Obstetrics and Gynaecology as a Career Choice among Medical Students in North Central Nigeria

The availability of various health care professionals including obstetricians and gynaecologist is dependent on career interest of present undergraduate medical students. We sought to identify obstetrics and gynaecology and other career choices among medical students in Makurdi, Nigeria and what affect these choices. Clinical students in the College of Medicine, Benue State University, Makurdi Nigeria completed a pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire on nature and reasons of career choices, the assessment and suggestions on ways of improving the training of students in obstetrics and gynaecology. A total of 185 clinical students were eligible and 182(98.4%) participated in the study. The average age of the students was 27.0 ±3.2 years with a range of 21-40 years. There were 143(78.6%) males and 39(21.4 females). Overall, the most preferred specialty amongst the students was surgery 51(28.0%), followed by internal medicine 29(15.9%) with obstetrics and gynaecology and paediatrics having 20(11.0%) each. The commonest factors influencing their choices were natural interest and personal convenience. Others included possibility of getting a job, financial gains and personal aptitude. One hundred and fifty eight (86.8%) reported that obstetrics and gynaecology was important and interesting, others felt that it was important but either uninteresting or boring. Most students suggested that there should be improvement in the quality of teaching 71 (39%), more bedside teaching 55(30.2%) and practical sessions 48(26.4%). Conclusion: Obstetrics and gynaecology was the 3rd most popular career among students. The commonest factors for choosing obstetrics and gynaecology included natural interest and personal convenience. Though most students considered obstetrics and gynaecology as interesting, a good number felt the teaching and practical sessions need improvement.