Influences on specialty choice for students entering person-oriented and technique-oriented specialties

Abstract

Background: Given changing trends in specialty choices among medical students coupled with continued challenges associated with medical specialty decision-making, it is important for medical educators to understand how students make decisions about their medical career. Medical educators should be aware of how medical school-based experiences and interactions such as faculty, courses, and services impact students’ specialty choices and decisions.

Aim: The study determined if differences in influences on specialty decision-making exist for students entering person-oriented specialties versus technique-oriented specialties.

Methods: Three hundred and fifty-six fourth-year medical students completed a questionnaire about how the faculty, curriculum, student services, mentoring and professional development programs, lifestyle considerations, family/friends, and other factors influenced their choice of specialty.

Results: Chi-square analyses indicated that students pursuing person-oriented specialties compared to technique-oriented specialties were moderately more likely to be influenced by their personal physician, by school faculty, and by medical school activities; slightly more likely to be influenced by medical school offices and services; and slightly less likely to be influenced by income expectations.

Conclusions: Students interested in person-oriented specialties versus technique-oriented specialties indicate differences in what influences their specialty choice. This study may be helpful to medical educators and advisors who work with students on specialty decision-making.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Nicole J. Borges

NICOLE J. BORGES, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Community Health and Assistant Dean, Medical Education Research and Evaluation in the Office of Academic Affairs at the Boonshoft School of Medicine at Wright State University.

R. Stephen Manuel

R. STEPHEN MANUEL, PhD, is an Assistant Dean of Admissions at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine.

Ryan D. Duffy

RYAN D. DUFFY, PhD, is an Assistant Professor of Psychology at the University of Florida as of August 2009.

Dinah Fedyna

DINAH FEDYNA, MD, is a Clinical Professor of Family Medicine at Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine.

Bonnie J. Jones

BONNIE J. JONES, PhD, is an Associate Vice President & Dean for Academic Affairs at the University of South Florida, Sarasota-Manatee.