DefinePK

Abstract

Abstract


This research was conducted to determine the impact of gender and other factors in choosing a medical speciality. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 5th February 2017 to 5th July 2017 at different Medical Colleges and Teaching Hospitals. Students from fourth, final year and House Officers were enrolled using a self made questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. Of the 314 participants, 171(54.5%) were males and 143(45.5%) were females. Majority chose Surgery 90(28.7%), and Internal Medicine 58(18.5%). Only 1(0.3%) participant chose Public Health as a career speciality. The main reason for choice for both genders was "Interest in Content" and "Good Salary". Research shows a shift in trend of women towards Surgery and Internal Medicine rather than Gynaecology and Paediatrics, which indicates more competition in Surgery in near future. Main influencing factors for choice were personal interest and good salary. Students should be counselled regarding career in Public Health and Psychiatry.
Keywords: Medical Speciality, Gender Impact, Impact Factors.

Introduction

It is often thought that a medical student chooses his specialty after graduation.1 But studies have shown that some medical college entrants and even some applicants have prioritized their medical speciality. 2  A large amount of research has been done on speciality choices and the impact of gender and other factors on it. 3  Usually, women have a keen interest in paediatrics and gynaecology. 4  For females, family responsibilities usually plays a greater role in choosing a medical specialty. 5  Recent studies have shown an increased number of male surgeons and a great rise in number of female gynaecologists. 6  In developed countries an ample amount of research has been done regarding medical specialities. 7  However, very little literature accentuates the importance of influencing factors in choosing a medical specialty in Pakistan. This study can aid in modifying the direction of the curriculum at the initial level so that career choices can be made easily. A follow-up study in the near future will predict the outcomes and changing impact factors which can be beneficial for students and healthcare system of Pakistan. This study was done to assess the importance of gender in choosing a medical specialty and to study the impact factors for choosing a medical specialty.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was initiated after ethical approval from Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Army Medical College. All participants were enrolled after taking a written consent, four private and three government medical colleges and eight teaching hospitals of Rawalpindi and Islamabad were included from 5th February 2017 to 5th July 2017. Sampling method was random and convenient, sample size calculated via WHO sample size calculator8 was 314, of which 171(54.5%) were males and 143(45.5%) were females. Fourth and final year medical students and house officers were included. The questionnaire included, Consent form;. Section for demographic data, and the question for preferred medical speciality. The last section had questions, which stated the reasons for choosing a particular medical speciality. The reasons were: "Minimum working hours, "Good Salary", "Direct Patient Interaction", "Former work experience", "Interest in Content", "Diversity of patients", "Lesser Competition", "Convenient On-call Schedule", "Inspired by Faculty", "Family Commitments", and "Shorter duration of Residency". The participant could give more than one reason for choosing a speciality. The total number of specialities were 16 ; Surgery, Internal Medicine, Cardiology, Gynaecology, Dermatology, Radiology, Neurology, Paediatrics, Ophthalmology, Otorhinolaryngology, Oncology, Psychiatry, Anaesthesia, Public Health, Gastroenterology and Orthopaedics. Statistical analysis was done via SPSS version-22. Tables and Pi-Charts were made via Spread Sheet and SPSS-22. The "p" value was calculated to find any association between gender and speciality preference (p