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

A questionnaire survey of second year graduate-entry medical students' perception of obstetrics and gynaecology as a future career speciality. J Obstet Gynaecol. 2018 Feb 12;:1-6 Authors: Ismail SIMF, Kevelighan EH Abstract 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 a...
Source: Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - Category: OBGYN Tags: J Obstet Gynaecol Source Type: research