Obstetrics and Gynaecology as a Career Choice: A Cohort Study of Canadian Medical Students

Abstract Objective To describe the characteristics of medical students interested in obstetrics and gynaecology and to build a model that predicts which of these students will choose obstetrics and gynaecology as their career. Study Design Students were surveyed in 2002, 2003, and 2004 at the commencement of their medical studies. Data were collected on career choice, attitudes to practice, and demographics at medical school entry and on career choice at medical school exit. Results Three items present at entry to medical school were predictive of students ultimately choosing a career in obstetrics and gynaecology: having this career as one of their first three career choices at entry (having it as their first choice was the strongest predictor), being female, and desiring a narrow scope of practice. Conclusion Students choosing a career in obstetrics and gynaecology have attributes at medical school entry that differentiate them from students interested in other specialties. Identifying these attributes may guide education in and recruitment to obstetrics and gynaecology.