Factors influencing career choice in ophthalmology.
BACKGROUND
To investigate the factors influencing choice of ophthalmology as a career in medicine.


METHODS
Data were extracted from the 2004 National Physician Survey, a questionnaire distributed to all physicians across Canada. Data were categorized by medical discipline, and chi2 comparative analyses were done.


RESULTS
Intellectual stimulation emerged as the most frequently cited factor influencing career choice for ophthalmologists and nonophthalmologists alike (81% and 79%, respectively). Compared with other physicians, ophthalmologists were significantly more likely to cite flexibility (58% vs. 42%, respectively), mentorship (42% vs. 31%, respectively), and earning potential (38% vs. 26%, respectively) as important factors (p<0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
Intellectual stimulation is the principal reason physicians pursue a career in ophthalmology. Ophthalmologists cite flexibility, mentorship, and earning potential as important factors more frequently than do physicians of other disciplines.
Noble
Jason
J
Department of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto Western Hospital, Ontario, Canada. jason.noble@utoronto.ca
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D003625:Data Collection; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000639:trends*; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D009042:Motivation; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000639:trends*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires