'Factors influencing future career choices of Queen's University Belfast Medical students.'

Abstract

Introduction: Decisions made by medical students on future career choice have demonstrated concordance with subsequent postgraduate career path. This study aimed to understand the factors that impact undergraduate career decision making.

Methods: An anonymous voluntary survey consisting of binominal, Likert and free text responses was distributed to all medical students registered at Queen's University Belfast (QUB). Data was collected over 6 weeks in April-May 2021. The primary outcome was future career aspirations. The secondary outcomes were the impact of mentorship on career choice, the likelihood of students completing their medical degree and practicing medicine upon graduation. Local ethical approval was obtained.

Results: 202 responses were received (response rate 15%). 67% (n = 135) were female. One third of respondents remained undecided about their future career choice. Surgery was both the most popular definite career choice (16.3%) of respondents, butalsothespecialtymarkedmostoftenas'Least preferred Specialty' (33%). Factors positively influencing career choice were academic interest and flexibility in working hours. Negative predictors of career choice were lack of interest in the area, perceived workload, and duration of training schemes. 71% (n=144) of respondents reported that a subspecialty mentor would positively influence their career choice and two-thirds of respondents reported that financial factors would influence their career decision. 11% (n= 22) of respondents were unsure or undecided if they would continue medicine as a career upon graduation.

Conclusion: Uncertainty over future career intention remains common with surgery the least popular speciality. Mentorship, integrating flexibility in training and enhancing academic interest should be considered by educational stakeholders as mechanisms to generating undergraduate interest in a subspecialty. Furthermore, the reported rate of students intention to leave their medical degree prior to graduation by this cohort is concerning, warranting further investigation.