Determinants of career aspirations of medical students in southern China.
BACKGROUND
With recent changes in both the Chinese medical system and compensation of medical doctors, the career aspirations of Chinese medical students have become more diverse. Shantou University Medical College has conducted evaluations and instituted programs to enhance student preparedness to enter a variety of medical careers.


METHODS
A survey was conducted with 85 students to evaluate medical career aspirations and their association with family background, personal skills, English language proficiency, and interest in biomedical research, which were considered as possible factors affecting their career interest.


RESULTS
Chinese students aspire to traditional as well as nontraditional medical careers. A significant minority of students are now interested in nontraditional careers such as medical teaching or research. However, poor proficiency in the English language and lack of computer skills may limit their academic and career opportunities.


CONCLUSIONS
Career aspirations have changed among medical undergraduates. Although many wish to pursue a traditional clinical doctor career, many are interested in research and teaching careers. Factors such as family background, personal characteristics, school mentoring, and extracurricular support may play a role.
She
LingBing
L
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, PR China. lbshe@stu.edu.cn
Wu
BingLi
B
Xu
LiYan
L
Wu
JianYi
J
Zhang
PiXian
P
Li
EnMin
E
D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D035843:Biomedical Research; D002321:Career Choice; D002681:China; D002983:Clinical Competence / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003197:Computer Literacy; D003625:Data Collection; D004504:Education, Medical, Undergraduate / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004522:Educational Status; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D012577:Schools, Medical; D012655:Self-Evaluation Programs; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013038:Specialization; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013663:Teaching