Selection of medical profession by first year medical students

The factors which influence medical students' selection of specific medical specialties have been analyzed by a number of studies in the literature. However, very few studies have been carried out to ascertain the factors which influence students selection of the medical profession itself. The literature review did not identify any such study conducted in Pakistan, therefore this particular venture was undertaken. To establish a baseline of factors that affect student's decision in selecting medical profession and to determine if there was a significant difference in factor by gender. Lahore Medical and Dental College, between January and February 2009. The present study was a cross-sectional survey in which the first year MBBS class of Lahore Medical and Dental College, comprising ninety students were part of the study. Data was collected using a pre-formed structured questionnaire, which was pretested before adoption of the final version. The collected data was analyzed using version 16 of the statistical package for social sciences [SPSS]. Data is presented in the form of tables and figures. It is described in the form of frequencies and percentages. Inferential statistics were done using Fisher Exact test at 5% level, Among 90 respondents, 58 [64%] were females, 74 [82%] were between 18-20 years of age, 81 [90%] had their residence in Pakistan, 57 [63%] of the respondents' fathers and 26 [29%] of their mothers had attained postgraduate education. Of the respondents' parents, 29 [32%] of the fathers and 12 [14%] of the mothers belonged to the medical profession. All students taking two attempts at FSc/A-level/American high examination also took two attempts at the entry test to a medical college [p<0.001]. A large proportion 10 [59%], of students who attempted the entry test twice had fathers who were doctors. The popular reasons for selection of medical profession by the respondents included personal interest [89%], parental wish [58%] and a desire to serve humanity [41%]. Among the respondents 100% males had a personal interest in medical profession in contrast to 83% female respondents [p=0.012], 100% male respondents were influenced by parental wish compared to 34% females [p<0.001], 100% males in contrast to 9% females identified humanitarian concern [p<0.001] as factors influencing selection of medical profession. The prestigious status of the profession, parents being doctors, financial incentives, better career opportunities and a better chance to go abroad were the factors identified by only the male respondents as compared to the female respondents in influencing their choice of medical field [p<0.05]. The overall frequent choices for selection of medical profession included personal interest in the profession, parental wish and a desire to serve humanity. Whereas, parents being in the same profession, financial incentives, better career opportunities and the prestige associated with the profession were identified as motivating factors by only the male respondents