Have predictors of obstetrics and gynecology career choice among contemporary US medical graduates changed over time?
OBJECTIVE
We sought to identify predictors of obstetrics and gynecology (OBGYN) specialty choice among US medical graduates over time.


METHODS
We examined OBGYN specialty choice for its association with 16 items on the 1997, 2000, and 2004 AAMC Graduation Questionnaire (GQ). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent predictors of OBGYN specialty choice for each year.


RESULTS
Eighty-three percent of US graduates completed the GQ in the 3 years studied. Fewer responders chose OBGYN over time (1997, 8.2%; 2000, 6.5%; 2004, 6.2%). Women, blacks, and graduates with more positive ratings of the OBGYN clerkship were more likely to choose OBGYN in each year (each P < .001). Graduates reporting more positive beliefs about the practice of medicine and preferring academic careers were less likely to choose OBGYN (each P < .05).


CONCLUSIONS
Predictors of OBGYN specialty choice from among the GQ variables tested have remained stable over time, but with a smaller pool of likely applicants.
McAlister
Rebecca P
RP
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. mcalisterr@wustl.edu
Andriole
Dorothy A
DA
Rowland
Pamela A
PA
Jeffe
Donna B
DB
D002321:Career Choice; D005260:Female; D005544:Forecasting; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014481:United States