title: Perceptions of Greek medical students regarding medical profession and the specialty selection process during the economic crisis years.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the beliefs and preferences of 6th year Greek medical students, regarding medical profession and the specialty selection process, in the years of financial crisis.
  
  
  METHODS
  Democritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
  
  
  METHODS
  A custom questionnaire based on former similar studies was developed and administered to senior medical students. Further to demographics, the questionnaire gathered information on perceptions and trends regarding medical profession, the specialty and residency selection processes. Total question scores were summed for comparisons among questions. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for comparisons between student groups.
  
  
  RESULTS
  111 students responded successfully to the instrument. "Helping patients" and the "scientific basis of medicine" were the fundamental reasons for choosing the medical profession. Compared to women, male students placed greater importance on the "financial allowances" (men: 3.73±1.03, women: 3.05±1.30, p=0.01). Regarding the selection criteria for a certain specialty, "challenging specialty" and "bedside specialty", were the main influence factors. Men more strongly preferred a specialty that could "financially support their desired lifestyle" (men: 3.93±0.88, women: 3.41±1.30, p=0.02). Concerning selection criteria of a residency program, students chose a "well structured" program at a "recognized hospital/department". Regarding the country of preference for their residency, 86% planned to continue abroad, primarily in Germany and the United Kingdom.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Greek medical students perceive the medical profession and the specialty process in a similar way like their colleagues form Western countries. However, the vast majority identify that migration to another country is the most promising alternative choice for their medical career.
authors.affiliation: Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece. Electronic address: labiris@usa.net.
authors.forename: Georgios
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Labiris
authors.affiliation: Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Vasileia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Vamvakerou
authors.affiliation: Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Olympia
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Tsolakaki
authors.affiliation: Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Athanassios
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Giarmoukakis
authors.affiliation: Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Haris
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Sideroudi
authors.affiliation: Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: Vassilios
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Kozobolis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002321:Career Choice; D002755:Choice Behavior; D057172:Economic Recession; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency; D008297:Male; D009313:National Health Programs; D013038:Specialization; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Medical students; Residency program; Sociopolitical background; Specialty abroad; Specialty choice