Factors Influencing Career Choices Made by Internal Medicine Residents in Ahvaz, Iran

Little information is available on the factors affecting career choices of residents entering internal medicine (IM) specialty. So, this study was designed to assess the factors attractive for residents in choosing IM as a career choice. This cross-sectional questionnaire-based research was conducted in March 2019 at Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Iran. The questionnaire was distributed among all IM residents (75 residents). Responses were rated on a 5-point Likert scale. About 67 out of 75 questionnaires were completed and returned (response rate of 89.3%). The criteria most often mentioned in the favour of choosing IM specialty were “improving knowledge and the treatment modality” (mean score: 4.25), “comprehensiveness of this specialty and the possibility of continuing education (fellowship)” (4.01), “personal interest” (3.89) and a “the need of community and serving people” (3.64). Regarding gender differences, “the need of community and serving people” (p = 0.001) and “high incomes” (p = 0.0001) were significantly more important for the choice of IM specialty by male residents. Our study provides a valuable insight into the factors that influence the career choice among IM residents. The findings from this study also suggest the need for a structured career-orientation programme at the institutional level that would guide the medical students in making their career choices.