What influences medical students to pursue careers in obstetrics and gynecology?
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to identify factors that influence medical students to choose of obstetrics/gynecology as a career specialty.


METHODS
A Web-based survey of medical students was conducted that included demographics, desire to enter the obstetrics and gynecology specialty, factors that influence selection of the obstetrics and gynecology specialty, perceptions about the obstetrics and gynecology specialty, and incidents of encouragement and discouragement toward entering the obstetrics and gynecology specialty. Analysis included parametric and nonparametric testing.


RESULTS
Fifty-one percent of the students (n=205) returned the survey: 131 women (64%) and 72 men (35%); 2 respondents did not specify gender. Various factors influenced a medical student to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology, which revealed some specific areas of significant difference between genders, particularly in relation to lifestyle issues and practice trends.


CONCLUSIONS
This study amplifies the importance of understanding the role of student gender when exploring the obstetrics and gynecology specialty as a career choice. Appreciating factors that influence decisions to enter the obstetrics and gynecology specialty provides opportunities to impact the experiences and decisions of students toward considering the obstetrics and gynecology specialty as a career choice.
Schnuth
Rae L
RL
Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology, Michigan State University, College of Human Medicine, East Lansing, USA. Schnuth@msu.edu
Vasilenko
Peter
P
Mavis
Brian
B
Marshall
Joseph
J
D002321:Career Choice; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology; D006801:Humans; D020407:Internet; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics; D010465:Perception; D017678:Sex Distribution; D013337:Students, Medical; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires