ABSTRACT
Background: In India, becoming a doctor is one of the highest aspirations of many school going students and their parents. Medical profession is one of the most highly rated professions among the students mainly due to the fact that it offers prospects of a financially as well as a socially satisfying career. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from August to September 2015 amongst 94 first year medical students of 2015 batch of Indian Institute of Medical Science & Research Medical College, Badnapur, Jalna, Maharashtra. A pre-designed questionnaire which assessed career choices regarding medical education was the tool of data collection. Results were analyzed in the form of percentage and proportions whenever appropriate. Results: Out of total 94 medical students, 45 (47.8%) were males and 49 (52.2%) were females. The major reason for choosing medical profession among students were to serve the community 55 (58.5%), followed by inspiration by family members 44 (46.8%) and social status attached to the profession 23 (24.4%). More than half 54 (57.4%) of them had been influenced in one way or the other by another person to pursue a medical carrier, most often a parent. Conclusions: In this study, main reason for joining medical career was the interest in service to community. Factors such as family background and inspiration or force by family members may play a role.