RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Factors influencing students' decision in choosing obstetrics and gynecology as a career in a university hospital in Central Saudi Arabia.
JF Saudi Medical Journal
JO Saudi Med J
FD Prince Sultan Military Medical City
SP 730
OP 734
VO 32
IS 7
A1 Abu-Rafea, Basim F.
A1 Al-Hassan, Basmah F.
A1 Al Nakshabandi, Kholoud A.
A1 Rahbini, Nora O.
A1 Al-Shaikh, Ghadeer K.
YR 2011
UL http://smj.org.sa/content/32/7/730.abstract
AB OBJECTIVES: To determine factors influencing final year medical undergraduate trainees at King Saud University in choosing a career in Obstetrics and Gynecology.METHODS: In this cross sectional study, the undergraduate final year medical students and interns at King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia were asked to complete a survey instrument designed to assess possible attracting and detracting factors. The survey was conducted from January 2010 to February 2010. Factors were analyzed in a univariable and multivariable analysis.RESULTS: The survey was distributed to 507 students. Completed questionnaires were returned by 330 participants (response rate 65%). Overall, 32 (9.7 %) of students listed Obstetrics and Gynecology in their top 3 choices. The rotation of students through Obstetrics and Gynecology was the most influential factor attracting 81.3% of the students who chose to take this course. Faculty interaction was a major reason for attracting students accounting for 71.9%, but resident interaction was less attractive where only 37.5% of students mentioned that they were affected positively by residents. Hands-on experience such as performing deliveries and other procedures were significant attracting factors. (p=0.006 and p=0.004).CONCLUSIONS: The findings in this study will hopefully aid in recruiting trainees to the specialty of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Saudi Arabia. Identifying the 5 major attracting factors from our study will allow our institute to integrate these factors in Obstetrics and Gynecology curriculum design, eventually increasing interest in postgraduate training in this specialty.