The effect of the obstetrics and gynecology clerkship on students' interest in a career in obstetrics and gynecology.
OBJECTIVE
The goal of this study was to determine the influence of the third-year obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) clerkship on male and female medical students' interest in a career in OB/GYN.


METHODS
Third-year medical students were surveyed about anticipated career field before and at the completion of the OB/GYN clerkship. The percentage of students considering OB/GYN as a career was computed before and after the clerkship. A multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the influence of various demographic factors on interest in OB/GYN. A Chi-square test was performed to establish different effects on males and females.


RESULTS
A total of 268 students (55%) completed both surveys. Eight percent (mostly females) considered an OB/GYN career pre-clerkship and 15% post-clerkship. Interest in OB/GYN pre-clerkship was the strongest predictor of interest post-clerkship.


CONCLUSIONS
The OB/GYN clerkship increases students' interest in a career in OB/GYN. Most males are not considering OB/GYN as a career choice before the start of the clerkship.
Hammoud
Maya M
MM
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Stansfield
R Brent
RB
Katz
Nadine T
NT
Dugoff
Lorraine
L
McCarthy
Jenifer
J
White
Casey B
CB
D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D002982:Clinical Clerkship; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*