Influencing Factors on Specialty Preference Using the Social Cognitive Career Model: A Cross-sectional Study on Medical Students in Taiwan

Yu-Shiuan Yang, Hui-Ching Weng

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Purpose: A decline in the number of doctors in certain specialties has been observed around the world and affects medical care for those in need. Applying social cognitive career theory, this study aims to compare career preferences among medical students in different year groups, identify the influencing factors, and examine the impacts of malpractice anxiety. Our main purpose was to measure change in specialty preference among the different year groups and identify underlying causes. Methods: In this observational study, a self-reported survey was conducted. Questionnaires included three distinct parts: demographics, future specialty preferences, and factors affecting career choice. In total, 156 medical students completed the questionnaire, inclusive of first (n = 65), fourth (n = 63), and sixth year (n = 28) medical students respectively in one medical school. Results: A notable decreasing trend for the first to sixth-year medical students was found for "high-risk specialties" (p < 0.1). Of 11 variables used to test multiple regression, "challenge and sense of accomplishment" (β = .203, p < .05) and "average monthly salary" (β = -.188, p < .05) significantly predicted ratings for high-risk specialties. Conversely, "work environment and lifestyle" (β = .221, p < .05) and "malpractice anxiety" (β =.173, p < .1) were significant predictors of lifestyle friendly specialties. Conclusions: Willingness to pursue a career in high-risk specialties decreases throughout the years of medical school, and students concerned about malpractice prefer specialties that are considered more lifestyle friendly. These observations have potential implications for academic medical professionals and policy makers who wish to attract and train competent physicians in high-risk specialties.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-17
Number of pages17
Journal醫學教育 = Journal of Medical Education
Volume24
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2020 Mar 1

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