A questionnaire survey of first-year graduate-entry medical students' perception of obstetrics and gynaecology as a future career speciality.

The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of first-year graduate-entry medical students of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, to enhance its appeal to them during their attachments in the speciality in later years, in the hope of increasing their recruitment into it. Seventy-seven questionnaires were returned out of 147 distributed over two academic years (52.38% response rate). Three (3.9%) would consider the speciality as first career choice and 38 (61.3%) would consider it as a second option. Although over a fifth perceived the demerits of the speciality, more than half endorsed its merits, which showed the need to address their concerns and harness their enthusiasm. Being a female was the only factor found to be significantly associated with choosing the speciality as a career (p < .001) and male respondents reported barriers, which need to be addressed. A bias towards Obstetrics was noted, which may reflect a focus on the Labour Ward during their attachment and necessitate broader exposure. As students may have pre-conceived ideas early in their studies, selection of applicants may become important for better recruitment.IMPACT STATEMENTWhat is already known about this subject? The perception of third- and second-year graduate entry medical students of the speciality of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is biased towards Obstetrics, and they have apprehensions about the challenges of training and working in it.What do the results of this study add? The views of first-year graduate-entry medical students were broadly consistent with the views of their second and third year colleagues, indicating that they have pre-conceived views that need to be addressed early, though they were receptive of some merits, which showed need to harness their enthusiasm.What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or future research? More effort and research are required to improve the perception of the speciality from entry to Medical School, and even student selection.

A questionnaire survey of second year graduate-entry medical students' perception of obstetrics and gynaecology as a future career speciality.

The aim of this study was to explore the impressions of second year graduate-entry medical students of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, before their attachment in the speciality in the subsequent year, so as to improve its appeal to them and increase their recruitment into it. A total of 74 questionnaires were distributed at the end of the Learning Opportunities in Clinical Setting (LOCS) week in the speciality and 66 (89.19%) completed questionnaires were returned. Over 4% of the respondents were considering the speciality as their career choice and less than half would consider it as a second option. Whilst more than a third perceived some of the demerits of the speciality, more than a third endorsed its merits. This showed the need to explore and address their concerns about training and working in the speciality. Having a health-related primary degree, prior employment and being female were significantly associated with choosing the speciality as a career (p < .001). Barriers for male respondents were flagged, which need to be addressed, and a bias towards Obstetrics was noted, which reflects the narrow focus on the Labour Ward and necessitates a broader exposure to the speciality. Impact statement What is already known on this subject? The perception of third year graduate-entry medical students of Obstetrics and Gynaecology is biased towards Obstetrics, and they have apprehensions about the challenges of training and working in the speciality. What do the results of this study add? The views of second year graduate-entry medical students are consistent with the views of third year graduate-entry medical students, which shows that these views may be formed early. What are the implications of these findings for clinical practice and/or further research? More research is needed to establish and understand the perception of the speciality earlier than second year and explore the value of practical steps that may improve this perception and increase the interest in it and recruitment into its training programmes.