title: [Medical student perception of physician values in practice by individual characteristics and preferred medical specialty field].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Medical students' values figure prominently in their choice of medical specialty; yet, little research has been performed on this topic. The purpose of this study was to analyze the differences in values according to medical students' individual characteristics (medical educational system, gender, and grade) and preferred medical specialty.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 905 medical students participated in the study; 426 were graduate-entry medical students (GEMS), and 479 were undergraduate medical students (UMS). Further, 561 were male and 316 were female; 356 were in year 1, 219 were in year 2, 230 were in year 3, and 100 were in year 4. Students completed the Physician Values in Practice Scale (PVIPS). The PVIPS comprises six dimensions: autonomy, management, prestige, service, lifestyle, and scholarly pursuits. The data were analyzed by t-test and analysis of variance.
  
  
  RESULTS
  GEMS had higher scores for service, management, and scholarly pursuits than UMS. Males had higher scores for prestige, lifestyle, and management, whereas female scored higher on service and scholarly pursuits. Higher grade was associated with increased scores for prestige, lifestyle, and management. The differences in lifestyle and scholarly pursuits were significant between preferred specialties. Students in support specialties scored significantly higher on lifestyle. With regard to scholarly pursuits, basic science specialties scored significantly higher than other specialties.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  There were significant differences in PVIPS according to individual characteristics and preferred medical specialty. This result could be useful in developing a medical specialty choice program for medical students.
authors: Department of Medical Education, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
authors: Kwi Hwa
authors: KH
authors: Park
authors: Department of Medical Education, Chonbuk National University Medical School, Jeonju, Korea.
authors: Hyo Hyun
authors: HH
authors: Yoo
authors: Department of Preventive Medicine, Gachon University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
authors: Jun
authors: J
authors: Yim
keywords: Medical school; Medical specialties; Medical students; Physician values in practice