ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The study was undertaken to determine factors influencing a medical student's decision to choose obstetrics and gynecology (OB/GYN) versus another specialty. STUDY DESIGN: Medical school graduates from 1991 to 2001 were surveyed about factors influencing their specialty choice. Data were analyzed with chi(2), logistic regression, and odds ratio where appropriate. RESULTS: Of 1128 surveys, 562 (50%) were returned; 37% of respondents were women and 63% were men; and 73 (13%) chose OB/GYN. Statistically significant positive influences included student sex, second-year rotations, OB/GYN staff, continuity of patient care, primary care opportunities, surgical opportunities, healthy patient population, female patients, lifestyle, and financial opportunities. CONCLUSION: Perceived lifestyle, primary care opportunities, and malpractice concerns did not influence the choice to enter the field of OB/GYN. Also, the perception of patient's desire for female physicians had no apparent influence, either positive or negative, in the decision process.
