Speciality preference with respect to gender among medical students of Pakistan

• Published in: Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association Vol. 69; no. 8; pp. 1190 - 1193
• Main Authors: Hamid, Shabnam, Ali Inam, Syed Hashim, Jamil, Hamza, Zeb, Romasa
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Pakistan Knowledge Bylanes 01.08.2019
• Subjects: Analysis; Anesthesiology; Career Choice; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dermatology; Family; Female; General Surgery - trends; Gynecology - trends; Humans; Internal Medicine - trends; Male; Medical education; Medical Oncology; Medical schools; Medical students; Medicine; Neurology; Ophthalmology; Otolaryngology; Pakistan; Pediatrics - trends; Personnel Staffing and Scheduling; Psychiatry; Radiology; Salaries and Fringe Benefits; Sex Factors; Social aspects; Students; Students, Medical; Women; Young Adult; Pakistan; Medical Speciality, Gender Impact, Impact Factors
• ISSN: 0030-9982

This research was conducted to determine the impact of gender and other factors in choosing a medical speciality. This cross-sectional study was conducted from 5th February 2017 to 5th July 2017 at different Medical Colleges and Teaching Hospitals. Students from fourth, final year and House Officers were enrolled using a self made questionnaire. Data was analyzed using SPSS 22. Of the 314 participants, 171(54.5%) were males and 143(45.5%) were females. Majority chose Surgery 90(28.7%), and Internal Medicine 58(18.5%). Only 1(0.3%) participant chose Public Health as a career speciality. The main reason for choice for both genders was "Interest in Content" and "Good Salary". Research shows a shift in trend of women towards Surgery and Internal Medicine rather than Gynaecology and Paediatrics, which indicates more competition in Surgery in near future. Main influencing factors for choice were personal interest and good salary. Students should be counselled regarding career in Public Health and Psychiatry.