Internal Medicine as a Career Choice by Medical Undergraduates in a Developing Country
Monday O. Ogiator *
Department of Medicine, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Babarinde A. Ojo
Department of Histopathology, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Ephraim T. Ieave
College of Medicine, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
Adaora B. Ogiator
Department of Paediatrics, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Career choice is a very crucial decision for medical students. Information regarding area of specialization of medical students is important to plan human resources for health and ensure a fair, equitable and quality health care service in a country. This study aims to determine the rate of selection of internal medicine as an area of specialization as well as factors that influence medical students when choosing specialties in a Nigerian medical school.
Methods: Fourth, fifth and final year students of college of medicine, Benue State University, Makurdi, Nigeria completed a pre-validated, self-administered questionnaire on career choices, nature of career, reasons for career choices and suggestion on improvements in the teaching of medicine in medical schools.
Results: One hundred and sixty questionnaires were distributed to 160 medical students. A total of 150 students responded (125 males and 25 females). The popular choices among the students were surgery 30.7%, internal medicine 19.3%, obstetrics and gynaecology 12.7% and paediatrics 9.3%. The factors which influenced career choice among participants included natural interest, job satisfaction/opportunities, personal convenience and role model.
Conclusion: Internal medicine was the second most popular specialty selected by medical students. The main reason for selecting internal medicine as an area of specialization was personal interest, job satisfaction/opportunities and personal convenience.
Keywords: Career choice, internal medicine, medical undergraduates, developing country