Perceptions of Greek medical students regarding medical profession and the specialty selection process during the economic crisis years

- Greek medical students have similar career objectives like their colleagues from Northern European and Western countries.
- They consider that Greek NHS cannot address these career objectives.
- Migration to Northern European and Western countries is the most realistic alternative for their career.
- Greek physicians' migration trend accompanied by the stagnation of public investments in the NHS contributes to a vicious cycle of “brain and technology drain” in the Greek care delivery system.
- A common European initiative that will address this complicating problem at a central European level is suggested.

PurposeTo assess the beliefs and preferences of 6th year Greek medical students, regarding medical profession and the specialty selection process, in the years of financial crisis.SettingDemocritus University of Thrace, Medical School, Alexandroupolis, Greece.Material and methodsA custom questionnaire based on former similar studies was developed and administered to senior medical students. Further to demographics, the questionnaire gathered information on perceptions and trends regarding medical profession, the specialty and residency selection processes. Total question scores were summed for comparisons among questions. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated for comparisons between student groups.Results111 students responded successfully to the instrument. “Helping patients” and the “scientific basis of medicine” were the fundamental reasons for choosing the medical profession. Compared to women, male students placed greater importance on the “financial allowances” (men: 3.73 ± 1.03, women: 3.05 ± 1.30, p = 0.01). Regarding the selection criteria for a certain specialty, “challenging specialty” and “bedside specialty”, were the main influence factors. Men more strongly preferred a specialty that could “financially support their desired lifestyle” (men: 3.93 ± 0.88, women: 3.41 ± 1.30, p = 0.02). Concerning selection criteria of a residency program, students chose a “well structured” program at a “recognized hospital/department”. Regarding the country of preference for their residency, 86% planned to continue abroad, primarily in Germany and the United Kingdom.ConclusionGreek medical students perceive the medical profession and the specialty process in a similar way like their colleagues form Western countries. However, the vast majority identify that migration to another country is the most promising alternative choice for their medical career.