title: Choosing a medical specialty--study of Finnish doctors graduating in 1977-2006.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Choosing a medical specialty is an important element predefining a physician's career and life. Although there has been some research in this area of interest, there has not been much research where the profession has been researched as a whole, or where trend data over different generations has been presented.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of our study was to ascertain the motives affecting physicians' choice of a medical specialty.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study cohort comprised random sample of 7758 doctors who were registered in Finland during the years 1977-2006. Altogether 4167 questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 54%. An electronic questionnaire was used in data collection, supported by a traditional postal questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of the respondents, 76% thought the diversity of the field had affected their choices of specialty considerably or very much. For physicians under 35 years old, especially the good example set by colleagues (48%), and opportunities for career development (39%) were more important motives compared to those of older physicians.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  According to this study, diversity of the work is the main motivating factor affecting physicians' choices of specialty. Especially, younger physicians follow the example set by more experienced colleagues.
authors.affiliation: Unit of General Practice, Kuopio University Hospital, Asemakatu 44 A 4, 70110 Kuopio, Finland. teppo.heikkila@fimnet.fi
authors.forename: Teppo
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Heikkilä
authors.forename: Harri
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hyppölä
authors.forename: Esko
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kumpusalo
authors.forename: Hannu
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Halila
authors.forename: Jukka
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Vänskä
authors.forename: Santero
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kujala
authors.forename: Irma
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Virjo
authors.forename: Kari
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mattila
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002321:Career Choice; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D003625:Data Collection / Q000379:methods; D004503:Education, Medical, Graduate / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D008875:Middle Aged; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires