Choice of medical specialty among students studying medicine

Abstract

Background: due to the complexity of choosing a medical specialty, it’s crucial to analyze the factors and influences involved in this decision-making process, as it can significantly impact one’s career and personal life. Factors to consider include lifestyle, job requirements, salary, reputation, duration of studies, the ability to maintain a “controlled” lifestyle, and family members. Additionally, culture and lifestyle can influence specialty choice. Exploring these factors can assist medical students in making more informed and satisfying decisions. Methods: this study is an observational cross-sectional study where the sample consisted of 100 medical students who volunteered between October and December 2023 using the Google Forms platform. Results: the graphs demonstrate that 64 % of the total students will choose based on their affinity for the specialty, which is the most influential factor when selecting a medical specialty. 16 % believe that the ability to maintain a “controllable” lifestyle is more important when choosing a specialty, 9 % prioritize the duration of residency, and 8 % consider financial income. Conclusion: encouraging further research into the influences affecting the choice of a medical specialty helps understand the motivation of medical students. This will contribute not only to the improvement of the healthcare system but also to a more efficient allocation of resources, consequently enhancing the quality of medical services provided to patients.