Table 2 Reasons for choosing a medical career
From: Comparison of medical students' considerations in choosing a specialty: 2020 vs. 2009/10
Question (Factor) | All (335) | 2010 (237) | 2020 (98) |
|---|---|---|---|
Helping patients (3) | 94.4% | 92.7% | 98.8% |
The scientific basis of medicine (3) | 76.2% | 71.2% | 89.3%* |
Employment security (1) | 67.8% | 59.1% | 90.5%‡ |
The profession’s image (4) | 63.2% | 62.7% | 64.3% |
Economic potential (1) | 47.7% | 40.5% | 66.6%* |
Influence of a role model (family/friends) (4) | 31% | 30.1% | 30.1% |
Influence of a role model (physician) (4) | 34.8% | 33.9% | 36.9% |
Opportunity to perform research (3) | 38.6% | 36.8% | 43.4% |
Potential for family life (1) | 27.7% | 25.1% | 34.5% |
Illness of relative/friend (2) | 27% | 25.5% | 31% |
Previous employment experience (2) | 10.3% | 10.7% | 9.5% |