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Balas M, Scheepers RM, Zador Z, Ibrahim GM, Premji L, Witiw CD. Profiling medical specialties and informing aspiring physicians: a data-driven approach. ADVANCES IN HEALTH SCIENCES EDUCATION : THEORY AND PRACTICE 2024; 29:829-840. [PMID: 37698730 DOI: 10.1007/s10459-023-10283-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
A detailed, unbiased perspective of the inter-relations among medical fields could help students make informed decisions on their future career plans. Using a data-driven approach, the inter-relations among different medical fields were decomposed and clustered based on the similarity of their working environments.Publicly available, aggregate databases were merged into a single rich dataset containing demographic, working environment and remuneration information for physicians across Canada. These data were collected from the Canadian Institute for Health Information, the Canadian Medical Association, and the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences, primarily from 2018 to 2019. The merged dataset includes 25 unique medical specialties, each with 36 indicator variables. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to group specialties into distinct clusters based on relatedness.The 25 medical specialties were decomposed into seven clusters (latent variables) that were chosen based on the Bayesian Information Criterion. The Kruskal-Wallis test identified eight indicator variables that significantly differed between the seven profiles. These variables included income, work settings and payment styles. Variables that did not significantly vary between profiles included demographics, professional satisfaction, and work-life balance satisfaction.The 25 analyzed medical specialties were grouped in an unsupervised manner into seven profiles via LPA. These profiles correspond to expected and meaningful groups of specialties that share a common theme and set of indicator variables (e.g. procedurally-focused, clinic-based practice). These profiles can help aspiring physicians narrow down and guide specialty choice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Balas
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | | | - Zsolt Zador
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - George M Ibrahim
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Laila Premji
- Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Christopher D Witiw
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, University of Toronto, 30 Bond Street, M5B 1W8, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Weiss K, Di Gangi S, Inauen M, Senn O, Markun S. Changes in the attractiveness of medical careers and career determinants during the bachelor's program at Zurich medical schools. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2024; 24:693. [PMID: 38926866 PMCID: PMC11210091 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-024-05693-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monitoring the career intentions of medical students during their undergraduate studies could help to address the shortage of physicians, particularly in general practice. This study aimed to investigate changes in medical students' career openness, attractiveness and determinants of medical career choice during their bachelor's studies. METHODS The design was cross-sectional, recruiting all medical students who started a bachelor's program in one of the four different educational tracks in Zurich, Switzerland, in the fall of 2019 (first survey) and completed it in the summer of 2022 (second survey). Students' perceptions of the attractiveness and determinants of different medical career options were assessed using a structured online questionnaire. Absolute changes between the two-time points were reported in percentage points overall and by educational track. Regression analysis was used to examine the association of student characteristics and determinants of career options with the attractiveness of each option. RESULTS We surveyed 354 medical students at the beginning and 433 at the end of the bachelor's program (participation rate: 71.1% and 86.9%, respectively). Overall, the proportion of students open to all proposed medical career options decreased (from 52.8% to 43.8%, p = 0.004). The attractiveness of outpatient gynecology or pediatrics increased (from 27.4% to 43.4%, p < 0.001), whereas the attractiveness of both general and specialized inpatient care decreased (from 47.8% to 40.3%, p = 0.05 and from 71.1% to 61.1%, p = 0.006 respectively). There was an increase in the proportion of students who perceived part-time work, autonomy and relationships with patients as important career determinants (from 47.3% to 64.7%, p < 0.001; from 63.3% to 77.8%, p < 0.001; from 80.8% to 89.3%, p = 0.002 respectively), while the importance of reputation and career opportunities decreased (from 42.6% to 26.2%, p < 0.001; from 79.2% to 63.6%, p < 0.001 respectively). The importance of part-time work and relationships with patients were positively associated with the attractiveness of general practice. CONCLUSIONS During the bachelor's program, the attractiveness of a career in general practice tended to decrease, but the importance of part-time work, autonomy and relationships with patients as career determinants increased. Helping students understand how these determinants relate to general practice may increase their interest in the profession. TRIAL REGISTRATION Not applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Weiss
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Stefania Di Gangi
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland.
| | - Markus Inauen
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
| | - Stefan Markun
- Institute of Primary Care, University of Zurich and University Hospital of Zurich, Pestalozzistrasse 24, Zurich, 8091, Switzerland
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Kim BY, Yoon I, Han SJ, Hong SK, Choi S, Kwon HJ, Kim EK. Specialty impact on residents' perceived quality of life, stress, and job satisfaction: a comparative study. Ann Surg Treat Res 2023; 105:188-197. [PMID: 37908383 PMCID: PMC10613823 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2023.105.4.188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Specialty choice in residency training has a significant impact on an individual's career and satisfaction, as well as the supply-demand imbalance in the healthcare system. The current study aimed to investigate the quality of life (QOL), stress, self-confidence, and job satisfaction of residents, and to explore factors associated with such variables, including postgraduate year, sex, and especially specialty, through a cross-sectional survey. Methods An online survey was administered to residents at 2 affiliated teaching hospitals. The survey had a total of 46 items encompassing overall residency life such as workload, QOL, stress, confidence, relationship, harassment, and satisfaction. Related survey items were then reconstructed into 4 key categories through exploratory factor analysis for comparison according to group classification. Results The weekly work hours of residents in vital and other specialties were similar, but residents in vital specialties had significantly more on-call days per month. Residents in vital specialties had significantly lower scores for QOL and satisfaction. Specifically, vital-surgical residents had significantly lower QOL scores and higher stress scores than the other specialty groups. Satisfaction scores were also lowest among vital-surgical residents, with a marginal difference from vital-medical, and a significant difference from other-surgical residents. Female residents had significantly lower satisfaction scores than their male counterparts. Conclusion Residents in vital specialties, particularly vital-surgical specialties, experience significantly worse working conditions across multiple dimensions. It is necessary to improve not only the quantity but also the quality of the system in terms of resource allocation and prioritization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Young Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangneung Asan Hospital, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Gangneung, Korea
| | - Inah Yoon
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seong John Han
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk-Kyung Hong
- Division of Acute Care Surgery, Department of Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sehoon Choi
- Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hyo-Jin Kwon
- Department of Medical Education, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun Key Kim
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
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Dzefi-Tettey K, Kobina Mesi Edzie E, Brakohiapa EK, Gorleku PN, Amankwa AT, Abdulai AB, Yabasin IB, Kekessie KK, Idun EA, Ntiamoah-Koufie CE, Acheampong F, Oppong B, Quarshie F, Kusodzi H, Asemah AR. Career in radiology; the ghanaian clinical medical Student's perception. Heliyon 2022; 8:e12603. [PMID: 36643324 PMCID: PMC9834767 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The importance of radiology in this era of evidence-based medicine cannot be disputed. This has resulted in the increase in demand for radiologists. Thus, the issue of whether there would be sufficient numbers of medical students to meet this growing demand needs further probing. Purpose To assess Ghanaian clinical medical students' perceptions about a career in radiology. Materials and methods This was an online questionnaire-based survey of 575 clinical medical students in five public medical schools in Ghana from September 2020 to February 2021. Student's t-test and one way analysis of variance was used to compare means. For the Likert scale questions, differences in the mean Likert scale responses were assessed among various clinical year groups and across gender using Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U tests. A logistic regression was used to determine the significant predictors of the choice of radiology as a career. Results Most 340 (59.1%) of the participants were males. The average age of participants was 24.64 ± 3.084 years. Students agreed that, radiology is relevant in this era of evidence-based medicine (mean Likert score = 4.62, SD = 0.819), which yielded significant responses in the third clinical year (p = 0.004). Nearly 30% of respondents stated they did not receive enough didactic lectures or tutorials in radiology, citing insufficient lectures (89.9%), a lack of lecturers (9.5%), and trouble grasping ideas (0.7%) as their main concerns. 133 (23.1%) stated they would choose radiology as a specialty, with flexible working schedule (61.9%) and high income (68.3%) as their topmost reasons. Less patient contact (8.0%) was the least observed reason. A flexible working schedule increased the choice of radiology as a specialty by 2.319 folds (95% CI: 1.413-3.805, P = 0.001). Teleradiology significantly contributed to the choice of radiology as a career (p = 0.001). Conclusion Generally, the clinical students had varied but positive perceptions on radiology as a specialty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klenam Dzefi-Tettey
- Department of Radiology. Korle Bu Teaching Hospital. 1 Guggisberg Avenue, Accra, Ghana
- Corresponding author.
| | - Emmanuel Kobina Mesi Edzie
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | | | - Philip Narteh Gorleku
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Adu Tutu Amankwa
- Department of Radiology, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana
| | | | | | - Kafui Kossi Kekessie
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Allied Health Sciences, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Ewurama Andam Idun
- Faculty of Radiology, Ghana College of Physicians and Surgeons, Accra, Ghana
| | | | | | - Bright Oppong
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Frank Quarshie
- African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), Summerhill Estates, East Legon Hills, Santoe, Accra, Ghana
| | - Henry Kusodzi
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
| | - Abdul Raman Asemah
- Department of Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Cape Coast, Cape Coast, Ghana
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Vasilica AM, Kumar NS. Twelve tips for successfully getting involved in research as a medical student. MEDICAL TEACHER 2022; 44:962-966. [PMID: 33914675 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2021.1915469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Medical research is a highly competitive yet vital part of medical training, spanning all specialties. Extra-curricular, research-related activities are a key method by which students develop interest in their field of choice, and a competitive edge in medical students. The lack of research education and opportunities within medical school teaching tends to force medical students to look beyond their degree to obtain this experience, and is often the reason why students have little research involvement whilst in medical school. Self-reflecting on one's personality and suitability for different types of research is vital, as well as understanding the nature of research and preparing appropriately before undertaking projects. This paper presents twelve tips for medical students who are interested in pursuing research, offering targeted strategies to get involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Niraj S Kumar
- UCL Medical School, University College London, Bloomsbury, London, UK
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Ikram N, Mousa AH, Alshanberi AM, Mohammad SA, Radwan H, Awais M, Majeed M. Choice of medicine program: A single-institution study. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2022; 81:104410. [PMID: 36147114 PMCID: PMC9486612 DOI: 10.1016/j.amsu.2022.104410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The decision to apply for medical school is the first and one of the most important career choices that a physician will ever make and the motives for choosing a career in medicine seem to remain relatively stable during medical school. Our study aimed to investigate what motivated the students, their satisfaction with the PBL curriculum and their plans following graduation. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was carried out from Jan to March 2021 at Batterjee medical college, Jeddah. The data was collected on a questionnaire from undergraduate students of first year till the internship year. Results Among the 112 students who completed the questionnaire, 85 (75.9%) chose studying medicine to be their own choice, with service to humanity 56 (50%) being the main reason, followed by monetary 20 (18.8%) reasons. Generally 78 (69.6%) of the responders preferred the PBL curriculum over the traditional one. Most of the students 42 (37.5%) planned to undergo the residency program in Saudi Arabia, with general surgery being the specialty preferred by 33 (29.5%) students. Conclusion The findings in our study suggest that altruism is the most common influencing factor that led students joining a medical college The decision to apply for medical school is the first and one of the most important career choices that a physician will ever make and the motives for choosing a career in medicine seem to remain relatively stable during medical school. This study outlines the factors underlying a student's decision to join a medical school. The participants' choice of specialty in case of residency shows significant contrast between the preclinical and clinical years, with surgery and internal medicine being favored by the preclinical students (36.3% and 20.0%, respectively) in contrast to the clinical students (12.5% and 12.5%) respectively. The findings in our study suggest that altruism is the most common influencing factor that led students to join a medical college.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nadeem Ikram
- Department of Microbiology, Medicine Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Hafez Mousa
- Medicine Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Corresponding author.
| | - Asim Muhammad Alshanberi
- Medicine Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Community Medicine and Pilgrims Health Care, Umm Alqura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Hanin Radwan
- Medicine Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammad Awais
- Department of Microbiology, Medicine Program, Batterjee Medical College, Jeddah, 21442, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mudassar Majeed
- Department of Pathology, Shahida Islam Medical and Dental College, Lodhran, Pakistan
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Markun S, Tandjung R, Rosemann T, Scherz N, Senn O. Attractiveness of medical disciplines amongst Swiss first-year medical students allocated to different medical education tracks: cross-sectional study. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2022; 22:252. [PMID: 35392880 PMCID: PMC8986963 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-022-03313-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As most countries, Switzerland is experiencing a shortage of physicians especially in general practice and new medical education tracks with respective focusses have been started in response. This study investigated Swiss medical students' career openness and attractiveness of different medical disciplines as well as the concordance of students' career intentions with assigned medical education tracks. METHODS Cross-sectional study surveying first year medical students assigned to four different Swiss medical education tracks with distinctive additional education focuses (ETH Zurich: medical technology and engineering, University of St. Gallen and University of Lucerne: primary healthcare and University of Zurich: no distinctive focus). RESULTS We surveyed 354 medical students (response rate across all included medical education tracks 71.1%), 64.8% female, mean age 20 years. Regarding career openness, we found that 52.8% of medical students had neither a strong commitment nor a strong reservation for any of the proposed career options and 17.0% had a strong commitment. Among medical disciplines, medical subspecialties were attractive to the largest part of students (inpatient subspecialties attractive for 71%, outpatient for 58%), attractiveness of general practice was moderate (30%), academic (22%) and industrial sector (17%) careers were least attractive. Proportions of medical students attracted to general practice were similar at medical education tracks with focus on primary healthcare compared to other medical education tracks (32.2% vs. 25.8%, p = 0.391). Conversely, proportions of medical students attracted to academic or industry careers were significantly higher at the ETH Zurich compared to other medical education tracks (37.2%, vs. 13.1%, p < 0.001 and 31.9%, vs. 8.8%, p < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION While most first-year medical students were open to careers in many medical disciplines, attractiveness of disciplines varied strongly. Students attracted to academic or industrial careers accumulated at the medical education track with concordant teaching focus but students attracted to general practice did not accumulate at medical education tracks focused on primary healthcare. For medical education tracks with primary care teaching focus this is both a challenge and an opportunity to specifically counteract the shortage of general practitioners in Switzerland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Markun
- Institute of Primary Care, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | | | - Thomas Rosemann
- Institute of Primary Care, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nathalie Scherz
- Institute of Primary Care, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Division of Internal Medicine, Centre Hospitalier de Bienne, Bienne, Switzerland
| | - Oliver Senn
- Institute of Primary Care, University and University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rudasill S, Negrete Manriquez JA, Benharash P, Kim D, Yetasook A, Bowens N, de Virgilio C. Association between Participation in a Preclinical Surgery Elective and Future Match into Surgical Residency. Am Surg 2022:31348221074242. [PMID: 35099317 DOI: 10.1177/00031348221074242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since 2013, we have offered a robust "Introduction to Surgery" elective (ITS) for preclinical medical students. The present study investigates whether participants of the ITS elective were more likely to match into surgical residencies than non-ITS participants. METHODS This is a retrospective case-control study of medical students from two medical schools in Southern California who participated in the ITS elective and those who did not. Descriptive results and univariate analysis using STATA were utilized to analyze the de-identified data who matched between 2016 and 2021 were included. RESULTS Overall, 87 (8.9%) of the 982 matched students participated in the ITS elective, with an increase in participation from 1.2% in 2016 to 13.9% in 2021 (P < .001). Among ITS participants, 49.4% matched into a surgical specialty compared to only 22.9% for non-ITS students (P < .001). There was no difference between ITS and non-ITS students with regards to procedural specialty match (14.9% vs 12.6%, P = .537). CONCLUSION ITS participants were more than twice as likely to match into a surgical specialty than non-participants. Future qualitative research will help discern the relative impact of the ITS course versus a student's baseline predisposition to surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Rudasill
- Department of Surgery, 2348Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jose A Negrete Manriquez
- David Geffen School of Medicine, 5140University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,College of Medicine, 21640Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Peyman Benharash
- Cardiovascular Outcomes Research Laboratories (CORELAB), Division of Cardiac Surgery, David Geffen School of Medicine, 12222University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Dennis Kim
- Department of Surgery, 21640Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Amy Yetasook
- Department of Surgery, 21640Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
| | - Nina Bowens
- Department of Surgery, 21640Harbor UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
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Hurtado T, Wilkinson S, Battaglia B, Gilbertson E, Shipman H, Robinson M, O'Brien K, Shayman C, Gelhard S, Wilde B, Fix M, Anderson K, Tsai T, Wonsor B, Stevenson A, Richards B. Rethinking Career Exploration Interventions to Influence Student Help-Seeking Perspectives. ACADEMIC MEDICINE : JOURNAL OF THE ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN MEDICAL COLLEGES 2021; 96:S187-S188. [PMID: 34705686 DOI: 10.1097/acm.0000000000004304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Hurtado
- Author affiliations: T. Hurtado, S. Wilkinson, B. Battaglia, E. Gilbertson, H. Shipman, M. Robinson, K. O'Brien, C. Shayman, S. Gelhard, B. Wilde, M. Fix, K. Anderson, T. Tsai, B. Wonsor, A. Stevenson, B. Richards, University of Utah School of Medicine
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Amudhan AS, Palaniyandi A, Rajan M, Parthiban P, Rajendraprasath S, Saminathan T, Shanmugam R, Nagarajan VP. The Driving Factors Important for Evaluation Student's Opinion which Influenced Decision Making of Career Choice: Pediatrics as a Career Choice as an Example. Acta Inform Med 2021; 29:94-98. [PMID: 34584330 PMCID: PMC8443136 DOI: 10.5455/aim.2021.29.94-98] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Reducing the maternal and neonatal mortality rate are the predominant goals of achieving sustainable development for which it is important to ensure adequate health workforce, especially pediatric professionals at all levels of health care. Recent trends reveal a significant decline in the number of doctors opting for pediatrics specialization. Objective: This study was carried out to explore the career preferences of the undergraduate medical students and factors influencing career choice. Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among 362 undergraduate medical students studying in prefinal and final year during a period of three months. A self administered questionnaire was used to obtain information regarding the career preferences and factors influencing the decision making. Attitudes regarding career choice was assessed using Likert scale and later recoded into binomial variables. Statistical analysis was carried out using SPSS software. Results: Majority of the participants were females (61.8%). The individual choice of specialty revealed that 12.2% of the males and 18.5% of the females wanted to take up pediatrics as their first career choice while 5.5% of the males and 7.7% of the females had pediatrics as their second choice. Overall, more females preferred pediatrics as a career choice compared to the males. The observed difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001). Conclusion: Adequate motivation, driven with passion for patient care can be inculcated at the young age and will go a long way in not only addressing the pediatric needs of the society, but also improve health indicators and sustainable development of the country.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arun Sriram Amudhan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sree Balaji Medical College and Hospital, Chennai, India
| | - Anitha Palaniyandi
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Mahalakshmi Rajan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Premkumar Parthiban
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | | | - Thulasiraj Saminathan
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India
| | - Reshma Shanmugam
- Department of Pediatrics, Sri Ramachandra Medical College and Research Institute, Chennai, India
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Raja U, Amin MSA, Soualhi A. Twelve tips to maximise medical student exposure during surgical placements. MEDICAL TEACHER 2021; 43:637-641. [PMID: 33073656 DOI: 10.1080/0142159x.2020.1831465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Surgery is a highly competitive specialty that offers a wide range of subspecialties. The presence of surgical education and rotations in the medical school curriculum is often lacking, and for this reason many medical students have little experience of surgery during their time in medical school. This paper presents twelve tips for medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in surgery, offering different ways of exposure into activities related to surgical care. Understanding the practice of surgery and self-reflecting on one's personality and suitability for a career in surgery are key. Moreover, surgical care is not only limited to the surgeon's table-other opportunities to learn more about surgery exist outside of the operating room. Extra-curricular activities in research and leadership are also vital in developing an interest in surgery and competitive edge in medical students.
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Affiliation(s)
- Usman Raja
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Ahmed Soualhi
- GKT School of Medical Education, King's College London, London, UK
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Sarikhani Y, Ghahramani S, Bayati M, Lotfi F, Bastani P. A thematic network for factors affecting the choice of specialty education by medical students: a scoping study in low-and middle-income countries. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2021; 21:99. [PMID: 33568113 PMCID: PMC7877062 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-021-02539-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaser Sarikhani
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Sulmaz Ghahramani
- Health Policy Research Center, Institute of Health, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohsen Bayati
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Farhad Lotfi
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Peivand Bastani
- Health Human Resources Research Center, School of Management and Information Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Almas Building, Alley 29, Qasrodasht Ave, Shiraz, Iran.
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Kumar PR, Hashmi Y, Morad R, Dewan V. Clinical Audit Platform for Students (CAPS): a pilot study. Postgrad Med J 2020; 97:571-576. [PMID: 32796113 DOI: 10.1136/postgradmedj-2020-138426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A clinical audit measures specific clinical outcomes or processes against a predefined standard. However, many clinicians are unable to carry out audits given their time constraints. Alternatively, medical students may often wish to complete audits early in their career to strengthen their portfolios. As such, the student clinical audit platform was designed to connect willing supervisors and these medical students. METHODS Project supervisors were members of a regional trainee-led network. Interested students were familiarised with the various aspects of an audit and allocated to supervisors with similar interests. There was regular communication to track progress and anonymised feedback forms were distributed to all students and supervisors after a year. RESULTS A total of 17 responses were received from the 19 students who were involved in a project. Based on a 5-point Likert scale, students displayed a mean improvement in their understanding of a clinical audit (1.18±1.07, p<0.001), the confidence to approach a supervisor (1.29±1.21, p<0.001) and the ability to conduct an audit by themselves in the future (1.77±1.15, p<0.001). Of the seven affiliated supervisors, five provided feedback with 80% indicating they had projects which remained inactive and all happy with the quality of work produced by their students. CONCLUSION Despite limitations to this programme, the platform produced projects which were disseminated both locally and nationally, demonstrating positive collaboration between medical students and clinicians. We present our findings and evaluations to encourage similar audit platforms to be adopted at other locations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prakrit Raj Kumar
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Yousuf Hashmi
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Raimand Morad
- University of Birmingham College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Birmingham, UK
| | - Varun Dewan
- Birmingham Orthopaedic Network, Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, Birmingham, UK
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14
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Milić J, Škrlec I, Milić Vranješ I, Jakab J, Plužarić V, Heffer M. Importance of the big-five in the future medical specialty preference. BMC MEDICAL EDUCATION 2020; 20:234. [PMID: 32698797 PMCID: PMC7376693 DOI: 10.1186/s12909-020-02151-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakov Milić
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ivana Škrlec
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Iva Milić Vranješ
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Osijek University Hospital, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Jelena Jakab
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia.
- Faculty of Dental Medicine and Health Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Crkvena 21, 31000, Osijek, Croatia.
| | - Vera Plužarić
- Department of Dermatology and Venerology, Osijek University Hospital, Osijek, Croatia
| | - Marija Heffer
- Faculty of Medicine Osijek, Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Osijek, Croatia
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Yang Y, Li J, Wu X, Wang J, Li W, Zhu Y, Chen C, Lin H. Factors influencing subspecialty choice among medical students: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMJ Open 2019; 9:e022097. [PMID: 30850399 PMCID: PMC6429728 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2018-022097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yahan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China
- Zhongshan School of Medicine, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiawei Li
- Zhongshan School of Mathematics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wangting Li
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- Cataract, Sun Yat-Sen University Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chuan Chen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Florida, USA
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haotian Lin
- Cataract, State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Anand R, Sankaran PS. Factors influencing the career preferences of medical students and interns: a cross-sectional, questionnaire-based survey from India. JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL EVALUATION FOR HEALTH PROFESSIONS 2019; 16:12. [PMID: 31117329 PMCID: PMC6609296 DOI: 10.3352/jeehp.2019.16.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The study aimed to identify the motivational factors and demographic variables influencing the career preferences of medical students in India. METHODS We conducted a questionnaire-based survey at Christian Medical College, Vellore, India. The participants were 368 of the 460 medical students and interns enrolled at the institution from October 2015 to August 2016. We designed the questionnaire to collect demographic data, students' preferences for career specialties, and the motivational factors influencing them. Then, we analyzed the influence of these factors and demographic variables on career preferences using regression analysis. RESULTS Of the 368 respondents, 356 (96.7%) expressed their intention to pursue a residency program after the MBBS program, and about two-thirds indicated their preference to do so in India. The specialties most preferred by students were general surgery, general medicine (internal medicine), and pediatrics, while the least preferred were anatomy, obstetrics and gynecology, and community medicine. Factor analysis yielded three motivational factors, which we named 'personal growth,' 'professional growth,' and 'personal satisfaction' based on the items loaded in each. The motivational factors were predicted by demographic variables (gender, geographical background, current stage in the MBBS program, and the presence of relatives in the health professions). Demographic variables and the motivational factors also had significant influences on career preferences. CONCLUSIONS This study provides insights into the motivational factors that influence the career preferences of Indian medical students and interns. A robust longitudinal study would be required to study intra-individual variations in preferences and the persistence of choices.
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