Speciality Preferences Among Medical Students of Shahida Islam Medical College, Lodhran
Urooj Fatima, Ayesha Mahmud, Nashwa fatima
DOI: http://doi.org/10.63139/aqamc.v2i1.0019
Keywords: Personal interests, gender, financial goals, lifestyle aspirations, educational experiences
ABSTRACT
Introduction: Choosing a medical specialty is a major transition from being a general medical graduate to becoming a specialized professional. It reflects long-term career commitment and greatly influences future clinical practice and lifestyle. Often, this decision starts forming during undergraduate education and may impact students academic focus and professional satisfaction. Numerous factors influence specialty choice, including personal interests, gender, financial goals, lifestyle aspirations, educational experiences, and societal expectations. Gender plays a notable role—males are often drawn to surgery or internal medicine, while females may prefer fields like pediatrics or gynecology due to lifestyle compatibility and perceived strengths.
Objective: Exposure to different specialties during clinical rotations and internships plays a crucial part. Moreover, external elements such as the availability and competitiveness of residency positions can further shape decisions
Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 245 MBBS students from all five academic years at SIMC using a structured questionnaire. Variables included gender, academic year, residential status, specialty preferences, and factors influencing their decisions.
Of 245 participants, 56% were male and 81% resided in hostels. Most students (91.43%) intended to pursue postgraduate education. General medicine (19.59%), cardiology (16.73%), and general surgery (15.51%) were the top preferred specialties. Specialty preferences varied by gender—female students favored cardiology and obstetrics/gynecology, while males leaned toward general medicine and surgery. The most influential factor was personal interest (71.62%), followed by a desire to serve humanity. Only 11% had attended career guidance sessions. Awareness of specialty options increased steadily from first to final year.
Conclusion: Medical students’ specialty preferences are influenced by a combination of personal, academic, and socio-environmental factors. Early career counseling, especially tailored to gender and academic level, may support more informed and satisfying career choices.
Keywords: Personal interests, gender, financial goals, lifestyle aspirations, educational experiences