Motivation of French medical students to pursue surgical careers: Results of national survey of 1742 students

SummaryObjectivesAnalyze the aspirations and personal motivations behind the choice of surgical specialties in a large sample of students in their 6th year of medical school.Material and methodsIn December 2008, 2588 students participated in a nation-wide mock exam, before taking the National Ranking Exam. When they looked for their grades on the web, the students were prompted to answer a questionnaire containing socio-demographic questions concerning their choice and motivation to pursue a career in a surgical specialty. The survey called also for listing the three main factors (out of a list of 11) motivating their choice.ResultsStudents originated from 39 medical schools. Of the 2588 students, 1427 (55%) were women. The response rate to the questionnaire was 1742/2588 = 67%. Two hundred and twenty students (13%) did not express any specific professional orientation. Of the 1522 responses obtained, 522 students wanted to become surgeons. Gender was a determining factor as 44% of male students (n = 252) versus 29% of female students wanted to become a surgeon; P < 0.0001. The three most selected surgical subspecialties were gynecology (n = 137), orthopedics (n = 91) and ophthalmology (n = 57). Once again gender played a role in the choice: 82% who chose gynecology were women while 73% of future urologists were men (P < 0.0001). Special interest in specific diseases (n = 356, 23%), the possibility of private practice (n = 280, 18%) and life style (n = 175, 11%) were the motivations most often cited to back their choice.ConclusionOne third of medical students want to become surgeons. Feminization, life style and income are the principal factors influencing the choice of the type of surgical subspecialization.