environment in different specialties. Numerous factors can influence this decision, such as work-life balance, lifestyle, and gender differences. The goal of our study is to demonstrate the different factors, both attractive and deterrent, that influence neurosurgery selection as a future specialty among students. Also, we will consider the exposure-related geographical distribution of the neurosurgery field regarding conferences and workshops, as well as the availability of university professors and their impact on the interest of students in the specialty. Methods A cross-sectional study spanning from June 2023 to September 2023 was conducted among students at medical colleges across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All medical students from the second medical year up to the internship were invited to take part in the study. Non-medical students, first-year medical students, and incomplete questionnaires were excluded. Employing a stratified random sampling technique, we ensured diverse representation, eventually gathering data from 1141 participants. Results The study involved a diverse group of 1141 medical students and interns, with an average age of 21.7 years. Among them, 683 (59.9%) were female. Approximately half of the participants, 572 (50.1%), express an interest in pursuing a career in neurosurgery, and a significant portion of respondents find neurosurgery appealing due to its challenging nature (50.9%). On the other hand, stress emerged as the most significant deterrent factor (50.3%). Among educational levels, interns, 39 (28.3%), showed the least interest, while second-year students, 193 (64.8%), exhibited the highest interest (p < 0.001*). The analysis revealed statistically significant gender differences in factors. Specifically, a higher percentage of females found "interested in neuroscience" to be the most attractive factor compared to males (18.2% vs. 15.5%, p < 0.001*). Regarding deterring factors, a greater percentage of males found "risk" as the most deterring factor compared to females (19.2% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.001*). Conclusion We found no significant age variation in the most attractive factors; however, significant gender differences in attractive and deterrent factors were observed. The "risk" associated with neurosurgery was the most deterring factor for students across different cumulative grade point average (CGPA) ranges and for students from the eastern and central areas. Our findings suggest that most factors are consistently attractive or deterring across different educational and clinical levels, emphasizing the stability of these perceptions throughout medical education. We propose innovative educational initiatives with increased faculty participation to implement the curricula with early exposure of students to neurosurgery.

Factors Shaping Medical Students' Intentions Toward Neurosurgery: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background Choosing a medical specialty poses a significant challenge for students, with initial fascinations often evolving during their academic journey. Despite its inherent appeal, neurosurgery faces hesitancy among undergraduate students, potentially due to perceived difficulties and time demands. This study aims to investigate the factors influencing medical students' intentions toward neurosurgery at two institutions in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. Methodology A cross-sectional study design was employed, utilizing a validated, anonymous questionnaire distributed electronically to medical students and interns in the eastern province of Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire comprised two sections, namely, demographic and academic profiles, and participants' intentions, knowledge, and attitudes toward neurosurgery. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics, and chi-square tests to explore relationships and identify significant predictors. Results Of the participants, 197 (34.1%) expressed interest in neurosurgery, but only 94 (16.3%) had a comprehensive understanding of the field. Motivations included high income, specialty prestige, and positive impact on patients, while stress and work-life balance were common deterring factors. Age and academic years were associated with a gradual decrease in interest, except for initial medical school students. Participants were attracted to innovative technological aspects, while high competition and neurophobia were deterring factors. Conclusions This study provides a comprehensive analysis of determinants influencing medical students' and interns' interest in neurosurgery. Early exposure, clinical training, and personal motivations play significant roles in shaping career preferences. Challenges, such as perceived difficulties and concerns related to work-life balance, need targeted interventions to enhance neurosurgery's attractiveness. Considerations extend beyond technical and academic facets to encompass personal and lifestyle dimensions.

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.

Pathology education project (PEP): A pilot program to spark student understanding in pathology as a career

According to the National Resident Matching Program in 2022, 631 pathology positions were offered. In total, 248 senior applicants from United States (US) allopathic schools filled 36.6% of these positions. To bolster medical student understanding of pathology, a medical school pathology interest group organized a multi-day activity to introduce rising second-year medical students to pathology as a career. Five students completed both pre- and post-activity surveys assessing their knowledge of the specialty. All five students had a BA/BS degree as their highest level of education. Only one student indicated that he or she had previously shadowed a pathologist as a medical laboratory scientist for a duration of four years. Two students indicated that they were interested in internal medicine, one indicated radiology, one forensic pathology or radiology, and one was undecided. During the activity, students biopsied tissue from cadavers in the gross anatomy lab. Thereafter, students participated in the standard tissue processing by shadowing a histotechnologist. Under the guidance of a pathologist, students microscopically examined slides and discussed the clinical findings. Post-activity survey results indicated that participation increased their knowledge of pathology as a career with a median increase of 0.8 points (range: 0.2 to 1.6) on a 5-point Likert scale. Students also indicated that their participation increased their knowledge of pathology skills and techniques-median increase of 1.2 (range: 0.8 to 1.8). This activity can be implemented by medical educators to expose medical students to pathology as a career with the benefit of increasing student knowledge in the specialty.

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.

Determining Factors Influencing Specialty Preferences of Iranian Medical Doctors: A Qualitative Study

Background

The medical specialty choice of physicians directly affects the healthcare system, community wellbeing, and their own professional life. It is therefore important to identify its underlying factors to predict such medical career choices and to draw up a comprehensive evidence-based public health policy and health human resources planning. The present qualitative study aimed to identify these determinants of career choices through semi-structured interviews with medical doctors in the context of country-specific social and cultural characteristics.

Methods

The present qualitative study was carried out in 2019-2020 at Shiraz University of Medical Sciences (Shiraz, Iran). The target population was medical students, junior doctors, and medical residents. The purposive sampling method was used to recruit the participants and sampling continued until data saturation, i.e., no new information could be extracted. Data were collected through individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews and analyzed using the conventional content analysis method. Inductive thematic analysis was used to interpret the data based on which a thematic map was developed illustrating the factors influencing medical specialty preferences in Iran. Data trustworthiness was assessed according to the criteria proposed by Guba and Lincoln.

Results

Analysis of the interview data resulted in three main themes and fourteen sub-themes. The main themes were "Personal determinants", "Career-related factors", and "Interpersonal influences". The most important sub-themes were personal interests, income, and prestige.

Conclusion

The determinants influencing the specialty preferences of Iranian medical doctors are identified. Our findings will facilitate the development of a comprehensive evidence-based public health policy, health human resources planning, and appropriate medical education policy.

Factors affecting medical student's decision in choosing a future career specialty: A cross-sectional study

Background

Diversity in the specialties is essential to provide optimal health care. Future career specialties chosen by the students had great significance for balanced doctor's distribution in different specialties, as it determines the composition of the physician workforce. Therefore, there has been a deeper interest in the issues of career preference among medical students. We aimed to determine and assess the factors perceived to be significantly attractive when choosing a future specialty.

Materials and methods

A cross-sectional-based study was conducted among undergraduate medical students from all of the medical schools in Jordan from April to September 2021. The data was collected using a structured online questionnaire through social media platforms and completed by 1556 students. The questionnaire consisted of three sections. The first section included the sociodemographic data of the participants, while the other two sections included questions about future specialty and the factors that influence the student's choice. Informed consent was taken from the participants.

Results

Of the participants, (64%) were female. The mean age of the students was 20.9 years. Regarding the future specialty, 664 students (42.7%) preferred surgery as future specialty (females = 364, males = 300). While 505 students (32.5%) preferred specialty in medicine (females = 365, males = 140). Moreover, 349 students had no decision until now regarding their future specialty (females = 238, males = 111). Generally, the surgical specialty was the most preferred specialty, while the basic science specialty was the least preferred. Specialty in medicine and surgery was the most preferred specialty among females and males respectively.

Conclusion

Surgery in general was the most popular specialty among medical students. Other common choices were neurosurgery, internal medicine, and pediatrics. The more attractive factors were the appeal of being in the specialty, the influence on patient's lives, the potential for patient interactions and the high income. While the least attractive factor was having a long-term relationship with the patients.

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

Objectives

To study specialties preference of the students at the College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia; and to determine the factors that affect the choice of their postgraduate specialty.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 138 undergraduate medical students at the College of Medicine, Majmaah University, Saudi Arabia for the current academic year 2021-2022. Data were collected using a questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24, and a Chi-square test was utilized to compare qualitative data.

Results

Internal medicine is the first choice for 16 (19.8%) students. General surgery and family medicine were selected by 15 (18.5%) and 12 (14.8%) students, respectively. Sixty-seven (82.7%) students relied on their selection of a good future guaranteed by specialty, and 48 (49.3%) selected challenging specialty; 64 (79.0%) were motivated by a practicing doctor for their future specialty selection and 54 (66.7%) by their families.

Conclusions

Most preferred specialty for medical students is internal medicine followed by general surgery. Both genders preferred internal medicine as their future specialty. Some important specialties such as public health and basic medical sciences were not selected as a future specialty by any student. The most stated reason behind specialty selection is the provision for a good future. Most students are motivated by a practicing doctor to select a postgraduate specialty.

Factors associated with the rural and remote practice of medical workforce in Maluku Islands of Indonesia: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Many factors contribute to engagement in rural and remote (RR) medical practice, but little is known about the factors associated with rural and remote medical practice in such remote locations as the Maluku Province of Indonesia. This study describes factors associated with actual RR practice, preferred RR practice, and intention to remain practice in Maluku Province.

METHODS

An online survey of work-related experience and intentions for future rural work was administered to 410 doctors working in the Maluku province of Indonesia. Participant characteristics were described using descriptive statistics, associations between the independent variables with the location of the workforce, intention to remain practice in Maluku, preference for future RR practice in Maluku were analysed using Chi-square tests and logistic regression.

RESULTS

A total of 324 responses (79% response rate) were recorded, comprising 70% females and 30% Pattimura University graduates of doctors employed in Maluku. Doctors working in RR areas were more likely to be a GP (OR 3.49, CI 1.03-11.8), have a monthly salary of more than IDR 6 million (OR 11.5, CI 4.24-31.1), and have no additional practice (OR 2.78, CI 1.34-5.78). Doctors intended to stay practice in Maluku were more likely to be born in Maluku (OR 7.77, CI 3.42-17.7) and have graduated from Pattimura University (OR 3.06, CI 1.09-8.54), and less likely to be a temporary employee (OR 0.24, CI 0.10-0.57). Doctors who prefer future RR practice in Maluku were more likely to experience rural living (OR 2.05 CI 1.05-3.99), have a positive indication of the impact of community exposure during medical schools on their current practice (OR 2.08, CI 1.06-4.09), currently practising in RR Maluku (OR 8.23, CI 3.27-20.8); and less likely to have bigger take-home pay (OR 0.30, CI 0.13-0.70).

CONCLUSION

This study indicates that special attention should be given to recruiting doctors with a rural background and ongoing support through attractive opportunities to build a sustainable RR workforce. Since a regional medical school helps supply doctors to the RR areas in its region, a sustained collaboration between medical schools and local government implementing relevant strategies are needed to widen participation and improve the recruitment and retention of RR doctors.

A National Survey on the characteristics of Iranian General Practitioners and Their Preferred Specialty: A Need to Transition toward Preventive Medicine

Background:

The shortage and unbalanced distribution of physicians has adverse effects on the provision of equitable services at all levels of health care and especially at the prevention and primary care levels. The choice of specialty can seriously change the structure and composition of the physician workforce. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the relationship between background characteristics of Iranian general practitioners' (GPs) and their preferred specialty fields.

Methods:

In this mixed-method study, first, 12 medical doctors participated in a nominal group technique to determine the most important background characteristics that affect GPs' preferences for specialty selection. In the second phase, we conducted a survey among 680 GPs in six provinces from different geographic regions. We gathered data using a researcher-made checklist and analyzed them using an adjusted multivariate regression.

Results:

The adjusted analysis showed that being female, being married, being in an older age group, having children, graduation from universities located in the provincial centers, and decision for living and practicing in the less-populated areas were significantly associated with the Iranian GPs' preferences for non-surgical specialties.

Conclusions:

This study provided evidence that could inform national health workforce policy-makers to avoid unbalanced distribution of physicians and accordingly to ensure the provision of equitable services at all levels of healthcare and especially at the primary care level. Other effective factors on the selection of specialty should be evaluated at the national level using specific surveys and econometrics studies such as discrete selection experiment to move toward preventive medicine.

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.

A thematic network for factors affecting the choice of specialty education by medical students: a scoping study in low-and middle-income countries

BACKGROUND

Medical specialty selection is a complex phenomenon that can affect the performance of health systems, community health, and physicians' lives. It is essential to identify the key factors influencing the choice of specialty for evidence-based policymaking. This scoping review aimed to provide a comprehensive map of evidence regarding the factors influencing the choice of specialty by medical students (MS) in low-and middle-income countries (LMICs) and also to determine knowledge gaps.

METHODS

We carried out a systematic search on six online databases from January 2000 to May 2020. We used a five-step scoping review method proposed by Arksey and O'Malley. We synthesized the data using a quantitative content analysis approach. Then, we developed a thematic network as a conceptual map for a better understanding of the concept.

RESULTS

The analysis led to the development of five main themes, including personal determinants, life fulfillment aspects, influential career aspects, educational determinants, and interpersonal effects. Moreover, the most frequent sub-themes were specific personal factors, controllable lifestyle, quality of working life, and future working conditions.

CONCLUSION

This review provided evidence on the factors influencing the choice of specialties. In order to support physician workforce policy with more precise evidence, it is necessary to explore the weight and ranking of these factors based on the socioeconomic contexts of the countries. This study also indicated that factors such as ethical values, various aspects of medical philosophy, and immigration tendencies are areas for further investigations.

Importance of the big-five in the future medical specialty preference

BACKGROUND

The most crucial decision in the physician's career after graduation is undoubtedly the choice of specialization. It is conditioned by many factors such as intellectual challenges, clinical experience, economic and social influences. The aim of this study was to determine whether personality traits affect the choice of medical specialty at the University of Osijek, Croatia.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included a total of 407 medical students. To assess the personality traits, the IPIP Big-Five questionnaire was used.

RESULTS

There were no differences in four of the five personality traits of the Big-Five questionnaire when comparing the groups based on their specialty preference: extroversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and emotional stability. A significant difference was found for openness to experience (intellect/imagination) trait, where students who preferred psychiatry specialties achieved the highest score, and those who chose public health specialties scored the lowest. We observed no significant effect between gender and specialty preference based on personality traits.

CONCLUSIONS

We could not attribute the differences in personality traits to specialty preference. Medical students with higher scores on agreeableness and openness (intellect/imagination) scales were more inclined to psychiatric specialties, and more conscientiousness students preferred the anesthesiology and emergency medicine specialties. Even if variations in personality traits do not exist across different specialties, many other factors influence specialty preference.

Saudi medical students' views on obstetrics and gynecology as a future career specialty

Background:

The specialty of obstetrics and gynecology is showing a widening gap between the vacant positions and the number of applicants as reported by the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties (SCFHS). This study was conducted to explore the medical students’ views on obstetrics and gynecology as a future career and identify factors influencing these views.

Methods:

An observational survey was conducted on 148 medical students in years 5 and 6 at Jazan University between June 2019 and July 2019. Participants completed a self-report online questionnaire covering their sociodemographic details, interest in obstetrics and gynecology, and views on the specialty.

Results:

Overall, obstetrics and gynecology was selected as the first specialty choice by 8.8% and second choice by 17.6%. Intention to take a career in obstetrics and gynecology was associated with female sex (P = 0.01). While over half of the participants emphasized the merits of obstetrics and gynecology as exciting, interesting, and challenging, over 40% viewed the specialty as stressful, over one-third described it as demanding, and over one-quarter appreciated its riskiness.

Conclusion:

This study showed that 8.8% of the respondents chose obstetrics and gynecology as their first career choice. Sex was the only factor influencing the views of medical students on the specialty, with more females favoring the specialty than males. To improve its appeal, students should be supplied with more information about the specialty and its training opportunities, as well as exposure to areas of special interest.

Why psychiatry as a career: Effect of factors on medical students' motivation

Context

The number of Saudi psychiatrists in Saudi Arabia is not sufficient to keep up with the increasing need.[1] Approximately out of 6873 physicians, only 148 are psychiatrists, which is barely 2.1%.[2] Despite the high number of medical students graduating each year and the high demand for psychiatry physicians, only few medical graduates choose psychiatry as a career option.[3].

Aims

To investigate the profile of final year medical students of both sexes at King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences (KSAU-HS), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. In terms of their decisions regarding specialization, this study aimed to identify the motivators and deterrents that impact the choice of psychiatry as specialty.

Subjects and Methods

Students filled in a self-reported questionnaire focusing on the several factors that act as motivators, deterrents, or have no impact on psychiatry career choice.

Statistical Analysis Used

Statistical analysis was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS)^® version 20. Different factors were expressed in terms of numbers and percentages. Chi-square test was used to compare responses to the questionnaire between male and female students and whether the GPA had an effect on their choice. P value less than 0.05 was considered significant.

Results

It was noted that 85% did not choose psychiatry, with the most important deterrent being "Family member is psychologically ill" and "Available job position" being the most common motivator for choosing a specialty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are many factors that play an important role in career choice. No difference was found among male and female students, and no effect was identified while comparing GPA with career choice.

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.

Research trends in studies of medical students' characteristics: a scoping review

The purpose of this study is to investigate domestic and international research trends in studies of medical students' characteristics by using the scoping review methods. This study adopted the scoping review to assess papers on the characteristics of medical students. The procedure of research was carried out according to the five steps of the scoping review. The full texts of 100 papers are obtained and are read closely, after which suitable 88 papers are extracted by us for this research. The review is mapped by the year of the study, source, location, author, research design, research subject, objective, and key results. The frequency is analyzed by using Microsoft Excel and SPSS. We found 70 papers (79.5%) on a single medical school, 15 (17.0%) on multiple medical schools, and three (3.4%) on mixed schools, including medical and nonmedical schools. Sixty-nine (79.5%) were cross-sectional studies and 18 (20.5%) were longitudinal studies. Eighty-two papers (93.2%) adopted questionnaire surveys. We summarized research trends of studies on medical students in Korea and overseas by topic, and mapped them into physical health, mental health, psychological characteristics, cognitive characteristics, social characteristics, and career. This study provides insights into the future directions of research for the characteristics of medical students.