Non-cognitive variables and residency choice.
OBJECTIVE
The objective for this study was to determine a means of using non-cognitive variables to target undergraduate efforts towards likely candidates for specific residency choice. APPROACH AND MATERIALS: Over a three year spread, a volunteer cohort of freshmen medical students was assessed for the non-cognitive variable of personality preference using the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) to determine its accuracy in predicting the choice of specialty training.


RESULTS
Of the 98 participants, 13 ultimately chose a residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology (OB/GYN). Four had scores which classified them with the personality preference ESFP (Extroverted, Sensing, Feeling, Perceiving), representing a ratio of 3.5 to 1 when compared to students expressing other personality preferences among the total sample of subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
These preliminary findings indicated that classification of personality preference among freshmen medical students is a statistically reliable means of predicting future residency choices.
Neral
Susan M
SM
Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
Collins
Joyce
J
Gandy
Michael J
MJ
Hampton
Harriet L
HL
Morrison
John C
JC
D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D005260:Female; D006176:Gynecology / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D009774:Obstetrics / Q000193:education; D010551:Personality; D010555:Personality Inventory; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology*